Leopard tortoise, other endangered wildlife seized in NParks raids targeting illegal trade

Investigations ongoing after 6 premises were raided and 16 wildlife specimens recovered

- Ng Wei Kai Correspondent

NParks, together with the Commercial Affairs Department of SPF and AGC, was jointly awarded the Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence on Oct 17 in recognition of the cross-agency collaboration in a case involving Singapore's largest-ever seizure of rhinoceros horns in 2022. PHOTOS: NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

(NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY)

Endangered animals, including a leopard tortoise and a spiny-tailed monitor lizard, were seized in raids on Oct 9 by the National Parks Board (NParks) as part of efforts to stop the illegal wildlife trade.

In a statement on Oct 20, NParks said the islandwide raids targeted people suspected of illegally trading wildlife through online platforms, including messaging app Telegram.

Six premises were raided and 16 wildlife specimens were seized, it said.

Among them were two species of lizards - yellow-headed day geckos and an Argentine black-and-white tegu.

The animals are currently being housed and cared for at NParks' Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation in Lim Chu Kang.

Investigations are ongoing, and the people involved have been interviewed in connection with illegal wildlife sales, NParks said.