In this first phase, four ospreys of the species from Andalusia and the Balearic Islands have been released in the Marsh of Pego-Oliva.

The first phase of the reintroduction project of the osprey in the Valencian Community, in which Terra Natura Benidorm collaborates, has been successfully completed. The initiative, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of the Generalitat, has allowed four ospreys of the species to be released in the Pego-Oliva marsh in this initial phase of the conservation project. Through this action it has been possible for the osprey to return to the Community after being disappeared more than 30 years in the autonomous territory.

The Agriculture and Environment Ministry has organized this morning a meeting at the Culture House of Pego with the collaborating entities in the project to make public the first data of the release phase, along with the different routes they have made since their release in the Pego-Oliva marsh. Some of them have flied to the Pyrenees. The project has the scientific and technical advice of the Migres Foundation.

Among the objectives of Terra Natura Benidorm is to promote the development of native wildlife conservation programmes to preserve the existence of endangered species (IUCN), in this case through reproduction and research programmes in populations in their own natural habitats.

With the support of Terra Natura, some costs of the team of volunteers, who are in charge of preparing the food for the birds, their permanent surveillance and the provision of food, as well as accommodation, training and part of the maintenance, has been reduced.

The four ospreys from Andalusia and the Balearic Islands were introduced in June. Previously they were marked with satellite transmitters to know their movements. The data have served to know their habits and improve the project that in the future will require the introduction of dozens of specimens along the next few years until the species reproduces in Valencian territory.

During the meeting this morning, the general director of Terra Natura Benidorm, Luis Perea, recalled “the firm commitment we have from our zoo to promote the reintroduction of species in their closest environment through our collaboration in different projects such as this one”. “In addition to promoting biodiversity conservation and reproduction programmes, we also carry out an important dissemination work among society,” Perea added.