Population size and status of Common Raven (Corvus corax) on the central-western islands of the Canarian archipelago

Abstract

During the 2009 breeding season (February-June) we studied the population size of Common Raven on four islands of the Canarian archipelago. A total of 44 pairs were censused: ten in Gran Canaria, 12 in Tenerife, 17 in La Palma and five in La Gomera. Most of these pairs have their territories in ravines, gullies and sea cliffs, coinciding with or close to areas where livestock is still being raised (herds of goats and sheep) or presence of feral goats. The size of the floating population is unlikely to exceed that of the breeding birds. We also discuss real and potential threats.