A recent SEPRONA operation has highlighted the problem of illegal possession of endangered species in the Balearic Islands, following the seizure of eighteen specimens of Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni) on a farm in Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Mallorca. Four of these animals had already died, with only their shells remaining, while fourteen were still alive at the time of the operation.
The authorities received a complaint alerting them to the possible illegal possession of protected wildlifeIn response, the Civil Guard's Nature Protection Service went to the home, where they found the reptiles in the garden. The owner was unable to present any documentation or authorization proving the turtles' legal origin.
Intervention and transfer of the specimens to a specialized center
After checking the Lack of mandatory documentation and the absence of administrative permits, the agents proceeded to seize the animals. The turtles were immediately transferred to the Balearic Fauna Recovery Consortium (COFIB), where veterinarians and specialists performed a health assessment on the seized specimens. The reptiles were subsequently placed in an outdoor land facility, where they remain pending a court ruling on their fate.
The final destination of these animals will depend on the decisions taken by the , with a view to a possible reintroduction into its natural environment if circumstances permit.
Criminal investigation and administrative sanctions
The person responsible for the house has been brought before the court and is being investigated for a alleged crime against flora and fauna, due to the possession of protected species. In addition, a sanction has been proposed for a serious violation of current regulations on wildlife conservation and the CITES Convention. This police action reinforces the authorities' efforts to combat trafficking and illegal possession of endangered animals, especially in areas where biodiversity is particularly vulnerable.
Spanish legislation recognizes the serious threat posed by the loss and trafficking of wildlife, and in the case of the Mediterranean tortoise, it is included in various national and international protective regulations. Thus, It is classified as a vulnerable species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), protected by Article 54 of Law 42/2007 and other regional and European provisions.
Importance of the Mediterranean tortoise and its legal protection
The Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni) faces serious threats from illegal trafficking, habitat destruction, and capture for pet keeping. Regional and European authorities have developed a protection framework that includes its presence in the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species, the Habitats Directive 92/43 EEC and Annex II of the Bern Convention, as well as being covered by the CITES Convention —included in Appendix II— and Regulation (EC) 338/97.
Actions such as the seizure of these specimens aim not only to punish illegal conduct, but also to contribute to the recovery of populations of this species and the preservation of the Balearic natural heritage. Citizens are reminded that the possession or trade of Mediterranean turtles without proper authorization constitutes a crime and a very serious administrative violation.
The actions carried out by SEPRONA in Mallorca aim to serve as a warning and encourage citizen collaboration, which is essential for detecting and halting any practices that endanger native fauna and biodiversity in a timely manner.
