Fuerteventura Council Launches Campaign to Protect the Atlantic Ash‑Grey Petrel
Each year, between October and November, hundreds of fledglings fall to the ground, disoriented by light pollution.
The Atlantic puffin (Calonectris borealis), one of the most emblematic seabirds of the archipelago, is a migratory species that spends most of its life far out at sea and only lands on solid ground to breed. Each pair lays a single egg per year, devoting all its effort to raising the chick despite numerous threats such as marine pollution, collisions with power lines, and predation.
The most critical moment occurs during the first flights of the chicks, between October and November. Disoriented by artificial lighting, many puffins crash onto the ground, where they become vulnerable to traffic, predators, or starvation because they cannot lift off on their own.
The annual protection campaign
- The Environment Department of the Fuerteventura Council, led by Carlos Rodríguez, has once again sent a letter to every municipality on the island outlining the response protocol.
- The campaign raises awareness about this protected species, which is listed in the Wild Species in Special Protection Regime, Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, and the Bern Convention.
What to do if you find a grounded puffin
- Call 112 immediately to activate the rescue protocol and give the exact location.
- If safe to do so, place the bird in a ventilated cardboard box in a quiet spot—do not give it water or food.
- Specialized environmental staff will arrive, tend to the bird, and release it back to sea in optimal condition.
“The Atlantic puffin is part of the islands’ identity, and protecting it is a collective commitment. Thanks to everyone’s involvement, we can ensure it continues to soar over our coasts,” said Carlos Rodríguez, Councillor for the Environment.
Why the puffin matters
The Atlantic puffin is a true natural treasure of the Canary Islands; its nocturnal calls are woven into the archipelago’s cultural fabric. Protecting the species requires a shared effort, and every citizen’s action counts toward guaranteeing its survival along our shores.