Dier & natuur·Voor dieren blogger·25 okt

446 pieces of elephant ivory seized in Thailand: Behind every ivory seizure is a heartbreaking reminder of the suffering these magnificent animals endure for their tusks.

Photo Credit: Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) An investigation into suspected international wildlife trafficking continues in Thailand after authorities discovered 446 pieces of elephant ivory concealed inside timber logs at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province. The seizure was announced on October 7, after customs officials inspected two shipping containers declared as carrying 568 processed timber logs from Zambia. Following intelligence shared by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), officers identified 32 modified logs containing hidden ivory and unidentified animal remains. In a significant development announced on October 16, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation confirmed that more than 70 officials participated in a detailed examination of the confiscated ivory and animal remains. Wildlife forensic specialists collected DNA samples to help determine their origins. Preliminary examinations suggested that some of the unidentified animal remains could belong to a tiger or lion, although their species have not yet been confirmed. Authorities expect the DNA results to take approximately one to two months. The investigation is also examining possible connections to wildlife trafficking cases in Southeast Asia. Thai officials have requested cooperation from CITES authorities in Vietnam and Laos to compare information from similar case