Back in the wild

THE Centre for the Recuperation of the Fauna of the Balearics (Cofib) treated 1'097 animals belonging to the Balearic fauna from January to August 2006, of which they have been able to release 339, which is a recovery rate of almost 31 percent. According to the director of the centre, Luis Parpal, from January to August 2006 702 birds and 68 mammals were brought into Cofib, among which there was a total of 177 different species; 325 reptiles and amphibious species, of which 162 were released; and two insects. Parpal said that last year Cofib treated more reptiles than wild birds, 1'024 and 830 respectively, and stressed that in 2006 this trend had changed as, so far this year, more birds than reptiles had been brought in, 702 and 325 respectively. According to Parpal, the majority of the species of reptiles which were treated by Cofib were Mediterranean turtles, which for years had lived with Balearic residents on patios or in yards, and whose ownership is prohibited under current law.