- This initiative represents a milestone in Fundación Endesa’s new biodiversity strategy, which promotes collaboration with national parks and the protection of threatened species such as the black vulture and the Iberian lynx.
- To kick off the collaboration between the foundation and Acción por el Mundo Salvaje (AMUS), a young black vulture was captured in Extremadura for a health check to ensure its well-being. Following the examination, the bird was fitted with a GPS tracking device to monitor its adaptation and identify potential threats.
- The project uses GPS tracking to identify risks such as poisoning or collisions, thereby helping to safeguard the future of this iconic bird species for Iberian wildlife.
- Additionally, followers of Fundación Endesa’s social media accounts actively took part in the initiative by voting to name the bird, which has been named Paco.
On the International Day for Biological Diversity, Fundación Endesa reaffirms its commitment to protecting the natural environment through the release of a black vulture in Extremadura. This autonomous community is one of the key regions in Spain for the conservation of this species, which plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
In upcoming phases, the initiative—in collaboration with the organisation Acción por el Mundo Salvaje (AMUS), aims to tag over 20 black vultures in various locations across Spain with GPS transmitters to enable continuous monitoring and tracking. Each bird will also undergo a thorough health check, with a special focus on identifying pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides, thereby ensuring their well-being and contributing to the species’ conservation.
The release took place in an area with optimal feeding conditions and low exposure to threats, which will help the bird adapt more easily to its natural environment. Thanks to the installed GPS devices, experts will be able to closely track the vultures’ movements, identify potential risks—such as collisions or poisoning—and gather valuable data to enhance protection strategies and safeguard the future of this scavenger species.
‘With this collaboration agreement with AMUS, we are taking yet another step in our commitment to biodiversity,’ said Juan Ignacio Ferrer, biodiversity projects manager at Fundación Endesa. ‘This project, in line with our new strategy for the 2024–2027 period, allows us to work alongside leading organisations in the protection of endangered species like the black vulture, and to directly contribute to the conservation of our country’s natural heritage.’
Álvaro Guerrero Mayo, director of AMUS, explained: ‘the black vulture is without a doubt the emblem of the Mediterranean forest and one of the most iconic species in Extremadura. Projects like this, which combine scientific research with direct action in the field, are essential for their protection and for establishing Extremadura as a benchmark region for the conservation of large scavenging birds of prey.’
Fieldwork is complemented by toxicological analyses, studies on spatial use, and a collaborative network between regional governments. ‘For the first time, we are collecting data on a national scale, focusing especially on adult individuals, which presents a significant technical and scientific challenge,’ added Alfonso Godino Ruiz, technical coordinator at AMUS. ‘The black vulture released today not only represents a new opportunity for the species but also marks the public launch of an ambitious, rigorous, and effective project.’
In addition, Fundación Endesa has encouraged its social media followers to be an active part of this mission. There was a public vote to choose the name for the newly released black vulture, who from now on will be known as Paco. This is a great way to bring this kind of project closer to society and to foster greater collective awareness about the importance of protecting our biodiversity.
Fundación Endesa’s new Biodiversity strategy
The release of the black vulture is part of Fundación Endesa’s new biodiversity strategy—an line of action that strengthens its commitment to conserving the natural environment through direct, collaborative, and high-impact actions. In force since 2024, this strategy focuses on two main areas: the protection of iconic endangered species and the ecological restoration of key ecosystems.
Through partnerships with expert organisations such as Acción por el Mundo Salvaje (AMUS) and Fundación CBD-Hábitat, Fundación Endesa supports conservation projects for the black vulture and the Iberian lynx, two iconic Iberian species threatened by the impact of climate change and human activity.
Another cornerstone of this strategy is active collaboration with Spain’s main National Parks, including Teide National Park in Tenerife, where two projects of high ecological value are underway. In collaboration with the Island Council of Tenerife and the Fundación Universidad de Valladolid, ancient cedar trees in hard-to-reach areas are being catalogued and studied to contribute to their preservation and scientific knowledge. In addition, together with the Council and Agroforestal, efforts are underway to restore endangered endemic species such as the Guajara violet and the silver thistle.
With a €2.2 million investment over the next three years, Fundación Endesa is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the natural environment from the impact of climate change and human activity and directly contributing to the recovery of habitats and endangered species in Spain.