A stash of over 3,400 bird eggs, including some potentially from threatened species, has been seized in a raid on a property north of Hobart.
The eggs, estimated to be worth up to half a million dollars, were allegedly found hidden at the property as part of a global wildlife crime investigation.
A 62-year-old man is being investigated over the find, accused of stealing bird eggs from the wild and selling them overseas, including those listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
A spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) told Pulse that the man is suspected of having traded eggs with someone in Europe.
They said the Australian native bird eggs seized are suspected to include rare and threatened species such as the Forty-spotted Pardalote, found only in Tasmania on Bruny Island, the Shy Albatross, the Fairy Prion and the Swift Parrot.
“The species will be confirmed following full analysis,” they said, adding that no arrests have been made.
“As the investigation is ongoing, there is currently no court date.”
Penalties under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act include a maximum of seven years in prison or a fine of $138,600 for interfering with threatened and migratory birds.
Exporting Australian native specimens or importing specimens, including eggs, has a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, a fine $330,000, or both.
Possessing endangered specimens can carry a penalty of 5 years imprisonment, a fine of $330,000 or both.
The man was identified as a possible suspect as part of the global investigation, which began in Europe last year.
So far, it has uncovered over 56,000 eggs, including endangered Australian native species.
