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US Museum Curator Detained in Turkey for Endemic Species Smuggling

May 13, 2024 1 min read

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Lorenzo Prendini, a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, was detained by Turkish police at Istanbul Airport on charges of attempting to smuggle endemic species out of the country. Authorities discovered Prendini in possession of approximately 1,500 scorpions, tarantulas, and spiders, as well as 88 plastic tubes containing liquids, concealed in his luggage. These species, native to Turkey, are of significant interest due to their potential use in medical applications, with the venom from scorpions alone commanding high market values.

The operation was conducted by the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Smuggling Unit in collaboration with airport authorities. Prendini, who oversees the museum's collection of spiders, scorpions, centipedes, and millipedes, and whose research has spanned over 30 countries, now faces legal proceedings under Turkey's anti-smuggling laws. The incident underscores the broader issues of wildlife trafficking and the importance of preserving endemic species within their natural habitats.

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