There’s some encouraging news from one of the Costa Blanca’s most important natural spaces. Conservationists at El Hondo Natural Park have recorded a record breeding season for the marbled teal, Europe’s most endangered duck.
Years of habitat restoration and careful management have helped almost double the number of broods compared with last year, giving fresh hope for the future of a species that came close to disappearing from the area.
A record breeding season
Conservation groups ANSE and SEO/BirdLife have confirmed the presence of 13 broods this year at the restored wetlands of La Raja and El Espigar within El Hondo Natural Park.
That’s five more broods than in 2025 and the highest number recorded since work began to restore the habitat under the Life Cerceta Pardilla conservation project.
Although researchers have not released the exact number of ducklings, each brood typically produces between six and eight chicks. That suggests more than 70 young birds may have hatched this season.
Years of conservation are paying off
The results follow several years of work to improve the wetlands for wildlife.
Conservation teams purchased key areas of land, restored the lagoons and ended hunting on the protected sites. Together, the restored wetlands now cover around 141 hectares dedicated primarily to wildlife conservation.
The marbled teal returned to breed in this part of El Hondo in 2024 for the first time in many years. Just two years later, the population has reached another important milestone.
A boost for the whole wetland
The improvements have benefited far more than just one species.
This year, conservationists also recorded breeding populations of red-crested pochards, mallards, common pochards, gadwalls, shelducks, Kentish plovers, collared pratincoles and little terns.
Their presence suggests the restored lagoons now provide healthier nesting conditions for a wide range of waterbirds.
More work still lies ahead
Despite the positive results, conservationists stress that the marbled teal remains in danger.
The species is officially listed as endangered in Spain and remains one of Europe’s rarest ducks. Researchers estimate there were only around 172 breeding pairs across the Iberian Peninsula in 2025.
The European-funded Life project officially ended earlier this year, but ANSE and SEO/BirdLife continue to manage the wetlands using their own resources and support from partner organisations.
They are also working on a long-term agreement with the Segura River Basin Authority to maintain water levels and habitat management across the restored lagoons.
Conservationists believe the latest breeding success shows that sustained habitat restoration can make a real difference. They hope continued protection will allow the species to recover further in the years ahead.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- El Hondo has recorded a record breeding season for the marbled teal, Europe’s most endangered duck.
- Conservationists found 13 broods, five more than last year.
- More than 70 ducklings may have hatched this season.
- Habitat restoration and the removal of hunting have helped the species recover.
- Other waterbirds have also benefited from the improved wetlands.
- Conservationists say continued protection remains essential for the species’ long-term survival.
