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One hundred and five endangered reptiles including 39 Philippine pond turtles, 46 Southeast Asian box turtles, 19 Mindanao water monitor lizards and one reticulated python will be sent from Hong Kong to their native homeland, the Philippines, tomorrow (August 1).
The reptiles were illegally imported to Hong Kong and intercepted at the arrival hall at the Hong Kong International Airport on June 14, 2012. They were found in a passenger's luggage. A 22-year-old man was prosecuted by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and sentenced to imprisonment for six weeks.
All the seized species are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which protects endangered species from over-exploitation through international trade restrictions. At present, 175 countries are parties to CITES.
The Philippine pond turtles and the Mindanao water monitor lizards are endemic species that can only be found in the Philippines.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) has been assisting the AFCD with temporary holding and care of the reptiles. "When they arrived at our Wild Animal Rescue Centre, they were generally underweight and dehydrated, as well as suffering from a range of minor health problems - the most common being shell and skin infections in the turtles. They showed improvement in their health and behaviour under our team's close observation and veterinary care. They are ready to return to their homeland," the Head of the Fauna Conservation Department of the KFBG, Dr Gary Ades, said.
The reptiles will leave Hong Kong tomorrow and they will enter the rescue centre of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines before being released back into the wild.
"By returning the reptiles to their natural range, we can help to sustain and secure their populations in the wild. This repatriation highlights the importance of the close co-operation between governments and non-government organisations in working together to combat wildlife-related crime and carry out wildlife repatriation," Endangered Species Protection Officer of the AFCD Mr Alfred Wong said.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing any endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens.
The public is reminded to comply with the regulations and assist in preventing the extinction of endangered species.
To enquire about the import of endangered species and report illegal import cases, the public can call 1823 or visit the website www.cites.org.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:25
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