The Generalitat Valenciana presented new results on steppe bird monitoring in the Comunitat Valenciana on 11 October 2026. According to the findings, the Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni), with 178 breeding pairs, is showing a positive trend; 337 chicks were recorded in 141 nests. Around 78 per cent of pairs breed in designated EU Special Protection Areas (ZEPA), and 22 per cent outside them. For the Pin-tailed sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata), 103 individuals were counted – the highest figure so far in the regional census series.
The surveys locate the main concentrations of pin-tailed sandgrouse in the protected areas of Moratillas‑Almela and the ZEPA Meca‑Mugrón‑San Benito (90 and 13 birds respectively). For the Great bustard (Otis tarda), there is now more robust evidence of breeding in the region for the first time, including courtship observations and records of females with chicks. However, numbers remain low and their range is limited.
The authorities attribute recent increases in some species partly to local conservation measures. These include installing more nesting sites on buildings, maintaining suitable breeding and feeding areas, and targeted interventions to preserve open farmland. These habitats are considered essential to maintaining the characteristic bird community in the country’s inland drylands.
At the same time, the report records marked declines in other steppe species. For the Black-bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), only four individuals were recorded – the lowest figure since surveys began. The Little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) has also declined sharply, with just four territorial males. The analysis identifies the continued loss of open farmland as the main cause: the decline in fallow land and small-scale cereal fields is substantially reducing food and breeding opportunities, while the expansion of permanent crops and vineyards is further fragmenting the habitat.
The figures point to initial local successes in favour of the lesser kestrel and pin-tailed sandgrouse. However, the authorities believe this is not enough to ensure a stable recovery of the entire steppe bird community in the Comunitat Valenciana. They say ongoing habitat management, agricultural policy support for extensive farming systems, and close coordination with the communities and farmers concerned are needed to preserve open agricultural landscapes as habitat.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).