Authorities Seize Tiger Skin Offered for Sale Online in Bolikhamxay Province

Bolikhamxay Province, Lao PDR, 11 November 2025 — Forestry and environmental inspection authorities seized a tiger skin in Pakkading District, Bolikhamxay Province, following an investigation into the suspected online sale of parts from a nationally protected wildlife species.

The operation was conducted as part of Lao PDR’s efforts to strengthen implementation of the Law on Wild Animals No. 42/NA, the Penal Code, the Prime Minister’s Order No. 25/PM, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Authorities have continued to identify cases involving the illegal sale, possession and advertisement of wildlife, wildlife parts and wildlife products at markets, hotels, restaurants, shops, tourist sites and along transport routes. Illegal wildlife products are also increasingly advertised through social media platforms, including Facebook, WeChat, YouTube and TikTok.

Following the detection of an online advertisement, forestry officers monitored the suspected transaction and arranged to meet the seller in the area of Phon Chaleun Village, Pakkading District. During the operation, officers discovered and seized a large animal skin suspected to be from a tiger.

The operation was jointly conducted by forestry officers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection and the Provincial Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection Division of Bolikhamxay Province.

The seized skin weighed approximately five kilograms and measured around 250 centimetres from the head to the base of the body, approximately 360 centimetres from the head to the end of the tail, around 90 centimetres across the abdominal area, and approximately 94 centimetres across the shoulders.

The specimen was subsequently submitted to the Faculty of Forest Science of the National University of Laos, which serves as the CITES Scientific Authority of Lao PDR, for scientific identification. The examination confirmed that the seized specimen was a genuine tiger skin.

Tigers are classified as a nationally protected species and are listed in CITES Appendix I, under which international commercial trade in wild specimens is generally prohibited.

Following confirmation of the species, officers proceeded with interviews and evidence collection to establish the origin of the specimen, its ownership, the history of the attempted sale and the possible involvement of other individuals. The investigation is continuing with a view to taking strict legal action against all persons involved.

The seizure demonstrates the Government of Lao PDR’s commitment to preventing and suppressing wildlife crime, including illegal wildlife trade conducted through online platforms. It also highlights the importance of cooperation among forestry authorities, environmental inspectors, scientific institutions and other law enforcement agencies.

Members of the public, students, government officials, members of the armed forces, police officers, businesses and traders are encouraged to assist authorities by reporting suspected hunting, possession, transport, sale or purchase of protected wildlife and wildlife products.

Violations involving the illegal possession, transport, import, export or trade of nationally protected wildlife, including transactions conducted through social media, may result in criminal prosecution, imprisonment, non-custodial corrective measures and fines in accordance with the Penal Code and other relevant legislation of Lao PDR.

The Government calls upon all sectors of society to contribute to the conservation and sustainable protection of wildlife and to refrain from purchasing, possessing, advertising or trading protected wildlife and their parts or derivatives.

News by: Khemmalai Sondavanh
Photographs: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection
Published by: Information and Communications Technology Division, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment