RECOVERING THE LESSER KESTREL (FALCO NAUMANNI) AS A BREEDER IN BULGARIA
GRADIMIR GRADEV1*, SIMEON MARIN1, PAVLIN ZHELEV1, JOSÉ ANTOLÍN2
1 - Green Balkans-Stara Zagora NGO, 9 Stara Planina Str., 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
2 - DEMA, Defensa y Estudio del Medio Ambiente, Ctra. Fuente del Maestre, km 17, 06200 Almendralejo, Spain
*Corresponding author: ggradev@greenbalkans.org
Keywords: Lesser Kestrel, Falco naumanni, reinforcement, re-stocking, recovery, SPA, Natura 2000
Abstract: The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is one of the rarest raptors in Bulgaria. Although once a common species, Lesser Kestrel has not been confirmed as a breeder in the country for the past few decades. Having implemented feasibility studies, Green Balkans launched the implementation of direct actions aimed at restoring the species as a breeder in Sakar SPA, a NATURA 2000 site in Bulgaria, through release of juveniles into the wild. With regard to this approach, based on a special methodology designed by DEMA called “Ambiente de Colonia” - a combination of the so called “hacking” and “foster parenting” methods, a Lesser Kestrel Release and Adaptation Module has been established. Lesser Kestrel chicks translocated from Spain are released into the wild. The juveniles are bred in captivity at DEMA’s breeding center. A breeding stock has been established at Green Balkans’ Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center (WRBC), consisting of wild birds, which have undergone rehabilitation at rescue centers in Spain and were ceded by the Government of Extremadura (Spain). This breeding stock is also providing offspring to be released.
A total of 286 juvenile Lesser Kestrels were released through the Module as follows – 90 individuals in 2013, 114 individuals in 2014, 82 individuals in 2015. As a result of these actions, the species has been restored as a breeder in Bulgaria. In 2014, there were 8 newly formed pairs, while in 2015 the number of breeding pairs was 9. The number of chicks that fledged in the colony in Levka village, Sakar SPA, was as follows – 15 individuals in 2014 and 17 individuals in 2015.