Draft Bulgarian Lesser Kestrel Action Plan: status of species and conservation measures

Transcription

1 Draft Bulgarian Lesser Kestrel Action Plan: status of species and conservation measures Gradimir Gradev1, Simeon Marin1, Pavlin Zhelev1 1 Green Balkans Presented by: Simeon Marin, Green Balkans, Field activities coordinator Lesser Kestrel Recovery, LIFE11 NAT/BG/360 smarin@greenbalkans.org ;

2 Species range Source: BirdLife International Falco naumanni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013

3 Migration and wintering Source: LPO, France

4 Source: xeno-canto Ranges shown based on BirdLife International and NatureService (2011)

5 Source: xeno-canto Ranges shown based on BirdLife International and NatureService (2011)

6 Source: xeno-canto Ranges shown based on BirdLife International and NatureService (2011)

7 Source: EEBC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (1997)

8 Source: EEBC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (1997)

9 Source: EEBC Atlas of European Breeding Birds (1997)

10 Source: Iñigo, A., B. Barov (2010). Action plan for the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni in the European Union, 55 p. SEO BirdLife and BirdLife International for the European Commission.

11 Source: Report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive European Environment Agency, European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity l The EU27 population trends were assessed using these categories: + Increasing, 0 Stable, F Fluctuating, - Decreasing, xu Uncertain and x Unknown. \

12 Source: Report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive European Environment Agency, European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity l In the absence of a report from Greece for this taxon, surrogate data were provided by the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), the BirdLife Partner in Greece, indicating a breeding population of pairs, with an unknown trend during and an unknown trend during 1980 \ 2012.

13 Source: Report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive European Environment Agency, European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity l

14 Source: Report under the Article 12 of the Birds Directive European Environment Agency, European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity l

15 The EU27 population trends were assessed using these categories: + Increasing, 0 Stable, F Fluctuating, - Decreasing, xu Uncertain and x Unknown.

16 Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria Year Numbers Reference XIX "nesting everywhere" (Radakoff, 1879) 1950 "fairly common" (Patev, 1950) 1987 (Cramp and Simmons, "obscure" 1987) minimum 57 bp (Snow, 1998) (Biber 1996; Michev bp 1990) (BirdLife International 0-5 bp 2004, Barov 2002) ?

17 Lesser Kestrel IUCN status in Bulgaria (Barov et al, 2011) Source: Bulgarian Red Data Book Conservation status: in Bulgaria: Critically endangered CR=[A2(a+c) + 3c]+B[1(a) + (b)(i)(ii)(iv)(v)] + C[2(a)(i)] + D A2-80 % or a larger decrease of the size of the population for the last 10 years or for 3 generations B1 - The region of distribution is estimated at <100 sq. Km, is strongly fragmented or is found: in one habitat; Continuing decline C2ai - The size of the population is estimated at less than 250 adult individuals; Continuing decline, all subpopulations 50 ad. ind. D - The size of the population is estimated at less than 50 adult individuals

18 70ty 10 km 2 squeres with described in literature Lesser Kestrel localities in Bulgaria (Barov et al, 2011)

19 Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria (Barov et al, 2011) Source: Bulgarian Red Data Book Negative factors: decline of the species in its global range changes of its breeding and feeding habitats, threats in wintering grounds in Africa. Potential threats in Bulgaria are: Intensification of agriculture: pesticide use and lost of field margins, Decrease of extensive free grazing livestock closed deterioration of suitable for LK grass conditions, conversion of pastures into arable land, Decrease/absence of breeding places due to roof renovation,

20 Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria (Barov et al, 2011) Source: Bulgarian Red Data Book Conservation measures needed. Provision of a National Plan for conservation and its implementation; protection measures for the species in the management plans of all protected territories in which it is found. Declaring the Eastern and the Western Rhodopes Natural Parks, development and implementation of plans for their management. Assessment of the opportunities for captive breeding and reintroduction in suitable areas.

21 Conservation activities Preparation activities mainly ex-situ activities Project Conservation measures for target species of the EU Birds Directive Lesser Kestrel, Black Vulture, and Imperial Eagle in their main habitats in Bulgaria implemented by Green Balkans with the financial assistance of the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and the state budget of the Republic of Bulgaria through OP Environment (ope.moew.government.bg), Axis 3 Preservation and restoration of biodiversity : project No , Contract No С 008, procedure BG161PO005/08/3/01/05.

22 Survey of Lesser Kestrel in Turkey 7-day-expedition April 16-23d, 2010; Covered a total of 2000 km; Visited a total of 115 settlements in the European part of Turkey (West of Corlu-Mediterranean coast along Turkish-Greek and Bulgarian-Turkish state borders); Special questionnaire compiled to collect additional data on the settlement population, land use, attitude towards the birds; all the settlements within 10 km of range were being checked for the presence of a breeding colony;

23 Survey of Lesser Kestrel in Turkey

24 Survey of Lesser Kestrel in Turkey A total of 5 colonies discovered in the European part of Turkey; An aggregate number of minimum 68 pairs of Lesser Kestrel observed in the breeding season of 2010;

25 Discussion Target area and colonies located

26 Discussion Distance between potential sites and confirmed Lesser Kestrel colonies Settlement Distance in km Lesser Kestrel colonies, Turkey average Kapitan Andreevo 96,1 159,2 98,7 99,8 75,2 105,8 Generalovo 99,4 162,4 101,2 101,1 76,6 108,1 Shtit 99,5 162,6 106,3 110,3 85,6 112,9 Mustrak 106,2 169,3 112,8 115,8 91,2 119,1 Studena 103,6 166,3 113,5 119,7 95,0 119,6 Valche pole 117,7 180,1 113,8 106,4 83,3 120,2 Lozen 121,9 184,9 121,7 117,2 93,5 127,9 Mladinovo 115,9 178,9 122,9 125,3 100,7 128,7 Srem 109,8 171,2 124,3 133,8 109,2 129,7 Oryahovo 119,6 182,7 124,7 125,1 100,7 130,6 Mramor 114,2 176,1 126,8 134,3 109,6 132,2 Dositeevo 128,7 191,8 131,2 128,5 104,6 137,0 Nadejden 133,5 196,6 133,8 128,7 105,3 139,6 Rogozinovo 133,0 196,1 134,9 131,3 107,6 140,6 Svetlina 135,2 197,3 145,7 149,7 125,1 150,6 Average 115,6 178,4 120,8 121,8 97,5 126,8

27 Habitat model application Additional analysis: Site connectivity

28 Chances of Recolonization? Considering the status of Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria and the availability of active colonies in Turkey, a habitat suitability model was developed (Kmetova, 2010) to determine if there are Lesser Kestrel suitable areas close to the Turkish border and assess the possibility of natural recolonization of the species.

29 Habitat model development Suitability criteria Set of general criteria based on following factors: Topography (altitude, aspect, slope); Land management (land use; existence of protected areas; LK favourable land-use practices); Biological factors (proximity to confirmed colonies; connectivity; predatory species); Demographic factors (road network, human population density; presence of deserted buildings) These factors all assigned Suitability Indices or used for between-site comparisons

30 Habitat model application Locating the optimal site Additional factors obtained through GIS processing: Distance between potentially suitable sites; Distance from confirmed Lesser Kestrel colonies; Distance from confirmed potential predators; Type of land-ownership and responsible authorities;

31 Habitat model development General algorithm Three steps followed: Identifying suitable nesting sites; Determining and analyzing the potential home range and foraging area the suitable nesting sites identified would offer; Locating the optimal site among them;

32 Habitat model application Potential nesting and foraging sites

33 Habitat model application Results Considering all factors mentioned and the data analysis obtained, the following site (suitable for maintaining a re-established Lesser Kestrel population); ranking was suggested: Best sites: Levka, Mladinovo, Mustrak, Oryahovo, Shtit, Studena; Second best sites: Kapitan Andreevo, Generalovo; Dositeevo, Lozen, Rogozinovo; Third best sites: Mramor, Srem, Svetlina

34 Habitat model for Lesser Kestrel recovery in Bulgaria Source: Feasibility study for the restoration of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Southeastern Bulgaria (Kmetova, 2010)

35 Conclusions Natural Recolonization Average distance between suitable sites and active colonies in Turkey: 127 km; Minimum distance between suitable sites and active colonies in Turkey: 75,2 km; Mean distance of Lesser Kestrel nesting dissemination: 30 km (Negro et al. 1997; Serrano et al. 2008; Serrano et al. 2003) The chances of natural recolonization of Lesser Kestrels from Turkey to suitable nesting areas in Southeastern Bulgaria are slim and supplementary measures (reintroduction, translocation) are recommended

36 Conclusions Lesser Kestrel Restoration Strategy The initiation of a captive breeding and restocking programme is recommended as a most promising way for restoring the Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria

37 Lesser Kestrel Recovery, LIFE11 NAT/BG/360 Project partners: Coordinating Beneficiary : GREEN BALKANS Stara Zagora, Bulgaria Associated beneficiary: DEMA, Spain EURONATUR, Germany

38 Bulgarian Action plan Main goal Improving of LK conservation status: Short term (10 years) : RDB status from CR to EN (more than 5 colonies, geographically distant from each other distributed, inhabited by more than 250 adult individuals) National Art.12 BD short term breeding population trend and breeding range trend from decreasing into increasing Mid term (25 years) : RDB from EN to VU (more than 10 colonies, geographically distant distributed, inhabited by more than 1000 adult individuals) Recovery of LK population in Natura 2000 sites (10 SPAs) which purpose is LK conservation National Art.12 BD long term breeding population trend and breeding range trend from decreasing into increasing Long term (50 years) : National status (Art.12 BD) from unsecure to secure Recovery of LK population in Natura 2000 sites (26 SPAs) which purpose is LK conservation Recovery of LK population in historical range (= around 70 localities of RDB)?

39 Hope for LK after 2007 (EU accession)? Negative factors: Conversion of pastures into arable land, Increase of chemical use (including pesticides for grasshopper control) in agriculture. Conversion of LK friendly crops (wheat) into unfavourable land coverage (tobacco, vineyards) Positive factors: Natura 2000 network established, in 26 SPAs of which LK is purpose of conservation. Ban of pesticide use in a lot of them. This is precondition for proper MP development, Increase of extensive free grazing livestock which improves grass conditions for hunting LK, Access to EU funds for conservation (LIFE, OPE) Agrenvironment and Biological agriculture measures and green payments of RDP?

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42 Strategy for LK recovery in Bulgaria Maintenance of captive breeding stock in Green Balkans WBRC to secure birds for releasing into the wild Propagation of LK (from LKRAM Levka) to disperse and recolonize new sites naturally Establishment of new LK colonies to propagate birds in strategic directions to recolonize new regions: Black sea coast, Upper Trakia Lowland, Sofia Plane, Struma valley, Danube Hilly Plane Strengthening of newly found or established colonies thru reinforcement with captive bred birds and placement of safe nest boxes. Released birds are benefiting of public information of already existing colony (Source:Valone, T.J Group foraging, public information and patch estimation. Oikos 56: ) Maintenance of foraging grounds in home range of colonies in LK friendly way Some of LKRAM/colonies will also play role of stepping stones for exchange of birds with Greece and Turkey (Levka) and with Greece and Macedonia (Struma valley)

43 Strategy for LK recovery in Bulgaria: expected disspersal

44 Strategy for LK recovery in Bulgaria: expected disspersal

45 Methods of LK reinforcement in Bulgaria: Ambiente de colonia (Antolin, 2001) will be used for: Propagation of LK (LKRAM Levka) to disperse and recolonize new sites naturally Establishment of new LK colonies to propagate birds in strategic directions to recolonize new regions: Black sea coast, Upper Trakia Lowland, Sofia Plane, Struma valley, Danube Hilly Plane,

46 Methods of LK reinforcement in Bulgaria: Strengthening of week or newly established colonies Method of LIFE06NAT/IT/ Safeguard of the SPA Gargano Promontory : releasing of 1 st year birds in spring - after keeping them in captivity for their first winter.

47 Our needs of help and of cooperation from international parthners: Injured birds (not releasable) from Balkan countries for Bulgarian captive breeding stock Supply (from Spain, Italy, Greece, Macedonia) of captive bred or rescued rehabilitated chicks for release in Bulgaria Maintenance or strengthening of closest colonies in neibghouring countries (Greece, Turkey, Macedonia) is crucial: placement of safe nest boxes Marking with colour rings of closest colonies in neibghouring countries (Greece, Turkey, Macedonia) Monitoring of colonies and aggregation places to detect color rings of different origin Placement of satellite transmitters to reveal communications between colonies, aggregation sites, mouvements and migrations

48 Thank you for your attention!