Madagascar has launched an operation to repatriate more than 1,000 endangered lemurs and tortoises, seven months after Thai authorities seized them from wildlife traffickers. Officials are calling it the largest return of trafficked species in the island nation's history.
The first group of 16 ring-tailed lemurs arrived at Antananarivo airport on 1 December, marking the start of a major operation to bring home animals that were illegally captured and smuggled out of the country.
"It's such an emotional moment to be here on the tarmac, seeing the lemurs coming out of their cages," said Environment Minister Max Fontaine, as he watched the distinctive orange-eyed primates being unloaded from the aircraft.
Criminal networks
Investigators believe the animals were initially captured along Madagascar's west coast using small illegal boats before being transferred to larger vessels at sea and transported to Thailand, a known hub for wildlife trafficking.
"This is a scourge that's gaining ground in Southeast Asia – the domestication of these wild species that attract particular affection. For example, we've had cases in Hong Kong of people walking tortoises on leashes in the street," Fontaine told RFI.
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The remaining animals awaiting repatriation include radiated tortoises, a species found only in Madagascar. Deforestation and trafficking have devastated their population, which has fallen 75 percent in three decades from 12 million in 1990 to 3 million today.
The case, now classified as transnational organised crime, has already resulted in the deaths of about 50 tortoises and one lemur due to the conditions of their captivity.
The surviving animals are set to be transported under heavy security to the south of the island, where they will eventually be reintroduced to their natural habitat.
International probe
A joint investigation by Thailand's Justice Ministry and Madagascar's Anti-Corruption Unit has so far led to 15 arrests – six in Thailand and nine in Madagascar.
The suspects’ extensive financial resources suggest an organised criminal network, making it challenging to dismantle.
“There are always potential loopholes and forces of evil who are very well-organised because huge sums are at stake,” Fontaine said.
“When it comes to tortoises, they can fetch several thousand dollars. With lemurs, it’s tens of thousands.”
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Corruption challenge
The fight against wildlife trafficking faces significant obstacles from corruption at the highest levels of administration.
For years, Madagascar's forests have been plundered with the complicity of some senior state officials and regional authorities.
Legal measures to protect wildlife are often poorly implemented, further weakened by a lack of funding.
“Less than 1 percent of the national budget is allocated to the Ministry of Environment,” Fontaine said.
This story has been adapted from the original French version by Pauline Le Troquier
