An endangered red panda was recently rescued at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, as authorities uncovered a smuggling operation involving a total of 87 animals. Thai Customs Department officials made the shocking discovery during a routine inspection, leading to the arrest of six Indian nationals involved in the illegal wildlife trade.
Among the live animals found in the suspects’ luggage were a cotton-top tamarin monkey, a fishing cat, and a Sulawesi bear cuscus. The haul also included various reptiles, birds, squirrels, and bats, all destined for the exotic pet market.
The perpetrators are facing charges for violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and animal disease control laws. The incident highlights the concerning trend of wildlife trafficking between Southeast Asia and South Asia, driven by the demand for unusual pets such as kangaroos, cuscus, and red pandas.
A report by the wildlife monitoring network TRAFFIC revealed that Thailand has had the second-highest number of wildlife trafficking incidents in the air transport sector from 2009 to 2017. As a response to this alarming statistic, TRAFFIC is urging for a better understanding of the contemporary pet market in India to help combat the trade and reduce the demand for exotic animals.
Authorities are working to improve enforcement measures and raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade to protect vulnerable species from being exploited for the pet industry. The rescue of the red panda serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and safeguarding endangered wildlife from exploitation and trafficking.
