The World - News from Aug. 12, 1988
Illegal trade in threatened wildlife--from monkeys to crocodiles--is a $1-billion-a-year business, a U.N. official said in Geneva. Despite the busy European summer holiday months, U.N. and customs officials have recently intercepted a large number of live animals and skins, Jean-Patrick Le Duc, a U.N. wildlife scientist, said. Cargoes uncovered in the last 10 weeks either lacked a valid export or import license or were accompanied by bogus permits. Individuals wanting unusual household pets, ranging from pythons to panthers to baby crocodiles, are the main buyers of exotic animals.
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