Killing New Zealand's most venomous spider could now earn culprits jail time or a $100,000 fine under changes to the law. Giant weta, some weevils and beetles have also been given complete protection for the first time, but conservation advocates say the changes do not lessen the main threats to native species.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson announced changes to the protection status of more than 50 species yesterday. "Whether they are weevils, wetas or beetles they deserve an appropriate level of protection."
Under changes to the Wildlife Act, katipo spiders go from not being protected to having "absolute protection", as the kereru and kiwi have. The maximum penalty for killing creatures with absolute protection is a year in prison or a $100,000 fine.
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Source: www.stuff.co.nz