Fw: [AR-News] Birds rescued, Solomon Islands

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Birds rescued

Submitted by Arthur on 11 May, 2005 - 11:34am. Headlines

BY DONALDSON RUSA (Solomon Islands)

 

CUSTOMS and police officers in the Western Province confiscated and set free

 

28 parrots and cockatoos from a foreign ship.

 

The China-registered logging ship, its skipper and crew members were

detained at the Noro Port for three days last week but released after

settling the $1,800 fine.

 

Wolfgang Jedzini, a Noro Customs Officer who detained the ship, confirmed

yesterday that the smuggling attempt was thwarted following a tip off from

Taro Police in the Choiseul Province.

 

The ship had been loading round logs from different logging operations at

Choiseul and Western Provinces before travelling to the international sea

port Tuesday last week for usual clearance.

 

" The captain initially denied having any birds onboard the ship. But a

thorough search with assistance from two police officers and a Quarantine

staff, found the birds, " he said.

 

Mr Jedzini said two of the birds were found inside a cabin whilst the rest

inside the cargo hold among the logs.

 

The red and green parrots and white cockatoos were seized and released into

the wild, although few died of apparent hot condition inside the ship, he

said.

 

" It was the first such case but we believe different species of endangered

and protected birds have slipped past undetected.

 

" I believe the practice may have been going on for sometimes but had never

been reported or detected by responsible authority.

 

" We should work together to prevent our bird species and other endangered

wild life from being smuggled out of this country, " the Customs officer

said.

 

The Solomon Star understands the birds were acquired from locals in exchange

 

of cash and other commodities such as chainsaws, generic drugs, DVD/VCD

splitters and ceramic items.

 

Mr Jedzini said those who wish to export local bird species and other

wildlife should obtain permission from the responsible government authority

" and should not resort to illegal practices " .

 

The government's Environment Division confirmed that parrots are regulated

species and should be protected against illegal trade.

 

" The Wildlife Protection and Management Act 1998 strictly prohibits the

trade of such species except in exceptional circumstances where the exporter

 

had a valid licence, " an environment spokesperson said.

 

He conceded that the illegal trade of bird species to logging ships is a

major concern and should be stopped immediately.

 

There are procedures to go about such trade, he said.

 

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/drupal-4.4.1/?q=node/view/2530

 

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Barry Kent MacKay

Canadian Representative

Animal Protection Institute

www.api4animals.org