Half a million lira fine for selling or killing stag beetles, environmentalists warn

Environmentalists warn that the sale or destruction of the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), listed in the Red Book, carries a massive fine.

The stag beetle, which inhabits the Hatay-Amanos mountains in Turkey, is the subject of academic research and is of great importance for ecological balance in nature.

The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks stated that they are currently working on expanding the species' habitat.

The stag beetle, with its characteristic appearance featuring antlers and a large body, contributes to soil health by acting as a "farmer" in forest ecosystems. It has been revealed that the fine for deliberately killing or selling the insect is 557,212 Turkish lira.

It was previously reported that some stag beetles, kept as pets or used in collections in Japan, were sold for prices ranging from $15,000 to $100,000.