Within the framework of the LIFE Marbled Teal project, which we coordinate from the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), 20 specimens of this critically endangered species have been released on the El Espigar farm, in the El Hondo Natural Park (Elche), bred in captivity at the La Granja de El Saler center (Valencia). This is the first release carried out on one of the lands acquired within the framework of this project, which has been possible thanks to the fact that the first actions have been carried out to improve the ecological conditions of the farm.

Since January 2021, more than 1,000 specimens of marbled teal have already been released in different wetlands, but this is the first time that they have been released on one of the farms acquired and managed within the framework of the project. ANSE and SEO/BirdLife, partners of this European initiative, acquired 55 hectares of wetlands located in the western area of the El Hondo Natural Park. The subsequent actions for the management of vegetation, the adaptation of gates and the dredging of channels, which guarantee adequate flooding throughout the year, have made it possible to achieve the right conditions for the release of these specimens and ensure the maintenance of water throughout the breeding season.

This space constitutes, together with another neighbouring estate, one of the main enclaves for the protection and conservation of the marbled teal in Spain. Specifically, this area of the Natura 2000 Network has been home to between 20 and 30% of the breeding population of this species in our country for some years, when flooding conditions have been favourable. In addition, due to its ecological value, it is recognized as a critical place in the Conservation Strategy of the marbled teal, constituting a vital area for its survival and recovery.

Since the purchase of the land, there has been significant progress in the management work of the farm. Among them, the entry and exit of water to the farm has been improved, which allows this spring, coinciding with the breeding season of the marbled teal, the lagoons to remain flooded. This improvement extends to a salt marsh area that had been without water for several years and will now maintain the appropriate levels for the species. In recent years, the existence of water in the lagoons was only ensured during the hunting season, so some years they remained dry during the breeding season of the marbled teal.

In addition, different volunteer actions have also been carried out. Among them, the dismantling of a very deteriorated hunting post in this protected area thanks to the help of a group of volunteers.

IN CRITICAL SITUATION

The marbled teal is one of the seven species in critical condition in Spain. Until the mid-twentieth century, the marbled teal was abundant in Mediterranean coastal wetlands, especially in Doñana. But in recent decades its decline has been so drastic that this species of community interest is critically endangered. The number of breeding pairs in Spain, which is almost its only place of distribution in Europe, stood at 74 pairs in 2020 and with a clear trend towards regression.

However, the breeding population of marbled teal recorded in 2021 shows an increasing trend, reaching figures that had not been detected in the last 10 years. 

RESEARCH, CONSERVATION AND GOVERNANCE

The LIFE Marbled Teal aims to improve the conservation status of 3,000 hectares of wetlands to reverse the risk of extinction of the most endangered duck in Europe, in a critical situation in Spain. For this reason, it has undertaken a series of actions to strengthen the status of its populations in the natural environment, improve the state of wetlands and scientific knowledge of the species.

The project, which is coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, involves the ministry itself, through the Segura Hydrographic Confederation and Tragsatec; the Regional Government of Andalusia, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development and the Environment and Water Agency; the Generalitat Valenciana; the Government of the Region of Murcia, as well as the organizations SEO/BirdLife and ANSE. It is supported by the LIFE Program of the European Union and the Directorate General for Water.