Public attitudes toward wildlife in Spain have shifted dramatically over the past decade, driven by a broad movement of rural communities toward urban centers. A recent study published in the SEO/BirdLife journal Ardeola: International Journal of Ornithology highlights a growing trend of active protection rather than persecution. Spaniards are showing increased respect for wildlife, a change researchers associate with evolving societal norms and greater urban empathy for natural life.
Researchers analyzed the records of about 70,000 bird admissions to wildlife rehabilitation centers across the Community of Valencia over thirty years. The findings show a clear pattern: admissions originated increasingly from urban areas and were more often linked to informal referrals than to centralized government sources. Though admissions linked to intentional harm declined over time, incidents resulting from infrastructure issues and natural causes rose. Specifically, admissions due to illegal hunting of raptors dropped markedly from 21.7% to 3%, yet raptors still represented a higher proportion of intentional harms than other birds (6.36% versus 1.23%).
By contrast, infrastructure-related events emerged as the leading cause of accidental admissions (59.5%), followed by electrocution (14.8%) and flooding (9.6%). Natural-cause admissions largely involved orphaned or malnourished birds (85%). Overall, the number of admitted orphaned birds rose sharply during the study period, with urban-origin admissions increasing more than those from natural habitats.
positive attitude change
Official channels accounted for most admissions through 2011, after which informal, individual referrals became more common. In summary, birds that initially entered wildlife centers from non-urban areas and through governmental pathways began to arrive from urban areas via informal sources. This shift is interpreted as evidence of a broader transformation in Spain’s relationship with wildlife, moving from persecution to active protection, albeit with regional variations.
An injured raptor receives treatment at the El Chaparrillo Wildlife Rescue Center in Ciudad Real. This scene underscores the practical work behind a national trend toward enhanced wildlife care. The researchers behind the Valencia study describe these data as a strong affirmation of changing attitudes toward wildlife in modern Spanish society. The findings suggest that urban populations may display greater empathy for wildlife than rural communities.
According to the study led by Juan Jiménez, with Jorge Crespo and Alejandro Martínez-Abraín among the contributors, the shift in reasons for bird entry reflects broader social changes. While there has been a clear reversal in entry patterns, the authors note that causes continue to evolve over a ten-year horizon as society and perceptions of nature and birds develop. The report highlights a global pattern: a move away from persecution toward protection, though the degree of change varies by geography.
Experts emphasize that these shifts are significant in understanding how communities respond to wildlife crises. The evolution in entry reasons mirrors changing public sentiment worldwide, with different regions showing distinct timelines and levels of protection. The overall message is hopeful: as society evolves, so too does its care for birds and other wildlife.
How to behave in front of an injured animal?
SEO/BirdLife plans to release a nationwide report soon on the main causes of unnatural bird deaths, based on data from rescue centers across Spain. The national findings will reflect the insights already observed in Valencia and across the country, offering practical guidance for handling wildlife emergencies with care and responsibility.
Spain hosts more than sixty wildlife rescue centers. Andalusia is among the ten regions with the highest concentration of centers, ensuring that help is accessible across the country. Centers operate throughout the autonomous communities, with coverage extending to Ceuta.
A wildlife worker and an environmental officer examine a poisoned bird in Toledo, illustrating the ongoing efforts to monitor and address wildlife threats. Experts advise seeking professional help immediately when encountering an injured animal and contacting the nearest wildlife rescue center for instructions on how to respond. Do not handle the animal until instructed to do so.
If a young animal is found, consider that many species rely on both parents for days after birth. If there is any suspicion of poisoning, avoid touching the animal, as it could be dangerous and could compromise evidence of a crime. In such cases, contact the Civil Guard’s Nature Conservation Service, Seprona, by dialing 062. If available, mark the discovery location with precise coordinates to aid authorities. The poisoning issue is serious, with estimates suggesting thousands of wildlife deaths in Spain over the past decades, underscoring the need for careful action and reporting. For reference, see the study cited in Ardeola and the related official channels for follow-up information. [Citation: SEO/BirdLife study and national wildlife reports]