The South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre said that Wednesday, February 8, 2023, was rather an eventful and efficient day in regards to the continuous battle versus the poaching and unlawful trade of our native wildlife.
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The centre said that a PostNet branch in Pretoria gotten in touch with regional snake catchers for help, as staff understood that a person of the parcels scheduled for shipment to KZN included suspicious contents.
It said that the plea for help reached their Pretoria Snake Removal WhatsApp group, and among their devoted allowed rescuers made her method through to PostNet properties.
“The contents of the suspicious packages contained several individually packed reptiles, including protected Sungazer lizards (Smaug giganteus), also known as “Ouvolk”. These spectacular reptiles are extremely desired in both the family pet and standard medication trade, in your area and overseas. Despite their “Vulnerable” preservation status, they are still unlawfully collected by poachers. This types is secured under the ToPS (Threatened or Protected Species) Act,” the centre said.
It said that getting captured with any ToPS types unlawfully needs a criminal arrest (as it is beyond paying a simple fine for an offense of this nature). A criminal inquest is for that reason opened, and the transgressor(s) are needed to appear in court.
“To make matters even worse, the parcel also contained some Van Dam’s Girdled Lizards, which are Schedule II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),” the centre said.
It said that their quick-thinking wildlife rescuer looked for help as soon as she understood the level of what she was handling, and members of the Gauteng Department of Agricultural and Rural Development / Nature Conservation in Gauteng were gotten in touch with to help.
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“While waiting for the authorities, the sender of the parcel arrived back at the PostNet branch, as he had been contacted regarding a snake that had escaped from one of the parcels, which he had dropped off. Turmoil ensued as various role-players (who had been contacted) quickly pulled together to corner the suspects while our rescuer hid with the animals until the authorities were on site. The two suspects were subsequently arrested on the scene,” the centre said.
“The necessary legal steps were taken, and a thorough search of the sender’s premises was scheduled. The search yielded several more illegal animals. These included further ToPS species being found – A young Southern African python (Python natalensis) as well as some Bullfrogs – Pyxicephalus sp.). A Boomslang, monitor lizards, chameleons and other reptiles were also confiscated. Adding to the long list of offences committed, the offenders will also be charged for attempting to send / transport wildlife in this manner.”
The centre said that the suspects are anticipated to appear in court on Friday, and if they are condemned in regards to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004, Section 57(1), they can potentially deal with a fine of R10m and/or a 10-year prison sentence.
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Reacting to the event, Durban snake catcher Nick Evans said he enjoyed seeing good news like this, and it was all predestined for somebody in KZN.
“I hope all involved are punished. Congratulations to all who played their part in this success story,” Evans said.
“Reptiles face many threats, such as the development of habitat etc, but this is another problem for certain species. Infuriates me, to say the least.”
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