
DENR, cops seize P160K bearded dragon iguanas bound for Cartimar
THE Environmental Protection and Enforcement Task Force (EPETF) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confiscated at least P160,000 worth of undocumented bearded dragon iguanas from a minor at a checkpoint along Quirino Avenue in Manila.
EPETF Executive Director Nilo Tamoria said that in coordination with the Pandacan Police Station, they confiscated 16 juvenile bearded dragon iguanas from a minor who tried to bring the reptiles aboard a motorcycle to Cartimar Market in Pasay City last April 22.
During the arrest, the minor failed to show any permit from the DENR.
Tamoria said that the arrest and confiscation is in response to the directive of
DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu to intensify their apprehension activities against illegal wildlife traders, especially during the pandemic.
` “We are aware that there are those in the illegal wildlife trafficking taking advantage of the pandemic, which is why we are doubly vigilant,” Tamoria said.
The seized reptiles were turned over to the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau for safekeeping at the Wildlife Rescue Center facility in Quezon City.
Tamoria stressed that the trade of captive-bred bearded dragon iguanas is regulated. The reptiles can be sold as pets provided these are covered by permits issued by the DENR.
He explained that transporting and trading of wildlife without necessary permit and proper documentation is prohibited under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.
“Let us obey the regulatory processes required in trading wildlife species, especially those involving exotic species like the dragon bearded iguanas to protect the country’s local wildlife species and ecosystems,” Tamoria said.