The Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus) is a species under serious threat of extinction and is endemic to the Balearic Islands. It is known as the Baldritja on Mallorca and Menorca, and the Virot on the Pine Islands.
They are seabirds that are able to filter seawater by excreting the excess salt through their nose. They only breed on our islands and the Pine Islands population is the most important in the world.
They measure 90 centimetres from wing to wing and 30 from beak to tail, weigh approximately 500 g., they have a hooked bill and a figure that flies low over the sea.
They can dive up to 40 metres under the sea in their search for fish. At night they return in flocks to the nests, emitting their characteristic cries.
It has been estimated that they will be extinct within around 40 years.
Birth of Shearwaters in 2011
Shearwaters were born for the first time in ten years in Sa Dragonera.
The fact is a favorable outcome of the process of rat on the island, launched earlier this year, ten years ago that were not detected offspring in this colony. So far the Sa Dragonera rat gives favorable results, although technically it is considered that a success can be certified until two years final. The management authority of the Natural Park of Sa Dragonera has approved a biosecurity plan to maintain control of rats, prevent future infestation and, if necessary, to respond to any incident that may occur.