The GREFA project continues its work with the reintroduction of the extinct (in Spain) white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). Over the last few years many conservation programs in Europe have successfully brought back this historically persecuted eagle to stable population numbers and the equally successful breeding and reintroduction program in Norway has now sent nine young birds to be cared for in a hacking enclosure in Pimiango, Ribadedeva (Asturias).
As ever there are critics and supporters of this project. Mainly, the critics are stating the the white tailed eagle was never a breeding, resident species in the Iberian Peninsular…..Join in on the conversation about this at the Iberia nature Forum: https://iberianatureforum.com/forums/topic/reintroduction-of-the-extinct-spain-white-tailed-eagle-haliaeetus-albicill
Initial experimental phase
The young birds have been fitted with radio transmitters and will hopefully be released in the Autumn (2021).
The first two years of the project have been conceived as an experimental phase in which new reintroduction techniques based on GREFA’s long experience in the recovery of large birds of prey will be tested. After this phase, an assessment will be made of the results obtained in relation to the adaptation and integration of the birds released into the ecosystem.
If the experimental phase reaches a positive evaluation, the Pigargo Project will continue with the annual release of up to twenty specimens for at least five more years, in order to establish a future breeding population of the species in Spain.
For further reading on the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) there is an incredibly informative and in depth article at wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_eagle
And, the original press release article at GREFA (In Spanish) here: https://www.grefa.org/noticias/94-notas-de-prensa/3833-nota-de-prensa-se-inicia-la-reintroducci%C3%B3n-del-pigargo-europeo-en-espa%C3%B1a-con-la-llegada-hoy-a-asturias-de-nueve-ejemplares-j%C3%B3venes.html
GREFA have worked closely with the reintroduction of the bearded vulture in Spain.: https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/bearded-vulture-gypaetus-barbatus-quebrantahuesos/
Wildside Holidays – Spain
The best and most up do date information about Wildlife in Spain and where to see it! https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/
Clive Muir – Wildside Holidays – Walking, wildlife and culture holidays in Spain
I’ve been living in western Andalucía for more than 20 years and spend much of my time researching and running English-language travel websites about Spain. My work covers destinations including Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema and the Caminito del Rey, as well as Wildside Holidays, which focuses on walking, wildlife and nature travel in Spain.
Through Wildside Holidays, I share practical information about Spain’s natural parks, mountains, wildlife and walking destinations, drawing on many years of living and travelling in the country. The aim is to help visitors discover Spain’s natural landscapes responsibly and plan rewarding walking and wildlife experiences.