A man who was responsible for the death of thousands of protected birds was finally caught earlier this year, bringing his murderous spree to a halt, USA Today reported. Travis John Branson pled guilty to several federal charges, including conspiracy, wildlife trafficking, and trafficking bald and golden eagles. Over several years, federal prosecutors said, Branson […]
Tag: wildlife trafficking
Petition: Tell Authorities to Investigate Potential Animal Trafficking Networks
The recent arrest of a smuggler trying to take 29 eastern box turtles from the U.S. to Canada highlights a gaping hole in our wildlife protection efforts. These turtles, part of a species listed as vulnerable due to threats like the illegal pet trade, deserve better. Sign the petition to demand U.S. authorities thoroughly investigate […]
Florida Man Known as “The Monkey Whisperer” Faces New Charges
A Florida man nicknamed “The Monkey Whisperer” is once again facing legal troubles, this time for allegedly trafficking marmosets. Jimmy Wayne Hammonds, 61, from Parrish, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and wildlife trafficking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. His brother, Johnny D-Lane Hammonds, […]
U.S. Proposes Listing Giraffes Under the Endangered Species Act for the First Time
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed that giraffes be listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the first time. The agency hopes listing the iconic tallest mammal on Earth will crack down on poaching, as the U.S. is one of the largest destinations of items such as rugs, boots […]
Thousands of birds seized in massive Indonesian bird-trafficking bust
Authorities in Indonesia have rescued more than 6,500 wild birds being trafficked from the island of Sumatra and destined for Java, in what’s been hailed as the single largest seizure of its kind in the country’s modern history. Quarantine authorities at the port of Bakauheni in Lampung province, the main crossing point from Sumatra to […]
US man who killed eagles as part of wildlife trafficking ring faces sentencing
A Washington state man who pleaded guilty to killing at least 118 eagles as part of a wildlife trafficking ring that operated on a Native American reservation in Montana faces sentencing on Thursday before a federal judge. The trafficking ring sold eagle feathers and parts on a black market that exploits high demand among tribal […]
Man Involved in Eagle Trafficking Faces Sentencing
A man involved in a massive wildlife trafficking operation that led to the deaths of at least 118 eagles is set to face sentencing in federal court. Travis John Branson, from Cusick, Washington, was part of a long-running scheme that trafficked eagle parts on the black market. The ring, which operated in Montana’s Flathead Indian […]
Madagascar lemurs, tortoises seized in Thai bust reveal reach of wildlife trafficking
In May, authorities in southern Thailand arrested six people for illegally transporting 48 lemurs and more than 1,200 critically endangered tortoises, all of which had reportedly been obtained from the wild in Madagascar. The seizure is the latest in a string of illegal wildlife trade busts in Thailand. Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens), monitor lizards, snakes […]