Two German men, who could be facing up to seven years jail for the theft of endangered jewelled geckos from Otago Peninsula, have pleaded not guilty to the joint charge in the Dunedin District Court.
Dieter Wilhelm Ernst (56), a retired pensioner, and Thorsten Gerhard Horst Richartz (47), an engineer, each face charges of hunting and possession of absolutely protected wildlife under the Wildlife Act, which have penalties of six months imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000.
Both are also jointly charged under the Crimes Act with theft of property - four jewelled geckos - valued more than $1000. The charge carries a penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment.
It is the first time the Department of Conservation has laid a charge of theft in relation to protected wildlife.
While Ernst pleaded guilty to the Wildlife Act charges in court yesterday, he pleaded not guilty to the theft charge.
Richartz pleaded not guilty on all charges.
The two men were remanded in custody for a status hearing on May 3.
