Málaga, Spain - March 24, 2025 The Guardia Civil in Málaga investigated 26 individuals for crimes against wildlife, including possession and trafficking of protected species. They seized 17 protected specimens, such as raptors, turtles, a titi monkey, crocodiles, a caracal, a flamingo, a parrot, servals, turtle shells, and zebra skins. The investigation revealed that some taxidermied specimens were being illegally sold online without documentation proving their legal origin. Named Operation Faunus, it resolved 24 wildlife crimes and led to the seizure of firearms, fishing gear, and illegal, non-selective hunting tools like nets and glue rods. Crimes included poaching, using banned methods, fishing during closed seasons, exceeding quotas, catching immature fish, harvesting sea anemones, and trafficking protected species. The suspects used unregistered boats, lacking documentation and safety measures. Some had prior arrests and violated fishing bans. A total of 116 inspections, 46 for fishing and 70 for hunting, uncovered 141 administrative violations. These involved hunting and fishing during closed seasons, without permits, in restricted areas, and without licenses. The operation was led by the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), coordinated by Málaga’s Environmental Prosecutor’s Office. Support came from the CITES authority and a rescue center for exotic mammals. All findings were sent to the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office.