Unfortunately a lot of the exotic animals are not imported legally. They're brought across the border from Saudi and are "missed" at the crossing point.

Also, they are sometimes listed as something they are not on import manifests and no check is done or wasta or money plays a part.

I do believe the Qatari Government is a sincere signatory to the CITES treaty - but sometimes those who are supposed to carry out the day to day tasks to enforce that treaty do not do so.

Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"