Collaboration is key in the front line battle to protect endangered species

Customs officers and border patrols are engaged in the Disrupt programme to identify and confiscate illegally trafficked animals and animal products across the Middle East and North Africa.

Specialists from the International Fund for Animal Welfare are training officials in how to identify various species and to ensure certified traders are carrying valid permits to transport animals.

So far this year, two training sessions have been completed – one in Morocco and one in Oman – and others are scheduled for Iraq border officials and in the UAE to improve awareness along key transit points into the Gulf.

“We do a lot of this training continuously in the Mena region because it’s an important transit route for illegal wildlife trade from Africa to Europe,” said Kinda Jabi, from the fund’s Middle East and North Africa office in Dubai. “During this training, we provide real wildlife samples for the Customs personnel to practise on so they can see and feel what to look for. We train Customs officials on how to confiscate wildlife, live and products, at airports and seaports in the Mena region.

“The work we do with ministries and governments is to promote animal welfare and build capacity, but they are the ones who carry on and do the great work of confiscations and regulations.

“There are no statistics to be able to tell if demand is increasing but it’s still taking place. The proof is what we are seeing sold in Dubai and Sharjah markets.”

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has a department that continuously checks any information posted online regarding illegal sales of exotic pets.

Federal laws prohibit keeping dangerous wild pets such as lion cubs, cheetahs and cobras. The fund is also involved in awareness campaigns.

Ms Jabi said demand for exotic pets was fuelled by those wishing to exaggerate their social status or who incorrectly believe keeping rare animals at home is protecting them from extinction.

“The ministry has been paying a lot of attention to saving these animals and controlling the trade,” she said.

“A lot of our work revolves around raising awareness in schools to build young students’ attitudes towards wildlife and the right thing to do, and cultivate their interest in the welfare of the animals in their community.”

Nick Webster