Montagu’s Hound (circus gnome) returned to Spain. ‘Hundreds of copies of this predator, chosen by popular vote’bird of the year 2023‘, already occupying the grain fields of Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Extremadura, after spending the winter in Africa and traveling more than 3,000 kilometers on the return journey. The first Montagu’s Harriers arrived at the end of March; the rest will come to their breeding grounds on the Iberian Peninsula to ‘spend the summer’ this month.
According to the last census coordinated by SEO/BirdLife in 2017, at that time Between 4,269 and 5,360 couplesIt’s between 23% and 27% less in a decade than the previous number, which was between 5,818 and 6,934 couples in 2006. Badajoz is the province with the highest number of species with more than a thousand pairs.
Spain is the most important European country for the species at the numerical level.followed by France with 3,800-5,100 pairs and Poland with 3,000-4,000 pairs. “Therefore, Spain has a great responsibility for the conservation of this species on a global scale and must act accordingly,” the NGO said.
As SEO/BirdLife explained when I voted to choose ‘Bird of the Year 2023’, Montagu’s harrier is closely dependent on large fields of wheat and barley.where it builds its nests in the absence of the vast pastures that make up its favorite habitat elsewhere.
In exchange for shelter in the crops, Montagu’s Harrier destroys large numbers of voles, mice, grasshoppers, small reptiles and carnivorous birds.with their usual prey.
campaign to save the nests
Intensification of agriculture, pesticides, early harvest, increase in woody crops, disappearance of borders and fallows seriously affect this species. Listed as ‘Sensitive‘ in the Red Book of Birds in Spain.
One of the factors reducing populations of this eaglet occurs during grain harvest because when it occurs during breeding, a high clutch loss and high percentage of chick mortality.
To protect nests during harvest, SEO/BirdLife works through the organization’s various local groups and other volunteers to provide farmers with tools, funds and compensation measures. prevent eggs and chicks from being destroyed by combines.
will start soon Campaign to save Montagu’s harrier nests. aim detect slots and signal timelywith the intention, among other measures, not to harvest in the farmer’s stand in order to save chickens.
SEO/BirdLife also encourages the development of specific measures linked to agricultural uses in cereal crops. harvest delay, protection of borders or wastelands development of measures that enable fallow protection succeeded in promoting biodiversity in at least 10% of the cultivated area.
To assist in the conduct of this study, the protecting group fundraiser supporting the work of volunteers and at the same time compensation to affected farmers for biodiversity conservation efforts. SEO/BirdLife has raised over 5,000 Euros so far.
Infrastructure threat
“If we consider that Harvest dates are pushed forward each year due to the use of earlier maturing varieties. At the beginning of the season, the situation is not very good. low precipitation in general and abnormally high temperatures This spring,” says Blas Molina, SEO/BirdLife Citizen Science technician.
Another threat is infrastructuresSEO Bird/Life will maintain and operate along the ‘responsible renewable energy’ line Wind and photovoltaic projects or new power lines are not implemented in key areas for species.as well as prohibit the development of any infrastructure in the most sensitive areas.
NGO in wind power plants already installed in areas where the species lives, Pause periods during the breeding seasonassessing the likelihood of a complete stoppage of activity during the months the species is found in Spain.
As part of the ‘Bird of the Year’ campaign, SEO/BirdLife develops several actions to support the eagle and other species living in its habitat. One of the most important is to make a request. Model change in the Common Agricultural Policy (PAC).
In addition to the difficulties encountered when it comes to breeding, Montagu’s Harrier also faces other difficulties. Threats to wintering grounds in Africain the area known as the Sahel.
a great parallel increase in human population damage to the species deforestation And wetland drainage as well as for the cultivation of sorghum, millet and paddy in lands that are unproductive or unsuitable due to climatic conditions, replacement of savanna zones.
Fundraising to save Montagu’s harrier nests: https://donorbox.org/aguilucho-cenizo
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Contact address of the environment department: crizclimatica@prensaiberica.es
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.