Why is it a bad idea to release sea eagles in Spain?

The aim of this project, run by the GREFA organization and supported and funded by the Principality of Asturias, the Community of Cantabria and the Government of Spain, is to establish a breeding population of this species in the Bay of Biscay.

The white-tailed eagle is among 13 animal species that are presumed extinct in historical times in the Spanish natural environment. According to current regulations, public administrations should encourage the return of these species to their original habitats.

Again, The secrecy around which this project was developed, and the lack of scientific support, has drawn criticism from scientists.environmental groups and livestock groups.

How do re-entry projects work?

The first documented resettlement projects were undertaken in the mid-19th century, when the Swedish Grouse was released in Scotland after it went extinct in 1830. Since then, this practice has become a common tool for biodiversity conservation.

Reintroduction programs reintroduce species to areas where they are extinct or reinforce scarce populations. Species outside of their historical range may also be introduced to restore natural ecosystem processes or reduce the risk of extinction (assisted colonization) in species with limited invasiveness.

The need for a reintroduction project, whatever its type be scrupulously evaluated. It is essential to determine whether the causes of extinction have disappeared. It should also be ensured that the release site is suitable for a self-sustaining population of the species to be established. It is necessary to conduct a vitality analysis that takes into account whether there is sufficient food, suitable breeding grounds or threats to their survival in the area.

Ecological risks must also be considered, both for other species and for the functioning of ecosystems. where the re-entry takes place.

Finally, it is necessary to assess the socioeconomic risks and social perception of different sectors of the population. And, of course, the financial risks to the continuation of the project or possible actions to repair any potential damage from introduced species should be considered.

The blackening or loss of populations or species in an ecological community is a reflection of the current biodiversity crisis. But when one species goes extinct, another species can fill the void left by it and restore lost ecological functions. Therefore, the introduction of a new species or The re-emergence of an extinct species that is no longer part of the community can create an ecological imbalance with unforeseen consequences.

Is the sea eagle an extinct species in Spain?

For a species to be considered extinct, the evidence for both extinction and its existence in historical times must be irrefutable. In the case of the sea eagle in Spain, this does not happen. this documents A species used to be cataloged as an extinct species has been reduced to some reports of archaeological remains, a few single specimen extracts, and suspicious reproductive signs.

In the north of the peninsula, these signs have their origins in an article published in 1948 by Francisco Bernis. Bulletin of the Spanish Natural History Society titled February ornithological visit to Sisargas Islands. The article describes conversations with local sailors, mentioning some place names that can be attributed to eagles or other large birds. Bernis never confirms that the sea eagle breeds in Galicia. This view is a speculation summed up in just one sentence: “Other times, in Sisargas, Haliaeetus albicilla? Not more.

Previous studies had mentioned sea eagle breeding in the Balearic Islands. These records are also inconclusive and will likely be mistaken for osprey nests (Pandion haliaetus). This species breeds in this archipelago and, like the white-tailed eagle, can build bulky nests in trees or sea cliffs.

These and other indicators have already been analyzed in detail and rejected. As a result, it cannot be conclusively confirmed that the white-tailed eagle maintained a stable population in Spain during historic times. Therefore, this project will lead to the introduction of an alien species, not the return of an extinct species.

The Pigargo Project in Asturias

Project Pigargo relies on the existence of evidence of its historical reproduction in Spain, which, as noted, cannot be considered irrefutable. It also bypasses many of the premise required to develop this type of project guaranteed.

The Project did not consider the impact on other threatened species in the release area.Like European shag or Atlantic salmon. Both species are potential prey for the sea eagle and are in an unfavorable conservation status. The breeding population of European plumes in Galicia and the Bay of Biscay has almost halved since 2004. The southernmost populations of Atlantic salmon are found off the coast of Cantabria and are in unstoppable decline. The effects of the release of a large predator on this and other species have not been evaluated.

The impact of the release of white-tailed eagles on livestock has also not been taken into account.. A project to promote sea eagles in the east of England, similar to what is currently being proposed in Asturias, has been canceled due to its potential negative impact on pets.

The release of the sea eagles is also planned within the Ría de Ribadesella – Ría de Tinamayor Special Conservation Area for Birds. Any project intended to be undertaken in these areas must then include an environmental assessment study that has not been carried out. In addition, due to the spreading capacity of this species, Some specimens are likely to reach other protected areas where their impact has not been evaluated as well.

There are many endangered species and habitats in the Cantabrian Mountains. The science and conservation community has long called for decisive conservation action for many of them. The release of sea eagles in Asturias is far from a priority and represents an inappropriate use of conservation funds.

Continuing with the mystery surrounding this project since its inception, seven of the nine remaining white-tailed eagles in the acclimatization cage were released on October 4. It’s been 3 weeks since this release was announced.

Reference article: https://theconversation.com/por-que-liberar-pigargos-en-espana-es-una-mala-idea-166524

This article is signed by: David Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Zoology, University of Oviedo; Alfredo Fernández-Ojanguren, Professor of Evolutionary Biology, University of Oviedo and Germán Orizaola, Ramón y Cajal researcher, University of Oviedo.

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Environment department contact address:crisclimatica@prensaiberica.es

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