Reintroduction of endemic pigeon Columba junoniae, white-tailed laurel pigeon, on the island of Gran Canaria

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Following the conquest of Gran Canaria in the 15th century, the forests in the northern part of the island started to be destroyed, a process that was completed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent decades, however, local authorities have implemented policies aimed at the recovery of forests on the island. The north of Gran Canaria, where the laurel forests and the thermophilous forest develop, has only very recently been the focus of recovery efforts. Progress has been slow, however, firstly, because much of the land is in private hands, and secondly because of the significant amount of agricultural and livestock activity occurring in this area.

At the end of the 20th century, the efforts of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria to acquire farms for environmental restoration and the progressive abandonment of agricultural activity allowed the recovery of an important area of the laurel forests and thermophilous forests, laying the foundation for the recovery of the ecosystems destroyed two centuries ago.

Continued recovery of the forests is vital along with the recovery of bird species associated with these forests. Such recovery is more challenging when the species are endemic to the Canary Islands, such as the laurel pigeon (Columba junoniae). The recovery of the distribution areas of this species, however, will significantly help its preservation and long-term viability. Other species present on the island that are in a poor conservation status, include the carabids (Asaphidion delatorrei, Dicrodontus alluaudi, Pseudomyas dorasensis and Paradromius tamaranus).

OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of this project is to reintroduce white-tailed laurel pigeon (Columba junoniae) to the island of Gran Canaria, thus ensuring the survival of this endemic species. Specific objectives include:

Creation of a viable white-tailed laurel pigeon population in its natural environment on Gran Canaria;

Restoration, expansion and improvement of the island's laurel forests habitat; and

Promotion among the local population the ecological and socio-economic recovery and expansion of the island's laurel forests, flora and fauna.

Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results:

Captive breeding and release on Gran Canaria of 15-30 white-tailed laurel pigeons per year;

The creation of a viable population (75-100 pairs) of white-tailed laurel pigeons on Gran Canaria through the project's captive breeding and release programme;

Restoration of some a total of 1 049 ha.of potential white-tailed laurel pigeon habitat in the area of Monteverde; and

Raised awareness amongst local people of the laurel forests and the need for their conservation through initiatives in local schools and municipalities.