BANGKOK — Thailand has gradually returned confiscated wild animals to Madagascar, a total of 961 animals, including 16 ring-tailed lemurs, 31 brown lemurs, 759 spider tortoises and 155 radiated tortoises.
All of these animals are endemic species found exclusively in Madagascar. They are classified as endangered and listed in Appendix I of the CITES Convention, the strictest international regulation for wildlife trade.
The animals were seized by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Department (NRECD) on May 1, 2024, after receiving a tip-off about wildlife smuggling. The animals had been illegally imported through Indonesia and smuggled into Thailand via Satun province. Authorities intercepted four vehicles in Chumphon Province, arrested six suspects and seized 1,117 live and dead animals.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director General of the Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said that this action not only marks the return of the wild animals to their natural habitat, but also demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to international cooperation in combating illegal wildlife trade and conserving global biodiversity.
The animals were carefully cared for during transportation and will be monitored upon arrival to ensure safe reintroduction into their natural environment.
Earlier, an official handover ceremony was held, attended by Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand, and Pol. Col. Yuttana Praedam, Director General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), who represented Thailand at the handover of the animals. Max Andonirina FONTAINE, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar, accepted them on behalf of his country.
Sadudee Phanpakdee, director of the Department of International Wildlife Trade at the Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the transportation from Thailand to Madagascar takes about 33 hours, including a stopover in South Africa before reaching Madagascar.
The transportation will be carried out in three phases. The first batch, consisting of 16 ring-tailed lemurs, was shipped on November 30 and arrived safely in Madagascar. The second batch, comprising 31 brown lemurs and 155 radiated tortoises, was shipped on December 2. The final batch, consisting of 759 spider tortoises, is scheduled to be shipped on December 12.
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