Bioparc Foundation and Caixa Popular collaborate on the reintroduction of 100 seagulls to their habitat

In June 2026, a significant conservation effort took place in the Valencian Community as part of the third edition of a project aimed at protecting the midwife toad (*Pleurodeles waltl*). This initiative was led by Fundación Bioparc, with support from Caixa Popular and the Valencian Government’s Department of Environment, Infrastructure, Territory, and Recovery. The collaboration marked a milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve this native amphibian species, which has been classified as threatened.

The project involved students from three educational centers in Valencia, who participated directly in the conservation process. Their involvement included learning about the ecology of the midwife toad and contributing to its reintroduction into its natural habitat. Over the course of the program, nearly 100 individuals of this species were released back into their native environment. These toads had previously been bred and raised under controlled conditions, ensuring they were healthy and capable of surviving in the wild.

The reintroduction was made possible through a formal agreement between Fundación Bioparc and the Valencian Government. This partnership allowed for the coordination of resources and expertise necessary to carry out such a complex ecological restoration task. Caixa Popular played a crucial role in providing financial backing, enabling the purchase of equipment, supplies, and logistical support required for the operation.

The midwife toad, known scientifically as *Pleurodeles waltl*, is a unique amphibian found primarily in the Iberian Peninsula. It is characterized by its ability to wrap its eggs around its body, a behavior that gives it its common name. Due to habitat degradation, pollution, and other environmental pressures, the population of these toads has declined significantly over recent decades. Conservationists have identified the need for active intervention to prevent further decline and ensure the survival of the species.

The project's success hinged on the cooperation between multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, educational institutions, and private organizations. Students from participating schools were given hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, which helped raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of preserving biodiversity. This approach not only contributed to the immediate goal of releasing the toads but also fostered long-term environmental stewardship within the community.

Experts involved in the project emphasized the significance of such collaborative efforts in addressing ecological challenges. They noted that while the release of 100 toads represented a major step forward, sustained monitoring would be essential to assess the long-term viability of the population. Researchers plan to track the movement and health of the reintroduced individuals using radio tags and regular field surveys.

The initiative received positive feedback from both the scientific community and the public. Local media highlighted the educational value of the program, noting how it engaged young people in meaningful conservation work. Environmental groups praised the integration of academic institutions into practical conservation projects, seeing it as a model for future collaborations.

Looking ahead, the organizers anticipate continued efforts to expand the number of toads reintroduced each year. Future phases of the project may involve additional breeding programs and habitat restoration initiatives to create more favorable living conditions for the species. The Valencian Government has expressed interest in supporting similar projects for other endangered species in the region, indicating a broader commitment to biodiversity preservation.

As the first phase of the project concludes, attention will shift toward evaluating its outcomes. Scientists will analyze data collected during the reintroduction period to determine whether the released toads have successfully adapted to their new environments. Based on these findings, adjustments can be made to improve future conservation strategies. The hope is that this initiative will serve as a foundation for larger-scale efforts to protect and restore populations of the midwife toad and other vulnerable species in the region.