Los comienzos de la protección de las aves en España (1879-1936): Graells, el marqués de Cusano y las sociedades protectoras de animales

Abstract

The history of the legal protection of birds in Spain during the second half of the twentieth century is well known, highlighting as relevant facts the foundation of the Spanish Ornithological Society (1954), the contribution of renowned scientists (especially José Antonio Valverde and Francisco Bernis), and the media impact of a charismatic character, Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente. But there were few works that addressed this issue in older times. However, recent studies, which are synthesized here, have revealed that previous efforts to protect an array of birds, considered useful to agriculture, were more intense and complex than previously believed. They were developed during the last quarter of the 19th century and the first third of the 20th, in line with similar international initiatives. Politicians and hunters such as Felipe Juez-Sarmiento (Marquis of Cusano), technicians and scientists, especially the prestigious zoologist Mariano de la Paz Graells (1809-1898), and animal protection societies participated in this process. Nevertheless, there was no coordinated action and no specific institutional structures were created. Finally, although some memorable results were achieved favouring the conservation of certain species, the protective impulse ended up blurred under the pressure of a powerful faction of the hunting sector.