South Africa says it is intensifying its fight against organised environmental crime as authorities investigate wildlife trafficking networks involved in the illegal movement of protected birds.
David Maynier, evironment minister, announced the development on Monday.
The warning follows the seizure of 468 endangered parrot eggs during two separate interceptions at OR Tambo International Airport over the past two months. The eggs were being transported in makeshift incubators, exposing them to cold shock and shaking and resulting in the deaths of some hatchlings.
The suspects were a 50-year-old Thai national and another 23-year-old Thai national.
Maynier visited the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria last Thursday to receive an update on the surviving hatchlings.
Genetic testing is ongoing, with early findings indicating African Grey, Galah and Conure parrots among the birds. The species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
A suspect arrested in the second interception is due back in court on Wednesday, with animal cruelty charges expected to be added over the conditions in which the eggs were transported. The investigation has involved the department’s Green Scorpions, police crime intelligence, border police and the endangered species unit.
Maynier said the case showed the organised nature of environmental crime and called for stronger resources and support for the Green Scorpions.
“Environmental crime is organised crime,” Maynier said, warning that South Africa was confronting complex international criminal networks.
He said the government would continue strengthening enforcement to ensure wildlife trafficking is not tolerated in South Africa.
South Africa punishes the illegal export of Cites-listed species with a fine of 10m rand (£460,000), up to 10 years in prison or both.
