DOC rangers could be given the power to arrest poachers, under just-introduced legislation.
The Wildlife (Powers) Amendment Bill would also give specially trained rangers the ability to seize evidence, such as laptops or mobile phones.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry said poaching and smuggling of native animals like tuatara, geckoes, and parrots is completely unacceptable.
She said the hunting of protected species is also a problem, but this bill should stop all of that.
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