Rangers have seized one of the largest known collections of wildlife in Australia with a total of 1300 animal parts seized, most of which are suspected to have been illegally obtained.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The alleged poaching bust on a home near Darwin followed the arrest of four men by NT Parks and Wildlife Rangers after firearms and dead animals were seized from a vehicle just outside Adelaide River last week.
Police approached a vehicle parked on the Stuart Highway just outside Adelaide River about midnight on Wednesday.
Police spoke with four people inside the vehicle when they saw the firearms and dead wildlife.
The men were arrested on suspicion of poaching and are being questioned further.
Today, the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, Alastair Shields said rangers found nearly a thousand separate native animal parts, including a number of threatened species and more than 300 non-native animals in a raid at Howard Springs, south of Darwin, on Wednesday.
“At this point it is believed the majority of animals seized were birds including Wedge Tailed Eagles and the Territory's iconic Brolga,” Commissioner Shields said.
“Once processed, the seized wildlife could have an estimated value in excess of $500,000 on the illegal market.
“This is a case of suspected illegal activity, under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act for taking and possessing protected and threatened wildlife.
"Wildlife Rangers are working around the clock to examine the evidence, which includes a number of mobile devices and other records, to determine what charges should be laid.
“We take these matters seriously, and will ensure that offenders are brought to justice,” Mr Shields said.
The maximum penalty for illegal taking or possessing protected wildlife is $77,000 or five years imprisonment. For threatened wildlife, the maximum penalty is $154,000 or 10 years imprisonment.
A 32-year-old male has been charged with four counts of discharge firearm on road or public place and four counts of discharge firearm on land without authority. His firearm licence has been suspended.
The man was bailed to appear in the Darwin Local Court on March 14, the other three men were released pending further investigations.
Police will continue to work closely with wildlife rangers in the investigation.
If you know of or suspect someone is involved in wildlife crime contact PWCNT Wildlife Operations on 0401 115 702 (24 hours) or email wildlife.management@nt.gov.au
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
