Srebarna Pelican colony destroyed by Wild Boars

Despite the efforts made by Le Balkan-Bulgaria Foundation, Branta-Tours and our sponsor Swarovski Optik in improving the breeding conditions for the Srebarna Dalmatian Pelican colony, for the second consecutive year a serious problem has arisen and compromised the earliest breeding Pelicans.

On March 19th 2008 a sounder of Wild Boar entered the colony and destroyed somewhere in the region of 55-60 Pelican eggs and their nests. As a result of this some members of the colony, around 40 pairs shifted their location 850 m south where they have recommenced breeding and laying on this secondary site. The rest of the colony has dispersed most likely to lakes across the Danube.


First hand evidence of the destruction

In response to this incident Le Balkan and Branta-Tours are asking for assistance from the government, donors and the general public in implementing the following actions.

1. The construction of a boundary fence that will deny access to the Breeding site to land based predators.

2. The construction of wooden pile-platforms two-meter high to attract the pelicans to nest on them and to avoid the disturbance by terrestrial predators.

3. The location of a discreet hide at an environmentally sympathetic distance to be staffed by both paid and volunteer workers who will guard the sites during the breeding season thereby ensuring the safety of future egg clutches and guaranteeing successful fledging.

This will be done at a time sensitive to the bird colonies breeding activities with as little impact as possible on the wildlife.

Here are some of the ways in which you can help;

1. Make a direct donation to Le Balkan-Bulgaria Foundation.

2. Book a birding trip with Branta-Tours. 20% of the cost of the trip goes directly towards our conservation activities.

For more information please contact us: info@branta-tours.com

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