Five people have been arrested for allegedly plundering the nests of raptors in Carratraca, Málaga province.
The investigation began in April when Guardia Civil officers discovered that three chicks had disappeared from a raptor’s nest in the town. It was also noticed that a van had been loitering in the area of Monte Alcaparaín and had also been spotted in the area over the past several years.
The alleged looters had specific responsibilities. Two climbed up to the nest, two scanned the area for intruders and a fifth waited by the vehicle with a phone to alert the others if the police arrived.
The vehicle was stopped and police found a backpack containing two Golden Eagle chicks. The five detainees are involved with a falconry and breeding centre in Sevilla.