Issued By: Department Of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment And Land Affairs, Gauteng Provincial Government
23 January 2003
Gauteng Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs, MEC Mary Metcalfe finally handed over seven rare African Parrots to the Johannesburg Zoo on Friday, confiscated in November 2002 from a foiled illegal smuggling at the Johannesburg International Airport.
The illegal consignment consisted of five African grey and two Jardine parrots, both of which are listed as rare species in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix 2. The birds originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The provincial Nature Conservation Special Investigation Unit based at the airport, seized the consignment and a Boeing 707 aircraft that was used to smuggle the birds. A flight engineer has since been convicted in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court under Prohibited Acts with Endangered Species in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance and the birds were then forfeited to Gauteng Provincial Government.
Last year only, the unit investigated 10 incidents of illegal trade in rare or endangered bird species at Johannesburg International Airport and seized over 150 birds.
South Africa has a massive illegal wildlife trade that is worth millions to our economy. If tough action is not taken, illegal trade is set to threaten the economy and the survival of endangered species. The provincial department of Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Land Affairs is determined to take tougher action against illicit trade in wildlife and make sure that offenders are prosecuted.
For any information or queries relating to illegal wildlife trade contact the department on (011) 355 1900 or Michael Falls of the Nature Conservation Special Investigation Unit on (011) 921 6993/4, fax: (011) 390 1720, Cell: 082 9261983 or e-mail: michaelf@gpg.gov.za .
For media inquiries contact:
Kgomo Molefe on (011)355 1445 / 082 563 8996