Wiesen consecration in need: only 25 couples in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania!
Wiesen consecration in need: only 25 couples in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania!
Grabow, Deutschland - This day the first boys of the meadow consecration, the smallest bird of prey in Germany. But with the birth of the youngsters there is also a worrying reality on the brink: the nests of this rare bird species are very endangered. Ralf Kobus, a volunteer bird guards, committed himself to the challenge in the region around Grabow in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district. Since April he has been looking for Wiesen consecration and their nests to secure the population. According to NDR carry drones with thermal imaging cameras, which will be used for the first time this year. So a drone pilot not only discovered a female, but also the associated nest.
From a historical point of view, meadow consecrations were once widespread in wetlands, bogs and heath landscapes. Today, however, they have withdrawn to agricultural areas, as reported by the Bauernzeitung . The breeding areas are now mainly winter cereals, lucerne shells and seed grassland. Through special protective measures, such as the use of open wire cages around the nests, an attempt is made to increase the chances of survival of the young birds.special protective measures
To protect the nests, a 50 x 50 meter tall Horst protective zone is set up. In a pleasant step, farmers receive compensation payments for mowing their fields around these protective zones. Last year, two nests were secured by such measures and seven young birds were saved. The focus on active nest protection has an effect-the NABU reported an increase in meadow consecration population, whose breeding stock, for example in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, only consists of 25 breeding pairs.
As mentioned, the male of the meadow consecration brings food to the female and plays a crucial role in the choice of breeding site. The transfer of feed in the air is an important behavior to determine the nest location. These practices are essential for reproductive success, since predators such as wild boars, foxes, badgers, domestic cats and raccoons represent a constant threat to the young birds.
threats and challenges
The meadow consecration is on the red list of endangered species, and their reproduction is particularly at risk through factors such as early cuts and the pressure from photovoltaic systems. The record numbers of four eggs per climb and a breeding season of 28 days show the challenges with which this species of bird is faced. The young birds also need about 32 days after hatching to become fledged.
In recent years, the protection of meadow consecrations in Germany has made great progress. Between 2013 and 2022, for example, 88 Bruten were looked after in Brandenburg, 64 of which were fenced. These measures have made a visible contribution to the preservation of the population, as well as documented in the national bird protection report, which shows developments and trends over a period of 36 years. According to Federal Office for Nature Conservation , the existing conservation measures can be secured in the long term by targeted conservation measures such as the meadow consecration.
So it remains to be hoped that the use of science, technology and, above all, the tireless commitment of conservationists such as Ralf Kobus continues to bear fruit and that the consecration will soon be more widespread in our landscapes.
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| Ort | Grabow, Deutschland |
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