Tasmanian man under investigation for allegedly smuggling endangered rare bird eggs overseas

A Tasmanian man is under investigation for allegedly collecting and smuggling endangered rare bird eggs to people overseas.

Thousands of eggs from endangered rare birds in Tasmania have been seized during an international egg-smuggling investigation.

Australian authorities swooped on a property in Granton, Tasmania, where more than 3400 eggs were seized on July 9.

A 62-year old Tasmanian man is alleged to be involved in the international operation, with authorities claiming he collected and harvested bird eggs from the wild and traded them with people overseas.

The investigation into the illegal harvesting, collecting and trading of bird eggs was launched last year in Europe.

A 62-year old Tasmanian man is alleged to be involved in the international operation, with authorities claiming he collected and harvested bird eggs from the wild and traded them with people overseas. Picture: DCCEEW

Search warrants resulted in more than 56,000 eggs being seized, including Australian native species, threatened and migratory birds.

Authorities believe the Tasmanian man sent native Australian eggs taken from wild nests to at least one European offender in exchange for eggs that were sent to him.

No charges have been laid, but the man is expected to front court at a later date for offences committed against the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999.

The eggs seized at the Tasmanian property were valued at about $500,000. Picture: DCCEEW

A Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water spokesperson said the collection of eggs seized during the search warrant was estimated to be valued between $400,000 and $500,000.

“The Australian native bird eggs seized are suspected to include rare and threatened species such as the forty-spotted pardalote (found only in Tasmania), the shy albatross, the fairy prion, and the swift parrot.

“They are all facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

“The species will be confirmed following full analysis.”

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said wildlife crime was a ‘terrible trade. Picture: DCCEEW

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said illegal trafficking and wildlife crime was fast becoming a threat for many of our species that were already at risk of extinction.

“We have to stamp out this terrible trade which sees our native animals captured in the Aussie bush 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.

“My message to these criminals is we will not stop until we shut down this cruel trade.

“We’re determined to better protect our precious native plants and animals so they can be enjoyed by our kids and grandkids.”

Originally published as Tasmanian man under investigation for allegedly smuggling endangered rare bird eggs overseas