Guardia Civil Finds 229 Protected Turtles in Spain's Largest Seizure

The Valencia Civil Guard has carried out a major operation that resulted in the seizure of 229 spur-thighed tortoises on an estate located in Picassent. This event, which represents the largest confiscation of this species in Spain, has generated great interest both nationally and internationally.

Investigation and Coordinated Action

During the month of April, the Nature Protection Service (Seprona) received information that led them to suspect the presence of a large number of protected terrestrial tortoises on a particular estate. After a thorough investigation, a search was carried out on the mentioned property, revealing the alarming number of 229 spur-thighed tortoises.

Legal Protection of the Spur-thighed Tortoise

It is important to note that the spur-thighed tortoise, scientifically known as Testudo Graeca, is protected by various national and international regulations. Among them are the CITES Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species (Lespre), which aim to protect and conserve species at risk of extinction.

The lack of documentation justifying the origin and legal ownership of these specimens constituted a clear violation of animal protection laws. As a result, the animals were confiscated and transferred to the El Saler Wildlife Recovery Center in Valencia, where they will receive the necessary care for their well-being.

The operation was not limited to the seizure of the tortoises; a criminal investigation was also launched against a 50-year-old Spanish national. This man faces charges for an alleged crime against flora and fauna, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the authorities' commitment to fighting the illegal trafficking of protected species.

It is important to highlight the collaboration between the Civil Guard, the Department of Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory of the Generalitat, and the judicial authorities, which made it possible to carry out this operation effectively. Thanks to these coordinated actions, it was possible to prevent these spur-thighed tortoises from falling into the hands of illegal traffickers and to demonstrate the firm commitment of the authorities to biodiversity protection.

Legal and Judicial Steps

The relevant proceedings have been handed over to the Environmental Prosecutor's Office of the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community, where it is expected that the necessary measures will be taken to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

The recent seizure of 229 spur-thighed tortoises by the Valencia Civil Guard is a clear example of the authorities' commitment to the protection of wildlife and the fight against the illegal trafficking of protected species. This case reinforces the importance of international cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sends a clear message that those who break the law in this regard will be brought to justice.