Finnish customs tightens controls on endangered species smuggling

Finnish customs is intensifying checks on the import and export of endangered animals and plants at border crossings in Upper Lapland in the coming days, with a focus on the eggs and chicks of wild bird species.

According to Rauli Kukkamaa, a customs inspector in Utsjoki, collectors target eggs from all bird species, but those of hawk species command particularly strong international demand. Northern goshawks, larger than their southern European counterparts, are prized for falconry, while collectors also seek chicks for their collections.

Teemu Lehtiniemi, conservation and research director at BirdLife Finland, notes that northern species are targeted because they are unavailable elsewhere in the EU. Waders such as the ruff, as well as the black-headed gull, common tern, and other species like the western capercaillie, also attract collectors.

“For these people, the collection must be as comprehensive as possible,” Lehtiniemi said.

Customs reports that enforcement has uncovered cases stemming from public ignorance, as well as deliberate attempts at misuse and criminal activity. Kukkamaa describes the smuggling as highly organized, with perpetrators using rented cars from Sweden and false identities.

“This is not the work of amateurs,” he said.

Lehtiniemi adds that the illegal trade in endangered species is global, with significant sums of money involved, and birds and their eggs are among the most sought-after commodities. While local populations of endangered species may be affected, enhanced surveillance has kept the impact relatively limited.

Kukkamaa urges the public to report suspicious individuals or vehicles in areas where endangered birds nest. Reports can be made to customs via a tip form or by phone, though he notes that many legitimate birdwatchers also frequent these areas.