Collaboration of 4D Médica with the Capercaillie Center in Leon

The cantabrian capercaillie is one of the most emblematic species of the peninsular biodiversity. With the aim of protecting and conserving this endangered species, an interpretation center for this bird and its natural habitat was created in 2006 in Caboalles de Arriba, in the municipality of Villablino de León. The Capercaillie Center is part of the network of Wild Animal Recovery Centers (CRAS) managed by the Natural Heritage Foundation of Castilla y León.

4D Medical has collaborated with the center through a public bidding process, contributing with medical equipment in the area of veterinary radiology. As experts in marketing and distribution of medical equipment, we have also carried out a collaboration with the CRAS in Burgos and Valladolid. In all these projects, 4D has supplied both X-ray equipment for veterinary medicine and protection materials for professionals. Below, we analyze the project, the work of the Capercaillie Center in León and the various medical equipment supplied.

Capercaillie Recovery Center in Leon

The Capercaillie Center is located in Caboalles de Arriba, in the municipality of Vallablino de León.and is part of of the Laciana Valley Biosphere Reserve, an area of high ecological value recognized by UNESCO. This area is home to species such as the The area is included in the Natura 2000 Network as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA). 

What is the work of the Capercaillie Center?

The center is responsible for presenting the mixed oak forest ecosystem and one of its emblematic species: the Cantabrian capercaillie.. Seeks to provide a thematic exhibition The museum offers the recreation of a "cantadero", a place where the male grouse performs its courtship song, and allows the visitor to listen to the sounds of the forest through large windows that offer views of the natural environment.

In 2025, a new complete renovation of the exhibition with an investment of more than 400,000 euros, financed by FEDER funds and the Diputación de León. The objective is to communicate in a didactic and informative way the characteristics of the capercaillie habitat and the conservation efforts underway.

Featured species at the Capercaillie Center

The Capercaillie Center in Caboalles de Arriba (León) is an interpretation space dedicated to the conservation of the Cantabrian capercaillie and its habitat. In addition to the capercaillie, the center addresses other emblematic species of the Cantabrian Mountains:

• Cantabrian Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus)This is an endangered species and represents the symbol of the center. Aspects of its biology and behavior are presented, as well as the threats it faces.
• Cantabrian brown bear (Ursus arctos)Another emblematic species of the region is the brown bear, which is also in danger of extinction. Its ecological importance and conservation efforts are highlighted.
• Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus)It is a key predator in the Cantabrian ecosystems. The center offers information about its ecology and the role it plays in the natural balance.
• Other speciesThe center provides information on other species of local fauna, such as chamois, eagles and Egyptian vultures, which inhabit the forests and mountains of the area.

New Center for the Recovery of Wild Animals (CRAS) in Valsemana

Currently, the construction of a new Wild Animal Recovery Center at the Valsemana estatein the municipality of La Ercina, in León. This center, managed by the Junta de Castilla y León, will be located in a strategic enclave that already houses facilities such as the Capercaillie Breeding Center and the Brown Bear Acclimatization Center.

The creation of CRAS reinforces the commitment to wildlife protection and will provide opportunities for research and training in this area. This new CRAS joins the existing network in Castilla y León, which includes centers in Valladolid, Burgos and Segovia, and reception centers in Zamora and Salamanca. In 2024, these centers cared for more than 8,600 specimens, an increase of 22% over the previous year.

What will the new CRAS offer?

The new center will have specialized facilities for the treatment and rehabilitation of various wildlife species, including:

• Large carnivoresLike the brown bear and the Iberian wolf.
• MesomammalsMedium-sized mammals, such as foxes and badgers.
• Birds of preyEagles, owls and other protected bird species.

Valsemana's CRAS will also feature facilities for necropsies and cause of death studiescontributing to the research and conservation of wildlife in the region. Both centers play a crucial role in the conservation and recovery of endangered species in the Cantabrian Mountain RangeThe project offers environmental education and promotes the biodiversity of the area.

Medical equipment supplied by 4D Médica to the new Capercaillie Center

The recent investment in facilities, technology and medical equipment by the Junta de Castilla y León seeks to improve veterinary care and obtain a faster and more accurate diagnosis of the different species of wildlife treated in the different centers. To achieve this, 4D Médica has collaborated with the new CRAS of Valsemana, contributing different equipment in the area of veterinary radiology:

Digiray's FireCR Spark X-ray imaging system

The FireCR Spark, developed by Digiray, is a digital X-ray reading system designed to provide high resolution images with great speed and flexibility. This equipment is specially designed to meet the demands of the clinical environment, both in human and veterinary medicine.

Main advantages and features

• Sharp and precise imagesIt incorporates an advanced signal capture technology that allows to obtain radiographs with a high level of detail, facilitating more accurate diagnoses.
• Compact and functional designIts light structure and small size allows it to be easily placed on surfaces or mounted on the wall, making the most of the space available in the office or clinic.
• Versatility in the use of cassettesThe FireCR Spark is compatible with different cassette sizes, adapting to a wide range of radiological studies.
• Tailor-made performanceAvailable in different reading speed configurations, allowing to choose the most suitable model according to the workload and the needs of the medical or veterinary center.
• QuantorMed+ software includedThe system is accompanied by QuantorMed+ Imaging software with an intuitive interface, fast processes and unlimited updates. This ensures that the system is always equipped with the latest features and technological improvements.

4D Medical 4D Unix4D X-ray equipment

The 32kW Unix4D equipment is a high-frequency X-ray system designed specifically for the veterinary environment. It combines power, precision and ease of use, offering an efficient tool for diagnostic imaging in animals.

Main advantages and features

• High frequency X-ray generatorWith an output power of 32 kW, it allows a voltage range of 40 to 125 kVp and a current of 25 to 500 mA, adapting to various diagnostic needs.
• Integrated X-ray tubeIt is equipped with a 3,000 RPM rotating anode and a 2.0 x 1.0 mm focal spot, ensuring high quality images.
• 10″ LCD touch screenEasy configuration and control of the equipment through an intuitive interface.
• APR anatomical programIncludes more than 300 pre-programmed anatomical views, optimizing workflow and reducing exposure time.
• Floating table with integrated buckyIt is designed to facilitate patient positioning by means of a self-supporting column and sensor-activated magnetic brakes.
• Manual calibrationIt allows precise adjustments to be made, adapting to the particularities of each study.
• Available configurationsThe Unix4D is available in different power ratings: 4, 8, 10, 12 and 32 kW, as well as in various mechanical configurations, allowing it to be adapted to the specific needs of each veterinary clinic.

Radiation protection equipment plumbed for veterinary use

The X-ray plummet protection equipment are designed to to protect veterinary professionals and auxiliaries from exposure to ionizing radiation. during the performance of radiographic studies on animals. This type of protection includes a variety of garments and accessories made of materials incorporating lead, specifically designed to block or reduce the penetration of lead. X-rays and thus protect the most vulnerable areas of the human body.

Although radiation doses in veterinary radiology are generally low, repeated exposure over time can lead to significant health risks for practitioners if appropriate radiation protection measures are not implemented. safety and radioprotection in clinical practice daily.

With the contribution of these medical teams, better veterinary care and diagnostic accuracy is promoted, which plays a key role in the protection and conservation of the various endangered species in the Cantabrian Mountains area.

Kiko Ramos

CEO of 4D Médica. Expert in marketing and distribution of medical equipment.