Historic Seizure of Moorish Turtles in Valencia: 229 Specimens Confiscated
The Civil Guard of Valencia has confiscated 229 specimens of mora turtle in a Picassent farm that did not have the necessary documentation to justify its origin and legal possession, which represents the largest seizure of this protected species on the Peninsula.
According to sources from the Armed Institute, the Seprona discovered in April the farm where they suspected that there were a large number of protected terrapins, which led to a property search.
During the search, the 229 specimens of mora turtle (Testudo Graeca) were found, protected by various regulations, such as the CITES Convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species (Lespre).
The specimens were confiscated and transferred to the Wildlife Recovery Center of El Saler (Valencia). A 50-year-old Spanish man has been investigated for a crime against flora and fauna.
Environmental Prosecutor's Office Investigates Case of Illegal Possession of Turtles in Valencia
Several veterinarians from the Ministry of the Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory of the Generalitat participated in the registration, and the proceedings have been handed over to the Environmental Prosecutor's Office of the Superior Court of Justice of the Valencian Community.