Rare beetles in airport seizure: [1 All-round Country Edition]
Stapleton, John. The Australian [Canberra, A.C.T] 03 Jan 2003: 3.
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Abstract
There is a huge demand for stag beetles in Japan, where collecting them is a hobby akin to keeping koi carp or bonsai. The highest known price paid so far is about $150,000 for a single stag beetle, although breeding programs and intense competition is now driving down the price.
"It is important to ensure the beetles are returned as close to their original habitat as possible because the beetles are quite sensitive and only occupy a specific type of rotten log with a pithy centre."
SIX hundred of the world's rarest stag beetles, believed to be worth at least $1000 each, have been seized at Sydney airport.
The giant, iridescent green stag beetle, prized by collectors, is noted for both its size and unusual horn-like protuberances. It is found only on Lord Howe Island, east of Australia.
There is a huge demand for stag beetles in Japan, where collecting them is a hobby akin to keeping koi carp or bonsai. The highest known price paid so far is about $150,000 for a single stag beetle, although breeding programs and intense competition is now driving down the price.
Early this week customs officials at Sydney airport discovered the 600 Lord Howe stag beetles and 60 larvae in cereal and biscuit packets in the luggage of two Japanese men en route to Thailand.
Dr Chris Reid from the Australian Museum said the beetles could represent a large proportion of the entire world's population of Lamprima insularis, which has no common name.
"This is an event which threatens extinction of this species."
Insect expert with the National Parks and Wildlife Service Simon Nally said it was crucial to get the beetles back to their habitat as the breeding season is due to start shortly.
The unusual task of repatriating the beetles will happen over the next couple of days.
"A lot of detective work will be undertaken to ensure a successful operation," Mr Nally said.
"It is important to ensure the beetles are returned as close to their original habitat as possible because the beetles are quite sensitive and only occupy a specific type of rotten log with a pithy centre."
The beetles are being kept in a customised air-conditioned room to help slow down their metabolism and fed on mango, paw paw, banana and fresh flowers.
Travis Rigbye from the shop Bizarre Pets in Sydney said insects like rare stag beetles are always in big demand.
"People always want something that is a unique creature," he said.
"They go to ridiculous lengths to get rare and beautiful animals."
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