Joint operation by Singapore and South Africa leads to 55kg rhino horn seizure in Johannesburg

Earlier this month, Interpol reported that more than 30,000 live animals were seized across 134 countries, including Singapore, as part of Operation Thunder 2025 – a global crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking.

In support of this, NParks conducted raids at six premises across Singapore on Oct 9, targeting people suspected of engaging in illegal wildlife trade through online platforms, including Telegram.

Sixteen specimens were seized, including endangered species such as yellow-headed day geckos, a leopard tortoise, a spiny-tailed monitor and an Argentine black and white tegu. 

The animals are being housed and cared for at NParks’ Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation.

APPOINTMENTS

Singapore also marked several milestones at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CITES CoP20) held in Uzbekistan from Nov 24 to Dec 5.

NParks’ director of biorisk and biosurveillance, Dr Alwyn Ta,n was elected as one of two alternate members representing Asia on the Animals Committee. It is one of the three permanent committees at CITES.

In his role, Dr Tan will contribute his expertise to shaping global wildlife trade policy. His term began after CoP20 and will conclude at the start of CoP22.

Meanwhile, Dr Wong was appointed as chair of Committee II at CoP20, making her the first Singaporean to helm one of the two main committees at a CoP. 

She presided over discussions on more than 100 agenda items, including financial matters and strategic issues such as livelihoods, species conservation and trade.