Five giant African spurred tortoises have been seized from a property in Sotogrande after being kept illegally without permits or documentation.
Officers from the Guardia Civil’s environmental unit, Seprona, carried out the operation after receiving a tip off about exotic animals inside a home in the exclusive San Roque enclave.
When officers arrived, they discovered five large tortoises living on the premises.
None of the animals had identification chips, and the owner was unable to provide the legally required paperwork proving their origin or authorisation for their possession.
The species, known scientifically as Centrochelys sulcata, is strictly regulated due to the environmental and health risks linked to its uncontrolled ownership.
Authorities stress that the lack of traceability is a key red flag in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking.
The individual responsible is now under investigation for a suspected offence against wildlife protection laws.
The African spurred tortoise is no ordinary pet. Native to the arid regions south of the Sahara, it is the third largest land tortoise on the planet, behind only the Galapagos and Seychelles giants.
These animals can grow up to 80 centimetres in length and weigh as much as 100 kilos, making them incredibly strong.
Experts warn they are capable of knocking over large objects and require highly specialised care and space.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
