Looting in New Zealand


Trampers and hunters are being asked to help authorities stop the smuggling overseas of New Zealand’s protected wildlife.

“Two Czech men were charged yesterday with taking numerous native orchids and plants from New Zealand national parks and smuggling them out of the country. If found guilty, they face fines of up to $100,000 and/or five years’ jail.

Environmental watchdogs applauded the arrests and said charges relating to the smuggling of flowers and plants were rare. New Zealand has about 35 threatened species of orchids.”