Conserving an iconic indigenous species
Shooting Times & Country|May 24, 2023
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
Conserving an iconic indigenous species

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.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023