Record Numbers of Wild Animals Treated Across the Balearics in 2025
The islands' wildlife recovery centres have just had their busiest year ever — and the results are something to celebrate.
Last year was a landmark year for wildlife conservation across the Balearic Islands. The region's network of Wildlife Recovery Centres (Centros de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre, or CRFS) wrapped up 2025 having cared for more animals than at any point in their history — a total of 7,637 creatures across all four islands.
By Claire Miller | Source & Photos - Govern de les Illes Balears
04/03/26
Mallorca led the way, as you might expect, with 5,605 animals passing through its centre. Menorca took in 1,473, Eivissa cared for 547, and even little Formentera contributed 12 cases to the overall tally. What makes the numbers particularly impressive is not just the volume, but the outcomes: nearly half of all animals admitted — around 47% — were successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild. According to the Balearic Government, that recovery rate compares favourably with similar centres elsewhere in Spain, especially given that a significant proportion of animals arrive in critical condition or already deceased.
The Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural was understandably proud of the results. Councillor Joan Simonet described the figures as evidence of "a solid and highly professional wildlife recovery system" — one built, he noted, on collaboration between institutions and an engaged, watchful public. His message was clear: every animal that makes it back into the wild represents a tangible investment in the islands' biodiversity.
Anna Torres, Director General for the Natural Environment and Forest Management, echoed that sentiment, pointing to the broad network of partners — environment officers, emergency services, public bodies and ordinary residents — whose involvement makes the work possible. The centres, she stressed, do more than patch up injured animals. They support scientific research, reinforce endangered species programmes, and help foster a deeper public respect for the natural world.
Who's Coming Through the Doors?
The most commonly treated species in 2025 was the Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), a familiar sight to anyone who has spent time in the Mallorcan countryside. A remarkable 1,897 individuals were admitted — many likely the victims of agricultural machinery, road traffic or accidental disturbance. Close behind were common swifts, with over 1,300 cases, and North African hedgehogs, with nearly 750.
Among the more poignant arrivals was a live Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) — the first of its kind ever treated at a Balearic centre. The bird belonged to the population that was reintroduced to Mallorca during the previous decade and has since established itself on the island, a quiet triumph for European conservation efforts. Sixty-one red kites were also treated, most suffering from starvation, along with a dozen Balearic shearwaters — the critically endangered seabird endemic to these very waters — admitted primarily due to disorientation and unexplained trauma.
Species classified as vulnerable also featured prominently. Thirty-eight Cory's shearwaters came in, mostly disorientated; 24 Audouin's gulls arrived with injuries or as fishing bycatch; five ospreys were treated for starvation; ten black vultures had fallen into the sea; and 26 shags were admitted due to starvation or accidental capture. Notably, 354 Moorish tortoises were received — the majority having been kept illegally in captivity.
Who's Coming Through the Doors?
The most commonly treated species in 2025 was the Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), a familiar sight to anyone who has spent time in the Mallorcan countryside. A remarkable 1,897 individuals were admitted — many likely the victims of agricultural machinery, road traffic or accidental disturbance. Close behind were common swifts, with over 1,300 cases, and North African hedgehogs, with nearly 750.
Among the more poignant arrivals was a live Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) — the first of its kind ever treated at a Balearic centre. The bird belonged to the population that was reintroduced to Mallorca during the previous decade and has since established itself on the island, a quiet triumph for European conservation efforts. Sixty-one red kites were also treated, most suffering from starvation, along with a dozen Balearic shearwaters — the critically endangered seabird endemic to these very waters — admitted primarily due to disorientation and unexplained trauma.
Species classified as vulnerable also featured prominently. Thirty-eight Cory's shearwaters came in, mostly disorientated; 24 Audouin's gulls arrived with injuries or as fishing bycatch; five ospreys were treated for starvation; ten black vultures had fallen into the sea; and 26 shags were admitted due to starvation or accidental capture. Notably, 354 Moorish tortoises were received — the majority having been kept illegally in captivity.
The App Making a Difference
One increasingly important tool in the conservation toolkit is the Línia Verda app, a citizen reporting platform primarily used to flag sightings of invasive species. Particularly popular in Eivissa and Formentera, it recorded more than 1,200 notifications in 2025 alone. Reports fed directly into the operational database of COFIB - the Consortium for Wildlife Recovery of the Balearic Islands, which has managed the CRFS network since its founding in 2004 — helping to build a richer, more responsive picture of what's happening out in the field.
It's a reminder that conservation on the islands is genuinely a team effort. From the wardens and vets doing the daily work, to the walker who spots a grounded shearwater on a coastal path and knows exactly who to call - everyone plays a part. And if the 2025 figures are anything to go by, it seems the islands are getting rather good at it.
The CRFS network is managed by COFIB (Consorci per a la Recuperació de la Fauna de les Illes Balears), a body jointly established by the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural and the Fundació Natura Parc.
By Claire Miller | Source & Photos - Govern de les Illes Balears
04/03/26
The App Making a Difference
One increasingly important tool in the conservation toolkit is the Línia Verda app, a citizen reporting platform primarily used to flag sightings of invasive species. Particularly popular in Eivissa and Formentera, it recorded more than 1,200 notifications in 2025 alone. Reports fed directly into the operational database of COFIB - the Consortium for Wildlife Recovery of the Balearic Islands, which has managed the CRFS network since its founding in 2004 — helping to build a richer, more responsive picture of what's happening out in the field.
It's a reminder that conservation on the islands is genuinely a team effort. From the wardens and vets doing the daily work, to the walker who spots a grounded shearwater on a coastal path and knows exactly who to call - everyone plays a part. And if the 2025 figures are anything to go by, it seems the islands are getting rather good at it.
The CRFS network is managed by COFIB (Consorci per a la Recuperació de la Fauna de les Illes Balears), a body jointly established by the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural and the Fundació Natura Parc.