In the field of environmental observation, birds play a crucial role as indicators of the health of ecosystems. In Spain, the situation of many avian species is worrying. SEO / Birdlife has revealed that of the more than 300 protected species in the country, 137 are under some kind of threat, which is endangering its existence. This article provides a detailed analysis of the causes of its decline and reviews some of the most endangered birds in Spain.
Causes of bird habitat deterioration
Habitat deterioration is one of the main factors affecting birds in Spain. agricultural intensification, pollution, rural abandonment and climate change have negatively impacted the ecosystems where they live. As a result, many species are forced to adapt to urban environments or to spaces less suitable for their survival.
Monocultures and using Chemicals have eliminated insects, small reptiles and rodents, all essential prey for birds. These practices reduce feeding opportunities, directly affecting reproduction and survival rates. The application of pesticides It also affects avian populations, as it reduces the availability of natural foods, in addition to directly poisoning the species.
Another important factor is the habitat fragmentation. The construction of infrastructure such as roads, power lines and wind farms interferes with migration patterns and increases collision mortality rates. In addition, the climate change It is altering the migratory phenology and reproductive cycles of many birds, making it difficult for them to adapt to new climates and the availability of resources.
Birds in danger of extinction in Spain
cantabrian capercaillie
El Cantabrian capercaillie It is one of the most emblematic species in Spain and, at the same time, one of the most endangered. It lives in the mountain forests of the Cantabrian Mountains and its population has declined dramatically. Recent studies indicate that the population has fallen by 45% in the last two decades, and the species has disappeared from several areas where it was previously common.
The main threats are loss of habitat due to logging, poaching and fragmentation of their territories. In 2021, the remaining population was approximately 290 copies, of which two-thirds are males. This adds another problem: the difficulty of finding enough females to maintain a viable reproduction rate.
marbled teal
This duck is one of the most endangered in Europe. Its population has decreased substantially in recent years, and currently, it is estimated that there are less than 200 breeding pairs in Spain. The modification of wetlands and inadequate management of water resources in areas such as Doñana and El Hondo in Alicante have been devastating for this species. As a result of these changes, the Marbled Teal has reduced its range by 40% in the last two decades.
Balearic Shearwater
La Balearic shearwater faces a dramatic situation. This seabird is endemic to the Balearic Islands, where it is estimated that there are 3.193 breeding pairs. Its main threat is the predation by introduced species, such as rats and cats, as well as the accidental mortality in fishing gearThe species is estimated to be declining at a rate of 1% per year, which could lead to its extinction in less than 60 years.
In addition to these direct threats, the climate change is affecting their feeding and breeding areas, as ocean acidification and loss of marine biodiversity reduce the prey available to the Balearic shearwater.
red kite
El red kite It is another species of raptor in critical danger in Spain. Its population has decreased due to factors such as electrocution on power lines and the use of illegal poisons in hunting predators. These types of practices, along with the competition with other birds of prey, is limiting both the reproduction and survival of red kites in some key areas such as Doñana, where productivity is extremely low.
Iberian Imperial Eagle
El Iberian imperial eagle It is another bird in danger of extinction and its greatest threat is the uninsulated power lines. Despite efforts to restore its population, about 120 eagles have died over 15 years due to electrocution or collisions. This problem persists due to the lack of sufficient investment in infrastructure modification. Currently, it is believed that there are around XNUMX people left. 220 breeding pairs.
Bearded Vulture
El osprey It is typical of the Pyrenees and stands out for its impressive size of up to 3 meters. Its unique diet, based on bone consumption, and its role as a natural cleaner of mountain ecosystems make it a vital species for biodiversity. Thanks to conservation programs, reintroduction, the population in the Aragonese Pyrenees has grown, but continues to face important threats such as collision with power lines and pesticide poisoning.
Canarian Egyptian vulture
El Canary Egyptian vulture, a subspecies of the common Egyptian vulture that lives in the Canary Islands, is found in critical danger of extinction. This scavenger bird has been severely affected by locust invasions in the 50s, in addition to habitat loss and poisoning from the use of pesticides. Today, only a few pairs continue to breed, mainly in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.
The future of birds in Spain depends largely on conservation efforts and awareness of the impact that human activities have on their habitats. It is crucial to improve the management of natural spaces and take urgent measures to stop the loss of biodiversity. Birds are not only essential indicators of the health of ecosystems, but also key species for environmental balance.