Malaysian wildlife officers seize more than 8,000 exotic animals

Nov 13, 2008, 1:17 GMT

Kuala Lumpur - Officers from Malaysia's Wildlife Department have seized more than 3 million ringgit (869,565 dollars) worth of live and dead exotic wildlife meant for smuggling into neighbouring countries, a news report said Thursday.

The seizures following raids at two locations in the southern Johor state.

Wildlife Department Director Abdul Rasid Samsudin said that the eight-member enforcement team last week raided two houses in the state and seized more than 13 species of protected animals believed to be trafficked for consumption in neighbouring countries.

Among the animals found were 7,000 clouded monitor lizards, 1,000 owls, pangolins, crested serpent eagles, pythons, mousedeer, Malayan porcupine, wild pigs and bear parts, the Star daily reported.

Abdul Rasid said the suspect, a 49-year old Malaysian man, who was been charged on November 7 in court and is currently on bail, is a repeat offender, who was convicted of smuggling 182 pangolins in 2004.

The protected animals are believed to fetch high prices at restaurants in Vietnam, Hong Kong and China, and such meat dishes cooked with herbs were widely popular among diners, especially men, Abdul Rasid said.

Malaysia has many wildlife reserves and national parks, and wildlife authorities often have their hands full trying to stop illegal poaching of endangered animals.