Birdwatching

LAMMERGEYERS TO BE REINTRODUCED TO PICOS...


A program to reintroduce lammergeyers to their former range in picos de Europa National Park will start in 2009.
It hopes within 8 to 10 years to restablish a breeding population in Asturias which has been absent for more than half a century. Eggs deemed to have a low chance of survival in wild lammergyer nests in the Pyrenees will be harvested and hatched in captivity for use in the programme.
The system, which involves the use of puppet foster parents to avoid habituation to humans, has been successfully tested in Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.



OTTERS RETURN TO GUADIANA.....



A recent report from the Guadiana water board confirms this river as one of the best refuges for Spain's otters.
There is anecdotal evidence for the return of the otter to many of Spain's waterways, although this is the first major study published since a national review of the species in 1990.
Riverside vegetation cover and reasonable water quality seem to be prime considerations for otter habitats...


LYNX population confirmed in Castilla la Mancha...


A new breeding population of at least 15 IBERIAN LYNX is confirmed for a secret location in the Montes de Toledo in central Spain.
The Autonomous Community of Castilla La Mancha has released phototrap images obtained in 2007.
This nucleus could be specially valuable if it turns out to be a different genetic stock as it could add new blood to the main Andalusian population....


11.000 Wintering cranes threatened by solar power plant..


One of Spain's main roosting sites for wintering cranes is thratened by plans to build a solar power plant.
The project, with associated gas combustion units, electric substations and power lines, would be located near the Siera Brava reservoir and Casas de Hitos estate in Extremadura, a site famous to birdwatchers from around the world.
Over 11.000 cranes would be disturbed, as well as many species of aquatic and steppe birds.
Spain's national ornithological association, says the plant can be built somewhere less sensitive to wildlife and requests international support to protect the site.