ANIMAL SMUGGLING IN SINGAPORE: KEY FINDINGS AND CHALLENGES

The National Parks Board (NParks) and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) have reported a significant increase in animal smuggling cases in Singapore in 2024, with 42 cases detected, compared to 35 in 2023.

Types of Animals Involved in Smuggling Cases

• Exotic birds
• Kittens
• Puppies
• Asian Arowana fish
• Live wildlife, including 18 cases

The majority of cases involved pet animals, but there was also an increase in the number of cases involving the illegal importation of live wildlife, with 80% more cases than in 2023.

Seized Animals and Premises

Number of animals seized	240+
Premises involved	30+

According to Ms Xie Ren Hui, director of wildlife trade at NParks, the agency has detected more exotic wildlife cases, using technology such as mobile X-ray scanning machines, in partnership with the ICA and Singapore Customs.

Reasons for Increase in Exotic Wildlife Smuggling

• Novelty reasons
• Lack of awareness about approved pets
• Easy access to social media and online marketplaces

Ms Xie noted that one of the reasons for the increase in demand for exotic wildlife as pets may be due to the novelty factor, as well as the limited list of approved pets.

Illegal Transit of Wildlife

Date	Event	Description
April 2019	Singapore authorities seized pangolin scales	Close to 13 tonnes of scales, worth more than S$52 million
October 2022	Singapore authorities seized rhinoceros horns	20 pieces, with a wholesale value of more than S$1.2 million
July 2022	Singapore authorities seized elephant ivory	8.8 tonnes, worth more than S$17 million

Efforts to clamp down on the illegal trade of endangered wildlife have increased in recent years, with the Endangered Species (Import and Export) (Amendment) Bill being changed in 2022 to strengthen enforcement.

Challenges in Combating Animal Smuggling

• Established transport infrastructure
• International collaboration
• Education and awareness

Associate Professor Adrian Loo, deputy director at the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, noted that animal smuggling continues to thrive due to demand, and that established transport infrastructure makes it easier for smugglers to operate.

Addressing the Issue

• International cooperation
• Education and awareness
• Strong networks built by youths

Singapore is hosting the inaugural five-day CGYN Summit, a forum for youths to learn about the challenges facing the wildlife trade. Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating wildlife smuggling.

Conclusion

Animal smuggling remains a significant issue worldwide, and Singapore is not immune to it. The NParks and ICA have reported a significant increase in cases, and efforts to address the issue are underway. However, more needs to be done to combat this complex problem.