Airport security on the Galapagos Islands found 185 tortoises in a suitcase being trafficked to Ecuador's mainland.
The tortoises were found during a routine check the Environment Ministry said, adding that police were investigating.
#URGENTE | Durante una inspección rutinaria entre @aerogalapagos y @parquegalapagos en el aeropuerto de #Baltra, se detectaron 185 tortugas neonatos en una maleta que se trasladaba al Ecuador continental. Fiscalía y #UPMA están tomando procedimiento. Noticia en desarrollo. pic.twitter.com/qXHqmGyukZ
— Ministerio Ambiente, Agua y Transición Ecológica (@Ambiente_Ec) March 28, 2021
Trafficking animals off the famed Galapagos Islands is a crime punishable by up to three years in prison.
The islands have long been a protected wildlife area off the coast of Ecuador.
Environment Minister Marcelo Mata Guerrero condemned "these crimes against Ecuadorans' wild fauna and natural heritage".
Como autoridad ambiental nacional rechazo categóricamente estos delitos contra la fauna silvestre y el patrimonio natural de los ecuatorianos. Velaremos porque hechos como el de #Napo o el de hoy en #Galápagos sean sancionados con todo el rigor conforme a la normativa vigente. https://t.co/raC4DkrNMY
— Marcelo Mata (@Marcelo_MataG) March 28, 2021
The Galapagos Islands' star attraction are its giant tortoises, whose ancestors arrived on the volcanic islands between three to four million years ago.
It is believed ocean currents took them to the islands after which they developed into 15 separate species, three of which are extinct.
The archipelago was made famous by British geologist and naturalist Charles Darwin who developed his theory of natural selection after visiting the islands.
Giant tortoises on the Galapagos – in pictures
