New Zealand's green geckos will be given more protection
against smuggling following a decision at the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species conference in
Bangkok, Thailand.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith said all nine species of
geckos will be protected making their export without proper
authority illegal.
"Green geckos are found nowhere else in the world and have
been targeted regularly in recent years due to the high value
placed on them by collectors fascinated with their bright
colour and striking markings.
"The Government has responded by promoting tougher penalties
for smugglers caught on our shores under the Conservation Law
Reform Bill, which I hope to pass this year.
"It's important we send a message that our endangered
wildlife is off limits and thanks to the assistance of the
international community we are now in a stronger position to
deter would-be smugglers from trying to pilfer our valuable
wildlife."
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