A Thai traveler has been sentenced to two years in prison in Hong Kong for smuggling 187 parrot eggs, valued at approximately HK$1.4 million, highlighting a concerning rise in trafficking cases involving endangered species.
A Hong Kong court convicted the man, aged 30, for illegally importing endangered species after forensic tests confirmed the eggs belonged to protected species, including the Moluccan cockatoo and the yellow-crowned amazon.
The authorities acted under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, detaining the man at customs upon his arrival at Hong Kong Airport.
On March 1, customs officials discovered 188 eggs in the man’s carry-on baggage, with all but one confirmed to be from 13 endangered parrot species listed under global conservation agreements. The seizure’s estimated value stands at HK$1.4 million.
CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, aims to safeguard wildlife through international cooperation among its 185 signatory nations.
A spokesperson from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department stated, “Illegal trade has severely impacted parrot populations, driving poaching and trafficking. In Hong Kong, the trade of these species is strictly regulated.”
A wildlife program manager from an environmental group noted that smuggling parrot eggs is increasingly common due to their discreet nature, which eases their transport compared to live birds. He highlighted that this emerging trend is particularly pronounced within East Asia, especially in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan.
The manager emphasized that the illicit market is lucrative, with adult parrots from these speices potentially fetching tens of thousands of dollars, creating strong motivations for traffickers.
While egg trafficking has historically been linked to regions like South America and Africa, recent spikes in seizures indicate heightened vigilance among law enforcement, showcasing the importance of ongoing efforts to combat wildlife crime.
Moreover, the manager pointed out the potential risks associated with smuggling reptile eggs, which could pose threats to public safety if species such as crocodiles or venomous snakes were involved.
He commended the enforcement agencies engaged in this case, viewing the judicial action as a positive development in addressing wildlife trafficking beyond iconic species like elephants and rhinos.
He called for enhanced collaboration among Hong Kong authorities and international counterparts to dismantle smuggling networks effectively.
Violators of the Protection of Endangered Species Ordinance face maximum penalties of HK$10 million in fines and up to 10 years of imprisonment, alongside forfeiture of the specimens involved.
