In a decisive move to protect biodiversity and uphold international environmental commitments, Egypt’s Acting Minister of Environment and Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, has ordered the confiscation of several endangered animals and birds found illegally held at a café in Alexandria.
The intervention follows a citizen report to the Ministry of Environment alerting authorities to the unlicensed possession of rare wildlife, in violation of both Egyptian law and the CITES Convention — the international treaty regulating the trade in endangered species.
A special inspection committee, dispatched by the Alexandria branch of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, uncovered a disturbing collection of endangered and protected species. The animals included 4 foxes, 2 snakes, 2 eagles, 1 buzzard, 2 peacocks, 1 pelican, 2 vervet monkeys, 2 monitor lizards, and 2 desert lizards
The animals were seized and promptly transferred to Alexandria Zoo, where they will receive proper care until the Public Prosecution Office issues a final ruling. Legal action has been initiated against the owners under Article 28 of Egypt’s Environmental Law No. 4 of 1994, which strictly prohibits the hunting, trading, or display of endangered wildlife without official authorization.
“The illegal possession and exhibition of endangered species is not only a violation of national law but a serious environmental crime,” Dr. Awad emphasized. “Protecting biodiversity is both a national priority and an international obligation.”
She further urged the public to report any similar violations, stressing that the unauthorized handling or trade of endangered wildlife disrupts the delicate ecological balance and poses long-term threats to local and global ecosystems.
This enforcement action aligns with Egypt’s broader strategy to preserve biodiversity, maintain environmental balance, and comply with international conservation agreements. Officials reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on wildlife crimes, which threaten species survival and undermine environmental sustainability.
Contact Information for Reporting Environmental Violations:
Citizens are encouraged to report environmental violations via the Ministry of Environment’s hotline or official website.
