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The Menorca Wildlife Recovery Center, managed by the Consortium for the Recovery of Wildlife in the Balearic Islands (COFIB) and GOB Menorca, has released its 2024 Annual Report, summarizing the key moments of a year dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of the island’s wildlife.
A Year of Intensive Wildlife Care
In 2024, the Center admitted 1,291 animals from 81 different species, highlighting the constant need for wildlife care on the island. Of these, 1,220 were native wild animals, belonging to 66 species, while 71 were exotic and/or domestic species, spanning 15 different species.
The Center remains a cornerstone in the protection of local wildlife, while environmental education and public awareness have also become fundamental priorities to help the island’s population understand the importance of conservation efforts.
A rise in birds and mammals
Birds continued to be the largest group, making up 53% of all animals admitted—a 22% increase compared to 2023. Reptile admissions saw a slight decline, accounting for 37% of the total, while mammals experienced a notable 57% increase, representing 10% of total admissions.
Critical moments and main causes of admission
During the summer months, the Center took in 655 juvenile animals, including:
- 372 young birds (mainly passerines, along with kestrels and small raptors)
- 234 juvenile reptiles (mostly Hermann’s tortoises)
- 49 young mammals, such as hedgehogs and bats
Four peak admission days stood out in the summer:
- June 4 and June 28, with 29 and 23 animals admitted, respectively
- July 16 and July 30, with 69 and 38 animals admitted
These surges, though unpredictable, are part of the breeding season’s challenges, requiring the Center to carefully manage resources and provide the best possible care.
Additionally, 139 animals were admitted due to unknown trauma-related injuries, primarily affecting birds (117 cases), underscoring the impact of human activities on local wildlife.
Commitment to education and public awareness
The Wildlife Recovery Center has continued its environmental education programs, hosting nine school visits to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Summer visits were also a success, with 1,400 residents and tourists visiting the Center to learn about its work and the challenges facing Menorca’s wildlife.
A key achievement: animal releases
One of the year’s most positive outcomes was the successful release of 637 rehabilitated animals back into their natural habitats, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Center’s work and its commitment to reintegrating native wildlife into the environment. These results reflect the dedication of the Center’s staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the animals’ safe return to nature.
Community involvement and institutional support
These achievements were made possible thanks to the support of local citizens and various organizations. Nearly 40 volunteers contributed their time, while local businesses and law enforcement agencies provided food and other essential resources for animal care.
The Menorca Wildlife Recovery Center continues to operate with the support of the Island Council of Menorca, the municipalities of Ciutadella, Ferreries, Es Mercadal, Es Castell, and Maó, and a key collaboration agreement between GOB Menorca and COFIB, under the supervision of the Balearic Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment, with additional support from Líthica.
📄 2024 Wildlife Recovery Center Report, Part 1
📄 2024 Wildlife Recovery Center Report, Part 2