SINGAPORE, Oct 20 — Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) seized several endangered animals during coordinated raids earlier this month. Officers confiscated a leopard tortoise, a spiny-tailed monitor lizard, and 14 other wildlife specimens on October 9.
NParks said in a statement to The Straits Times that enforcement teams raided six locations island-wide. The operation targeted individuals selling wildlife illegally through online platforms, including Telegram.
Among the rescued animals were yellow-headed day geckos and an Argentine black-and-white tegu. NParks staff transported all the animals to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation in Lim Chu Kang, where veterinarians now provide care.
Operation Targets Online Wildlife Sellers
NParks confirmed that the raids focused on sellers who used social media and messaging apps to trade endangered species. Officials identified accounts advertising exotic reptiles and arranged coordinated inspections with enforcement officers.
“These operations extend our enforcement efforts beyond borders into local and online marketplaces,” NParks stated. The agency explained that the move complements ongoing surveillance at entry points to the country.
Investigators have interviewed several individuals linked to the illegal transactions. Officers continue to collect evidence from seized devices and online records.
Continued Vigilance Against Illegal Wildlife Trade
NParks pledged to maintain strong enforcement to deter offenders. “We conduct regular monitoring and targeted actions to ensure accountability across all fronts,” the agency said.
Authorities stressed that illegal wildlife trading threatens biodiversity and fuels global trafficking networks. The recent raids follow a Straits Times report from 2023 revealing at least six Telegram groups selling more than 35 wildlife species as pets. One group had over 16,000 members.
Investigations remain ongoing as NParks intensifies its campaign to dismantle the country’s underground animal trade.
