Many thanks for sharing the details regarding the recent Phelsuma confiscation as you know them now. Please continue to keep us posted with whatever you discover.
Elizabeth Freer
Subj: Re: [Gecko] Phelsuma confiscation rumor
Date: 4/2/02 8:38:46 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Hi Magnus and all,
Does anybody know who tried this stunt !!??
>>>>>>>>>>
Much speculation has taken place about this shipment. Accusations have flown hither and yon and still not all the facts are known but I can safely tell you the following;
1. The importer was L.A. reptile the largest ( probably) importer in the U.S.
2. The animals left Madagascar with permits issued by the "authority" there but I do not know if it was by the new (unrecognized authorty) or the old approved by CITES authority?
3. The animals were confiscated because the U.S. is upholding the "request" of CITES that they do not accept papers from Madagascar due to the fact Madagascar has not done a environmental impact study on the removal and population densities of these animals. This in no way means the animals left Madagascar illegally as many think. The papers were probably correct ( personal belief and knowing the importers for a very long time) What it means is that the U.S. has arbitrarilly taken the CITES request against Madagascar and yet does not enforce this same requirement on most of the other nations that export into the States! Does this mean that all other imports from countries that do not comply with environmental statements and studies are illegal also? In my way of thinking U.S. Fish and Wildlife should be held accountable for this and in reality if the paperwork from Madagascar was valid then I believe U.S. Fish and Wildlife would have a very difficult time in court if it ! ever! reaches that point!
I have not been able to acsertain yet what actually happened to the animals in question. There are many rumors flying that they were euthenized, sent back to Madagascar, sent to zoos, etc etc. I am sure they have been sold to a nearby circus and are now sold as trinkets for people to pin to their lapels and show off with!:-)~
Don Wells
You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks
out its neck.
