Checkpoint nets 16 ‘undocumented’ juvenile bearded dragons from minor
AUTHORITIES announced last Sunday the confiscation of 16 live juvenile bearded dragons being illegally transported by a minor.
Members of the Environmental Protection and Enforcement Task Force (EPETF) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination with the Pandacan Police Station, confiscated the bearded dragons from a minor who tried to ferry the reptiles last April 22 aboard a motorcycle to Cartimar Market in Pasay City.
The minor failed to show any permit from the DENR, according to the EPETF.
Bearded dragons are exotic species and are imported from other countries. Breeding such exotic animals also require special permits from the DENR. The bearded dragon is worth around P10,000 each in the black market.
EPETF Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria said in a statement the apprehension was the result of the DENR’S efforts to link arms with law enforcement agencies to run after illegal wildlife traders.
The EPETF has been ordered to intensify its campaign against illegal wildlife traders, especially during the pandemic.
“We are aware that there are those in the illegal wildlife trafficking taking advantage of the pandemic, which is why we are doubly vigilant,” Tamoria said.
The seized reptiles were turned over to the DENR’S Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) for safekeeping at the Wildlife Rescue Center facility in Quezon City.
Tamoria pointed out that the trade of captive-bred bearded dragon iguanas is regulated. They can also be sold as pets provided these are covered by permits issued by the DENR.
He explained that transporting and trading of wildlife without permit and proper documentation is prohibited under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.
“Let us obey the regulatory processes required in trading wildlife species, especially those involving exotic species like the dragon bearded iguanas to protect the country’s local wildlife species and ecosystems,” Tamoria said.