The Valencia region, particularly the extensive coastal wetlands of Alicante have long since been a stronghold for the extremely rare Marbled Teal. Over many years, much work has been done to augment the local populations and to protect this species – the most threatened duck in the whole of Europe. During my fifteen years living and working in Spain, I’ve been fortunate not only to see this bird on many occassions, and to share such special moments with friends and clients, but I’ve witnessed first hand the dedication that goes into protecting it. The Alicante wetlands are one of the key enclaves for Marbled Teal, and in some years have accounted for 20-30% of Spain’s breeding population.
It is therefore with great joy and hope that I write of a new initiative that forms part of its longer term conservation strategy. Together with ANSE ( Asociación de Naturalistas del Sureste), SEO Birdlife have acquired around 55 hectares of wetland here in Alicante. The venture forms part of the wider ranging EU “Marbled Teal LIFE Project” an initiative which aims to manage and protect critical habitat for Marbled Teal throughout southern Spain.
The wetland acquired in Alicante comprises a network of lagoons, saltmarshes and reedbeds with extensive meadows of aquatic plants. This environment is also home to White Headed Duck, Black Necked Grebe and Purple Swamphen. Habitat degradation and loss is the key danger to the remaining population of Marbled Teal, and although much work remains, this latest development is a huge step in the quest to protect this most vulnerable duck. As well as physical work aimed at improving habitat, a wide ranging educational project will also be launched, aimed at all of the area´s stakeholders.
It’s extremely pleasing to see longer term projects like this being launched in our area, and to watch how they interconnect with many other similar conservation initiatives throughout the region.
Written by David Warrington.