In a landmark wildlife crime case, two Italian nationals have been fined a record 60 million Sri Lankan rupees (€180,425) for attempting to smuggle hundreds of insects, including butterflies, out of Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park. This marks the highest-ever fine for a wildlife crime in the country.
The two men, 68-year-old Luigi Ferrari and his 28-year-old son Mattia, both from Modena in northern Italy, were convicted in September of the illegal collection, possession, and transportation of the insects. If they fail to pay the fine by 24 September, they face two years in prison.
The Arrest and Investigation
The incident dates back to 8 May when safari rangers at Yala National Park became suspicious of a car parked on a remote road. According to park officials, the two men had walked into the forest carrying insect nets, raising alarm among the safari park keepers. A search of their vehicle revealed hundreds of jars in the boot, filled with insects, including 92 different species of butterflies.
The insects had been lured using attractants and were intended to be chemically preserved using wax sachets. Unfortunately, all the creatures were found dead due to the chemicals in the containers.
Motives and Background
At the time of their arrest, both men were on vacation in Sri Lanka. Ferrari, a private clinic worker in Italy, is a known insect enthusiast and member of the Modenese Natural Sciences group. Their attempt to smuggle the insects appears to have been driven by personal interest in entomology, though the severe legal consequences highlight Sri Lanka’s tough stance on wildlife protection.
Yala National Park: A Haven for Endangered Species
Yala National Park, where the crime took place, is one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife conservation areas. Spanning nearly 130,000 hectares, the park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, buffalos, and a wide variety of bird species.
Sri Lanka boasts 245 species of butterflies, with 25 of them being endemic to the island. One of the country’s most critically endangered butterflies, the Ceylon rose, is native to these protected areas. Efforts to smuggle wildlife from these regions are seen as a direct threat to the island’s delicate ecosystems.
Historic Verdict in Sri Lanka’s Fight Against Wildlife Crime
The 60 million rupee fine imposed on the Ferraris serves as a stern warning against wildlife trafficking in Sri Lanka. The verdict reinforces the country’s commitment to preserving its biodiversity and underscores the consequences of violating wildlife protection laws.
If the fine is not paid by the deadline, both men could be facing a significant prison sentence, further cementing this case as one of the most significant in Sri Lanka’s history of wildlife crime.
