Protected Bird Species Spotted Near Rally Route in Lanzarote: Environmental Groups Call for Extra Care
Environmental organisations in Lanzarote have renewed their concerns after reporting sightings of two protected bird species in areas close to the route of this weekend’s Isla de Los Volcanes Rally.
The groups say recent observations include Cream-coloured Courser (also known as the Saharan Courser) chicks in the El Jable area, as well as Canarian Houbara Bustards displaying courtship behaviour near Playa Quemada. Both species are protected under Spanish conservation laws and are considered particularly vulnerable to disturbance during breeding periods.
Why Are These Birds Important?
Lanzarote is internationally recognised for its unique volcanic landscapes, but it is also home to some of the Canary Islands’ rarest birdlife.
The Canarian Houbara Bustard is one of the island’s most iconic species and is found mainly across open plains and semi-desert habitats. Its population is relatively small, making habitat protection especially important.
The Cream-coloured Courser is another remarkable bird adapted to Lanzarote’s arid landscape. Recent sightings of chicks suggest successful breeding has taken place this summer, something conservationists see as encouraging for the species.
Why Are Environmental Groups Concerned?
Several conservation organisations argue that activities such as rally events can potentially disturb wildlife if they coincide with sensitive breeding periods.
Their concerns include:
- Increased vehicle movement.
- Higher levels of noise.
- Dust generated by passing rally cars.
- More spectators walking through fragile habitats.
They believe these factors could disrupt breeding birds or cause adult birds to abandon nesting areas if disturbance becomes significant.
Scientific Research Supports Their Concerns
The organisations point to research from Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC), which suggests that breeding seasons for some of Lanzarote’s steppe bird species are more flexible than once believed.
Unlike many European birds, breeding in the Canary Islands can continue well into the summer when rainfall has produced enough food. This means important nesting activity may still be taking place during August, rather than finishing earlier in the year.
Rally Organisers and Authorities
The environmental groups have previously asked the Canary Islands Government to consider adjusting the timing of both the Isla de Los Volcanes Rally and parts of the hunting season in future years to better avoid sensitive breeding periods.
Their request is not to prevent the rally from taking place, but to explore whether future scheduling could reduce any potential impact on protected wildlife while allowing the sporting event to continue.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
For most residents and tourists, the rally will continue as planned and remains one of Lanzarote’s most popular motorsport events.
However, anyone visiting natural areas such as El Jable, Playa Quemada, or other protected landscapes should remember that these areas are home to wildlife found almost nowhere else.
Simple actions such as staying on marked tracks, avoiding disturbing birds, keeping dogs under control where required, and respecting temporary restrictions all help protect Lanzarote’s unique natural heritage.
A Delicate Balance
Lanzarote has built an international reputation for offering both spectacular outdoor events and outstanding natural beauty. Finding the right balance between tourism, sporting events and wildlife conservation is an ongoing challenge.
With increasing scientific knowledge about the island’s protected species, discussions are likely to continue about how major events can coexist with the conservation of some of the Canary Islands’ rarest wildlife.
