‘This is the first time I saw something like this’
Authorities at Singapore’s Changi Airport have seized a record amount of smuggled rhino horn.
What’s going on?
According to a common opinion Press release Officials from the National Parks Board and air cargo handling agency SATS seized a record 35.7 kilograms of smuggled white rhino horn, worth an estimated 1.13 million Singapore dollars, or about $870,000 in the United States.
A SATS Cargo Receiving staff member discovered antlers hidden in a shipment of “furniture accessories” destined for Laos.
The discovery was made after staff detected a strong odor from the shipment on November 8, prompting an investigation by the Singapore Police Force Airport Police Division and NParks.
Authorities found 20 pieces of rhino horn, as well as 150 kilograms of other animal parts. Further testing revealed that the horns belonged to white rhinos. almost threatened Species according to the IUCN Red List.
Like The Straits Times reportedSATS Cargo Receiving staff Vengadeswaran Letchumanan told the media about the discovery of rhino horns.
“When they opened the box, [it was] It stinks a lot,” said Vengadeswaran.”[I couldn’t] stand next to the box. “This is the first time I’ve seen something like this.”
Why is the large-scale seizure of rhino horns alarming?
All rhino species are under protection and efforts are being made to protect these species from threats such as poaching and illegal trade.
International agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, prohibit trade in rhinos and their parts. This is an ongoing effort to protect the future viability of all rhino species.
Before being assigned to a task protected speciesRhino populations have seen a significant decline for decades. While some rhino species have experienced a rebound in population, other species, such as the black rhino, are still at risk of extinction.
But there is hope. In Indonesia, Kambas National Park welcomed the birth of the Sumatran rhino, a critically endangered species. In Kenya, 21 black rhinos were released into their “rightful habitat” for the first time in 50 years.
National Parks Board senior director of wildlife trade Dr. “Illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of endangered species, causing habitat destruction and biodiversity loss on a global scale,” said Anna Wong.
“As a signatory of CITES, Singapore is committed to international efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade to ensure the long-term survival of these animals.”
What is being done against illegal wildlife trafficking operations?
Illegal wildlife trade is a significant contributor to the decline in global biodiversity and is causing the extinction of countless species. This can disrupt established ecosystems and lead to the introduction of invasive species that can further harm native species.
“NParks takes a multi-pronged approach to enforce against illegal wildlife trade,” Wong added. “This includes working with agencies and partners such as SATS to carry out checks at our border checkpoints, as well as running training with colleagues to develop skills and share expertise on detecting smuggled wildlife and wildlife products.”
An effective way to reduce the impact of illegal wildlife trade is to reduce the demand for unregulated wildlife products, especially those derived from threatened and endangered species. These products include ivory, exotic leathers and parts used in some traditional medicines.
“We also urge the public to do their part by not purchasing wildlife parts and products,” Wong said.
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