More than 3,404 bird eggs have been seized in Tasmania, Australia. During an illegal bird egg trade this raid happened and a European operation investigated and discovered that the eggs were worth $400,000 to A$500,000.
This raid took place on the 9th of July, the eggs were in a hollowed-out situation which means the eggs only had ornament value. During the investigation, the responsible person was investigation was a 62-year-old man but there were no arrests that had been reported.
According to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999, it is an offence to illegal to do animal trading and the offender of this act is expected to front court at a later date.
A spokesperson for the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said, "[The man] is alleged to have been involved in the collection and harvesting of bird eggs from the wild and trading of both Australian native and CITES-listed bird eggs with people overseas."
The reports tell that the seized eggs will be analysed and further identified after testing which species they belong to but it is speculated that these eggs belong to the high extinction risk.
According to the official, it is speculated that the eggs belong to the swift parrot and the shy albatross found only on Tasmania's Bruny Island. International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), listed species are those means a species is endangered, and to protect them from international trade.
Around the world, there are initiatives in place to stop these illegal acts. Governments, international organizations, and conservation groups are working together to impose more stringent legislation, increase public awareness, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. In an effort to discourage illegal activity with harsher punishments for violators.
This circumstance highlights the ongoing problem of wildlife crime, which poses a serious risk to biodiversity worldwide and is driving many species toward extinction. Of all the crimes against wildlife, the illegal trafficking of rare bird eggs is one of the most destructive.
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