Customs Australia Finds Rare Lizard, Turtles in Mail

PERTH, Australia, March 26, 2004 (ENS) - Australian authorities are searching for whoever tried to send 24 oblong turtles and one shingleback skink through the mail to Japan. When International Post Perth discovered four packages containing the animals during a routine screening of outgoing mail, 13 of the rare turtles were dead.

Western Australian Environment Minister Judy Edwards said the suspicious packages were found on Wednesday at the Perth International Mail Centre. “When the packages were opened, 24 turtles and the skink were discovered tightly wrapped in socks - 13 of the turtles were found dead,” she said.

Oblong turtles like those found in the mail have long, flexible necks. (Photo by Greg Consentino courtesy Bill McCord)

The motive for the smuggling is assumed to be financial since these animals are in demand by collectors and zoos. “While prices depend on market demand," said Edwards, "it is thought the skink may be worth up to $4,000 in Japan and the turtles between $1,200 and $1,400 each.”

A type of lizard, the shingleback skink is one of the nearly 150 species of skinks found in Australia, more species than in any other family of reptiles. The shingleback skink is found in southern and western Australia, in desert grassland areas or sandy dunes.

The oblong turtles are also called narrow-breasted snake-necked turtles because of their long, flexible necks that extend far out from their shells. This southwestern Australian species is found in the Perth region.

Turtles are protected animals in Australia, and it is an offence under the Wildlife Conservation Act to take them from the wild without authority. Some of the turtles found in the mail were tiny, with shells no more than 50 millimeters or 1.9 inches in length. The largest measured 30 centimeters or 11.8 inches in shell size, which is about the typical size for this species.

Dr. Judy Edwards is Environment Minister for Western Australia (Photo courtesy Office of the Minister)

“The animals found alive are being cared for by Perth Zoo and selected wildlife carers and are expected to be released back into the wild at a later date.”

Customs Western Australian Regional Director Paul O’Connor said the seizure demonstrates the value of border agencies working together to protect native wildlife.

O’Connor praised the work of Customs, Australia Post and staff of the Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management who worked together to foil the illegal export attempt.

"The illegal smuggling of animals is run by people who are motivated by profit and not at all interested in protecting Australia’s unique wildlife. It poses major threats to our environment," O’Connor said.

Customs investigators are seeking the person or persons responsible for the export attempt. If the perpetrators is found, they will not get off easily.

Stiff penalties apply to cruelty offences under the State Animal Welfare Act and Commonwealth legislation. There are also heavy penalties for trafficking offences under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.