Preserving the population of terns in Sava and Drava basin

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Continental population of the Common Tern breeds on gravel islands on rivers and lakes. Gravel habitats are developed on small parts of the flow of Sava and Drava rivers, located in Slovenia and Croatia and mostly situated within the Natura 2000 sites. These areas are under human pressure, which includes gravel extraction from the river bed, river regulation, hydropower, water pollution, sport fishing etc. Croatia and Slovenia already conducted separate monitoring of terns and took habitat management measures, but without satisfactory results. The goal of the project is to maintain a stable population of terns on gravel habitats along the Sava and Drava rivers and improve its conservation status in Natura 2000 sites. By applying appropriate habitat management we will preserve gravel islands which hosts tern colonies and ensure its the long-term suitability for nesting of terns. Breeding platform will enable nesting in the area where natural habitats are not safe due to flooding. Within the project we will prepare a proposal for the extension of the Natura 2000 areas in Croatia (HR1000002). The main outcomes include an increase in the surface of sustainable habitat for nesting of terns, development of a transboundary protocol for the monitoring of the continental population of tern and the drafting of the transboundary action plan for the protection of terns. A prerequisite for achieving these outcomes is the correct interpretation of population dynamics on colonies. Therefore, with the use of PinPoint tags we will monitor bird movements during breeding season to investigate their feeding range, habitat use and connection between colonies within the project area. Genetic analysis of blood samples will show whether birds from Sava and Drava belong to the same population and allow comparison with other European populations. Using popular lectures, movie, exhibition and information boards we will increase awareness of the need to protect terns and its habitat.

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