UPDATE: An alarming surge in illegal wildlife exports has prompted urgent warnings for Australians, with potential fines reaching $330,000 for violations. Since April, authorities have seized a record 27 packages containing native creatures at the New South Wales (NSW) border, as confirmed by Senator Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, earlier today.
Authorities, in collaboration with the Australian Border Force and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s (DCCEEW) environmental crime team, uncovered approximately 500 ants, including queens, and nine giant burrowing cockroaches. These creatures were hidden in everyday household items like children’s toys, cushions, and even Tic Tac mints, destined for markets in Canada, France, and Hong Kong.
The illegal wildlife trade is booming, with ant queens selling for about $300 in Australia, while international buyers are willing to pay two to ten times that amount. Senator Watt emphasized, “The sharp increase in native insects being dug up from their natural habitats and smuggled overseas illegally is concerning.” He highlighted the critical roles ants and cockroaches play in the ecosystem, stating, “Their illegal export threatens Australia’s biodiversity and unique places such as our beloved national parks.”
Authorities warn that anyone caught exporting regulated native species without a permit can face severe penalties, including up to 10 years’ imprisonment. In response to this growing threat, the DCCEEW has expanded its environmental crime team, enhancing efforts to catch and prosecute wildlife criminals.
The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions has raised alarms about this troubling trend, highlighting the risks it poses to Australia’s unique environment.
If you have any information regarding the illegal import or export of wildlife, you are urged to contact Border Watch or the DCCEEW. Anonymous tips are welcome.
This ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for vigilance as authorities work tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and biodiversity. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
