Improving care for trafficked wildlife in Uzbekistan

Ensuring care after confiscation

One of the most complex challenges in wildlife crime cases is what happens to the animals after they are seized. Where should they go? Who provides veterinary care for them? How can authorities ensure these animals are properly documented as evidence while also safeguarding their welfare? We brought Uzbekistan's experts together to discuss these challenges and their solutions.

Experts from Tashkent Zoo and the wildlife nursery at Zarafshan National Park shared their experience in rehabilitating animals and providing temporary housing for confiscated wildlife. Their insights highlighted the importance of having trained staff and appropriate facilities ready and available for live animals seized.

Participants from the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change also discussed the documentation and procedural regulation gaps that exist in Uzbekistan's current legislative framework regarding the period from the moment of seizure until a final court decision determining future of the confiscated animal(s).

For the specialists from the Institute of Zoology, it is important to involve qualified experts in these legal cases and include genetic DNA analysis as part of this.

Building a better future for rescued wildlife

As a result of this meeting and training, the experts recognised the urgent need for adequate infrastructure to care for confiscated wildlife in Uzbekistan. They support establishing a national rehabilitation centre dedicated to caring for wildlife rescued from illegal trade-one that could provide veterinary care, temporary housing, and legal support for animals intercepted at the border, particularly for reptiles and birds frequently trafficked through the region. Ideally, this centre would be in proximity to Tashkent International Airport to allow authorities to respond quickly when trafficked animals are discovered during international transport.

The delegates also underscored the importance of developing regional rehabilitation centres for native species across the country, and strengthening the ability and capacity of the Tashkent Zoo to care for animals seized, such as primates, wild cats, and other wildlife.

Giving rescued animals a second chance