Exotic birds of prey fly over Mallorca

According to the GOB in a communiqué, members of this ecological organisation have detected the presence of American birds of prey that have adapted perfectly to the environmental conditions of Mallorca. These are examples of Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and Black-chested Buzzard-eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus).

The Turkey Vulture escaped from the falconer in March 2001, the time when it was first perceived in the area of Son Reus and later in the municipalities of Santa Maria, Bunyola, Marratxí and the north of Palma. It has been seen annoying examples of the royal kite (Milvus milvus), a species in danger of extinction in the Balearics.

The Black-chested Buzzard-eagle escaped from the falconer in August 2001 and in the following months was seen in different areas as far apart as Magaluf, Sa Dragonera, Formentor and the mountains of Artà. At present it seems to have settled on the island of Cabrera, where it has been seen attacking the sea gulls and other birds.

The GOB thinks that the introduction into the natural habitat of species that are not autochthonous is one of the main problems that affects the preservation of the global biodiversity and for this reason they have asked the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente of the Balearic Government to capture the two birds to avoid their action in the natural media. Finally, the ecological organisation have asked the Department of Environment to determine if in these cases there should be a fine by the administration on the owners of the birds, for the ecological damage that they may have caused and as an indemnity for the costs of capture that the administration may have to incur.

Photos: Lalo Ventoso/GOB, 2003
1. Cathartes aura, Turkey Vulture
2. Geranoaetus melanoleucus, Black-chested Buzzard-eagle

Date of publication: 16/07/2003

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