Tourist convicted for possession of protected reptiles

A 41-YEAR-OLD Spanish national has been convicted in the Vredendal Regional Court after authorities found protected reptiles in his hotel room without the required permits.

- MURRAY SWART

David Navarro Roman was arrested on November 29 last year at a hotel in the Vredendal area after a joint operation by SAPS’ Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit (Stesu) and CapeNature officials. The search followed a tip-off about a man enquiring about Armadillo Girdled Lizards.

Officers found 22 armadillo girdled lizards (Ouroborus cataphractus) and one speckled dwarf tortoise (Chersobius signatus) in his room. The species are protected and may not be possessed, transported or traded without permits in terms of applicable environmental legislation.