At the time of inspection, the team found the facility was keeping 75 green iguanas (scientific name: Iguana spp.), with a total weight of approximately 61.8 kilograms. Each reptile measured between 40 to 80 centimeters in length.

This species is listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which requires strict regulation of international trade to avoid threats to their survival.

According to the Forest Ranger Unit, the facility was unable to provide any legal documentation proving the animals’ origins.

The authorities immediately seized the 75 iguanas and transferred them to a secondary care facility located in An Nhon Tay Commune, where they will be cared for and handled in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The case remains under investigation by local enforcement agencies.

Just two days earlier, on December 10, forest rangers had conducted a similar inspection at a facility in Cu Chi Commune, where they seized 362 green iguanas, two Indochinese box turtles, and three African spurred tortoises. None of these animals had accompanying legal documents to verify lawful origin.

In recent months, several residents in Ho Chi Minh City have voluntarily handed over rare and endangered wildlife, including elongated tortoises and Javan pangolins, to the authorities.

Tuan Kiet