SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 7th Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife, via the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Security and Emergencies, will commence a campaign to collect juvenile Cory’s shearwater specimens on 21st October.
This initiative, in collaboration with the Office of Environmental Participation and Volunteering, is orchestrated by the ‘La Tahonilla’ Wildlife Recovery Centre and aims to rescue young shearwaters that become disoriented during their premier night flight, confused by the luminous flashes from coastal areas.
The Minister for Natural Environment, Sustainability, and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, alongside the insular director of the Natural Environment, Pedro Millán, took part in a recent coordination meeting with representatives from various groups involved in the campaign.
Blanca Pérez emphasised the importance of coordinating actions with all participating entities in the Cory’s Shearwater collection campaign and expressed gratitude for their involvement. Last year, approximately 3,200 birds were rescued, and this year, the specimens saved will be monitored with a microchip to track their recovery.
Meanwhile, Pedro Millán remarked that the Cory’s shearwater is a seabird facing significant conservation challenges, including habitat destruction, the introduction of predators, fishing interactions, marine plastic pollution, and light pollution. “Light pollution specifically leads to a substantial number of young shearwaters, particularly on new moon nights, becoming disoriented and falling to the ground, unable to take off independently,” he added.
The Cabildo appeals to citizens to assist in the campaign alongside other administrations and organisations, where Civil Protection groups have a vital role. In this context, the insular director of Natural Environment commends the initiative taken by tourism establishments in the northern and southern regions of the Island “who dim their lights to prevent dazzling the birds. They have gradually become part of the campaign through the Association of Tourism Excellence, and we encourage them to continue their support.
The Atlantic population of Cory’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis or Calonectris borealis) is listed under the Special Protection Regime for Wild Species and categorised as Vulnerable in the Red Book. It is also included in Annex I of the Birds Directive. This protected species ranks among the largest seabirds in Spain and is the largest shearwater in Europe. It is migratory, although it nests and resides along our coasts for most of the year (from February to November).
The campaign receives support from local councils, Local Police, Seprona of the Civil Guard, Civil Protection Groups, Cecopal of Santa Cruz, and the Emergency and Security Coordinating Centre (Cecoes). Additionally, various volunteer organisations are involved, including ADAE, AEA, Canarias QRV Emergencies, SEO/BirdLife, Red Cross, INOCEANA Association, Save The Planet Association, Canarias Recycle Foundation, Oceans Transition Association, Terramare Association, Ecoimplicados Association, Senda el Bentor Association, Calima Association, Tourism Excellence Association, Rumbo Ziday, Amarec Association, and ECAN. Furthermore, personnel from the Insular Operational Coordination Centre (Cecopin), Natural Spaces Guards, and the Environmental Participation and Volunteering Office of the Cabildo also contribute.
The Cabildo urges that, if an injured wild animal is found, water, food, or medication should not be administered, and instead, contact the ‘La Tahonilla’ Wildlife Recovery Centre at km 0.4 of the TF-24 (La Esperanza highway) by calling 900 282 228.
Following the initial talk held this week, a volunteer training day is scheduled for 10th October in Adeje, 17th October in Los Realejos, and 24th October in La Laguna. The Cory’s shearwater collection campaign, now celebrating its twenty-sixth edition, will conclude in mid-November.
