Mar 31 - Wild Rabbits and Barbary Partridges Introduced to Upper Rock
As part of a greater scheme to introduce more wildlife to the Upper Rock, a collaboration between the Government’s Department of the Environment, GONHS and the Gibraltar Nature Reserve Management Team recently saw the introduction of 59 wild rabbits and around 200 Barbary Partridges in areas including Windmill Hill, Upper Rock fire breaks and near Bruce’s Farm.
The re-introduction of partridges follows numbers dropping to single figures over recent years, and the threat of losing Gibraltar’s flagship bird from the Rock. The programme has also seen a number of partridges kept in captivity, to promote breeding and the ongoing introduction of new birds to habitats across the Rock.
The rabbits aid in enhancing the biodiversity of the Rock, with former rabbits having been subject to predators and the loss of habitat throw the over growth of vegetation. The on going scheme includes continuing to clear areas where vegetation has become too overgrown. The wild rabbits were provided by a breeder in Andalucia who also provides the Junta de Andalucia. Before release they were vaccinated against common diseases by the Gibraltar Veterinary Clinic.
The Barbary Partridges were brought over from Morocco.
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