K Cham: Images of rare bird trade ‘several years old’
BATHEAY district administration of Kampong Cham province have clarified that images purporting to show wildlife trafficking activities in the district that recently circulated on social media are historic images.
The administration noted that several people had posted complaints about the illegal trading of wildlife that they believed was taking place on National Road 6A, near Spean Tros bridge.
“These images are dated and were first published several years ago. We have repeatedly issued notifications about the prohibition of the theft, storage or trafficking of wildlife. We work closely with the Forestry Administration’s Wildlife Crime Intervention Team and regularly offer education to the citizens of the district,” it said in a notice.
In addition, it detailed how residents who trafficked in wildlife had been asked to sign contracts, given fines or even been sent to court.
“Despite the efforts of the authorities and law enforcement, we acknowledge that there are still a small number of criminals who participate in the wildlife trade. It is important to note that wherever this activity takes place, it is disguised as legitimate business, and not conducted in the open, as the images that are being shared suggest,” said the notice.
The clarification notice was released following an allegation by the Facebook account of Ieng Chandara. Chandara claimed that there were rare and endangered birds for sale in broad daylight and that the authorities appeared powerless to stop the trade.
“I want to ask all authorities who work in the field of bird conservation and protection to take action to end this blatant criminal activity. It is important that the biodiversity and natural treasures of the Kingdom be preserved for future generations. They are also of great value to the tourism industry,” said the account.
The district administration commended the good intentions of the account user, but noted that the images were not current on no such trading was taking place.
“We will continue to cooperate with law enforcement officers to continue to crack down on wildlife crimes,” it said.
It also called on all involved to stop the trade of wildlife and called on people to come forward with any information they had about illegal activities.
The Ministry of Environment and its partner organisations are currently carrying out a zero-snaring campaign in Pursat province. The campaign aims to educate the public about the impact of traps on animal and human life – through altering public perception of the consumption of bushmeat – and eliminate all trapping and snaring.