Natural History Wanderings

Mong1 Bay reported

• Australian authorities disrupted an alleged wildlife trafficking ring in Sydney, seizing 36 reptiles and about AU$300,000 (more than $215,000) in cash and gold bullion.
• The animals included 28 native Australian reptiles, including shingleback lizards, spiny-tailed skinks and lace monitors.
• This bust was the first major wildlife crime operation conducted by the National Environmental Protection Agency (National EPA), Australia’s new federal environmental regulator.
• The National EPA alleges native reptiles were supplied to foreign nationals for illegal export.

Read more at Reptiles, gold and money: How Australia is cracking down on wildlife trafficking