28/06/2026
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28/06/2026
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MUSCAT, Jun 28: Authorities in Oman have foiled an attempt to smuggle an endangered Omani spiny-tailed lizard at Muscat International Airport, the Environment Authority announced.
The suspect was intercepted during a joint operation involving the Environment Authority, the Royal Oman Police, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources while attempting to illegally transport the protected species, identified as the Omani spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx thomasi).
The species is classified as endangered and is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade in threatened wildlife.
The Environment Authority said legal action has been initiated against the offender for violating Oman’s wildlife protection laws, adding that the necessary measures were taken following the discovery of the smuggling attempt.
The authority stressed that continued coordination between government agencies is essential to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking and protect Oman’s biodiversity.
It warned the public against trading, harming, or transporting protected wildlife species, saying violators could face legal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of seized animals.
The incident comes amid growing regional efforts to curb wildlife smuggling, with airports in the Gulf frequently used as transit points for illegal trafficking of rare animals. Recently, authorities at Dubai International Airport uncovered a suitcase containing more than 200 live animals, including lizards, snakes, scorpions, and frogs, some of which were suspected to be protected species.
