LookAtVietnam – Stricter enforcement of laws is needed to curb the increasing exploitation of wild animals in the Cat Tien National Park in the Tay Nguyen province of Lam Dong,

For serious violations such the killing and transportation of rare and precious animals, the fines vary from VND5 million to 50 million, with potential jail terms for serious offenders.

Minh said the illegal hunting, transporting and trafficking of wild animals in the forest had become a worsening problem.

Specifically, the park’s ranger force recently had identified three wild animals trading magnates operating in Cat Tien and Da Teh districts, which transport their gains to HCM City. The force was putting more efforts to catch suspects red-handed, Minh said.

In August alone, the force seized more than 3,600 animal traps and 10 different types of hunting guns from violators, he said, adding that the figures just brushed the surface of the situation.

Traces of animal trapping and hunting could be found everyday in the forest, over thousands of animals were killed every year and even the rare bovine gayal was not an exception, he said.

Despite the increasing number of animal violations, there had not been strict enough punishments and efficient management to prevent wild animal traffickers, Minh said.

The current level of fines set by the Government, range from VND100,000 to VND2 million (US$5.5-108) for people bringing traps and flammable substances with the intention of trapping or hunting into the park was not high enough to deter the violators.

For serious violations such the killing and transportation of rare and precious animals, the fines vary from VND5 million to 50 million ($270-2,700), with potential jail terms for serious offenders. However, the rangers say it is hard to impose the appropriate levels of fines due to the lack of specific regulations on the issue and the diverse character of the violations.

Minh said more provincial co-operation amongst the provinces of Lam Dong, Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc, which share Cat Tien National Park, should be allowed to tackle the alarming level of wild animal trafficking in the region.

According to the park management board, due to size of the national park, more forest rangers are needed as the current limited numbers are overly stretched.

Forest rangers hope to be handed increased powers and complain that due to their limited authority, they find it difficult to deal with serious infringements on the spot, but instead have had to wait for directives from higher level authorities, which is time-consuming.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News