BANGKOK — Thailand has returned 961 confiscated wild animals to Madagascar, marking a significant step in global wildlife conservation efforts. The animals, including 16 ring-tailed lemurs, 31 brown lemurs, 759 spider tortoises, and 155 radiated tortoises, are all endangered species endemic to Madagascar and listed under Appendix I of the CITES Convention, the strictest regulation governing wildlife trade.
The animals were seized on May 1, 2024, by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Department (NRECD) following a tip-off about wildlife smuggling. Smuggled through Indonesia and entering Thailand via Satun Province, they were intercepted in Chumphon Province. Authorities arrested six suspects and seized 1,117 live and dead animals during the operation.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director General of the Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, emphasized that the repatriation reflects Thailand’s dedication to combating illegal wildlife trade and conserving biodiversity. The animals were carefully transported and will be monitored upon arrival in Madagascar to ensure safe reintegration into their natural habitats.
The repatriation is being conducted in three phases. The first shipment, containing 16 ring-tailed lemurs, arrived in Madagascar on November 30, following a 33-hour journey that included a stopover in South Africa. The second batch, comprising 31 brown lemurs and 155 radiated tortoises, arrived on December 2. The final shipment of 759 spider tortoises is scheduled for December 12.
The official handover ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, including Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, and Madagascar’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Max Andonirina Fontaine.
