Conserving an iconic indigenous species

Nathan Little takes on the heat and mountainous terrain of Mallorca as he learns the story of the Balearean boc and a new hunting culture

- Nathan Little

The island of Mallorca; not only a hotspot for tourists and partygoers but also a stunning island steeped in tradition, beautiful architecture and breathtaking scenery. It’s a place that has seen diverse influence over the millennia, but for me it’s an island with a huge number of passionate hunters with a long history of hunting guided by conservation.

Just a few weeks ago I was very fortunate to hunt in Mallorca. Up until that point, I’ll admit, Mallorca had not been on my radar as I naively assumed, like many, that it was a small party island with lovely beaches. That was until I met Carlos Vidal of The Hunters Corner. Carlos and I had been chatting for a few months, initially through Instagram, getting to know one another and discussing hunting both here in the UK and in Mallorca.

We spoke about our mutual passion for hunting and the places we have been, but also how Mallorca is quite unique when it comes to hunting. It is the only place in the world to have the Balearean boc, a type of wild goat. The Balearean boc is black and brick red, with horns not too dissimilar to that of a kudu (spiralled), only parallel from the side of their heads. Carlos and I chatted about this intriguing species and how hunting and conservation in mutual partnership have been key, not only to their survival but to them now thriving on the island.

From our conversations it quickly became very clear to me that Carlos, while a passionate hunter, was equally as passionate about his country and the conservation of these awesome animals. He explained how his management plans have extended some 20 years and how the culling of feral goats to prevent the dilution of the bocs’ genetics is key to maintaining the purity of this iconic animal.