What's happened
A 28-year-old South Korean was arrested at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport for attempting to smuggle 320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes, and nine bullet ants concealed under his clothing. The wildlife trafficking incident highlights the ongoing illegal trade in endangered species, particularly as demand rises during the holiday season.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the man was found with '320 tarantulas, 110 centipedes and nine bullet ants' concealed under his clothing, highlighting the scale of the smuggling attempt. The Metro reported that the creatures were 'concealed beneath his jumper', emphasizing the lengths individuals will go to in order to traffic wildlife. Experts like Chris Hamilton from Idaho University noted that 'tarantulas are especially vulnerable to poaching' due to their long lifespan and reproductive patterns, which complicate population recovery. This incident underscores the urgent need for effective wildlife protection measures.
How we got here
The incident occurred on November 15, 2024, as the man was traveling back to South Korea with a stopover in France. Authorities discovered the creatures hidden in zip-lock bags secured around his body, raising concerns about illegal wildlife trafficking.
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.