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A South Korean citizen has been sentenced in the Manukau District Court for purchasing and attempting to export jewelled geckos/moko kākāriki, a protected native species.
Gunak Lee was caught in an undercover operation involving the Department of Conservation, the Ministry for Primary Industries and New Zealand Police. He was charged under the Wildlife Act 1953 for buying absolutely protected wildlife, and under the Trade in Endangered Species Act 1989 for possessing a threatened species with intent to illegally export. He pleaded guilty to both charges and received a 14-month prison sentence. US$15,000 used for the illegal purchase was forfeited to the Crown.
Lee visited New Zealand for three days in October. On the morning of his departure, he met an undercover DOC officer at a hotel and agreed to purchase ten live geckos for US$15,000 (more than NZ$26,000). The officer provided a bag containing two visible geckos and a package underneath. Lee paid US$5000 upfront before taking the package to confirm it contained eight additional geckos. He was arrested shortly afterwards, and the two geckos used in the operation were recovered unharmed and returned to DOC.
DOC wildlife crime team leader Dylan Swain says jewelled geckos are highly sought after in the international illegal reptile trade.
“Poachers are targeting jewelled geckos due to their rarity, distinctive features, and striking colouration. A single gecko can sell for over NZ$14,000 in Europe. There was a spate of poaching jewelled geckos a decade ago, and they continue to be a target in poaching attempts in New Zealand. They have also been found in illegal collections overseas.”
Jewelled geckos are found only in New Zealand and are classified as ‘at risk – declining’. Adults reach around 155–170mm in length and can live for more than 20 years. The species is located in pockets across Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
“Illegal wildlife trade is a serious and ongoing threat to native reptiles,” Dylan says. “Many of our lizard species live in small, discrete populations, so any poaching of animals from the wild can have a significant effect on the species at a local level. It undermines the incredible conservation efforts of so many New Zealanders.”
“It’s a welfare issue for trafficked reptiles, too. They are often transported over long time periods in crude containers without proper ventilation, temperature control or food. Some estimates suggest that up to 80–90 per cent of reptiles die before they are sold or delivered to buyers.”
Dylan says the trade is globally significant.
“Illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth between US$7–23 billion annually. On top of threatening ecosystems and species, the trade fuels corruption and organised crime activities such as money laundering and false document production.”
He says members of the public can help DOC by reporting suspicious activity.
“If people see concerning behaviour while out in nature, we encourage them to call the 24-hour hotline on 0800 DOC HOT (362 468) or email [email protected].”
