Bangkok: The Department of Natural Resources and Environment raided and arrested a man who was in possession of a ‘slow loris’, an endangered wild animal. The arrest came after reports of online trading activities involving protected species.

According to Thai News Agency, the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECD) police apprehended the suspect, Mr. Banphot, following a complaint about online posts advertising the buying and selling of protected wildlife. During a search of Mr. Banphot’s residence, authorities discovered two spotted owls, one slow loris, one yellow-headed pond turtle, and two box turtles.

Police from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, along with other relevant agencies, collaborated to arrest Mr. Banphot for possessing wildlife without permission. The raid confirmed the presence of protected species, which are illegal to own or trade.

Mr. Banphot was charged and taken into custody, along with the seized wildlife, for further legal proceedings. The confiscated animals were handed over to the Wildlife Health Management Group, Wildlife Conservation Office, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation for appropriate care and rehabilitation.

In a statement, Mr. Banphot claimed he had purchased the slow loris some time ago and had been raising it since. He mentioned that he had collected the other animals for personal reasons. Officials reiterated that the slow loris is a protected wild animal, classified as a mammal, and emphasized that it cannot be legally owned, raised, or bred by individuals. The public is encouraged to report any lost or injured wild animals to the Department of National Parks’ hotline at 1362.