South African authorities have arrested two Thai nationals in separate incidents over allegations that they attempted to smuggle parrot eggs out of the country, as officials step up efforts to curb illegal wildlife trafficking.
The latest arrest involved a 50-year-old Thai national who was detained at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on August 20. Authorities allegedly found 50 bird eggs packed inside a homemade incubator carried in his hand luggage.
South Africa’s environment ministry said preliminary investigations indicated the eggs belonged to parrot species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in wildlife and plants. The specific species involved were not disclosed.
A second Thai national, aged 23, was arrested at the same airport on July 16 after allegedly attempting to smuggle 418 parrot eggs concealed in two homemade incubator bags. Thailand’s embassy in South Africa had not immediately responded to requests for comment.
The seized eggs have since been transferred to the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria, where they are being incubated. Officials said several eggs have already hatched, with the chicks receiving intensive veterinary and husbandry care to improve their chances of survival.
The environment ministry warned that the illegal collection and trafficking of parrot eggs could pose a serious threat to wild bird populations and animal welfare. Eggs transported in improvised incubation devices may also face conditions that reduce their chances of survival and put developing embryos at risk.
The arrests followed a joint intelligence-led operation involving South Africa’s Environmental Management Inspectorate, known as the “Green Scorpions”, along with police intelligence, border control and endangered species units.
South Africa has been battling wildlife trafficking involving a range of species and products, including rhino horns, tiger bones, abalone and succulent plants. Authorities are continuing to strengthen enforcement efforts against the illegal wildlife trade.
Those convicted of illegally exporting CITES-listed species in South Africa can face a fine of up to 10 million rand (about £460,000), imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
