Cross-border protection of the Great Bustard and the Little Bustard in Europe

ongoing

Steppe birds are one of the bird groups currently showing greatest population declines, which is a cause of conservation concern. Bustards, and especially the two well-known species Great Bustard and Little Bustard, are particularly vulnerable. The greatest threat to both bustard species is the intensification of agriculture, which leads to the destruction of habitats and direct killing by agricultural machinery. In addition, collisions with power lines are the most important anthropogenic mortality factor for the Great Bustard. The project is therefore focusing its measures on these three areas: (i) Extensive habitat improvement measures are being implemented in all eight project countries, which utilise the possibilities of the existing RDPs in close cooperation with the farmers and identify potential for the future design of the RDPs through additional targeted measures. Additionally, land is being purchased and long-term protected to safeguard their key habitats. (ii) Reduction of mortality from power lines through underground cabling and the marking of power lines. In addition, innovative approaches are being tested with the development of a new type of marking and the installation of photovoltaics as a measure to prevent collisions on railway overhead lines. Agreements will be made to prevent the construction of overhead power lines in bustard habitats. (iii) Reduction of mortality caused by agricultural machinery in existing agricultural practices, as bustards are at great risk in the breeding season. Actions are therefore taken to avoid agricultural measures during the breeding season through compensation payments, that are later to be introduced in the RDP. As last resort, clutch rescue programs will help protect nests from destruction. In addition, bustards will be tagged to gather valuable data, monitoring activities will be conducted, and habitat models will be created.