Butterfly thieves handed $200,000 fine in Sri Lanka

In May 2023, two Italian nationals, Luigi Ferrari and his son Mattia, were apprehended at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka for attempting to smuggle a large number of protected insects, including 92 butterfly species. The rangers were alerted by a safari jeep driver who noticed their suspicious behavior. Upon investigation, the rangers discovered hundreds of jars containing dead insects in the trunk of their vehicle, which had been preserved using chemicals. Initially facing 810 charges, the men were later convicted of 304 counts related to illegal collection, possession, and transportation of wildlife. They were fined 60 million Sri Lankan rupees, equivalent to $200,000, marking the highest penalty for wildlife crime in the country. If they do not pay the fine by September 24, they could face up to two years in prison. Luigi Ferrari, an orthopaedic surgeon and insect enthusiast, was reportedly on vacation in Sri Lanka at the time of the incident. Friends and colleagues in Italy have advocated for leniency, arguing that the butterflies had no commercial value. However, experts emphasize that the fine serves as a significant warning against wildlife theft, which is a prevalent issue in Sri Lanka. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife conservation in the region, as well as the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting endangered species. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of preserving biodiversity and the consequences of illegal wildlife trade.