Two control campaigns in Sardinia to monitor and combat the phenomenon of illegal animal trade and trafficking were concluded in recent days. The activities, one on the trade of reptiles and the other on ivory, also involved the Cites Carabinieri Nuclei of Sardinia.
The Cagliari unit, in the six checks carried out in September, found three irregularities of a criminal nature for violation of law 150/92 which refers to the Washington Convention, which aims to protect biodiversity by regulating the trade of endangered species of fauna and flora. Specifically, three Italian citizens were reported and the material intended for sale was seized, for a total value of approximately 4,000 euros . Of particular note is the seizure, in the Oristano area, of a carapace of an olive ridley sea turtle , a species widespread in tropical seas and considered "vulnerable", i.e. among those at greatest risk of extinction.
The Carabinieri Forestali call the attention of all citizens before proceeding with the purchase or sale of wild flora or fauna. This is to ascertain whether the specimens are included in the list of species protected by the Washington Convention and, if they are, to verify that there is documentation certifying the lawful origin of the specimens being traded, in the absence of which no trade can take place.
(Unioneonline / r. sp.)
