Conference warns of animal sales online

As many as 108 Vietnamese native animals have been illegally traded through the internet, a conference on wildlife trafficking was told in Hanoi.

As many as 108 Vietnamese native animals have been illegally traded through the internet, a conference on wildlife trafficking was told in Hanoi on April 17.

Vietnamese police saving turtles which are being illegally traded in the country

The event, jointly held by the governing agency of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), aims to prevent and combat the illegal trade in native animals from Vietnam.

WCS Vietnam Director Scott Roberton voiced his concerns over wildlife trafficking in Vietnam, especially via the internet. Between July and August 2012, many endangered species such as monkeys, turtles and snakes were found to be advertised for sale online.

Among those found available online were several threatened species from Vietnam and overseas, including tiger, elephant and tortoise. Many were traded in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Scott said.

Do Quang Tung, Director of CITES Vietnam, said the conference created a good avenue for wildlife conservation organisations and relevant agencies to crack down on the illegal trade in native flora and fauna.

Participants focused their discussions on law enforcement to prevent wildlife trading and proposed measures on the management of websites and conservation of wildlife species.