[8/19, 7:36 PM] Zafran Newswire: A suspect who allegedly attempted to sell the shell of a Sri Lankan map shell (Horned Helmet) snail has been arrested by wildlife officers in the Padalangala area of Embilipitiya.
Acting on information received, wildlife officers conducted a raid in the Padalangala area on August 17 and arrested the suspect along with the shell.
The suspect had reportedly advertised the shell for sale on social media for Rs. 500,000. Wildlife officers traced the advertisement and arrested the suspect during the raid.
The suspect and the shell were produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court, where the Magistrate ordered the suspect to pay a fine of Rs. 40,000.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said the capture, possession and trade of certain species of marine snails and their shells are strictly prohibited under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s marine biodiversity.
Marine snails play an important role in maintaining the balance of seabed ecosystems, acting as “cleaners” and “regulators” of marine environments. Some species, for example, help protect coral reefs by feeding on organisms that damage them.
The Sri Lankan map shell, commonly known as the Horned Helmet, has the scientific name Cassis cornuta. It is named the “map shell” because of the distinctive markings on its shell and is a relatively heavy marine snail.
The raid was conducted by wildlife officials attached to the Panahaduwa Range Office of Udawalawe National Park.
[8/19, 7:54 PM] Zafran Newswire: Suspect arrested for attempting to sell Horned Helmet snail shell for Rs. 500,000. (Newswire)