President Margalida Prohens, who participated in the release of the birds into their natural habitat alongside Minister Simonet, expressed her gratitude “for the great work carried out by all professionals involved in the recovery of wildlife in the Balearic Islands, as well as the essential collaboration of the public.”
The President of the Balearic Government, Margalida Prohens, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, took part in the release of three red kites (Milvus milvus) recovered at the Mallorca Wildlife Recovery Centre (COFIB). The event took place on a farm in Campos, owned by the Son Carbó dairy, and involved the release of two adult birds that were rescued from water tanks showing signs of drowning, and one chick born this year, admitted to the recovery centre due to starvation.
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The Balearic Government releases three red kites in Campos recovered at the COFIB wildlife centre
President Prohens thanked “all professionals for their invaluable work in the recovery of wildlife in the Balearic Islands, as well as the essential role played by citizens, who are often the first to raise the alarm when an injured animal is found.”
Prohens also highlighted the importance of raising public awareness about the protection of the natural environment and the species that inhabit it, such as the red kite: “Early detection of any red kite exhibiting abnormal behaviour, visible injury, or suspected illness is vital for the species. In such cases, citizens must immediately contact 112, the Species Protection Service of the Government, or COFIB so that rescue and care protocols can be activated,” she stressed.
For his part, Minister Simonet emphasised that “the presence of this iconic protected species in our archipelago is a good indicator of the health of the territory. It is important to note that the red kite population has increased significantly in recent decades thanks to the conservation actions that have been implemented. That is why the Government will continue to support and promote initiatives aimed at its protection.”
Simonet also underlined the key ecological role of scavenger species like the red kite in maintaining healthy ecosystems by removing dead, injured, or sick animals, which are sources of food for these birds. “Today, we are seeing how this species is expanding into areas where, not long ago, its presence would have seemed impossible. Thanks to the efforts and awareness raised among all those involved in its conservation, incidents of poisoning, shootings, and electrocution have dropped significantly, allowing the species to recolonise its historical range,” added the minister.
In addition to Prohens and Simonet, other attendees at the release event included the Mayor of Campos, Francisca Porquer; the Director General of Natural Environment and Forest Management, Anna Torres; the President of the Natura Parc Foundation, Toni Mas; COFIB staff; and Environmental Agents.
It is worth noting that the red kites released today were tagged with wing markers and official metal rings. Additionally, two of them were fitted with satellite transmitters, with support from the Balearic Group for Ornithology and Nature Conservation (GOB), to allow for tracking and monitoring of their adaptation to the wild.
According to 2024 data, there are currently more than 150 red kite breeding pairs in Mallorca and an estimated 75 in Menorca. So far this year, a total of 41 red kites have been admitted to COFIB: 37 in Mallorca and 4 in Menorca, of which four have already been successfully released back into the wild.
Furthermore, in June, 16 individuals were transferred to the Andalusian Regional Government as part of a reintroduction and population reinforcement project in the Sierra de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park (Jaén).
A species listed as endangered
The red kite is classified as an endangered species under Royal Decree 139/2011 of February 4, which implements the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and the Spanish Catalogue of Endangered Species. This means that authorities are required to ensure its conservation and promote its recovery. Despite this status, the population trend in the Balearic Islands is currently very positive. Internationally, the red kite is listed in Annexe I of the EU Birds Directive and Appendix II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).