Morocco’s Water and Forests Agency (ANEF) has successfully thwarted an attempt at illegal trafficking of animal species at Marrakech-Menara Airport. This operation is part of ANEF’s ongoing efforts to protect Morocco’s wildlife and combat the illicit trade of exotic animals.
According to an official statement from ANEF, the National Security and Agency services intercepted a significant shipment of reptiles on Tuesday, which were in the possession of a traveler originating from Indonesia departing from Morocco. The Head of the Wildlife Control and Monitoring Unit, under ANEF’s Marrakech-Safi Regional Directorate, along with consulted herpetologists (reptile specialists), conducted an inventory of the intercepted species.
The inventory revealed a total of 272 specimens of the spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx nigriventris), listed in Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This appendix includes species not currently threatened with extinction but could become so if the trade of their specimens is not closely monitored.
The spiny-tailed lizards (also known as dabb lizards) is also categorized as Class 2 under Law 29-05 concerning the protection of species of wild flora and fauna and the control of their trade, as stated in the release.
Additionally, the inventory documented 391 specimens of the checkerboard worm lizard (Trogonophis wiegmanni), an endemic species of North Africa, with Morocco hosting 80% of the total population.
Following this, the ANEF Provincial Directorate compiled a report estimating the damages at MAD 5.4 million. The source also noted that legal proceedings have been initiated against the possessor of these species in accordance with the provisions of Law 29-05 related to the protection of species of wild flora and fauna and the control of their trade.
The confiscated reptile specimens have been transferred to a partnered zoological institution for shelter and assessment of their condition, intending to reintroduce them into their natural habitat in compliance with animal welfare standards and the aforementioned law.
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