The Spanish Gamekeepers’ Story: Recovering Spanish Ibex Populations in the Gredos Mountain Range
The Conservation Imperative has released a new documentary on how hunters led the recovery of Spanish ibex populations in the Gredos mountain range.
After a worrying decline in the status of the species in the 19th century – which saw the population dwindle to 20 individuals – a group of hunters met with King Alfonso XIII to take measures to address the situation.
A royal hunting reserve was established in the Gredos mountain range, a successful move which was coupled with the recruitment of local poachers to act as gamekeepers.
The area has been carefully managed ever since through sustainable utilisation and a number of conservation initiatives.
The species is now thriving in the region, following habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and controlled hunting activities.
We encourage you to watch the documentary to get the full details of this amazing conservation success story.
