Wildlife protection: rescue of Asiatic black bear cubs

In a significant move against wildlife crime, the Environmental Police in Laos have rescued 16 Asiatic black bear cubs from the clutches of a wildlife trafficker in Vientiane. These cubs were destined for a grim fate, likely to spend their lives in illegal bear bile farms, subjected to the extraction of bile for traditional Asian medicine.

ILSTA, Lux Dev stand proudly behind the Environmental Police, offering unwavering support to enhance their capacity for conducting advanced investigations into illegal wildlife crime. Over the past two years, ILSTA has diligently engaged in training and capacity-building efforts alongside the Environmental Police and other wildlife law enforcement agencies, with a steadfast commitment to long-term solutions.

Luxembourg recognizes the importance of environmental and wildlife protection, reflecting its deep-seated values. ILSTA remains dedicated to bolstering the efforts of Lao PDR in combatting the illegal wildlife trade and addressing the challenges investigators encounter in bringing perpetrators to justice.

With tigers and leopards recently declared extinct in Laos, the Asiatic black bear stands as one of the last remaining large carnivore species in the region. These bears are classified under CITES Appendix I, prohibiting international trade, and are fully protected under national wildlife laws, forbidding hunting, trade, and captivity.