25.08.2026 15:11
Following the imposition of a 1.4 million TRY fine on two foreigners caught smuggling 20-centimeter endemic predatory grasshoppers on Mount Nemrut, a massive black market has come to light. Sixteen giant grasshoppers, considered invaluable in fields ranging from cancer research to the pharmaceutical industry, from a collector's obsession worth thousands of dollars on the black market to the Far Eastern cultural symbol of prosperity, were rescued from the smugglers and released back into the wild.
Two foreign nationals trying to smuggle endemic giant grasshoppers, about 20 centimeters in size, from Nemrut Mountain, one of Turkey's biodiversity centers, were caught red-handed. The 16 giant grasshoppers rescued by the intervention of the Nature Conservation and National Parks teams were released into the wild, while the smugglers were fined a total of 1 million 400 thousand liras in administrative penalties.
A major bio-smuggling operation was carried out in the Nemrut Mountain region of Adıyaman, known for its historical and natural riches. Two foreign suspects, who were found to have collected the rare carnivorous giant grasshoppers of the Saga Ephippigera species that naturally live in the region, were apprehended by security and guard teams.
16 GIANT GRASSHOPPERS RESCUED AND RELEASED INTO THE WILD
Within the scope of the operation carried out by the Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) teams, 16 giant grasshoppers were seized and taken under protection. The creatures, which underwent health checks and drew attention with their approximately 20-centimeter size, were released back into their natural habitats. A total administrative fine of 1 million 400 thousand TL was imposed on the two foreign nationals who attempted smuggling for destroying biodiversity.
WHY SO MUCH INTEREST? HERE ARE 3 MAIN REASONS
Ergun Bacak, a Lecturer at the Department of Hunting and Wildlife, who made evaluations about the endemic species that have become targets of bio-smugglers, stated that the interest in these grasshoppers is based on 3 main reasons:
- Academic Studies: Researchers abroad collect this special insect species unique to Turkey to feature it in their scientific publications.
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Sector: It is considered that the unique chemical compounds produced by these creatures, which can survive in harsh climatic conditions, are of critical importance in cancer treatment, antibiotic, and painkiller research.
- Black Market and Collecting: Live or dried forms of rare species can be sold on the black market to private collectors abroad for prices reaching thousands of euros or dollars.
FRIGHTENING BUT FARMER-FRIENDLY: NON-VENOMOUS AND CARNIVOROUS
The Saga Ephippigera species, which is found frightening due to its appearance, is actually an extremely beneficial and non-venomous creature for agriculture. This carnivorous species, living in the high altitudes of Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia, maintains ecological balance by feeding on small insects and pests that damage agricultural products. It is emphasized that the grasshoppers, which are not aggressive towards humans and can only bite defensively when squeezed, are a key part of natural biological control.
FAR EASTERN CULTURE AND SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE
Cultural factors also play a role in the interest in grasshoppers. Grasshoppers, considered symbols of abundance and prosperity since the Tang Dynasty, especially in Chinese culture, are used in traditional medicine, alternative protein sources, and insect fighting traditions. It is stated that the combination of the giant-sized species on Nemrut Mountain with this cultural demand has made the region a target for smugglers.