PERTH NOW (Australia) 03 October 13 Japanese pair charged over $130,000 lizard smuggling attempt
Two Japanese men have been charged after attempting to smuggle 30 lizards out of Western Australia, worth up to $130,000 on the Asian black market.
The men, aged 38 and 33, were caught by Customs and WA Department of Parks and Wildlife officers on Monday, trying to smuggle 28 specially protected Rottnest Island shingleback lizards, one bearded dragon and one skink out of Perth International Airport.
State Environment Minister Albert Jacob, who is pushing for harsher penalties for wildlife smugglers, suggested the fines the men faced under the current Wildlife Conservation Act of up to $38,000 were not enough.
``We need to ensure that wildlife smuggling attempts are met with the full force of the law,'' Mr Jacob said.
``They are not only illegal, but cruel and pose a risk to the state's unique and rich biodiversity.''
Customs said the men not only faced seven counts of unlawfully taking protected fauna and one charge of unlawfully taking four specially protected reptiles under state laws, they had also been charged under Commonwealth law.
The charges are attempting to export a specimen that is a regulated native specimen and subjecting a protected species to cruel treatment.
The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences is 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $170,000 for individuals and up to $850,000 for corporations.
Under WA's Biodiversity Conservation Bill, which is being drafted and is expected to be introduced to state parliament next year, fines for harming threatened species will be significantly increased, including penalties of up to $500,000 for harming a critically endangered species and $50,000 for harming a non-threatened species.
More than 182 shinglebacks have been seized as a result of 10 reptile busts in WA since 1998, with all but one involving Japanese nationals.
The two men will remain in custody before appearing in court on October 18.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/japanese-men-charged-for-wa-lizard-smuggle/story-fnhocxo3-1226732306442
JAPAN TIMES (Tokyo) 03 October 13 Aussies charge Japanese pair with lizard smuggling
Sydney (AFP-JIJI): The reptiles can fetch high prices if sold on the black market in Asia.
The Customs and Border Protection Service said the men, aged 38 and 33, were recently selected for a baggage inspection when they checked in at Perth International Airport.
An X-ray scan revealed 28 shingleback lizards, an unspecified skink and a bearded dragon.
Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife senior wildlife investigator Rick Dawson said the haul was worth more than $130,000 Australian dollars.
“These lizards are highly sought-after in Asia because they are easy to care for, attractive, and exotic,” he said.
The protected Rottnest Island shingleback lizards are worth up to AU$8,000 each on the Asian black market, while mainland shinglebacks fetch AU$4,000 or more, depending on their color patterns.
Bearded dragons and other skinks go for around AU$1,000.
The men face a range of charges, including unlawfully taking protected fauna and subjecting a protected species to cruel treatment.
They could face up to 10 years in jail and fines of up to AU$170,000.
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/10/03/national/aussies-charge-japanese-pair-with-lizard-smuggling/#.UlDBXYakrPM
