Cabildo Launches Annual Ash‑Grey Gull Protection Campaign in Fuerteventura

Each autumn, light pollution causes hundreds of fledglings to fall, leaving them vulnerable to traffic, predators and starvation.

The ash‑grey petrel spends most of its life out at sea and returns to land only to breed. Between October and November it undergoes one of its most delicate phases: the first flight of the chicks. Artificial lighting disorients many of these young birds, causing them to crash to the ground unable to regain altitude, where they become easy prey for vehicles, predators or face starvation.

“The ash‑grey petrel is part of our natural heritage and protecting it requires the effort and involvement of everyone,” said island Environment Counselor Carlos Rodríguez.

As part of the campaign, the Cabildo has sent a rescue protocol to the island municipalities and asks citizens to help by following these guidelines:

• Call 112 to activate a rescue.
• Provide the exact location where the bird was found.
• If you can safely pick it up, place it in a ventilated cardboard box, keep it in a quiet spot, and do not give it food or water until specialized personnel arrive.

The ash‑grey petrel is listed in the Special Protection Wildlife Species Register, and is also protected under the EU Birds Directive and the Bern Convention, underscoring the urgency of its conservation.

The Environment Department stresses that every small action counts. Citizen participation, combined with the work of specialized teams, is essential to reduce mortality and ensure this species continues to soar over the skies and coastlines of the Canary Islands.