Reproduction of gray teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) recorded in Spain in 2023 decreased by 35% compared to the previous season’s data due to the severe drought experienced in the breeding areas of this species, especially in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Special, Last year, 480 chickens were registeredIt is about a third less than in 2022, when 740 is reached, thus stopping the upward trend in recent years.
The number of chicks (that is, females accompanied by chicks) also decreased, It will increase from 115 in 2022 to 75 in 2023. This is confirmed by data presented at the last meeting of the gray teal working group, coordinated by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges (MITECO), held at the Zoo Botanical Center of Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz). He informs the government through a press release.
Andalusia
by autonomous communities Andalusia was the region where the highest number of chickens were recorded with 192 individuals. The species proliferated in twelve wetlands; two of these stood out in the Doñana region, Marismas de Henares (Cádiz) and Brazo del Este (Sevilla), with five chicks each. Thus, the Guadalquivir marshes continue to host most of the breeding population of the species in this region, with 76% of pairs.
It should be noted that breeding was first observed in the Guadalhorce Mouth Natural Area (Malaga) by a female with eight chicks. Additionally, a small Fuente de Piedra nucleus consisting of three successful pairs was established in the same province.
Valencian Community
Regarding data in the Valencian Community, The species bred in five different regionsWith 15, 6, 5 and 4 cubs, El Hondo Natural Park (Alicante), Clot de Galvany Municipal Natural Park (Elche), Marjal de Almenara (Castellón) and Albufera Natural Park in Valencia stand out. respectively.
A total of 173 chickens were registered. In this autonomous community, there was also a decrease in the number of herds compared to 2022, given that 2023 was not a very positive year in terms of flood levels in the wetlands south of Alicante.
Balearic Islands
Unlike the two previous autonomous communities in the Balearic Islands Historical breeding maximums recorded in 2023There are a total of 14 chicks and 115 chicks in the wetlands around S’Albufera in Mallorca.
Castile la Mancha
In Castilla-La Mancha, only one female was recorded with chicks in the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, and the other three chicks were in closed breeding facilities. A clutch was also found in a nest box installed in El Porcal lagoons in the Madrid Region, but the eggs did not hatch.
Milestone in species reproduction
A turning point in the breeding of the species in the Valencian Community stands out as breeding. El Espigar, a wetland in El Hondo Natural Park It was purchased by ANSE and SEO/BirdLife associations within the framework of the LIFE Cerceta Pardilla project coordinated by the MITECO Biodiversity Foundation. At least five different females and 36 chicks have been seen in this wetland.
Three of these females occupied an area of salt marsh that had been dry in the years before El Espigar’s purchase, but had maintained adequate water levels for the species thanks to work done.
Moreover, The ecological conditions of the farm were improved, adapting it to the needs of the gray teal. Actions to manage water and vegetation ensured constant flooding during the breeding season and created an attractive habitat for the species.
Measures for recovery
Public administrations, together with the scientific community, conservation organizations and civil society, are taking important steps to save the gray teal.
One of the main lines of action for the conservation of this species is restoration of priority wetlands. In addition to the actions described above, progress is being made in Andalusia on improving the management of species-important wetlands, with the important goal of restoring hydrological dynamics in the lower Guadalquivir.
Another important action is captive breeding in reference centerssuch as the Granja de El Saler captive breeding center and the Cañada de los Pájaros Harmonious Nature Reserve (Sevilla), managed by the Generalitat Valenciana. In support of these, Jerez de la Frontera Zoo (Cádiz) and Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Ciudad Real) were added.
Breeding is allowed in captivity A total of 579 copies released in 2023 It serves to strengthen wild populations in wetlands in Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Castilla-La Mancha and the Community of Madrid. In addition, cooperation with Italy continues regarding the transfer and release of people within the scope of the rescue project being developed in Sicily.
Reduce threats to species
Another precaution taken is to increase information about the species. Tagging samples with GPS. In 2023, 52 new samples were marked with transmitters, making it possible to learn more about their movements and to progress in the creation of joint methodologies with North African countries, where gray teal usually move in winter.
After the critical status of the species was declared in 2018, the total number of gray teals equipped with GPS transmitters in Spain reached 218. The information obtained also allows us to identify the main causes of deaths and seek solutions to reduce these threats.
Additionally, the cooperation and participation of other actors and sectors linked to the species or its habitat continues to be strengthened. That’s why they signed Land retention agreements with private managers of agricultural, livestock and hunting farms Developing positive habitat management mandates and strengthening surveillance of gray teal to ensure their participation and commitment to the conservation of the species.
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