The first black vulture nest outside the Serra de Tramuntana has been discovered in Mallorca.

Palma, Sep 4 (EFEverde).- The Balearic Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment has confirmed the presence of a black vulture ( Aegypius monachus ) nest in Mallorca for the first time outside the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, specifically in the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park, in Artà. The discovery represents a historic milestone in the conservation of the species, which has the only island population in the world on the island.

Technicians have located a breeding pair within the protected natural area. Regional Minister Joan Simonet described the discovery as "a historic milestone in the conservation of the species," since, although there are oral accounts placing the black vulture in the area, a breeding attempt had never been documented with evidence until now.

Furthermore, according to Simonet, this nest in the eastern part of the island "opens a period of hope for the species and consolidates Mallorca as a key territory for its recovery in the western Mediterranean."

Stable population on the island

The Director General of Natural Environment and Forest Management, Anna Torres, emphasized that monitoring the black vulture population during the 2025 breeding season confirms the consolidation of this emblematic species in Mallorca.

According to provisional data collected this year by environmental officials, 49 areas were recorded with signs of nest occupation, with a total of 35 breeding pairs, 35 hatched chicks, and 32 fledged chicks.

Thus, in 2024, the figure was similar: 49 territorial pairs laid eggs in 46 nests, although ten clutches and one chick were lost. Ultimately, 35 pairs successfully bred, and 34 chicks fledged. Torres emphasized that current data reflect a stable population of this large bird of prey.

Request for citizen collaboration

The Balearic Government has asked for public cooperation to prevent the nesting of this vulnerable species, urging them to avoid human interactions near the nests.

The Regional Ministry noted that one of the key factors in breeding success has been ensuring adequate tranquil conditions in the Llevant Peninsula Natural Park.

Furthermore, the establishment of the population in the Artà mountains has also been favored by the persistence of extensive mountain livestock farming. The presence of guards of Majorcan sheep, Balearic donkeys, and Majorcan cows has provided food and helped maintain favorable open habitats for the species.

Active conservation

Another determining factor has been the effective control of feral goats in the protected natural area, which has reduced pressure on the habitats where the black vulture nests.

Although the black vulture is no longer in danger of extinction in Mallorca, it remains classified as vulnerable. The expansion of the species beyond its historical core in the Serra de Tramuntana represents, according to the regional government, a decisive step in its consolidation.

In fact, the regional government highlighted the joint efforts of the Natural Park staff, environmental officials, ornithologists, and volunteers from the environmental group GOB, who have provided constant monitoring and intensive care to the population throughout the campaign.

Collective success for biodiversity

Coordination between the Government's Species Protection Service and the Llevant Natural Park management has been essential to consolidating this conservation success.

Therefore, the regional authorities emphasized that this milestone demonstrates that the combination of actions—calmness, control of invasive species, traditional livestock support, and active surveillance—can guarantee the recovery of emblematic and vulnerable species in the Mediterranean.

The black vulture, one of Europe's largest birds of prey, is thus more firmly established in Mallorca, the only island enclave on the planet with a stable population, reinforcing the island's international importance in terms of conservation. EFEverde