In brief
Three Chinese nationals were caught attempting to export protected hermit crabs from Amami Island, raising questions about their intentions.
Three men, aged 24, 26, and 27, were arrested in Japan for allegedly trying to smuggle live hermit crabs out of the country. The suspects, reported to be Chinese nationals by local media, were detained on Amami Island, a southern region where hermit crabs are considered a protected species. The arrest came after hotel staff noticed rustling noises coming from the men's luggage that they were asked to store. Upon inspection, authorities uncovered thousands of hermit crabs weighing approximately 95kg. A further 65kg of crabs were found in another set of three suitcases belonging to the third man. Police are investigating their motives, and there are possibilities that the men intended to sell, keep as pets, or consume the crabs. A police spokesperson stated, “Our investigation is ongoing to identify whether they had [the crabs] to sell them, or to keep them as pets, or to eat them.” The discovery raised alarms as hermit crabs are described as “a national treasure” due to their contribution to the biodiversity of Amami Island. These crustaceans can frequently be observed along the island's beaches, which attract numerous tourists. Each crab can fetch a price of up to ¥20,000 (about £103), according to reports by the Japan Times. The plight of these animals has sparked discussions regarding wildlife conservation and illegal trafficking in protected species.
