Thailand Repatriates Nearly 1,000 Endangered Animals to Madagascar

In a landmark victory against animal trafficking, Thailand is sending nearly 1,000 highly endangered tortoises and lemurs back to their native Madagascar. The repatriation is the largest ever between the two countries.

The animals were recovered during an anti-trafficking operation in southern Thailand in May. They include spider tortoises, radiated tortoises, ring-tailed lemurs, and brown lemurs, all listed as critically endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

These species are highly sought after as exotic pets in Asia, but replicating their natural habitat is extremely difficult, often putting their lives at risk. Some of the animals seized in May have since died due to poor health caused by a lack of food and water during their smuggling to Thailand.

Thai authorities held a ceremony in Bangkok to hand over the animals to Madagascan officials. A total of 961 live animals will be sent back on three flights starting Saturday.

Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Dr. Chalermchai Sri-on, said the repatriation demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to combating illegal wildlife trafficking and prioritizing the welfare of seized species.

The operation is expected to have a deterrent effect on wildlife trafficking. By conducting operations like this and broadcasting them globally, it shows that there are arrests and exchanges happening, making people worldwide aware that possessing these animals is not right.

Conservation groups have praised the repatriation as a significant step in addressing the wildlife trafficking crisis. The illegal trade in timber and wildlife has been identified as a major threat to Madagascar’s rich biodiversity.

Thailand is the largest importer of wildlife from Madagascar in Southeast Asia, a region that plays a vital role in the trade and re-exporting of some of Madagascar’s most threatened species.