WWF report says online wildlife trade on the rise in Myanmar

In this photo released by the World Wildlife Fund, one of 16 tigers cubs seized from smugglers on Oct 26, 2012, has blood samples taken from veterinary team from the wildlife forensic unit to trace the DNA in Chaiyaphum province, Thailand. — AP

BANGKOK: A report by the World Wildlife Fund shows illegal purchases of wildlife online are growing in Myanmar in a threat both to public health and to endangered species.

The report released Friday found that enforcement of bans on such transactions has weakened amid political turmoil following a 2021 military takeover.