Park rangers from the Hitoy Cerere Biological Reserve in Limón Province arrested a German citizen male surnamed Ferdinand (70), on suspicion of wildlife violations such as catching, killing and collecting tropical insects.

According to the National System of Wild Areas Conservation (Sinac), Ferdinand was apprehended as park authorities were conducting a routine patrol and spotted him catching insects.

When officers questioned him about his reason for being there, he allegedly stated that he was collecting the insects and taking them to a museum in Germany, where they would be displayed alongside tropical forest creatures.

After further investigation of the German's actions within the protected area, officials realized that he lacked the proper licenses to collect insects.

Park officials researched the German citizen's vehicle and luggage and uncovered a variety of gathering tools and materials, including nets, bags, dead insects in plastic containers, and a jar containing ethyl acetate, which was used to preserve specimens.

They discovered a black suitcase containing over 20 dead insects, as well as tubes and chemicals that appeared to be used to prevent the insects' putrefaction.

Some insects had already been packaged with labels indicating the species and the location where they were taken, such as Valle de la Estrella Canton in Limon, Cuajiniquil Canton in Guanacaste, Orosi Canton in Cartago, and Upala Canton in Alajuela, Sinac added in its statement.

Authorities seized the tools and insects such as butterflies, ants, bees, wasps, and lizards as proof of evidence in the case.

The suspect was taken to the Public Ministry's cells and is awaiting a judge's orders on pre-trial measures against him as a suspect of breaking the Wildlife Conservation Law.

Hunting wild animals, trading or keeping them captive is illegal in Costa Rica. People found guilty of keeping wild species in captivity may face a fine ranging from $600 to $26,000 or potentially a one to three-year jail sentence under Wildlife Conservation Law No.7317.

Authorities noted that anybody may file anonymous complaints about wild animals that have been hunted or kept in captivity by calling the confidential bilingual (English or Spanish) 10-digit tip line at 800-8000-645.

A similar case happened in June when a Costa Rican man named Morales (39) was arrested for allegedly holding 15 Tití monkeys captive.

The National System of Wild Areas Conservation (Sinac), is the state-owned agency in charge of managing all national parks and protected areas in the country.