La Laguna’s Conservation Campaign Achieves Remarkable Success in Shearwater Rescue

In a commendable initiative aimed at safeguarding local wildlife, La Laguna has successfully rescued 37 shearwaters during a recent conservation campaign. This effort underscores the municipality’s commitment to protecting endangered species and highlights the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation.

Targeting the Threat of Light Pollution

The conservation campaign, which ran from October 14 to December 3, specifically targeted the endangered Persian shearwater, a vital species that inhabits the coastal regions of the Canary Islands. The primary objective of the initiative was to address the adverse effects of light pollution, which poses a significant threat to juvenile birds as they embark on their first flights. Young shearwaters often become disoriented by artificial lighting, leading to dangerous situations that can jeopardize their survival.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Environment Department, Local Police, educational institutions, and the La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Centre, an impressive 97% of the rescued birds were successfully returned to their natural habitats in good health. Councillor for the Environment, Domingo Galván, praised the effectiveness of this coordinated approach, emphasizing that it showcases the critical role of strategic planning in wildlife conservation efforts.

Engaging the Community and Raising Awareness

La Laguna has been identified as the tenth municipality on Tenerife with the highest number of shearwater incidents, particularly concentrated in the southern part of the island. Galván reiterated the municipality’s dedication to mitigating the impact of artificial lighting in sensitive areas, aiming to contribute to a comprehensive solution for the island’s wildlife challenges. This commitment is crucial in fostering a more sustainable environment for both the local ecosystem and the community.

The operation received robust support from various municipal departments, including Environment Services and Municipal Services, which implemented a streamlined protocol for wildlife rescues. This protocol enabled a swift response to incidents, significantly enhancing the chances of recovery for the affected birds. The proactive measures taken by the municipality reflect a growing awareness of the need for immediate action in wildlife conservation.

As part of the campaign, nearly 400 amber filtered LED lights were strategically installed in sensitive coastal regions, such as La Punta del Hidalgo and Bajamar. These specially designed lights, endorsed by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC), aim to minimize glare that can confuse young shearwaters, thereby reducing the number of disoriented birds and improving their chances of survival.

Implementing Strategic Measures for Future Conservation

In addition to the lighting modifications, the Town Hall made a significant decision to delay the activation of regional Christmas lighting. This measure was taken to prevent premature exposure to artificial light during a critical period for the shearwaters, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to balancing festive celebrations with wildlife protection. Councillor for Municipal Services, Fran Hernández, emphasized the municipality’s commitment to responsible lighting practices that not only protect biodiversity but also address energy consumption and light pollution.

The Local Police played an essential role in the campaign, with officers receiving specialized training to respond promptly to reports of disoriented shearwaters. Councillor for Security, Badel Albelo, highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination and specialized training in ensuring safe rescues and achieving high recovery rates. This collaborative effort exemplifies how different sectors can work together to enhance wildlife conservation efforts.

Educational initiatives were also a pivotal aspect of the campaign, featuring activities designed to raise awareness among students and the public about how to assist injured birds. These efforts were coordinated with the Tenerife Cabildo’s Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, as well as the Office for Environmental Participation and Volunteering. Galván noted that involving the community in these activities not only aids in rescuing birds but also fosters a greater commitment to environmental stewardship and awareness.

The campaign concluded with a total of 37 shearwaters rescued, with only two fatalities recorded, resulting in a remarkable 96% success rate in recovery and release. This impressive outcome not only reflects the effectiveness of the campaign but also serves as a testament to the community’s dedication to protecting its natural heritage.

Key points

• La Laguna’s campaign ran from October 14 to December 3, rescuing 37 shearwaters.
• 97% of the rescued birds were successfully returned to their habitats.
• The initiative aimed to combat light pollution affecting juvenile shearwaters.
• Nearly 400 amber filtered LED lights were installed in sensitive coastal areas.
• The Town Hall delayed Christmas lighting activation to protect local wildlife.
• Community involvement was emphasized through educational initiatives and training.
• The campaign achieved a 96% success rate in bird recovery.