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Negev, Israel – Authorities in Israel’s Negev region have discovered another smuggled monkey in a Bedouin village, adding to a growing list of illegally trafficked wildlife recovered in recent weeks.
The latest primate was found chained in an open area near Road 25 and has since been transferred to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) for care, police said in a statement on Monday.
The discovery comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal wildlife smuggling, which has led to the rescue of 12 monkeys and four lions, alongside other exotic animals, from traffickers operating in the region.
An investigation by Army Radio revealed that the animals had been smuggled into Israel using drones from Egypt and Jordan, a method increasingly employed by criminal networks to bypass border security.
Smuggling Ring Busted
Authorities have arrested members of the suspected smuggling ring, who were not only trafficking exotic animals but were also involved in the illegal trade of weapons and drugs.
The Israeli police, in coordination with the INPA, continue to investigate the scale of the operation, as the rescue of wildlife raises concerns about public safety, animal welfare, and the risks associated with the illegal pet trade.
In addition to the rescued monkeys and lions, law enforcement has seized a crocodile, an anaconda snake, several types of lizards, poisonous frogs, and a marsh turtle believed to have been taken from its natural habitat.
These animals were likely intended for the underground exotic pet market, where demand for rare species fuels illicit smuggling networks.
Health and Environmental Concerns
The INPA has warned of the severe health risks posed by smuggled animals, particularly monkeys, which can carry dangerous zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis and rabies, even if they appear asymptomatic.
As a precaution, blood samples from the recently rescued monkey have been sent abroad for specialized testing. Authorities are urging anyone who may have come into contact with the trafficked wildlife to seek medical evaluation to rule out potential infections.
“The illegal wildlife trade not only endangers the animals involved but also poses serious threats to public health and the country’s biodiversity,” an INPA spokesperson said.
“Many of these animals suffer from poor living conditions and stress, which can make them more susceptible to diseases.”
Growing Problem of Illegal Wildlife Trafficking
Wildlife trafficking is a growing issue worldwide, with criminal syndicates exploiting weak enforcement and high demand for exotic pets.
Israel has become a transit point for smuggled animals, with authorities frequently intercepting shipments of protected species.
The use of drones to transport wildlife is a relatively new tactic, highlighting the evolving methods of smugglers attempting to evade detection.
Israeli officials are now working to strengthen regulations and increase penalties for wildlife trafficking, aiming to deter further smuggling attempts.
Meanwhile, the rescued animals are being rehabilitated by experts, with plans to return some to their natural habitats or place them in specialized sanctuaries.
As authorities continue their crackdown, they urge the public to report any suspected illegal wildlife activity, emphasizing that the fight against smuggling requires collective vigilance and cooperation.