South African authorities have arrested two Thai nationals in separate incidents for allegedly attempting to smuggle endangered parrot eggs out of the country, in a bid to curb the ever-thriving wildlife trafficking trade.

The first suspect, a 50-year-old Thai national, was nabbed at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on 20 August. His crime? Carrying 50 bird eggs in a homemade incubator tucked inside his hand-luggage bag, according to South Africa's environment ministry.

The ministry noted that preliminary investigations suggest the eggs belong to parrot species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), which exists to ensure that international trade doesn't drive species to extinction. Because apparently, some folks need a treaty to tell them not to stuff endangered eggs in their carry-on.

Not to be outdone, a 23-year-old Thai national was arrested at the same airport on 16 July, allegedly trying to smuggle a whopping 418 parrot eggs in two homemade incubator bags. Thailand's embassy in South Africa hasn't responded to requests for comment - probably too busy incubating their own surprises.

South Africa is currently battling wildlife smuggling on multiple fronts: poached rhino horns, bones of illegally farmed tigers, abalone shellfish, and succulent plants. It's a veritable buffet of illegal animal parts and plants.

The environment ministry issued a statement, saying: "The illegal collection and trafficking of parrot eggs pose a serious threat to wild bird populations and animal welfare. Eggs are often concealed in improvised incubation devices and transported under conditions that significantly compromise their viability and endanger the welfare of developing embryos and hatchlings." In other words, these smugglers are not exactly running a five-star avian resort.

Meanwhile, staff at the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria are playing avian nannies, incubating the seized eggs. "Several of the rescued eggs have successfully hatched and the chicks are receiving intensive veterinary and husbandry care to maximise their chances of survival," the ministry added. So there's at least a silver lining for some lucky chicks.

The arrests were the result of a "joint intelligence-driven operation" led by the Environmental Management Inspectorate - affectionately known as the "Green Scorpions" - along with police intelligence, border, and endangered species units. Because when it comes to stopping parrot egg smugglers, you need a team with a sting in its tail.

South Africa's penalties for illegal export of Cites-listed species include a fine of 10 million rand (about £460,000), up to 10 years in prison, or both. That's a hefty price for a hobby that likely ends with a lot of scrambled plans.