Succulent smuggling
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
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For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
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- BCSS Member
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- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
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Re: Succulent smuggling
She is an amateur:
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspee ... ICbWZSoONw
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspee ... ICbWZSoONw
- Stuart
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Re: Succulent smuggling
I'm assuming the evidence described with a 'black stocking' label meant that they were wrapped in a black stocking. She can't have worn them with all those Lithops stuffed down them. The South African smuggling deserves wider publicity.
Stuart
Stuart
- el48tel
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Re: Succulent smuggling
Two comments .....
Having been through the Biosecurity checks a few times going into NZ, I'll say it's a tightly controlled process, and they are thorough .... even one speck of suspect material on my walking boots was scrutinized and then meticulously decontaminated.
Whilst we have people who "must have", we'll have people who will go to any risk to supply.
Having been through the Biosecurity checks a few times going into NZ, I'll say it's a tightly controlled process, and they are thorough .... even one speck of suspect material on my walking boots was scrutinized and then meticulously decontaminated.
Whilst we have people who "must have", we'll have people who will go to any risk to supply.
Endeavouring to grow Aylostera, Echinocereus, Echinopsis, Gymnocalycium, Matucana, Rebutia, and Sulcorebutia. Fallen out of love with Lithops and aggravated by Aeoniums.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
Currently being wooed by Haworthia, attempting hybridisation, and enticed by Mesembs.
Re: Succulent smuggling
Estimated value £2.23 per plant.Terry S. wrote: ↑Thu Feb 04, 2021 11:54 am She is an amateur:
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspee ... ICbWZSoONw
I like that the South African Police Service badge has a tree aloe. Not so good that they have to put a plea on their website: "Stop killing our police". Amazing that they can spare the time and resources for wildlife crime.
Asclepiomaniac. Armchair ethnobotanist.
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
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Re: Succulent smuggling
Seeing Terry’s post and mention of court made me wonder what had happened about Rod and Rachel Saunders case. Latest I could find was that the 3 alleged murderers were going for pre trial at Durban High Court May 29 last year.
Re: Succulent smuggling
The plants seized in New Zealand appear to be cultivated material of course. Even though most of what we can see is South African in origin, there is no way that tourists can visit that country at the present time. The people arrested recently in RSA would have been locals who probably do not get the level of fines that are levied on foreign poachers.
The RSA police of course do not have the resources to work very much against wildlife crime although I think that awareness levels are being raised. There was a recent British TV news item on them intercepting a pangolin that was being traded for its value in traditional medicine in the far east.
The RSA police of course do not have the resources to work very much against wildlife crime although I think that awareness levels are being raised. There was a recent British TV news item on them intercepting a pangolin that was being traded for its value in traditional medicine in the far east.
Re: Succulent smuggling
Delayed by the defendants causing trouble in prison and having to be moved. Now further delayed as all KwaZulu-Natal cases are postponed due to covid. The new date for the next court session is the 8th of March.Herts Mike wrote: ↑Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:06 pm Seeing Terry’s post and mention of court made me wonder what had happened about Rod and Rachel Saunders case. Latest I could find was that the 3 alleged murderers were going for pre trial at Durban High Court May 29 last year.
https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south- ... t-on-hold/
Asclepiomaniac. Armchair ethnobotanist.
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
Occasional, eclectic blogger:
http://pattheplants.blogspot.com/
- MikeT
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Re: Succulent smuggling
The article Terry has given the link to states, "The Commander of Namakwa Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Captain Karel du Toit ...."
Karel's unit is dealing specifically with crimes like this (along with farm stock theft/rustling). It helps that he has a very good knowledge of succulents.
Details of another success for his unit.
Mike T
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
Sheffield Branch
BCSS member26525
- Ali Baba
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Re: Succulent smuggling
I wonder what kind of a dent is caused to the wild populations by collecting say 4000 conos?