In a significant animal-trafficking bust, the Sri Lankan Navy has busted a bird smuggling attempt.
what happened
According to Daily News, the Kachchativu Naval Detachment under SLNS Wasaba in the Sri Lanka Northern Naval Command detected a suspicious dinghy and immediately took action to mount an investigation.
Upon arriving on the dinghy, the authorities discovered three suspects who tried to bring in 237 pigeons. They immediately confiscated the birds, the suspects, and the dinghy.
Why is this attempted smuggling a concern?
Wildlife smuggling is a lucrative business, generating billions of dollars every year. It is also incredibly dangerous for smuggled wildlife, as these animals are improperly handled and cared for during trafficking attempts, resulting in injuries and death.
When trafficked wildlife dies, it contributes to population decline, which can be disastrous for already endangered species.
While many people consider pigeons to be pests, these birds play a role in urban ecosystems. They are responsible for spreading seeds and maintaining green spaces in cities, providing fertilizer through their droppings, and serving as bioindicators, meaning their health and well-being can indicate how well an ecosystem is doing. Pigeons removed from their natural habitats devastate urban ecosystems.
In addition, when traffickers bring wild animals into new areas, those animals can become invasive species. Invasive species can cause many issues in their new homes; for example, pigeons can carry pathogens and parasites that can affect native birds and wildlife.
Invasive animal species can also reduce food security, change soil chemistry, and even contribute to increases in extreme weather events.
What is being done to prevent wildlife smuggling in Sri Lanka?
The navy sent the alleged suspects back to Delft Police Station for further legal action.
In 2012, Sri Lanka formed the Sri Lanka Wildlife Enforcement Network, a semi-formal group comprising all the country’s law enforcement agencies. These agencies work together to share information on trafficking activities and to train agents to better gather intelligence, identify, and combat smuggling attempts.
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