A man in Henan province was sentenced to three months for poaching toads, reported the Dahe Daily on Monday.

The 49-year-old native of Queshan county of Henan province, caught 87 toads, the exuviae, or discarded skin, of which is an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. He intended to sell the toad products at a market in July, but he was seized by police who released the toads.

The toad is beneficial to humans because of its scientific value, and the poaching of over 20 toad species violates Chinese law, according to the judge hearing the case. A total of more than 1,700 animals, including birds, frogs, geckos, rabbits and snakes, are under protection of law, added the judge.