On the Trail - Robin des Bois

condor hunters in Ecuador (see On the Trail No. 1),
they liked to be photographed with their trophies.
The CD-Roms were seized by police. Several other
poachers are members of the gang.
MacQueen’s bustard © Sergey Yeliseev
Seizure of a living eagle owl (Bubo bubo, Appendix
II)
Bansthali, Katmandou, Central Development
Region, Nepal
July 12 th , 2013
The distribution area of the eagle owl is very
large, extending from Asia to Europe through the
Middle East. It can reach 75 cm tall, a wingspan of
188 cm and can live up to 60 years. The species is
mainly endangered by poaching and the stealing
of its eggs. Captures in its natural environment
take place principally in Nepal and are destined to
Pakistan and China. The eagle owl is the object of
obscure “scientific research”, is used as a pet or as
interior decoration after being stuffed. The species
is equally sensitive to the thinning of its habitat and
to its prey becoming scarcer. 5 suspects have been
arrested while negotiating the price of the bird,
around 100 euros.
Peniscola, Castellon Province, Spain
July 22, 2013
The animals were seized during the operation
Chrysalis. The investigation began when 5 Eurasian
eagle-owls and a Harris hawk were discovered at
private homes. The main suspect is the manager of
the Arte Halcon company, «The Art of the Falcon,»
which has been operating for 16 years and offers
services in controlling wildlife populations (birds,
insects, rodents ...). At least 5 Spanish airports have
employed the services of Arte Halcon which sends
out its birds of prey to chase away other birds. Castellón
Airport pays 90,000 euros per year to Arte
Halcon for these services. The company also carries
out exhibitions of birds of prey. The manager was
arrested. He is accused of smuggling wildlife and
forgery. He denies the facts. 20 animals were also
found in a freezer.
Seizure of 143 birds including 30 Philippine hanging
parrots (Loriculus philippensis, Appendix
II), 2 luzon rufous hornbill (Buceroshydrocorax,
Appendix II), 2 black-capped lory (Lorius lory),
Appendix II) and 1 tarictic hornbill (Penelopides
Panini, Appendix II).
Cebu city, Province of Cebu, Philippines
July 27, 2013
The majority of the seized birds are lovebirds (genus
Agapornis) which are popular in private homes
as pets. The Philippine hanging parrots, the luzon
rufous hornbill and the tarictic hornbill are endemic
species. The birds were taken to a shelter in Cebu.
Loriculus philippensis © R.D. Nabong
Seizure of 123 animals including 5 Eurasian
eagle-owls (Bubo bubo, Appendix II ), a Harris
hawk (Parabuteo hawk , Appendix II) and an
unknown number of falcons (genus Falco, 9 species
listed under CITES in Spain), spotted eagle
owl (Bubo africanus, Appendix II) and a lynx
( Lynx, Appendix II)
Seizure of the meat of 3 Darwin’s rheas (Pterocnemia
pennata, Appendix I or II) and 2 guanacos
(Lama guanicoe, Appendix II)
Paso Cordova, Province of Rio Negro, Argentina
July 28 th , 2013
The meat, along with a gun, a long-range rifle, and
a knife were discovered in a truck during a routine
control check. The driver could not justify the presence
of the firearm or of the meat in his vehicle.
7
On The Trail # 2. Robin des Bois