Murcia region is taking part in the EU LIFE programme to safeguard the future of the marbled teal.
According to regional environment councillor, Juan María Vázquez, it is the species of duck which is most in danger of extinction in Europe.
A total of 30 marbled teals were released on Tuesday (April 1) at two different locations; 10 at Las Moreras lagoon in Mazarrón and 20 at Guadalentín salt marshes in Alhama de Murcia.
Sr Vázquez explained that the latest endevour will strengthen the population in the Murcia region.
Over the previous two years they have introduced 55 of the ducks as part of the LIFE project, making a grand total of 85 since 2023.
He noted that they are working with other regional governments and NGOs in Spain to guarantee a future for the marbed teal.
It has undergone an ‘alarming decline in recent decades’; breeding pairs decreased by 35% in Spain in 2023 compared with the previous year.
Only 480 chicks were born in the wild, when there were 740 in 2022.
The principal cause of the decline is loss and degradation of habitats.
To address the problem, the regional government has been working with environmental association ANSE to restore these wetlands.
One of the actions has been to remove canes and other invasive species of flora.
Work on the wetlands is also helping to mitigate the effects of climate change as they ‘consume’ carbon dioxide and regulate the water cycle, according to the councillor.
The marbled teals released in Murcia were bred in captivity at La Granja wild animal recovery centre in Valencia.
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