TURTLE SMUGGLERS CAPTURED

UNCLAS ANTANANARIVO 000069

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/E AND OES
DEPT PASS TO USFWS BWEISSGOLD
ADDIS ABABA FOR REO LISA BRODEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV TBIO EAGR ECON EAID PGOV CH MA
SUBJECT: TURTLE SMUGGLERS CAPTURED


1. A South African national was recently arrested in Madagascar for
attempting to smuggle rare turtles out of the country. This
incident follows a recent arrest in the French territory of Mayotte
where smugglers were apprehended with 20 endangered turtles from
Madagascar. Malagasy customs enforcement and border patrol,
regional cooperation, and public outreach programs are slowly
improving enforcement of conservation measures. Still, with
millions of Malagasy living a subsistence existence, the
Government's aspiration to have the people "Cherish their
Environment" remains a distant objective.


2. The island of Madagascar has 3,000 miles of mostly unguarded
coastline. Customs enforcement at the main international air and
sea ports is adequate, but regional and international cooperation is
needed to close off illegal markets for Madagascar's wildlife. Nine
species of land and freshwater turtles are present in Madagascar,
five of which are endemic. According to some press reports, illicit
traders can sell rare turtles for up to USD 10,000, providing a
substantial incentive for smugglers.

MARQUARDT