In an operation led by the **Nature Protection Service (Seprona)**, the **Spanish Civil Guard** dismantled a **private collection of exotic animals** in the town of **Nules (Castellón)**, classified as [a **clandestine zoo**](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/bariloche-denuncian-criadero-clandestino-tras-ataque-de-perros-en-barrio-belgrano/).
The procedure was activated after detecting an **online advertisement** offering the **illegal sale of protected species**, which led to an investigation involving **two men aged 30 and 35**.
## Illegal sale and breeding of endangered species
The advertisement, published on a digital platform, offered specimens of **Asian otters, agoutis, and kinkajous**, as well as **meerkat pups, kangaroos, and caracals**, all of them **protected by the CITES Convention**.
The agents managed to obtain **videos of the alleged breeder**, showing **leopards, owls, llamas, and ibises**, which allowed them to **locate a plot in Nules** with facilities similar to those in the advertisement.
## Unauthorized search and discovery of internationally protected species
After verifying that the individuals **did not have breeder permits or authorization as a zoo nucleus**, several plots and warehouses were **searched**.
There were found **over 150 specimens of 56 species** from the **five continents**, including animals with [**maximum international protection**](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/intento-de-trafico-de-fauna-internacional-querian-vender-tortugas-protegidas-de-ee-uu-de-mas-de-1-millon-de-dolares/), such as:
– Two Coquerel’s sifakas
– Two Asian otters
– One Bali myna
There were also species with different levels of protection, including:
– One zebra
– Two servals
– Three macaws (two stolen in Almería)
– One dromedary
– Five owls
– Two porcupines
– Six turacos, four ibises, three mongooses, two meerkats, among others
## Economic and legal impact of wildlife trafficking
According to preliminary reports, the **economic damage caused to wildlife** exceeds **two million euros**, with an **average market value close to 70,000 euros** for the seized specimens.
The two individuals were **under investigation for crimes against wildlife**, **trafficking of protected species**, and **smuggling**.
## Institutional intervention and judicialization of the case
During the searches, personnel from the **Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge** participated in **identifying and cataloging** the species found.
The **proceedings were submitted to the Court of First Instance and Investigation No. 2 of Nules**, where the judicial process continues.
## Digital surveillance and prevention of illegal trade
This operation is part of the **digital surveillance actions** carried out by the Civil Guard to **prevent the commercialization of wildlife**, in compliance with international commitments to **protect biodiversity**.
Early detection of illegal advertisements is key to **disrupt trafficking networks** and **prevent the loss of vulnerable species**.
