Quercus recovery centers receive 1,180 wild animals in first half of 2026

The nature conservation association Quercus reported that approximately 1,180 wild animals were received by its three recovery centers during the first half of 2026. Of these, 1,055 arrived alive. The centers are located in Cadaval, Castelo Branco, and the Alentejo coast (Santo André). Birds constitute over 85% of the admissions, including species such as the house sparrow, puffin, and various migratory birds.

On World Migratory Bird Day, Quercus highlighted the recovery of an edible-collared eagle that survived electrocution from power lines. Following specialized veterinary care and laser treatments, the bird was released back into the wild in September.

In a separate environmental development, the Portuguese government announced measures to mitigate conflicts between the Iberian wolf and livestock. Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho signed a decree directing the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) to implement priority measures. These include ecological habitat restoration, increasing wild prey availability, and providing technical support and financing for farmers to adopt protective measures such as livestock guarding dogs and fencing.