Fuerteventura and the Ministry of the Environment will protect the Canarian Houbara

The protection and preservation of the Canarian Houbara is a crucial task that requires immediate attention and concerted efforts from various stakeholders. The unique subspecies, Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae, is specific to the eastern Canary Islands of Fuerteventura, Lobos, Lanzarote, and Graciosa.~It possesses distinct characteristics, differing from its North African counterpart in size, back markings, and overall color.

Over the past twelve years, the population of the Canarian houbara has witnessed a significant decline primarily attributed to environmental factors such as the scarcity of rainfall. As a result, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, has been actively involved in initiatives to safeguard these birds. Their endangered status, stemming from habitat destruction and disturbances in breeding areas, underscores the urgent need for conservation actions. The Environment Department of the Cabildo has been spearheading efforts to control, monitor, and restore houbara habitats. Moreover, urgent intervention from the Government of the Canary Islands is imperative to establish a comprehensive conservation plan for these birds.

Field monitoring and conservation activities are being conducted by the Cabildo due to the alarming and steep decline in the houbara population. Notably, the involvement of a dedicated team from the Gesplan company, experts in studying the evolution and habitat of the species, plays a pivotal role. Gesplan technicians have expressed the urgent need for proactive measures to avert the disappearance of the houbara. The collaboration and integrated approach of these organizations and entities are instrumental in addressing the critical situation faced by the Canarian houbara.

Short abstract from www.nature.com

“A study found that anthropogenic ( human activities) and natural annual mortality rates were similar.
Approximately 33–35 houbaras die each year in the Canary Islands due to anthropogenic causes, and population viability models predicted the species’ extinction in 50 years.
However, the population could be recovered by eliminating anthropogenic mortality, although habitat improvement would still be necessary.
Urgent conservation measures are needed to reduce anthropogenic mortality and increase productivity, particularly on Fuerteventura, where houbaras are at a critical point.”

Cover image by Frank Vassen on Flickr