The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) returned to the wild 21 juveniles of the harrier species (Circus antelope), within the scope of the Emergency Plan for the Recovery of the species as it has been at risk since 2021.
This is a migratory species that nests in Portugal, being the Alentejo region one of the most important for its reproduction.
In 2011, in the Castro Verde Special Protection Zone, the presence of 214 breeding pairs of the Harrier harrier. In 2021, in the same area, the presence of only 50 couples, according to data from the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF).
“These values ​​indicate a decrease in the number of couples in Portugal of approximately 75% we last 10 year old, that reaches the 85% Alentejo. In this period, we have seen changes in agricultural and livestock cultures and practices, combined with the higher frequency of droughts, which are causing a very sharp decline in the species, which could mean his disappearance in Portugal”, explains the ICNF in a statement.
It was due to this critical situation of the species that the Emergency Plan for the Recovery of the Harrier in Portugal was initiated., coordinated by ICNF. The objective is to prevent the extinction of this species in Portugal, through ex-situ incubation (out of the natural environment) eggs to ensure their survival and increase the number of juveniles entering the population in the wild.
“The emergency plan began in March with the prospection and location of colonies and nests in hay production areas by CIBIO/BIOPOLIS – Research Center on Biodiversity and Genetic Resources”, says the ICNF. It adds that the choice of this date coincides with the nesting of the Hunting Eagle, a species that endangers eggs, offspring and, sometimes, harriers adults. Olga Martins, ICNF director in Alentejo, also points out that “the moment an adult of this species leaves the nests, leaving the eggs there, will not return”.
The species rescue process
In March, the eggs were subject to constant monitoring so that the incubation was carried out with an adequate temperature and humidity and that the success of the hatching was maximized.. “after birth, in the same center, the process of feeding the cubs began, which took place in cycles of four to five daily meals in an air-conditioned environment until they could be transferred to the acclimatization facilities to their natural habitat. (“hacking”)”, explains the ICNF.
It was for this reason that the facilities, at Herdade do Vale Gonçalinho, property of the League for the Protection of Nature (LPN) in Castro Verde, were built specifically for this purpose in a natural environment. The first cubs were transferred to this location in June, approximately 30 days, so that they could be prepared for their return to nature, which happened on tuesday successfully.
“We are planning to return another eight copies soon and we estimate that, at the end of the year, 30 Harriers return to the wild”, says Olga Martins. He adds that this will be an ongoing process and that the Plan will continue to work with different entities to save the species. “It is a species that is in danger of extinction.”, concluded.
A plan with several collaborations
The Black Harrier Recovery Emergency Plan was coordinated by ICNF, in collaboration with LPN and the project “Harvests with Biodiversity: Let's save the Hunting Eagle”. This project includes other entities, such as CIBIO/BIOPOLIS, a ANPOC – National Association of Cereal Producers, in Palombar – Conservation of Nature and Rural Heritage, the Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) and by the Center for Research in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (FOOD).
For this result, ICNF adds that the support of various entities was equally essential, like companies, farmers and citizens. “farmers, in particular, were essential. Despite having had a very low production in these years, a factor that we always took into account when they helped us, they always tried to mow away from the nests. Besides, also called them when they found nests on their land”, says Olga Martins.
News: JN/ Lidador News
Photo: copyright
