Release of Rescued Yellow-Nosed Albatrosses on Fuerteventura
On October 30, 2025, the environmental department of the Fuerteventura Island Government (Cabildo) released several rescued Yellow-Nosed Albatrosses as part of its annual conservation campaign. This event highlights the species’ significance in the Canary Islands and its inclusion in various wildlife protection lists.
Release of Rescued Yellow-Nosed Albatrosses on Fuerteventura
The Yellow-Nosed Albatross, known scientifically as Calonectris borealis, is a symbolic marine bird of the Canary Islands. It is listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive and Annex II of the Bern Convention, as well as on Spain’s list of specially protected species.
Conservation Campaign Details
- Campaign Duration: October to November 2025
- Number of Albatrosses Released: Over 30
- Location of Releases: La Oliva municipality
On October 30, six additional albatrosses were released in the presence of Environment Counselor Carlos Rodríguez and students from the Fuerteventura Norte Public Adult Education Center. All birds were cared for at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of the Biological Station of La Oliva.
Health and Rehabilitation
Most of the birds were in good health and fitted with tracking rings before release. However, some arrived with dehydration, injuries, parasites, or other health issues, requiring veterinary treatment and extended rehabilitation.
Community Awareness and Reporting
The campaign, “Campaña de protección de la pardela cenicienta,” aims to educate the public on how to assist injured or disoriented albatrosses. Citizens are encouraged to contact emergency services at 112 and provide precise locations for any found birds.
If possible, individuals should place the bird in a ventilated cardboard box and keep it in a quiet place, avoiding food or water. Environmental professionals will retrieve the bird, assist in its recovery, and return it to the sea.
Importance of the Yellow-Nosed Albatross
Carlos Rodríguez emphasized that the albatross is “a natural jewel of the Canary Islands, part of the archipelago’s identity.” Public involvement is crucial for the survival of this species.
The Yellow-Nosed Albatross spends most of its life at sea, returning only to breed on land. Each pair lays a single egg yearly and dedicates itself to raising its chick, facing numerous threats including pollution, power line collisions, and predators.
Critical Phase for Young Albatrosses
The most vulnerable time for young albatrosses occurs between October and November during their first flights. Many are disoriented by light pollution, leading to risks from traffic, predators, or hunger, as they often cannot take off again.
The Cabildo encourages ongoing public cooperation in reporting any endangered albatrosses to emergency services. Protecting these seabirds is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance along the coasts of Fuerteventura.
