Young chicks of the Saharan Courser have been spotted near the Jable area in Lanzarote, alongside displays of courtship behaviour from the hubara bird. These sightings coincide with the ongoing Isla de los Volcanes Rally, prompting local environmental groups—Desert Watch, Ecologistas en Acción Lanzarote, Papacría, and GREFA—to alert authorities.
The organisations have reported these observations, reiterating that the breeding cycles of these steppe birds are adaptable to climatic conditions, as noted by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). They emphasize that food sources remain abundant despite the summer season, which can offset years of drought that hinder reproduction.
Ecologists stress that the high-speed vehicle traffic, increased human activity, and noise near the rally route pose risks to local protected species, including not only the Saharan Courser and the hubara but also the Canary raven, the Tagarote hawk, and the Majorcan owl.
Exclusive photos and videos of these chicks have been documented in the rally zone and are available for viewing.
