On October 30, forest rangers and related agencies inspected a facility in Binh Thanh Hamlet, Thoai Son Commune, and detected unlawful captive breeding of wildlife.
The 30-year-old male owner could not provide documents proving legal origin or any licence permitting wildlife breeding. He said he bought the animals from a man named Tam in 2023, then bred and sold them. He had also posted images and videos of the iguanas on Facebook and TikTok to advertise them.
The animals initially identified as South American iguanas (Photo by An Giang’s Forest Protection Sub-Department)
A follow-up inspection confirmed 191 wildlife specimens, initially identified as South American iguanas listed under CITES Appendix II, which covers species not currently threatened with extinction but subject to regulated trade to prevent over-exploitation.
All animals were seized and transferred to the Hon Me Wildlife Rescue Centre for care while the case is under investigation. Authorities also ordered the owner to remove all illegally posted wildlife content from social media.
An Giang Forest Protection Sub-Department said it would continue working with relevant agencies to investigate and enforce the law. Local ranger units have been instructed to step up inspections, raise public awareness and strengthen oversight of wildlife breeding records and invasive species management.