Authorities are sending a “clear message” to people engaging in “cruel and inhumane” acts with native wildlife after a man was allegedly caught illegally exporting Australian reptiles and amphibians overseas.
Authorities made the shocking discovery late last year inside food packaging, including dog food bags believed to be from Coles.
Stuffed inside socks and wrapped in foil, investigators from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) found saw-shelled turtles, Cooper Creek turtles, blue-tongued lizards and magnificent tree frogs.
This week, a 28-year-old Chinese national was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment this week. He was convicted of nine charges of illegally exporting native wildlife from Sydney to Hong Kong.
“This sentence sends a clear message that keeping and exporting Australia’s wildlife without a permit is a serious crime,” a spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on Friday.
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The native reptiles and amphibians were found stuffed in socks and wrapped in foil.
(Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW))
According to DCCEEW, the Chinese national used third-party international mail logistics businesses, parcel lockers, and couriers to send parcels overseas between September 2024 and May 2025.
During a search warrant at a residence in Rosebery, New South Wales, in May last year, investigators also seized three saw-shelled turtles and two long-necked turtles, which were found alive and swimming in a bath.
What are the consequences of exporting native wildlife?
Australia’s unique fauna is in “high demand overseas” the DCCEEW said.
In the past year, 113 attempted exports of Australian wildlife have been identified and seized at the border, totalling 1,250 Australian native specimens bound for the overseas illegal wildlife trade.
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The export of regulated native specimens without a permit issued by DCCEEW is an offence and punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for up to 10 years, a $330,000 fine, or both.
The DCCEEW said the illegal international trade of Australia’s wildlife is “cruel and has a devastating impact on our biodiversity”
The 28-year-old Chinese national has been convicted of illegally exporting native animals from Sydney to Hong Kong.
(Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW))
“We take our job of protecting Australia’s unique biodiversity and enforcing national environment law very seriously,” the DCCEEW spokesperson said.
“Licensed reptile breeders, pet stores and hobbyists must help prevent our native animals from falling into the hands of cruel and inhumane illegal wildlife trafficking syndicates,” they said.
“If you attempt to illegally export our native wildlife, your parcel will be intercepted, and our investigators will track you down.
“If you are found to have assisted or procured specimens for those involved in the illicit international wildlife trade, or benefited financially from the commission of these offences, you will be punished under Commonwealth law.”
You can report illegal wildlife activities on the DCCEEW website or call 1800 110 395.
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