Six investigated after more than 200 illegally stuffed animals seized in Spain

African lion, white rhinoceros, Bengal tiger and hippopotamus among the creatures seized

More than 200 stuffed endangered animals were seized from an illegal taxidermy workshop by police in Spain.

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of possessing and trafficking of protected species.

Officers found dozens of stuffed animals including an African lion, white rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, hippopotamus, African crocodile, African antelope and giraffe.

The taxidermy was allegedly carried out at a premises in Alicante, without a licence and without the waste management resources necessary, a spokesperson for the Spanish police said.

It is believed that some of the animals' body parts were put directly into the sewage system, an action which would pose "a considerable risk to public health", they added.

Officers from the Spanish Guard discovered online posts advertising the animals in May 2018 and identified a taxidermist in Alicante as a possible suspect.

The majority of the animals were seized in a warehouse in Alicante, while more were found at the taxidermist's home in the town of Mutxamiel.

Wildlife trafficking is strictly prohibited in Spain and authorities said that the 200 stuffed animals seized were from species listed under the United Nation's Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The global treaty has been signed by over 180 countries and is intended to protect wildlife from exploitation.