Cross-border protection of the Red Kite in Europe by reducing human-caused mortality

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The red kite (Milvus milvus) is a bird of prey endemic to the Western Palearctic (a region composed of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa). The European population encompasses 95% of its global breeding range. Most birds in north-east Europe are migratory, wintering mainly in southern France and Iberia, but with some travelling as far as Africa. Reporting under Article 12 of the Birds Directive has assessed the EUs red kite population as having near-threatened status. The IUCNs Red List also classifies the species as near threatened, at both global and European level. Poisoning is the most critical threat to the red kite; it is thought to be responsible for 60% of mortality cases.

OBJECTIVES

LIFE EUROKITE has several key objectives:

to significantly reduce red kite poisoning;

to identify and resolve problematic areas of electrocution or collision with power lines;and

to reduce other human-related causes of mortality.

The project plans to use telemetry technology to identify and quantify the key reasons behind mortality of birdof prey species in the EU. It will take action to reduce the main human-related causes of death, such as illegal persecution (especially poisoning) and collisions with road and rail traffic, wind farms, and electricity lines and poles.

Through its work, the project will help implement the Birds and Habitats directives as well as the EUs biodiversity strategy.

RESULTS

Expected results:

total reduction of human-related mortality by 5% due to fewer poisoning cases; and

reversal of current negative population trend to a positive one (population increase of around 5% expected by end of project and almost 10% five years afterwards).