Hundreds of dead Madagascar reptiles and amphibians discovered at airport

Hundreds of dead reptiles and amphibians originating in Madagascar, some of them endangered species, were discovered at a South African airport. More than 1000 animals were in bad condition but alive, and are being treated by veterinarians at a local zoo. From the BBC:

Some of the animals were so tightly packed together that they were unable to move or turn around, local media report. Many of the recovered animals were classified as endangered, vulnerable, or threatened, according to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites). Those on Cites appendix II protocol, meaning that they can be traded, but only with a special permit. The Star newspaper reports that they did have the authorisation but local animal rights groups have called for an investigating into how the consignment came to arrive in South Africa. The NSPCA and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are further investigating the matter. "The authorities suspect that there are South African agents involved [who work as middle men] and once investigations are finalised they would be charged with animal cruelty," said Ainsley Hay, head of the NSPCA's Wildlife Unit. The department will be contacting authorities from Madagascar to discuss what should be done with the animals, until then they will be treated in some zoos locally.

Read more here... Photo: Miona Jeneke/BBC News