HE common trout (Botaurus stars) was elected by popular vote, endangered in Spain ‘Bird of the Year 2024’. He prevailed over the other two finalists. moustachioed (Panurus biarmicus) And common spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), inside online voting The event was organized by SEO/BirdLife and attended by more than 5,000 people.
The very fragile state of the little bitterns reflects the plight of the wetlands.where he lives and more specifically his habitat reed beds flooded, it is increasingly rare in Spain, which is why this species exists populations of concern It nests in several locations, although its potential range of distribution is much wider.
85% wetlands A list that includes the internationally recognized Doñana, Mar Menor, L’Albufera de Valencia or Las Tablas de Daimiel in Spain, a alarming situation of protection As stated in the report ‘Ramsar Wetlands in Spain: on alert’ published in 2022 by SEO/BirdLife, which will be 70 years old in 2024.
85% wetlands A list that includes the internationally recognized Doñana, Mar Menor, L’Albufera de Valencia or Las Tablas de Daimiel in Spain, a alarming situation of protection As stated in the report ‘Ramsar Wetlands in Spain: on alert’ published in 2022 by SEO/BirdLife, which will be 70 years old in 2024.
The species is considered ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) in the ‘Red Book of the Birds of Spain’ and appears as ‘Endangered’ (EN) in the ‘National Catalogue of Threatened Species’.
Poor wetland management
The main threat to Iberian populations of this species is poor management of living spacesThis may be the reason why they disappear in such places, especially during drought periods. Guadalquivir marshes, wet spot or Ebro Delta.
“On our 70th anniversary, we cannot have a species that better represents the mismanagement of wetlands in Spain. This heron species is the ‘sister’ of our emblem – the crab egret (Ardeola ralloids) – so little known and mysterious that it shows so well We do not comply with the regulatory framework that guarantees the protection of these important ecosystems For the bitterns and for us,” says Asunción Ruiz, managing director of SEO/BirdLife.
“We are out of time, we must reverse the poor state of ecosystems. combating climate change and security water availabilityadded Ruiz.
Little Bittern was much more abundant in the first decade of the 20th century, but a significant decline was noted from the middle of the century; There was a critical period in the 1980s when species were on the brink of extinction. According to 2011 data, the breeding population in Spain is only around 40 males..
13 years ago there were the most Eurasian bitterns in Spain. to the equipment, Daimiel Tables or Aiguamolls of EmpordàSEO/BirdLife emphasizes “especially in large areas of dense reeds or the Doñana of bayunco and castanets, where their main prey such as fish, frogs or crabs are abundant.”
A very vulnerable species
During wintering, the species is less demanding in habitat selection than during the breeding period and can use non-native wetlands such as rice paddies, reservoirs, abandoned gravel pits and irrigation ponds. Actually, In winter it can even be found off the coast of Cantabria, the Mediterranean coast and wetlands in Galicia..
The main threat to little bitterns is the degradation and inadequate management of their habitat.This directly causes the destruction of wetlands. “It offers a high level of threats and vulnerabilities Due to the loss of wetlands with extensive flooded reed beds due to habitat change due to drought,” states the environmental NGO.
The ‘Red Book of the Birds of Spain’ reviews the status of the species: “The state of conservation of the species, and particularly of the birds, very small population size It causes mortality of any kind to have a significant impact on the population at local, regional and national levels.
Other threats are Reduction of surface water resources due to climate change and greater recurrence of drought periods that degrade marsh habitats. This, when added to the overconsumption of water, results in a decrease in the submerged area of wetlands.
point and diffuse pollution This is another major threat to trout; very sensitive to eutrophication of waters; It is a phenomenon that causes the structure of the vegetation to change and the fish populations in the reed beds to change, and also reduces the transparency of the water. this hinders their ability to catch prey.
It is also a sensitive species. Contamination from pesticides and spills Due to its intermediate position in the food chain.
Actions recommended by SEO/BirdLife
in current time biodiversity loss Wetlands-related SEO/BirdLife considers “urgent” Improving the implementation of “key regulations” such as the Water Framework Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directives, as well as national planning instruments.
Likewise, the judgepriority” to develop climate change adaptation measures wetland restoration is a “important tool“, in line with all international recommendations and targets on nature conservation and climate change.
Therefore, throughout 2024, the NGO will support different science, conservation, education and dissemination studies in order to raise awareness of the species and its conservation status and contribute to the solution of the problems it faces.
Among the activities that SEO/BirdLife will carry out this year, the following stand out:
-To request Required measures for species in management plans for areas of interest, such as the next Framework for Action of the Tablas de Daimiel National Park.
-Update Information about the regions where the common axe breeds.
-Promotion Approve and review recovery plans and strategies for the protection of threatened species associated with these habitats, thereby taking special measures for common bitterns.
-Print For the implementation of the 2030 Wetlands Strategic Plan
-To develop A restoration demonstration project in the region to improve the species’ habitat and encourage expansion areas.
Information about Little Bittern: https://seo.org/ave/avetoro-comun/
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Contact address of the environmental department:[email protected]