The Civil Guard of the Las Palmas Command proceeded to investigate a man for the illicit possession of 65 live turtle specimens on his farm located in the municipality of San Mateo.
Among these specimens were species Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni, and Testudo marginata, as well as turtle shells of the species Chysemys picta dorsalis and Chelonoidis chilensis. These specimens are included in EC Regulation No. 338/97 in its Annex A, in the International Convention C.I.T.E.S. in its Appendix II, in the Spanish Catalog of Threatened Species that considers them endangered and vulnerable, as well as in Royal Decree 630/2013, which regulates the Spanish catalog of invasive exotic species.
The investigation began in early 2024, after receiving an anonymous complaint alerting about the possible illegal possession of turtles on a farm located in the municipality of San Mateo. The Seprona proceeded to carry out the first investigations, confirming the presence of 45 turtles of various species on the property.
After collecting documentation provided by the investigated party, it was sent to the Ministry of Ecological Transition (MITECO) for verification. The resulting report determined that the specimens corresponded to the species indicated above. In addition, it was found that the documentation provided did not cover the legal possession of the animals, which lacked the proper marking and that the investigated party was not listed as an authorized breeder of CITES specimens.
Based on this report, a report is initiated for a presumed crime related to the protection of flora, fauna, and domestic animals, for the action of acquiring and possessing protected species of wild fauna.
Once judicial authorization was obtained, the entry and search of the investigated party's home was carried out in order to locate and seize the protected specimens. The search carried out by the Seprona of San Mateo culminated in the seizure of 65 live specimens, as well as seven turtle shells of the aforementioned species, an incubator with hatched eggs, and various relevant documentation for the investigation.
All seized specimens have been transferred to the Neotrópico Foundation, where they will remain until the Judicial Authority determines their final destination.
With this action, the Civil Guard reaffirms its commitment to the fight against the illegal trafficking of protected species, ensuring compliance with current legislation and the conservation of biodiversity in our country.
Recommendations on animal ownership
The possession of animals included in the CITES Convention or considered invasive exotic species may pose a serious risk to biodiversity and may be prohibited, regulated, or legally limited, recommending avoiding their acquisition and possession, unless expressly authorized, in order not to incur administrative or criminal offenses.