The Guardia Civil has discovered 13 dead protected birds, 60 prohibited hunting traps and a firearm with partially erased identification numbering during an inspection of an allegedly clandestine livestock operation in Rota, Cádiz. The discovery was made by officers from the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) on 3 November 2026, as part of an investigation into suspected illegal hunting activities.

The operation was one of two separate interventions carried out by SEPRONA officers in the area. A second investigation targeted the illegal capture of common thrushes using prohibited nets and electronic bird-call devices.

13 Protected Birds Discovered Inside a Farm Building

The first intervention took place while SEPRONA officers from Jerez de la Frontera were inspecting an allegedly clandestine livestock operation in Rota.

The inspection was intended to verify several aspects of the installation, including animal health and welfare conditions, livestock registration and food safety requirements.

During their visit, officers noticed a storage building containing what appeared to be perchas, prohibited and non-selective devices used to capture birds.

After gaining access to the building, they discovered 13 dead birds belonging to different protected species, together with 60 of the prohibited trapping devices.

The birds were included in Spain's List of Wild Species Under Special Protection and the Andalusian List of Threatened Wild Species.

Officers also seized a hunting firearm with partially erased identification numbering. The person investigated allegedly lacked the legal documentation required to possess the weapon, as well as a hunting licence.

Examination Identifies Injuries Compatible with Trapping Devices

Following the discovery, the Guardia Civil consulted the Centre for the Recovery of Threatened Species (CREA) to establish the circumstances surrounding the birds' deaths.

The examination determined that the birds displayed signs of trauma compatible with injuries caused by the traps discovered inside the building.

As a result, the officers prepared judicial proceedings concerning a suspected offence against flora and fauna. Further administrative proceedings may also follow.

The investigation concerns the suspected use of prohibited hunting methods and the possession of an undocumented firearm. No conviction has been reported.

Separate Operation Targets Illegal Hunting of Common Thrushes

In a second intervention, SEPRONA officers carried out a night-time patrol aimed at preventing illegal hunting activities.

During the operation, they caught two people hunting common thrushes using seven invisible nets and three electronic bird-call devices.

Both methods are prohibited and considered non-selective because they can capture or affect wildlife beyond the intended target species.

Officers located 13 common thrushes during the intervention. Three were still alive and trapped in the nets. They were released by the officers and returned to their natural environment.

The Guardia Civil also seized all the prohibited hunting equipment discovered during the operation.

Proceedings were initiated in connection with a suspected offence against flora and fauna, alongside the possibility of further administrative action.

Two Investigations Highlight the Risks of Illegal Hunting Methods

The two interventions demonstrate the potential impact of prohibited and non-selective hunting equipment on wildlife in the Cádiz province.

In Rota, the discovery of 13 protected birds alongside 60 trapping devices prompted an investigation into suspected illegal hunting at a livestock installation. The separate night-time operation also uncovered the use of invisible nets and electronic calls to capture common thrushes.

The Guardia Civil has seized the prohibited equipment identified during both interventions, while the relevant proceedings continue.