SA Government and Crime Stoppers SA launch campaign to fight native wildlife crimes within state
The South Australian (SA) Government and Crime Stoppers SA are joining forces via a new campaign to combat the illegal trade of South Australia’s native wildlife.
Helmed by Crime Stoppers, the ‘Stolen, Smuggled and Suffering’ campaign was crafted to showcase the damage associated with crimes targeting wildlife, and the respective penalties that perpetrators of illegal native fauna trading or handling can find themselves facing if they’re caught.
The platform uses digital advertising, social media and traditional media advertising channels to spread its message.
“South Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and fragile species and Illegal wildlife ownership and trade poses a significant threat to these animals,” explained Susan Close MP, minister for climate, environment and water, and deputy premier of South Australia.
“This campaign is about educating the public on their legal responsibilities and empowering people to speak up when they see native animals being kept illegally.
“The community can play an important role supporting native wildlife by reporting an suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers which will help solve environmental crimes and in turn protect native species.”
In SA, individuals can only keep native fauna if they have a permit. People who break this rule risk dealing with penalties that can amount to $10,000.
A number of native species, but particularly small marsupials, birds, reptiles and frogs, have been found to be kept as pets illegally, or are trafficked, in the southern state.
“Wildlife trafficking is the fourth-largest organised crime globally, worth over $450 billion a year, and is often facilitated by groups involved in drug trade and money laundering,” revealed Katie Smith, a research program manager at the University of Adelaide’s Wildlife Crime Research Hub.
“Tip-offs to Crime Stoppers can provide crucial intel to investigate illegal trade and provide insight into the structure of crime networks.
“We support the initiative between Crime Stoppers South Australia and the State Government to safeguard South Australia’s unique biodiversity from the relentless threats of illegal trade and exploitation.”
Smith’s point about tip-offs can be linked to an online portal Crime Stoppers SA provides the public access to, allowing people to send through information on illegal wildlife-related activities, and other environmental offences.
The research program manager’s point about the power of tip-offs was echoed by Crime Stoppers SA’s chief executive officer, Nigel Smart.
As Smart put it: “The public plays a critical role in protecting our native species, and by reporting suspicious activity, they can help ensure our wildlife is preserved for future generations.
“We want to assure the community that information can be shared with Crime Stoppers without needing to say who you are, and we then pass on that information to DEW investigators, so you don’t have to get involved, make a statement or go to court.
“That means whether it’s a neighbour, acquaintance, or business involved in the illegal trade or ownership of native animals, you can report it without fear. Your tip could be the crucial piece of the puzzle that protects vulnerable species.
“What some people may not realise is that keeping native wildlife without the proper permit not only endangers the welfare of the animals but also undermines conservation efforts.”
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Matthew is the editorial assistant at Mumbrella. He joined the company at the end of September 2023.
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topics
Crime Stoppers SA
Katie Smith
native fauna
Nigel Smart
SA Government
South Australian Government
Susan Close MP
University of Adelaide
Wildlife Crime Research Hub
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