Australia
Man Charged for Illegal Possession of Exotic Snakes and Turtles
An Australian man has been charged with illegally possessing 44 exotic reptiles following a Commonwealth search warrant conducted with New South Wales Police. The animals were being kept as pets in tanks and terrariums at the man’s home and included venomous and constrictor snakes, tortoises, turtles, and iguanas. Species seized included Hermann’s tortoises, red-footed tortoises, green iguanas, Burmese pythons, boa constrictors, and ball pythons, several of which are protected under CITES. Authorities also seized pit vipers, Californian kingsnakes, corn snakes, and red-eared slider turtles, which are considered invasive or noxious species in various regions. Under Australian Commonwealth environmental law, possession of regulated exotic wildlife without the required permits is illegal and can carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to A$364,000.
Read moreMan Charged Over Alleged Attempt to Traffic 163 Native Reptiles out of Australia
A 21-year-old man has been charged and remanded in custody in Australia over allegations that he attempted to smuggle 163 native reptiles from Sydney to Hong Kong between December 2025 and March 2026. National Environmental Protection Agency investigators intercepted 38 packages containing shingleback lizards, blue-tongued lizards, dragon species, eastern hooded scalyfoots, and Cunningham’s skinks. The reptiles were allegedly concealed inside parcels containing leather bags and slippers. Investigators allege the man was connected to an international wildlife trafficking network that used an Australian reptile breeder to obtain native animals for illegal export. A subsequent search of the breeder’s residence in Adelaide resulted in the seizure of electronic devices, two dead lizards, and a live lizard reportedly in poor condition. The accused is scheduled to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on October 28, while the investigation continues.
Read more86 Native Animals Seized in Raid on Alleged Wildlife Trafficking Syndicate
Australian authorities seized 86 native animals during a search of a residential property in Dora Creek, New South Wales, on August 5, 2026, as part of an investigation into an alleged wildlife trafficking syndicate operating between Port Stephens and the Central Coast. The seizure included 76 reptiles, nine frogs, and one bird, including 22 venomous snakes such as a coastal taipan, king brown snake, death adders, tiger snakes, and red-bellied black snakes. Investigators also recovered three woma pythons, an endangered green and golden bell frog population, a Goldfields shingleback, and several blue-tongued lizards. An exotic leopard gecko was also seized by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The animals were discovered during an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal trade and possession of protected native wildlife, with authorities continuing to investigate potential members of the trafficking network.
Read moreFiji
Banned Kawakawa, Donu, Turtle Seized at Suva Port
Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries seized prohibited kawakawa (grouper), donu (coral trout), and turtle carcasses from a boat arriving in Suva from Lau. Fisheries enforcement officers discovered the species during an inspection conducted last week, with authorities believing the catch was intended for a Methodist Church conference in Suva. Kawakawa and donu are subject to a seasonal fishing, possession, sale, transport, and export ban through September 30, 2026, while the possession and transport of turtle meat are prohibited year-round. Authorities have not yet determined the quantity seized and will decide whether to issue a warning or impose fines based on the amount involved. Individuals found violating the restrictions can face fines of up to FJ$10,000.
Read more