Mongabay · Climate & nature

Stolen Lemurs: Bangladesh and India Investigate Potential Trafficking

The theft of three ring-tailed lemurs from Bangladesh's Gazipur Safari Park has highlighted challenges in wildlife conservation and cross-border enforcement, with allegations that two may have been trafficked to India.

News surfaced that two stolen endangered lemurs might be at India's Vantara facility. Vantara denies allegations but offered DNA profiles. Bangladesh lacks prior DNA records, complicating the investigation.

Officials state cross-border investigation is impossible due to a lack of repatriation protocols between Bangladesh and India. Governmental agreement is needed for further action.

The lemurs were stolen in March 2025. One recovered lemur died. Investigations led to arrests, with one accused admitting to smuggling two lemurs to India, though their destination is unknown.

Absence of DNA profiling and microchipping hinders tracing efforts. The DNA profiling process is time-consuming.

Bangladesh's wildlife law lacks provisions for poaching from protected areas, identified as a weakness.

Repatriation is uncertain even if lemurs are found and DNA matches confirmed, due to ownership claims.

Regional platforms like SAWEN facilitate information exchange to combat wildlife crime, stressing cooperation.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.