The Guardia Civil has seized two illegally kept exotic birds — a blue-and-yellow macaw and a rose-ringed parakeet — from a garage in the coastal town of Santa Pola. The birds lacked the necessary documentation for legal ownership, and one of the species is classified as invasive in Spain.
The discovery was made in March during a routine inspection by agents from SEPRONA, the Guardia Civil’s environmental protection unit based in Elche. While inspecting an urban garage, the officers found the birds housed in cages and launched an investigation into their legal status.
The birds were identified as a blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), and a rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Both are listed under the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) agreement, which requires specific legal documentation such as origin certificates and proof of legal acquisition.
Additionally, the rose-ringed parakeet is included in Spain’s Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species due to its potential threat to native biodiversity. Its possession is restricted under Spanish law.
The individual responsible for the property was unable to provide any documentation proving legal ownership or the birds’ origin. As a result, the animals were temporarily seized and placed under the caretaker’s supervision while awaiting action from environmental and customs authorities.
The Guardia Civil has submitted proposals for administrative sanctions to the Valencian Community’s Department of Environment, Water, Infrastructure and Territory, and to the Customs and Excise Office in Alicante. The violations may fall under regulations governing smuggling, wildlife protection, and animal welfare. Fines for such offenses can range from €3,000 to over €100,000, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Authorities remind the public that the possession and trade of protected species are regulated under both national and international law. Violations not only endanger biodiversity but also the well-being of the animals involved. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected cases of illegal wildlife trafficking by calling 062 or using the AlertCops mobile app.
