Environment Ministry Seizes Protected Wildlife From Cairo Market

The Ministry of Environment has seized a number of protected reptiles from Souq Diana in Cairo during an inspection targeting the illegal wildlife trade.

Carried out by the ministry's Nature Protection Sector, the operation resulted in the confiscation of 10 agamas and a number of wild turtles that were allegedly being traded in violation of Egypt's environmental protection laws. The animals were placed under official custody, while legal proceedings were initiated against those involved.

The ministry said the inspection forms part of ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and combat the illegal trade in wild animals. Under Article 28 of Law No. 4 of 1994, and its subsequent amendments, hunting, capturing, displaying, possessing or selling protected wild birds and animals without the necessary licences is prohibited.

Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad called on members of the public to report illegal wildlife activities, including the sale or private ownership of protected species, to support national efforts to conserve Egypt's biodiversity and enforce environmental regulations.