The LIFE Marbled Teal project, coordinated by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), has released the results of the breeding season of this species, classified as ‘critically endangered’ in Spain and as ‘vulnerable’ worldwide.

Between the Valencian Community and Andalusia, priority areas for the species and regions of action of the project, a total of 87 breeding pairs have been counted, a very positive figure compared to previous years.

Specifically, 40 pairs of this species with chicks have been observed in Valencian wetlands, almost twice as many as in 2020 and above 2019, when only 17 pairs with offspring were counted.

In addition, a total of 300 chickens have been registered, one of the highest figures in recent years. For now, breeding has only been verified in wetlands where specimens have been released as part of the reintroduction and captive breeding actions carried out within the framework of the project. These are the wetlands of the Marjal dels Moros, the Albufera Natural Park, the Clot de Galvany, the El Hondo Natural Park and the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park.

47 COUPLES IN ANDALUSIA

In Andalusia, the results of this breeding season add up to 47 pairs with offspring, a figure higher than previous years, with 13 pairs with chicks in 2020 and 31 in 2019. The number of registered chickens has been 356.

Among the factors that explain this good breeding season, the water management that has been carried out in the Dehesa de Abajo (Seville) and in Fuente de Piedra (Malaga) stands out, which has allowed water levels to be maintained and ensure their presence in summer, which has led to their reproduction.

The other Andalusian wetlands where the marbled teal has bred are managed places, salt flats or marshes whose water level does not depend on rainfall. Among them are several areas of Doñana and other wetlands in Cádiz, Almeria, Seville and Malaga.

IN CRITICAL SITUATION

The marbled teal is one of the seven species in critical condition in Spain. Until the mid-twentieth century it 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.

It is a species of migratory bird that, after reproducing in our wetlands, undertakes a journey to its wintering quarters in Africa, where the project will also continue to monitor its populations.

RESEARCH, CONSERVATION AND GOVERNANCE

To reverse the risk of extinction of the species and promote its habitat, the LIFE Marbled Teal project has undertaken a set of actions to strengthen the status of its populations in the natural environment, improve the state of the wetlands and the scientific knowledge of the species. Until 2025, the participation of sectors relevant to their conservation, such as irrigators or hunters, will also be promoted, as well as environmental awareness and education.  

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.

A WEBSITE OF ITS OWN

All this information, together with the objectives, progress in the actions, milestones and results and other links of interest, are already available on the website of the project, which has just been launched. The wetlands also have a section, to publicize their importance and their role for the survival of this and many other species. In addition, you can access a gallery of images of the marbled teal and its habitat and watch the video presentation of the project.