BSPB and Green Balkans took part in the annual Hungarian Raptor Conservation Conference

Feb. 03, 2023

Raptor experts from BSPB and Green Balkans took part in the Hungarian Raptor Conservation Conference and the PannonEagle LIFE project closing conference that were held in Hungary in late January. The conferences took place in the town of Jaszbereny and gathered experts on raptor conservation from Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Albania, Greece and Bulgaria.

The latest status of the raptor species in Hungary and the region was presented. The successful implementation of various actions in the frame of the PannonEagle LIFE project against illegal killing, poisoning and electrocution has led to population increase of the Eastern Imperial Eagle in the entire Pannon region. Other species benefited from these actions as well e.g. the Saker Falcon, the White-tailed Eagle etc. The attendees exchanged experience on successful raptor conservation actions and future collaborations. BSPB and Green Balkans presented their long-term efforts for Imperial Eagle conservation that lead to significant population increase and the anti-poison activities in Bulgaria. BSPB, Green Balkans and MME/BirdLife Hungary exchanged experience on Saker Falcon conservation and discussed opportunities for collaboration between the LIFE projects “LIFE for Falcons” (LIFE20 NAT/BG/1162) in Bulgaria and “LIFE Saker Roads” (LIFE21-NAT-HU-LIFE Saker Roads/101074704) which was recently launched in Hungary.

Photo: © Yana Andonova

Photo: © Yana Andonova

During the field trip the Kiskunsag National Park was visited where the attendees had the opportunity to see the results of the successful conservation measures applied in the area. Flocks of Great Bustards and Greylag Geese were observed but also many raptor species highlights being the Saker Falcon, Imperial Eagle and the White-tailed Eagle. We were interested to learn that the population of the Great Bustard in the region is increasing and recently many of the overhead powerlines were placed underground which substantially increased the survival of the Bustards and other species in the area. The populations of other species in the area is also increasing e.g. the first Imperial eagle pair started breeding in this area in 2015 and today there are already 15 breeding pairs. The populations of some game species are also in good condition such as the Roe Deer, European Hare and the Pheasant and local hunters and hunting tourists benefitted from it. Our team could observe over 300 Roe Deer, and lots of hares, partridges and pheasants within few hours.