Greater Chance for Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria - Lesser Kestrel Recovery LIFE11 NAT/BG/ After - LIFE Conservation Plan

Transcription

1 Greater Chance for Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria - Lesser Kestrel Recovery LIFE11 NAT/BG/ After - LIFE Conservation Plan September 2017

2 Enquiries concerning this report should be directed to: Gradimir Gradev, Project Manager, Green Balkans - Stara Zagora Tel: Fax: ggradev@greenbalkans.org Project location: Yugoiztochen(Bulgaria Balgarija) The project is implemented within the following Natura 2000 sites: Sakar SPA BG Byala reka SPA BG Krumovitza SPA BG Project start date: 01/09/2012 Project end date: 31/08/2017 Total Project duration: 60 months Total budget: 1,377, EC contribution: 1,033, (= 75% of total eligible budget) Coordinating Beneficiary: Green Balkans Stara Zagora NGO Partners: Defensa y Estudio del Medio Ambiente / DEMA (Spain) European Nature Heritage Fund Stiftung Europäisches Naturerbe / EuroNatur (Germany) ; Contact person: Gradimir Gradev (Mr.) Project Manager, Green Balkans - Stara Zagora Tel: Fax: ggradev@greenbalkans.org Project website: 2

3 Contents List of abbreviations used: Introduction Main project achievements Extinct as breeder species was restored Results and Statistics Education and Information Actions Scientific Research and Capacity Building Overview of Projects activities from prospective of the After-LIFE Conservation Plan. Perspectives for continuing the action after the end of the project Responsibility, time frame and potential financial sources of project activities in an After-LIFE Conservation Plan National Action Plan for Conservation of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria Vision for Lesser Kestrel Restoration - key points of long-term strategy to restore Lesser Kestrel to its historical distribution in Bulgaria List of abbreviations used: DEMA Defensa y Estudio del Medio Ambiente (DEMA), Spain EDC Electricity Distribution Company EMEPA, MoEW Enterprise for Management of Environment Protection Activities, Ministry of Environment and Water EPAMATH - Management Body of Nestos Delta and lakes Vistonida-Ismarida EuroNatur European Nature Heritage Fund (EuroNatur), Germany LIFE LIFE Program of EU LKRAM Lesser Kestrel Release and Adaptation Module MAFF - Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry MoEW Ministry of Environment and Water NATURA 2000 PAF - NATURA 2000 Priority Action Framework NRDP National Rural Development Program OPE National Operative Program Environment RIEW Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water SPA Special Protected Areas (Natura 2000 sites for wild birds protection) WRBC - Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center BOC - Bulgarian Ornithological Centre 3

4 1.Introduction. Description. Specific for the species is the white colour of the talons on the feet of the birds, and the smaller size considering its cousin the Common Kestrel hence the name Lesser Kestrel. Its characteristic hovering during hunting is a clear sign to distinguish them from other birds. The falcons remain steady in high winds and graciously flap their wings thus remaining at the same spot. Distribution and extinction. Not so long ago this small and gracious falcon was very common species in Bulgaria. Nesting in colonies, Lesser Kestrels were widespread, and were not disturbed to build their nests close to humans in their settlements. In the middle of the last century, Bulgarian writer and naturalist Dimo Bozhkov, as if foretelling the extinction of the Lesser Kestrels in our country and the need of future nature conservation action for their recovery as a breeding species, has titled one of his stories In the wake of the Kestrels shadows. The reason for extinction of the Lesser Kestrel as a breeding species in Bulgaria is not only one. It is considered that causes are complex change in the land use, decline in free range grazing stock, excessive use of chemicals in the agriculture, destruction of habitats, range fragmentation, as well as interspecific competition. The last Lesser Kestrel nesting site was registered by Green Balkans experts in 1989 in Sakar mountain. This area is close to the place where the borders of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey meet. Today the species populations in our Southern neighbours are amongst the most numerous in Europe. This fact has kept for long time the hopes of local naturalists that the Lesser Kestrel will return as a breeder in Bulgaria, but in the last decades no confirmed nesting pairs were recorded. Food The main food of these gracious falcons are different species of insects, small rodents mice, voles, etc., some reptiles lizards and small snakes. The Lesser Kestrels hunt in agricultural fields with cereal crops, pastures and meadows in the vicinity of the villages. Often these habitats are similar to the open areas of the steppes, prompting the other name of the species Steppe Kestrel. Realizing the aid these small falcons provide to combat the rodents in the field, people are happy to live together with the gracious birds and are accepting them under their roofs, where they build their nests. 4

5 Migration Similar to the Storks and Swallows, each autumn the Lesser Kestrels leave their nests and take a long trip south to Africa. There they spend the winter and in spring are getting back to their homes, occupying nests under the roofs of buildings, barns, and rarely rock niches and holes in sand cliffs. The Challenge Realizing the huge responsibility that they take, the Green Balkans experts have not been discouraged and together with DEMA and EuroNatur took on the great challenge to bring the Lesser Kestrel as a breeding species back in Bulgaria. 2. Main project achievements. 2.1 Extinct as breeder species was restored. For restoration of species as a breeder in Bulgaria the approach for direct release of juvenile birds in the wild was chosen, using specialized Lesser Kestrel Release and Adaptation Module, built for that purpose in Levka village in Sakar. Lesser Kestrels chicks, bred in captivity at DEMA s Breeding centre in Spain, and in the Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre are placed in the Module. Green Balkans Wildlife Centre is the only place in the country where the species is bred in captivity. Special breeding aviaries, nest boxes, incubator room, video surveillance system, etc. were built for the purpose. Expertise of vets and keepers for rearing and breeding the birds in captivity has been raised. The place for releasing the Lesser Kestrels was not randomly chosen. This is the area of Levka village, part of the NATURA 2000 network and Sakar SPA. In 2013 the first Lesser Kestrels were released in the wild. In the next year, a big part of them returned in the Release Module and formed the first 5 pairs nesting in our country. Therefore, after several decades of not nesting here, the Lesser Kestrels is back on the list of the birds breeding in Bulgaria. Gradually the colony increased and reached more than 20 pairs in 2017, that nest mainly in the artificial nestboxes, placed there by the Green Balkans team for the purpose. At the same time in the frame of the project in 2014 another small, unknown to this moment colony was found nesting within the Lukoil Neftochim Burgas PLC grounds. The discovery was made in partnership with company employees and in collaboration with RIEW Burgas. 5

6 2.2 Results and Statistics Origin of 584 Lesser Kestrel chicks released/fledged in LKRAM Levka ( ): Source of chicks released/fledged in LKRAM Total Levka: DEMA Breeding Center Green Balkans WBRC Levka breeding colony Green Balkans WBRC from rescued eggs/chicks originating from Levka breeding colony Total: Numbers and trends in the Lesser Kestrel recovery process at Sakar SPA, part of the ecological network NATURA 2000: Year Released juveniles Establishe d pairs Wild birds (no rings) Confirme d pairs with laid eggs Incubati ng pairs Pairs with hatched chicks Pairs with a reared chick Eggs laid Chicks hatched Chicks reared to to to 22 9 to To follow the adaptation and independent life of the birds from the newly-formed colony, and for easier individual recognition, all released or hatched in the colony birds, are marked with standard and special colour PVC rings. The production of the rings was realised in partnership with the Bulgarian Ornithological Centre (BOC) of Bulgarian Academy of Science (BAS). At an international level orange ring colour and black letters and/or numbers were designated for our country - ex. BDS, BCK, etc. Within the project 594 birds in total (including 10 of the wild population, passing through the Levka colony) were marked with such rings. Using radio-transmitters, first movements and home range of the birds from the newlyformed colony were tracked. Radio-transmitters were attached to 6 birds, identifying the home ranges of 2 male birds with respective areas of 46.8 sq. km and 29.7 sq. km. Roosts and pre-migration concentrations have been localized at 5 km from the colony in 2014 and at 4.3 km in The experience gathered was developed further during the next period when 6 more Lesser Kestrels were tagged with high-tech satellite transmitters. Thanks to that we have achieved the following results: For the first time in Bulgaria a study on the roaming, migration and wintering of the Lesser Kestrel is done; 6

7 For the first time in Bulgaria and third time in the world 5g Solar PTT-100 backpacks (Platform Terminal Transmitters PTTs - Microwave Telemetry) satellite transmitters were used to track Lesser Kestrels; For the first time wintering sites in Africa, for the Balkan (Bulgarian in particular) Lesser Kestrel population are determined 4000 km away from the nesting area; The connections between Lesser Kestrel nesting populations in Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey, have been proven for the first time; Roosts, premigration roaming routes and areas of concentration of individuals from the Bulgarian population in Bulgaria as well as in neighbouring countries Greece and Turkey, have been identified for the first time. Thanks to the great results of the project, Microwave Telemetry, the transmitter manufacturer, donated one additional transmitter for the purposes of the project. In order to have secure nesting sites in the project territories, more than 80 nestboxes and 13 perches were installed. Together with EVN Bulgaria (ER Yug Ltd.), more than 200 eletricity poles have been secured, thus minimizing the threat of electrocution both for the Lesser Kestrel as well as for other rare and protected birds, such as the Imperial eagle, Egyptian vulture, etc. The agroecological state of 18,5 ha feeding habitat of the species (open areas and pastures) have been improved. They were cleared of shrubs and other non typical plants. A herd of Karakachan horses, reared freely in the wild, are used for its management by grazing. Thus they ensure areas with low vegetation, in which the Lesser Kestrels can easily find their prey. EuroNatur play a key role in this action, helping to transfer the experience gathered in other countries and projects to Bulgaria. 2.3 Education and Information Actions The Demonstration Centre in Levka village, part of the Release Module, plays an important role in the project. The combination of diorama, information boards, life size Lesser Kestrel models, nestbox models and the system for online video surveillance represent the life of the Kestrels, their habitats and food, 7

8 as well as those of similar bird species to the visitors. More than 1530 visitors have visited the Demonstration Centre - a significant number, considering the area in which most of the villages are depopulated. The Demonstration Centre is a place for trainings, information campaigns and educational activities with local farmers, hunters, pupils and other stakeholders. The main participants in these activities are teachers and pupils from the following schools: Dr. Petar Beron High school - Svilengrad, Ivan Vazon Elementary school - Svilengrad, Hristo Botev High school - Ivailovgrad, Hristo Botev Elementary school - Levka village, N. Y. Vapcarov Elementary school - Gorna Kula village, Sv. Sv. Kiril I Metodii Elementary school - Svirachi village, Sv. Sv. Kiril I Metodii Elementary school - Zhelezino village, Sv. Sv. Kiril I Metodii Elementary school Topolovgrad. A dedicated web page has been designed for the project, and it enjoys high popularity with over visits throughout the project. The web page and the information, that is currently published and updated is the main way for communicating with the media. Thanks to this, over 570 media coverages for project actions have been registered, including by national media like Bulgarian National Television and Bulgarian National Radio. Articles in national daily newspapers Dnevnik, Standart, etc. Detailed articles about the project actions were also published in respected international specialized magazines like BBC Knowledge and National Geographic Bulgaria, Quercus Spain, Ornithologiki Greece, Tracker News USA, as well as other media from Greece, Germany, Turkey, etc. The Back Home documentary showing the initial efforts and results of the recovery of the Lesser Kestrel as a breeding species in Bulgaria, has been published in 2000 copies and has gained popularity among nature lovers and local people. In addition to that, Destination BG TV has producedand showed regularly the Flight Over Sakar movie telling the story of the Lesser Kestrel, Imperial eagle, NATURA 2000, European Green Belt and cultural and historical landmarks in Sakar. A series of information materials have been published in the frame of the project manualss and guidelines, flyers, posters, stickers, badges, post cards, children games, etc. 2.4 Scientific Research and Capacity Building EuroNatur, Green Balkans and DEMA have organized a very prestigious International expert meeting on conservation of the Lesser Kestrel. It was held in October 2016 in Plovdiv, with more than 50 experts form 11 countries and 28 organizations. Green Balkans was a co-organizer of the First National Conference on Reintroduction of Species with Conservation Importance, held in November 2015, together with the Biology Department of St. Climent Ohridski Sofia University, the LIFE projects of Green Balkans and Fund for the Wild Flora and Fauna, PENSOFT publishing, St. Climent Ohridski Sofia University s Science research sector Scientific research Fund, Sofia University Student Council, Skoretz club in Biology Department, Union of the Scientist in Bulgaria, etc. 8

9 Project results were reported during the international Birds of Prey in Europe Reintroduction meeting, organized by the Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre and held in February 2016 at Stara Zagora. In January 2013 the team took part in a Lesser Kestrel work meeting in Greece as part of the LIFE for the Lesser Kestrel LIFE11 NAT/GR/ project, coordinated by the Laboratory of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management of Thessaly University in partnership with Rigas Feraios Municipality, The Management Body of Ecodevelopment Area of Karla Mavrovouni - Kefalovriso - Velestino, Hellenic Ornithological Society and NCC Ltd. In similar fashion the project actions have been presented during three scientific conferences, organized by the Plovdiv University Biology Department in 2012, 2016 and Many scientific articles, reports and presentations have been prepared, presented during scientific conferences, work and expert meetings, and other international, national and local events. International recognition for the project wasn t late to come. It was finalist in the NATURA 2000 Awards in 2016, organized by the European Commission. The joint initiative of Green Balkans, DEMA and EuroNatur participated in the Cross Border Cooperation category competing with more tha 80 projects from all over Europe. The Green Balkans project for the Lesser Kestrel recovery was the winner of the 2016 Moto- Pfohe Conservation and Environmental Grants in Bulgaria. A public opinon poll made in the project area has showed that 90% of the local residents, administration representatives and different stakeholders have liked the project idea. Important partners in all the actions were the municipal administrations in Svilegrad and Topolovgrad, State Forestry Unit Svilengrad, Ministry of the Environment and Water, Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water, Bulgarian Ornithological Centre of BAS, Agricultural University Plovdiv, Thracian University Stara Zagora, Biology Departaments of Sofia and Plovdiv universities, EVN Bulgaria (E R Yug Ltd.) etc. 3. Overview of Projects activities from prospective of the After-LIFE Conservation Plan. Perspectives for continuing the action after the end of the project Note: the coding and numbering from project proposal is kept for better following of activities continuation. A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans A.1 Kick-off event to present the main aims and objectives of the project N/A A.2 Preparation of a Communication Strategy and Annual Project Action plans Institutions and groups identified in the Communication Strategy could be targeted after the end of the project. A.3 Screening of the EU Rural Development Policy and Common Agricultural Policy 9

10 provisions for positive/negative practices affecting Lesser Kestrels Guidelines for maintenance and management of habitats in Lesser Kestrel release areas can be used by anyone, who undertakes restocking of Lesser Kestrel or species of similar ecological needs and peculiarities. The agri-environmental scheme for the Lesser Kestrel, when/if introduced by the MAFF will/could be beneficial to the Lesser Kestrel as well as other species of similar ecological needs after the project s end. All guidelines are uploaded on the project web site. A.4 Identification of Lesser Kestrel Friendly Agro-environmental measures in the Bulgarian rural development schemes Guidelines for BG agri-environmental schemes will be used after the end of the project - printed and uploaded on the project web site A.5 Recommendation of appropriate management prescriptions for target species to be incorporated into SPA management plans Whenever the MoEW starts any of the procedures related to the Management Plans of the target SPAs, Green Balkans team will cooperate in any issue at every possible stage of the process. Recommendations of appropriate Lesser Kestrel management are uploaded on the project web site and will be of use for all SPA management plans where the species is subject to conservation. A.6 Development of recommendations and guidelines for Kestrel friendly constructions The leaflet was uploaded on the project website and the dissemination will continue after the project s end. A.7 Actualization and submission of a National Action Plan for recovery and conservation of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) populations in Bulgaria After its official adoption AP will be available at the MoEW web site The new OPE might gave opportunity to implement Species Action Plans approved by the MoEW. The new revision of the Action Plan will be needed in 10 years, after the approval of the one, prepared under the project. A.8 Finding the closest active Lesser Kestrel colonies in Greece and Turkey The acquired knowledge of the Lesser Kestrels in natural colonies and the developed expertise of the team were of particular use for the conservation of the species in Bulgaria. This experience was a good basis for planning further Lesser Kestrel conservation activities and measures in Bulgaria after the end of the project. 10

11 In the future, the colonies identified and described within the project can be subject to research and conservation by local and international organizations, which will have good initial information to track and monitor trends, identify threats, etc. A.9 Sharing best practices on Lesser Kestrel in-situ and ex-situ conservation The already established contacts and collaboration will continue after the project s end. A.10 Establishing database with the Lesser Kestrels available for captive breeding and release The team of Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre will keep the good communications with the partners Breeding Centres established within the project. C. Concrete conservation actions C.1 Improving the foraging habitat for Lesser Kestrels in release areas through clearing of grassland overgrown with shrubs The already cleared areas and the other plots owned by Green Balkans will continue to be managed by Green Balkans after the project s end. The same will be done with regard to the horses owned by the Organization, which will continue to be kept in the future as an important element of habitat maintenance. These are long-term investments by Green Balkans focused on the management and maintenance of habitats in Sakar, which will continue after the end of this project. C.2 Improving Lesser Kestrel nesting conditions - installation of nest boxes and other artificial structures The purchased and reconstructed buildings and roofs will continue to be maintained and function long after the project end. In particular, the under-roof nest boxes that are not exposed to weather conditions will continue to provide reliable nesting sites for a long period of time. The expectations of the team are that the colony will become stable and will continue to exist after the project s end, using the provided nesting structures. C.3 Establishing Lesser Kestrel hacking facilities in Sakar SPA After the project end the hacking facility will not be used actively as it already completed its functions to establish new colony. It is presumed that established colony will fill up the capacity of the feeding habitats in its range. So, most probably further releases will lead to dispersion of released birds rather than their settling in the home range of already viable colony. On the other hand, those dispersing birds are very valuable for natural recolonization of other sites within the historical species distribution. In this way, investment in this facility could be of long term use for species conservation serving as propagation point for recolonization. So, hacking facility could be fully operational only if full scale financial coverage is secured. Otherwise it will work for short periods: for chicks release through release boxes (2 weeks most) or for fledged juveniles (up to 10 days), if such birds are available from breeding 11

12 programme and if it is decided there is a need for that. C.4 Securing Lesser Kestrels for translocation from Spain to Bulgaria This action will not continue after the project ends since the result of actions C.5 and C.6 is precisely to create a captive breeding stock in Bulgaria so that Green Balkans can continue to reinforce the Lesser Kestrel colony established in Levka through release of birds hatched in Green Balkans WRC in Stara Zagora. C.5 Developing the infrastructure of the Wildlife Rescue Centre at Green Balkans to accommodate a supplementary Lesser Kestrel breeding programme The developed infrastructure of Green Balkans WRC will serve the Lesser Kestrel breeding programme after the end of the project. Established basic Hacking futility in the WRC will serve as a release spot in addition to established one (LKRAM) under Activity C3 in Levka. C.6 Ex-situ breeding and maintaining of supplementary Lesser Kestrel captive breeding stock at the Wildlife Rescue Centre Action will not continue at the same scale and intensity after the project end. The Lesser Kestrel captive breeding stock of 20 pairs, established at Green Balkans WRC could be continuously used for breeding. But birds from captive breeding stock will be bred only if there is another separately financed conservation project for reinforcement/establishment of Lesser Kestrel colonies. Otherwise males and females will be kept separately from each other, in terms to prevent their breeding. The captive breeding stock, established within the project, will be kept in full size during the first breeding season after the project end (2018). Chicks reared in 2018 will be released either through Levka LKRAM or through WRC hacking facility. Later on, within next 4 years ( ), a minimal captive breeding stock of 5-10 pairs will be kept to secure need of it, in case of financed project for reinforcement of the species appear. In such case the breeding stock could be increased to its initial capacity in 2 years. Тhe rest of the adult birds (10-15 pairs), after 2018, will be distributed for conservation purposes to other projects, breeding centers, zoos or will be released after proper adaptation. If no such funded project which requires breeding stock existence appears until March 2022, then all of the adults left (5-10 pairs) could be either transferred to other organizations for conservation purposes or released into the wild. C.7 Transport, care and release of the birds (Lesser Kestrels and other species) at the release site in Sakar SPAs Transport of chicks from Stara Zagora to Levka is no longer needed as there is viable colony established in Levka which could sustain on its own. 12

13 Anyway, if there are birds available for releasing they could be released through the LKRAM Levka: as chicks - from release boxes or as fledged juveniles - from the adults cage. The observation and monitoring of the Levka colony, the records, ringing of chicks etc. will continue to be implemented by Green Balkans after the project s end. The entire equipment will continue to be used for such activities after the end of the project. C.8 Isolating dangerous powerlines The secured posts in the scope of the project will continue to be safe after the completion of the project. D. Monitoring of the impact of the project actions (obligatory only if there are concrete conservation actions) D.1 Monitoring of the environmental impact of the project activities and assessing the restocking success. Identifying of migration sites, period of return and preferred areas by Lesser Kestrel The data collected through the transmitters and the rings can be used in the future conservation of the species, not only in Bulgaria but in other countries as well. In addition, the experience gained by the team working with satellite transmitters can be used when studying other species. Last but not least, the metal rings put on the birds legs are practically indestructible. They will continue to provide information long after the end of the project, and the sightings of individuals marked with our rings will continue to provide information on the life, migration, threats, and other issues related to Lesser Kestrels long after the project s end. This data can be used by academic institutions such as the Bulgarian Ornithological Center, the Ministry of Environment and Water, etc. D.2 Monitoring of the social-economic impact of the project activities The findings of both surveys, implemented within this project action, will help the Coordinating Beneficiary to plan future projects and undertakings in the project area, filling the gaps or meeting the needs identified by the surveys in the long run. E. Public awareness and dissemination of results (obligatory) E.1 Develop and maintain project website for dissemination of project objectives, activities and results All the project deliverables can be downloaded from the project web site It will be maintained for at least 5 years after the project end (till September 2022). E.2 Undertake series of integrated local, regional and national events to promote the Lesser Kestrel Friendly agro-environmental schemes, land-use measures and project objectives The implementation of the activity was envisaged for the project period only, but the 13

14 awareness and the improved capacity of the farmers will bring benefits after the project s end as well. E.3 Educational programme for kids The nature of this action does not involve subsequent performance after the project s end. However, we hope that the environmental awareness and education the participants acquired during the project activities will last and support the conservation of the biological diversity and the environment in a larger scale. Demonstration Centre in Levka will be available on request by teachers and organizers for group visits. E.4 Ensure effective national and international media coverage of the project N/A E.5 Design and install information boards at project SPAs The signs will be left where they were placed and will continue to promote the actions, after the project s end. E.6 Prepare and disseminate printed communications materials integrated with the project website to improve awareness of and support for the project The dissemination of the communication materials as well as other promotional materials related to the Lesser Kestrel conservation efforts will continue after the project s end. E.7 Generate an audio-visual archive of the project to resource all communication activities After the project s end the materials gathered will be stored at Green Balkans premises. When needed, they will be used for the development and realization of other related initiatives, promotion of significant Lesser Kestrel events, or other conservation activities. The documentary produced and disseminated within this project action will continue to be used by interested parties that have received a free copy local administrations, schools, institutions, TV channels, etc. E.8 Equipping a demonstration centre and information exhibition for Lesser Kestrel conservation in Matochina village The Demonstration Centre will continue functioning after the project s end as a building. Maybe after the end of the project there will be some difficulties regarding the full-time employment of a keeper of the Centre, but the facility will continue to exist as a part of Green Balkans activity in the region of Sakar. It will be available on request for group visits E.9 Organizing an expert meeting for discussing the Balkan population status of Falco naumanni and disseminating the project results All materials from the meeting are uploaded for further use on the project web site 14

15 c150 Continuation of this activity after LIFE is N/A E.10 Establishing civic network for monitoring We will continue maintaining the contacts we have established with local people and supporters of the Lesser Kestrel recovery. F. Overall project operation and monitoring of the project progress (obligatory) F.1 Establish and make operational a Project Steering Group N/A F.2 Establish and make operational a Project Team and role distribution As a result of the project, especially at Green Balkans, ex-situ and in-situ specialists in Lesser Kestrel were developed and further qualified. All this knowledge and capacity will continue to be used by the team to develop activities related to the Lesser Kestrel conservation and recovery in areas where it has gone extinct. F.3 Sign partnership agreement N/A F.4 Experience exchange and networking with other LIFE projects As a whole, the technical implementation of this project action was completed with the project end, but the established contacts will be useful for the future activities of the team related not only to the Lesser Kestrels but the conservation of raptors and their habitats as well. F.5 Reporting and audit N/A F.6 Preparation of a Layman Report The Layman Report is distributed after the project s end. It is a useful promotion tool, disseminating the results of the project and the experience gained by Green Balkans through the funding provided by LIFE Program. F.7 Develop an After- Life Conservation Plan The actions prescribed by the After- Life Conservation Plan are part of the Action Plan for Lesser Kestrel Conservation in Bulgaria ( ) and will be implemented accordingly. 15

16 4. Responsibility, time frame and potential financial sources of project activities in an After-LIFE Conservation Plan. Note: the coding and numbering from project proposal is kept for better following of activities continuation. Activity/after- LIFE measure Who When/ How long Possible financial source A. Preparatory actions, elaboration of management plans and/or of action plans A.3 Dissemination of the Green Balkans Own budget Guidelines for maintenance and management of habitats in Lesser Kestrel release areas. A.4 Dissemination of Lesser Kestrel Friendly Guidelines for BG agri-environmental schemes. Green Balkans Own budget A.5 Dissemination of Recommendations of appropriate Lesser Kestrel management of SPAs concerned. A.6 Dissemination of recommendations and guidelines for Kestrel friendly constructions A.7 Implementation of a National Action Plan for recovery and conservation of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) populations in Bulgaria Green Balkans Own budget Green Balkans Own budget MoEW OPE , LIFE, EMEPA of MoEW, NRDP, Other project funds A.8 Monitoring the closest active Lesser Kestrel colonies in Greece and Turkey Green Balkans, EPAMATH, EuroNatur LIFE, Transboundary funds, Project funds A.9 Sharing best practices on Lesser Kestrel experts Own budget, 16

17 Lesser Kestrel in-situ and ex-situ conservation A.10 Maintatnance database with the Lesser Kestrels available for captive breeding and release + DEMA & all other Project funds reliable experts/organizations Green Balkans Own budget C. Concrete conservation actions C.1 Maintenance of existing and improving the new foraging habitat for Lesser Kestrels through clearing of grassland overgrown with shrubs Green Balkans NRDP , EuroNatur, own budget C.2 Improving Lesser Kestrel nesting conditions - installation of nest boxes and other artificial structures Green Balkans OPE ,LIFE, Locals C.3 Maintenance of Lesser Kestrel hacking facilities in Sakar SPA. C.5 Maintenance of the infrastructure of the Wildlife Rescue Centre at Green Balkans to accommodate Lesser Kestrel breeding programme and basic hack facility C.6 Ex-situ breeding and maintaining of Lesser Kestrel captive breeding stock at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre C.7 Transport, care and release of Lesser Kestrels at the release sites in Sakar SPAs and elsewhere. C.8 Isolating dangerous powerlines Green Balkans OPE , EU LIFE Programme LIFE, Project funding Green Balkans EMEPA of MoEW, OPE , LIFE, Project funding Green Balkans EMEPA of MoEW, OPE , LIFE, Project funding Green Balkans Completed N/A EVN Bulgaria Completed N/A D. Monitoring of the impact of the project actions (obligatory only if there are concrete conservation actions) 17

18 D.1 Monitoring of the environmental impact of the project activities and assessing the restocking success. Identifying of migration sites, period of return and preferred areas by Lesser Kestrel E. Public awareness and dissemination of results (obligatory) E.1 Develop and maintain project website for dissemination of project objectives, activities and results E.2 Participation in local, regional and national events to promote the Lesser Kestrel Friendly agroenvironmental schemes, land-use measures and project objectives Green Balkans, OPE , LIFE, EuroNatur, own budget Green Balkans Own budget, Project funding Green Balkans Own budget, Project funding E.3 Educational programme for kids Green Balkans, Trained teachers Municipal funds, LIFE, EuroNatur, own budget E.4 National and international media coverage of the activities E.5 Maintenance of the installed information boards at project SPAs E.6 Disseminate printed communications materials to improve awareness of and support for the Lesser Kestrel Green Balkans Completed N/A Green Balkans own budget Green Balkans Own budget E.7 Disseminate Lesser Kestrel film Green Balkans Own budget E.8 Maintenance of the demonstration centre and information exhibition for Lesser Kestrel conservation in Levka village (May - June) Green Balkans OPE , LIFE, Project funding, EuroNatur, own budget E.10 Maintenance of the civic Green Balkans Own budget 18

19 network for monitoring Lesser Kestrel F. Overall project operation and monitoring of the project progress (obligatory) F.4 Maintenance experience exchange and networking with other LIFE projects Green Balkans Own budget F.6 Disseminate Layman Report Green Balkans Own budget F.7 Disseminate After_LIFE Conservation Plan Green Balkans Own budget Note: We are hoping after the revision of the Bulgarian NATURA 2000 PAF, actions for Lesser Kestrel reinforcement and other conservation actions for the species tol be eligible in the OPE This will give the opportunity of National and Nature Parks Managements and the RIEW (and other potential NATURA 2000 site managers) in the historical species area to be able to realize conservation actions for status improvement. In terms to secure continuation of Lesser Kestrel conservation activities in Bulgaria a project proposal (LIFE16 NAT/BG/000631) has been submitted but it was not adopted by LIFE Programme. In 2017 it was followed by new project proposal LIFE17 NAT/BG/ Better Life for Lesser Kestrel in South-East Balkans. 5. National Action Plan for Conservation of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria Within LIFE11 NAT/BG/360 a Draft National Action Plan for Conservation of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria was submitted to the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters and it is pending approval. Action Plan Chapter 9 Timeframe and budget of conservation activities (in Bulgarian) is presented. The budget is in Bulgarian currency - BGN (2 BGN are approximately 1 Euro). There are 41 activities distributed within timeframe of 10 years, with budget breakdown and institutions in charge for implementation. Most important are 14 conservation and 3 monitoring once. After official approval by MoEW Action Plan will be published at the project web site and on the MoEW web site 19

20 As a part of Action Plan a Vision for Lesser Kestrel Restoration was developed: 5.1 Vision for Lesser Kestrel Restoration - key points of long-term strategy to restore Lesser Kestrel to its historical distribution in Bulgaria. The major threats to the species recovery are related to the lack of sufficient wild birds to recolonise the historical species range, and the threat to the foraging habitats of the Lesser Kestrel resulting from the intensification of agriculture activities (mostly the application of pesticides), ploughing of uncultivated and grassy areas and abandonment of pastures. The Lesser Kestrel could only have a chance if the relevant suitable habitats are preserved through prescription of appropriate regimes in the Management Plans of the NATURA 2000 sites, through application of agro-environmental measures from the NRDP, or through another stimulation of extensive stock breeding and/or maintenance of grasslands and reduction of the application of pesticides in agriculture. Although suitable habitats may exist, there are no birds available that could recolonise the territories. Therefore, we consider that birds should be released in the wild. Proposed approach includes 2 parallel directions to be implemented: establishment of new colonies and enhancement of newly self-established once Establishment of colonies within historical range of the species which are restoring extinct ones and will became propagation points for further recolonization These new propagation points will ensure the dispersion of the species, starting with some of the 23 SPAs (where the Lesser Kestrel is considered as Natura 2000 conservation subject) and expanding to the historical range of the species. LKRAMs should be constructed at these sites, and pilot colonies to be established. These pilot colonies, after initial occupation of nesting territories will, in time, become viable enough and from their side will start to spread young birds, that in turn will colonise new and new territories. The LKRAM itself requires a firm construction (structure for compact placement of substitute parents aviaries, release boxes for young birds and nest boxes for breeding birds), sufficient team (2-4 people, working in shifts during the active breeding season), and appropriate living conditions for the team (electricity, running water, WC and sleeping quarter). Any LKRAM equipped in such fashion will not only serve as a place for rearing and release for young birds, but also to report on the conservation effect (survival of 1-year-olds after their first wintering, reporting for the nesting parameters of the newly established colony, register the birds exchange with other colonies, etc.). Geographical position of the potential valuable propagation (dispersion) points for further recolonization are: In South-East Bulgaria: Sakar SPA the area of the last known active colony in Bulgaria 20

21 There is already established LKRAM in Levka village (managed by Green Balkans). It is financially-wise to use the established base and expert potential, and release 30 young birds each year. Establishing a second LKRAM elsewhere inside the NATURA 2000 SPA Sakar, is also conservationaly valid as it will result in Lesser Kestrel saturation of the area, thus triggering recolonization of neighbouring NATURA 2000 SPA. A suitable place for the second LKRAM is Green Balkans Field Base in Matochina village. In Northern Bulgaria: Rusenski Lom Natural Park, Belenski ostrovi SPA (Persina Natural Park), or another protected area/natura 2000 site along the Danube (Kalimok Brushlen, Zlatiata, etc.). The Natural Park Directorate capacity may be used in the first two. A distant from Sakar place may be chosen as a stepping stone bio corridor, but in Soutern Bulgaria still: such as Sredna Gora SPA, Tsentralen Balkan SPA, Stara Zagora (in the Green Balkans WRC), Plovdiv, Burgas etc Enhancing the self-established natural colonies An extensive and detailed search in the settlements should be conducted in vast areas of the country, in order to find such nucleus in the earliest possible stage. This will enable to install artificial nesting boxes in these nucleus (that will ensure high level of predator security, thus higher nesting success). Installation of artificial nesting structures is well developed method within LIFE projects: LIFE02 NAT/P/008481, LIFE11 NAT/BG/ and LIFE15 NAT/ES/ ZEPA URBAN. The method was developed and utilized with a great success by the Spanish organization DEMA (a partner in the LIFE05 NAT/F/000134), and was implemented with great success in Bulgaria (LIFE11 NAT/BG/000360). It is advisable to supply birds by supplementary releases to the newly established nuclei/colonies, in order to reach a sustainable colony (up to around pairs, determined from our surveys in Turkey and Greece. Thus, population supplementation may be accomplished by a light version of a hacking facility release aviary. With these light hacking facilities birds should be released annually (18-22 days old), in a four-year period making a stable colony. After the young birds leave the aviary, the adult foster parents, are removed from the aviary, the observation of the rest of the bird is ceased. The light hacking facility should be placed at selected sites from 1 to 2 months. The service team may be 2 to 3 people, shifts will ensure the presence of 1 person. A register of the returning birds, and passer-by, cannot be kept by the work load of a single person. The minimum information that will be gathered is: the colony s nesting parameters, and individual marking of the reared young (those which are accessible in the nests). The minimum living conditions determine the presence of electricity to supply a freezer for storing the bird food and a refrigerator for the people. It is advisable to ensure appropriate living conditions for the personal WC and sleeping quarter. The geographical position of these light hacking facilities will follow new colonies discovered. Some suitable places may be determined even now: The Lukoil Neftochim ltd. area (where Green Balkans found a small colony), the Struma valley (there are some recent observation of the species), and the Sredna gora (some injured birds were received in the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre from that area). 21

22 5.1.3 Providing birds for release. For each release site bird in each LKRAM, or light hacking facility will be required. For two such releases young birds annually will be needed. They may be supplied from the breeding stock in the Green Balkans Rescue Centre. To ensure that, the keeping of the trained personnel should be guaranteed, gradual renewal of the parent flock, and basic maintenance. If releases are carried out in more than one place, and in case that the releases are more than 2 per year, then a supply of chicks from outside of Bulgaria is compulsory Release methods Ambiente de Colonia ("Colony Environment", Antolin, 2001) release method. It is developed by J. Antolin and DEMA in the 1990s and tested over numerous successful Lesser Kestrel restocking and reintroduction programs throughout Europe. It consists on placing 18 to 21 days old lesser kestrel chicks that were hatched in the captivity, inside a big nest or release box, designed to provide them food without noticing the presence of humans. The release box, where the chicks are put into, is attached to a release facility (a suspended aviary of 3x3 meters) inhabited by adult Lesser Kestrels that, occasionally, will nurse the chicks, feeding them. It is adjacent to a place/building where the new colony should be situated, or an existing one should be reinforced. In this way, the chicks are not isolated and are able to keep visual and physical contact with the adults of their species from the moment on which they are transferred to the release site. This intraspecific relationship is maintained during the whole process until the chicks can live independently, generating an environment similar to a wild colony. The young Lesser Kestrels remain on the release site for a longer period. Thus, the imprint to the new colony is stronger and the probability of returning after the winter migration increases. From the first or the second year of release, some of the birds will return to breed in the building, where artificial nests are placed to increase the number of breeding sites, establishing a new colony or recovering other declining ones. Return rate ranges from 26% - 27% in most of the implemented projects, such as Reintroduction of Lesser Kestrel in the Alhambra of Granada, and Reinforcement and Conservation of Lesser kestrel in Aude (France) and Extremadura (Spain) LIFE05NAT/F/ to 46% in the current project LIFE11 NAT/360/BG Recovery Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria. Method used in LIFE Nature project Safeguard of the SPA Gargano Promontory raptors (LIFE06 NAT/IT/000026) keeping 0 year-old-chicks for their first winter in captivity and releasing them in spring. During the project ( ) a total of 246 Lesser Kestrels were released. In 2007, the specimens were released in September, in later years it was decided to release them in the spring (April), keeping the specimens to be released during the fall and winter to avoid the risks by migrations and life in the wild. Restocking activities were carried out using the method of hacking. The activities have had considerable success in view of the wild nesting colonies following the release with particular reference to an area with a buffer of 10 km from the release site. At the beginning of the project (2007) in the province of Foggia there was a breeding population of 16 pairs, while in 2011 there has 22

23 been a breeding population of 209 pairs with an increase of 1250% and a total population of about 600 specimens Provisional annual budget of Lesser Kestrel restoration: conservation and supplementary activities. Activity/after- LIFE measure Annual budget [ ] A. Preparatory actions A.1 Searching for newly established Lesser Kestrel colonies in Bulgaria A.2 Monitoring the closest active Lesser Kestrel colonies in Greece and Turkey and FYROM C. Concrete conservation actions C.1.A Maintenance of existing and improving the new foraging habitat for Lesser Kestrels through clearing of grassland overgrown with shrubs Levka C.1.B Maintenance of existing and improving the new foraging habitat for Lesser Kestrels through clearing of grassland overgrown with shrubs Matochina (for example) C.1.C Maintenance of existing and improving the new foraging habitat for Lesser Kestrels through clearing of grassland overgrown with shrubs elsewhere C.2 Improving Lesser Kestrel nesting conditions installation of nest boxes and other artificial structures C.3.A Maintenance of Lesser Kestrel hacking facility in Sakar SPA Levka 3000 C.3.B Establishment of 2 nd Lesser Kestrel hacking facilities in Sakar SPA Matochina (for example) C.3.C Establishment of 3 rd Lesser Kestrel hacking facilities in newly self established small colony anywhere (if new colony is found in another SPA, for example Byala reka SPA) C.4 Securing Lesser Kestrels for translocation from abroad (Spain, Italy, etc.) to Bulgaria if necessary C.5 Maintenance of the infrastructure of the Wildlife Rescue Centre at Green Balkans to accommodate Lesser Kestrel breeding programme C.6 Ex-situ breeding and maintaining of Lesser Kestrel captive breeding stock at the Green Balkans Wildlife Rescue Centre (optional)