A Maltese man has been questioned by police in Sicily after allegedly attempting to transport 300 tortoises and 77 parrots to Malta, in what Italian authorities described as one of the area’s most significant seizures involving protected species.The man was stopped in Pozzallo during an inspection at the boarding area for a Malta-bound catamaran, according to Italian media reports.Authorities discovered hundreds of animals inside a vehicle which allegedly lacked adequate space and temperature control, prompting veterinarians to be called in to assess their condition.Among the 77 parrots seized, 76 belonged to species receiving special protection under the CITES convention, including Scarlet Macaws, Red-and-green Macaws, Blue-and-yellow Macaws, Galah Cockatoos and Umbrella Cockatoos.The animals were seized and subsequently entrusted to a breeding facility equipped to care for them appropriately.The Maltese man reportedly faces charges over allegedly keeping the animals in conditions incompatible with their nature and causing severe suffering, as well as alleged breaches of rules governing international trade in protected species.The case comes amid increased attention on the illegal movement of exotic and protected animals to Malta, with calls for stronger inspections and enforcement.•