Social Media Fuels Surge in Live Primate Sales
#WildlifeTrafficking #PrimateCrisisOver 1,600 live primates were found for sale on US social media, with prices from $250 to $6,500. Sellers bypass bans using code words like "rehoming." Experts warn this fuels poaching, suffering, and extinction threats, demanding stronger laws. read more
Live Parrot Chick Hatches During Egg Smuggling Bust
#WildlifeTrafficking #AnimalProtectionA couple flying from Central America to Asia was arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport with 261 wild parrot eggs in their hand luggage. A chick hatched during the interception. All parrot species are protected under international treaty. read more
Kenyan Court Charges Two in Live Ant Smuggling Bust
#WildlifeTrafficking #KenyaCourtA Kenyan court charged two men, including a Chinese national, with smuggling over 2,000 live ants. Both pleaded not guilty to illegal wildlife trafficking and were remanded in custody. Ants are valuable to collectors and ecosystems. read more
Chinese Man Arrested for Smuggling Thousands of Queen Ants
#WildlifeTrafficking #AntSmugglingA Chinese man was arrested at Nairobi's airport for smuggling 2,238 live queen ants in his luggage. The case highlights a growing, organized biopiracy network targeting insects, shifting from traditional wildlife trafficking to ecologically critical lesser-known species. read more
Ant Smuggling Bust Exposes Global Insect Trade
#WildlifeTrafficking #AntSmugglingA Chinese national was arrested at Nairobi's airport for smuggling 2,238 live ants in his luggage. The case highlights a growing trend of insect biopiracy, with ants destined for collectors and a lucrative international black market. read more
Madrid Airport Seizes 15 Dead Pangolins in Suitcase
#WildlifeTrafficking #EndangeredSpeciesSpanish police investigated a woman after seizing 15 dead pangolins in her suitcase at Madrid airport. The trafficked mammals, weighing 40kg, arrived from Ethiopia. Pangolins are critically endangered and poached for their scales and meat. read more
Major California Wildlife Trafficking Ring Busted
#WildlifeTrafficking #ElephantConservationThree people in California were arrested for trafficking hundreds of illegal animal products, including elephant tusks and rhino horns. Authorities intercepted a shipment from Thailand, calling it one of the largest such cases in recent years. read more
California Couple Convicted in Animal Trafficking Case After Airplane Slip
#California #WildlifeTraffickingA California couple was convicted after a conversation on a plane led to the discovery of illegal possession of a sea turtle skull and taxidermized animals in their homes. The couple faced fines, probation, and penalties for violating wildlife laws. read more
Montana man faces sentencing for illegal cloning of giant sheep
#WildlifeTrafficking #SheepCloningAn 81-year-old man from Montana, Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, is facing sentencing in federal court for illegally using tissue and testicles from large sheep in Central Asia and the U.S. to clone hybrid sheep for trophy hunting. read more