These shocking images show the carcasses of over 1,000 animals including endangered species and bears whose paws had been severed after cops dismantled a huge underground wildlife poaching and trafficking ring.
Authorities in the county of Mei in north-western China’s Shaanxi Province have uncovered some 1,029 animals, most of which are endangered species protected by the state.
Images from busts across seven provinces and 12 cities show the carcasses of rare animals such as Asian black bears (Ursus thibetanus) and dwarf musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), which are native to the forests of Mount Taibai, the 3,750-metre (12,300-foot) main peak of the Qinling mountain mange.
The protected area is home to 23 protected species, including Asian black bears, dwarf musk deer, golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) and even giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).
Authorities who began investigating in August 2018 say they listened in on two-way radio conversations in which suspects spoke in jargon to avoid being caught when discussing the illicit trade of protected wildlife.
Found in refrigerated store rooms were two intact Asian black bear carcasses, two biles, and four bear paws, which sell for tens of thousands of pounds on the black market for exotic delicacies.
Large amounts of deer and wild boar (Sus scrofa) – two particularly popular game meats – were also discovered.
Authorities have shed light on the endangered animals’ final moments, saying most were poached using homemade electric traps capable of delivering fatal shocks exceeding 10,000 volts.
Announcing one of Shaanxi Province’s largest wildlife trafficking busts today, forestry police said 48 suspected had been arrested as of 30th November last year.
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Story By: Scott Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: AsiaWire
