The Forestry Development Authority has raised serious concern over illicit trade in protected and endangered species originating from Liberia and is calling on those involved to desist immediately. The FDA said it has received confirmed report of the confiscation by the Belgian Authority of an assortment of animal parts at the Brussels Airport.

According to the report the seized animal parts which include a huge consignment of Ivory and pangolin (Giant Ant Bear) scales originated from Liberia through the Roberts International Airport.

The FDA says the illegal trade in these and other protected species is in sharp contravention of the laws of Liberia and the International Convention on the Trade in Endangered species, (CITES).

The FDA has accordingly requested the Foreign Ministry to liaise with the Government of Belgium to ensure the repatriation of the confiscated animal parts to Liberia and at the same time alerted the Justice Ministry about the illicit trade in a bid to effect the appropriate security measures to curb the unwholesome act.

Meanwhile the FDA is calling on all Liberians and foreign nationals who may have interest in any of Liberia's protected or endangered species to contact its offices as the only state institution mandated to ensure the conservation and protection of these plant and animal species.