Mozambique: Portuguese arrested for possessing an endangered species – AIM report

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Mozambique: Portuguese arrested for possessing an endangered species – AIM report

6:45 CAT | 10 Feb 2021

Photo: Ikweli

The Mozambican police arrested on Friday a Portuguese citizen on Mozambique Island, on the coast of the northern province of Nampula, when he was found in possession of at least 79 tortoises of the species astrochelys radiata (radiated tortoise).

According to the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), this is a critically endangered species. Enina Tsinine, spokesperson for the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), on Tuesday told reporters that the trade in endangered species is prohibited by law in Mozambique. The arrest of the Portuguese citizen came after sources tipped-off the police.

“He was arrested in possession of tortoises of a protected species, after the police received several popular denunciations stating that an individual was gathering and keeping tortoises in captivity in his residence on Mozambique Island,” Tsinine said, adding that an investigation is underway to find further details about the incident.

While the investigation continues, the spokesperson said it is known that tortoises came from Madagascar and the individual now under police custody claims to have received the reptiles from his father-in-law but he has no idea about their commercial value.

“I have never bought the animals and I have no intention of selling them. I only gathered them in order to protect them which I have done for the last 16 years,” said the detainee, pointing out that he wanted to seek a legal authorisation to keep them. He said he knew they were a protected species.

He also claimed to have taken the move because the residents of Tocolo (the continental part of Mozambique Island) were selling the reptiles and he spent, every month, 15,000 meticais (200 US dollars at the current exchange rate) to protect the animals.

Also read: Captive-bred radiated tortoises seized in Nampula – Miramar report

But people in Tocolo could not possibly have been selling the radiated tortoise, since it is not native to Mozambique. It is native to Madagascar and has been introduced into Reunion.

Source: AIM