KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 21 — Police seized a bird of prey of the Black-winged Kite ( Elanus caeruleus ) species estimated to be worth RM100,000 in a raid at Taman Sungai Kapar Indah, Kapar, Selangor yesterday.
The bird, suspected of being kept without a license, was seized in the Khazanah Integrated Operation by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) Federal Reserve Force (PSP) Intelligence Branch in collaboration with the Selangor Wildlife and National Parks Protection Department (Perhilitan).
PSP Commander SAC Rosli Md Yusof said a 21-year-old man was also arrested in the operation at a residence at about 9.40pm that night.
“The suspect failed to produce any authorization documents to own, keep or care for the wildlife during the inspection.”
“The seizure of this species is believed to be among the rare cases of Black-winged Kite ownership reported in wildlife enforcement operations in this country,” he said in a post on the PSP’s official Facebook page today.
However, he said the status of whether it was the first seizure of its kind still needed to be confirmed based on official Perhilitan records.
Rosli said the case was being investigated under Section 68 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), while the suspect was released on bail to enable the Selangor Forestry Commission to complete its investigation.
He said the Black-winged Kite is a species of bird of prey from the Accipitridae family which has a wide natural distribution, particularly in Africa and tropical Asia, as well as being found in several parts of Europe.
“This species is easily recognized by its white and grey body colour, black markings on the wings and red eyes. It usually inhabits open areas and hunts small animals, especially mice,” he said.
He said the success of the operation was the result of information sharing and close cooperation between PDRM and Perhilitan in efforts to combat illegal wildlife ownership and exploitation.
He said that PDRM, through PSP, will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with Perhilitan and related enforcement agencies.
“Any information regarding illegal wildlife ownership, smuggling or trading activities will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
— BERNAMA
