Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and CommunitiesDepartment of Agriculture, Fisheries and ForestryOffice of Environment & Heritage (NSW)
Illegal wildlife seized during Operation Eclipse
Joint media release
16 May 2013
Exotic snakes and lizards have been seized during Operation Eclipse—a joint Federal and state investigation into the alleged importation of illegal wildlife into Australia.
During a regular inspection of an international courier’s warehouse in Sydney, officers from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) discovered exotic snakes and lizards.
The DAFF officers immediately seized and humanely euthanased three pythons and three lizards.
Snakes and other reptiles can carry diseases such as mycoplasmosis, ranavirus infection, herpes virus and paramyxovirus and various parasitic and bacterial infestations that could spread to both native species and pets.
Australia is free from many pests and diseases found in other parts of the world and any animals imported illegally have the potential to threaten Australia’s native species.
The Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) said the importation of snakes and other reptiles is prohibited under Australian law except where the animal is being imported by a government-registered zoo or wildlife institution.
Following further investigations by officers from DSEWPaC, DAFF and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, a warrant was executed at a residential address in inner Sydney.
During the search of the premises, additional snakes and lizards believed to have been illegally imported into Australia were also seized and euthanased due to the serious risk they posed to the state and the country’s biodiversity and biosecurity.
Assistance was also gratefully received from the NSW Police for Operation Eclipse which is continuing.
The Australian and NSW governments are committed to combating illegal wildlife trade which often involves cruel and dangerous methods of transportation. Smuggled animals suffer stress, dehydration, or starvation and many die in transit.
Operation Eclipse is an example of the collaborative approach taken across Federal and state agencies to protect our native flora and fauna from exotic pests and diseases and prevent the illegal trade in wildlife.
Under the Australian Government’s national environment law the maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences includes up to 10 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $170 000 for individuals and up to $850 000 for corporations. Penalties also apply under the relevant state legislation.
For more information on the prevention of the illegal trade in wildlife go to the federal environment department’s website: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife-trade/index.html