LIFE project releases first captive-bred Blue Chaffinch in Gran Canaria
At the start of September, the EU LIFE +PINZON project released the first captive-bred Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki), known locally as the Pinzón Azul, into the pine forests surrounding the summit of Gran Canaria.
The Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch, which is listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive, is endemic to the Canary Islands. Its entire population (around 200 individuals) is mainly restricted to the central core of Gran Canaria. The LIFE+PINZON project is planning annual releases of birds over four years, at various points in the central pine forests. The birds are being supplied by a captive breeding centre in Tafira and also translocated from a population source in a protected area (Reserva Natural Integral de Inagua) to new areas.
In 2016, the project plans to perform two releases of captive-bred Blue Chaffinch. The first of these in September involved seven birds. The release process was carried out in two phases. Firstly, the birds were moved from the captive breeding centre in crates to the summit and acclimatised for several days in cages. In the second phase, the cage doors were opened to let them fly free. The project team will track the birds, along with the rest of the Blue Chaffinch population.
The LIFE+PINZON project aims to establish a sustainable population of Blue Chaffinch on Gran Canaria, by augmenting the population and extending its habitat, to ensure the long-term survival of the species. Project actions also include enhancing ecological corridors on the island, which were established during the prior Inagua project, to improve connectivity between suitable pine forest plantations.
For more information about LIFE+PINZON, visit the project’s website.
03 November 2016
