960406

Computerised system

to check animal

smuggling

ISLAMABAD: British custom officials have unveiled a new weapon in their battle against endangered animal smugglers, which enables them to identify even the rarest species in a matter of seconds, Dubai TV reported.

They have installed a new computerised image system to identify any unusual animal. The system has already proved so successful at Heathrow Airport that it will soon be used at dozens of different locations.

Besides checking both the English and Latin names of animals, details of their appearance and colour can be fed into the computer until the animal is identified accurately and instantly. A suspected animal cargo is immediately taken to the quarantine building for examination to check if the animals are correctly declared.

The confiscated animals are sent to zoos and wild life parks throughout Britain. The work of the team is the first in Europe and it will go a long way in stamping out of the worldwide trade in illegal animals.

The enforcement team based at London's Heathrow Airport was set up in 1992, in recognition of the growing trade in illegally imported animals. Its part of Britain's commitment to convention on international trade in endangered species.-APP