PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a species listed in Annex 1 of the Birds Directive. The 16 Natura 2000 network sites covered by this project are important white stork sanctuaries (accounting for 4% of the total national population). The sites are characterised by extremely high density populations, high stability of numbers and good conservation conditions. However, public acceptance of large stork nests on chimneys and roofs is declining, which, together with other socio-economic changes, could have a negative impact on the white stork population in Poland.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFEciconiaPL project aimed to maintain the good conservation status of the white stork in the river valleys of eastern Poland, where the population of the species is some 1,600 breeding pairs. Specific project actions focussed on the following: protecting some 400 nesting sites; increasing public tolerance of stork nests on buildings; reducing white stork deaths caused by power lines; improving the effectiveness of two white stork rehabilitation centres; and halting the loss of biodiversity by protecting this umbrella species.
RESULTS
The LIFEciconiaPL project secured the source breeding population of white stork (Ciconia ciconia) in north-east Poland in favourable conservation status. It improved and further developed existing best practices for white stork conservation and disseminated them.
The project team secured 411 nesting sites, which were re-populated by the white stork, moved 301 nests from endangered and dangerous locations (e.g. active chimneys, power lines) to new free-standing poles with nesting platforms. Due to the lack of interest of residents in roof platforms (weight, faecal contamination), the beneficiaries installed only 5 such structures on houses, the rest were installed on powerline poles where birds had previously built their nests directly on wires. The beneficiaries purchased 36 nest platforms, which were installed by engineers from PGE (the public power company). They also purchased a vehicle with a basket crane to reach nests requiring interventions, install platforms, etc. They carried out 69 such interventions.
In collaboration with PGE engineers, the project team designed a new device for keeping storks off disconnector poles and electrical substations (making it impossible for them to sit on them). These deterrents were based on the shape of a St. Andrew's cross and made of flexible and durable UV-resistant material. Subsequently, the beneficiaries purchased 270 sets of these deterrent devices, which were installed by power engineers. Another key task was marking four sections of high-voltage lines (110 kV) with high-visibility FireFly tags, to reduce the collisions of birds with power lines, including across two river valleys (the Narew and Biebrza rivers) that are on migration routes. This action was carried out using a drone - an innovative method for this type of installation, which made it possible to work without switching off the power and was safer for people compared to the former method involving climbing. An ornithological radar was used for the first time in the world to evaluate the effectiveness of installing markers on high-voltage lines. Previous methods assumed visual observations of bird flights made by ornithologists. The radar allowed for extremely precise visualisation of flight routes and birds’ reactions to the line, before and after mounting the markers. This has generated unique and important data. White stork mortality was reduced by all these actions, especially on high-voltage power lines.
The beneficiaries renovated and equipped two functioning medical care centres for wild birds, for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and eventually release of birds back into the wild. 285 white storks were treated within the project duration. This work was aided by the use of trackers on individual birds.
The wide-ranging monitoring conducted by the project led to a better understanding of the ecology of the species and its conservation needs. Project activities also helped to resolve conflicts and increase society's tolerance towards storks, such as when they nest around farms and on roofs and chimneys. For example, “Busłowe łapy” baking workshops involved participants reviving the almost forgotten tradition of baking yeast rolls in the shape of stork feet. Additionally, 5 training courses on white stork protection were conducted, with the practical part dedicated to first aid. The project team also organised an international conference, with the main focus on practical conservation of the species.
To encourage tourism, the beneficiaries built a lookout tower, an active education pathway and organised an outdoor exhibition of work submitted as part of a competition. An online stream from a stork nest was watched by thousands of viewers from nearly 50 countries. The website contains information about the project and the white stork. A link to a GIS database shows locations of white stork nests. The project’s networking activities resulted in a joint undertaking toward more effective legal action at EU level to reduce bird mortality on power lines, and the transfer of the knowledge and experience gained during the project (e.g. use of drones, ornithological radar).
Project results fed into consultations for the new agri-environmental programme (RDP 2021-2027) in Poland, including findings on the positive relationship between stork feeding and free-range cow grazing in pastures. The project contributed to the implementation of the EU Birds Directive, Habitats Directive, Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, Public procurement for a better environment (COM(2008) 400), and international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ramsar Convention.
A big economic benefit comes from the creation of the type of device to deter stork nesting on inappropriate structures, which is cheap and fast to install on medium-voltage lines. This reduces the cost of securing disconnector poles and electrical substations almost tenfold, and completely eliminates bird electrocution and subsequent costly power outages. It is now an important product manufactured by a local company (Hubix Sp. z o.o.).
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Conservation Plan (see "Read more" section).
