Rare ‘Leopard Gecko’ seized at NAIA

A PARCEL from Thailand containing a live ‘Leopard Gecko’ was seized by the Bureau of Customs- NAIA (BOC-NAIA) in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a belated report, NAIA district collector, Carmelita Talusan, said the rare species (scientific name: eublepharis macularius), worth P20,000, was seized last July 5, 2021 and is now under the custody of the DENR after it was discovered on its arrival at the Paircargo warehouse without any import permit.

Talusan said she was informed by the DENR that gecko is a species regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) and protected under Republic Act (RA) No. 9147 otherwise known as the Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Its collection from the wild as well as trade requires import permit from the Biodiversity Management Bureau under the DENR.

Violation of RA 9147 is punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment and a fine up to P300,000.00.

Talusan added the DENR will pursue the case building and prosecution against the importer who was not named, however.