Smuggled Animal Parts

In another life, Francis Gurahoo might have pursued a career as a hairstylist. But the three dozen-or-so plastic hair rollers stashed in his carry-on luggage weren't meant for luscious curls. Instead, authorities found 34 colorful finches inside those rollers - each capable of producing songs worth thousands of dollars.

In a joint operation conducted by the Assam forest department with the wildlife crime control bureau, a major international racket of smuggling animal parts was busted on Sunday.

Malaysia has seized elephant tusks and pangolin scales from Africa worth almost a million dollars, an official said Wednesday, highlighting the country's role as a hub for smuggling rare animal parts.

Poaching, loss of forest, encroaching development and a booming market in smuggled tiger parts in China continue to threaten the endangered animals, experts say, despite the encouraging comeback.

In another life, Francis Gurahoo might have pursued a career as a hairstylist. But the three dozen-or-so plastic hair rollers stashed in his carry-on luggage weren't meant for luscious curls. Instead, authorities found 34 colorful finches inside those rollers - each capable of producing songs worth thousands of dollars.

In a joint operation conducted by the Assam forest department with the wildlife crime control bureau, a major international racket of smuggling animal parts was busted on Sunday.

Malaysia has seized elephant tusks and pangolin scales from Africa worth almost a million dollars, an official said Wednesday, highlighting the country's role as a hub for smuggling rare animal parts.

Poaching, loss of forest, encroaching development and a booming market in smuggled tiger parts in China continue to threaten the endangered animals, experts say, despite the encouraging comeback.