Hundreds of Protected Reptiles Seized in Major Wildlife Trafficking Bust at Moroccan Airport

The national security and ANEF services intercepted, on Tuesday, December 19, a batch of several hundred reptiles belonging to a traveler from Indonesia departing from Morocco, according to an ANEF press release.

The wildlife experts of the ANEF Regional Directorate of Marrakech-Safi, in collaboration with herpetologists specialized in reptiles, drew up the list of seized species. Among them, 272 specimens of spiny-tailed lizards (Uromastyx nigriventris), listed in Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This classification means that although these lizards are not currently endangered, their trade must be closely controlled. In addition, the spiny-tailed lizard is also classified in category 2 under Law 29-05 on the protection of wild flora and fauna species and the control of their trade, the press release states.

The inventory of seized reptiles also includes 391 specimens of worm lizards (Trogonophis wiegmanni), an endemic species of North Africa of which Morocco hosts 80% of the world population.

Following this operation, the Provincial Directorate of Marrakech of the ANEF drew up a report estimating the damage at 5.4 million dirhams. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the holder of these species, in accordance with the law on the protection of wild flora and fauna species and the control of their trade.

The seized reptiles have been transferred to a zoological establishment for housing and assessment of their condition with a view to their reintroduction into their natural habitat, in accordance with animal welfare standards and the provisions of the law.