New technology is being rolled out to counter wildlife trafficking by organised criminals as Australia's native animals come under threat.
A hand-held X-ray scanner has been developed that allows the team at Sydney's Taronga Zoo to detect if native reptiles have been bred in captivity or taken from the wild.
It's hoped the technology will develop to allow the Taronga team to determine where in the wild the lizard was caught so it can be returned to its habitat after trafficking attempts have been foiled.
Eight people have been charged with wildlife trafficking since May with seven people before the courts, the last sentenced to 15 months behind bars.
Offences include attempts to mail 100 native species and 30 live reptiles including skinks hidden in children's dinosaur toys.
Each offence carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to $313,000.
Detected wildlife are sent to Taronga Zoo where they receive health checks and rehomed where possible.
More than 100 seized reptiles have been cared for at the zoo over the past four months.
The animals were part of more than 441 specimens recovered from 117 packages by the specialist environment crime team that works with the Australian Federal Police and Border Force.
There has been an increase in smuggled wildlife, which often arrive at the zoo in poor health, Taronga Conservation Society Australia officer Phoebe Meagher said.
“Taronga is uniquely positioned with the tools and expertise to work together with our enforcement and industry partners to combat illegal wildlife trade," she said.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek wants the book thrown at offenders.
“We have to stamp out this terrible trade which sees our native animals captured in the Aussie outback, bound and gagged, and sent overseas to be sold," she said.
"That’s why we’re boosting our efforts to combat crime here and overseas, using some of the best minds and technology available."
Threatened species including the Red Handfish, Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat and Imlay Mallee are also set for a funding boost with 61 projects awarded grants of up to $500,00 each in a bid to protect native animals.
Projects include reducing bushfire risk to habitats, controlling invasive species like feral cats and weed removal.
Another grant round worth $11.5 million to fast track projects aimed at saving threatened special will open in early 2024 with grants ranging from $30,000 to $3 million.
