Layman s Report. Polish Important Bird Areas protection, threats, future

Transcription

1 Layman s Report Polish Important Bird Areas protection, threats, future

2 Water-marsh birds a disappearing element of our environment Why do we protect water-marsh birds? Changes occurring in wetland areas have a negative impact on bird biodiversity. One of the most important of its elements are groups of water-marsh birds consisting of several dozens of species. Populations of water-marsh birds are influenced mainly by the following factors: climate change, habitat transformation and predation of invasive alien species (IAS). The report on the project LIFE09NAT/PL/ Protection of water and marsh birds in five national parks - restoration of habitats and reduction of the impact of invasive alien species - Polish Important Birds Areas (IBA) published with the financial support of the European Union. Publisher: Mammal Research Institute PAS ul. Waszkiewicza Białowieża Graphical layout, composition, printing: IPRoeko Sp. z o.o. Text and editing: Andrzej Zalewski, Marcin Brzeziński, Marcin Zegarek, Władysław Jankow Project coordinator: Andrzej Zalewski Project team: Mammal Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences Eugeniusz Bujko, Władysław Jankow, Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska, Ewa Komar, Agnieszka Niemczynowicz Biebrza National Park Urszula Biereżnoj-Bazille, Piotr Dombrowski, Małgorzata Roszko Drawa National Park Małgorzata Domagała, Klaudia Wiśniewska, Elwira Ziółkowska, Agnieszka Radek Narew National Park Mirosław Jabłonowski, Mikołaj Pruszyński, Marek Sielicki, Wojciech Sikorski Warta Mouth National Park Bożena Helm, Ewa Jędrzejewska, Szymon Śródecki, Łukasz Ulbrych Słowiński National Park Małgorzata Goc, Grzegorz Jędro, Korneliusz Knitter Photos Shuttersctock, Polska Agencja Fotografów Forum, Grzegorz Leśniewski, archiwum projektu. Free copy Printed on ecological paper with FSC certificate. Białowieża 2014 Greater White-fronted Goose 2 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 3

3 Threats Climate change Disappearing of natural wetlands is an outcome of climate change. Warm winters and lack of usual snow cover in that time of year results in low water levels in rivers in the spring. Lack of seasonal river floods, droughts and constant lowering ground water level accelerate the decrease of wetlands from European landscape. Large weather fluctuations including heavy rains and spring flood episodes are another threat for birds. All these factors contribute to the shrinkage of suitable breeding habitat areas for water-marsh birds. Disappearance and fragmentation of habitats Many breeding areas of water-marsh birds are degraded as a consequence of human activities. Drainage of wetlands in river valleys (complex, large melioration programs in Narew, Biebrza, and Warta River valleys), swamps, agricultural wastelands (valley of Drawa River) and mid-forest peat bogs was performed. These actions resulted in deep hydrological changes within ecosystems which in turn provided conditions for unnatural growth of reeds in places, where sedges and moss used to thrive. Simultaneously economic changes in Poland resulted in disappearance of extensive meadow management. Lack of meadow mowing or cattle pasturage in wetland areas caused a secondary succession formation of trees and bushes. Consequently open spaces, that used to provide breeding habitats for water-marsh birds became inaccessible to them. Predation of invasive alien species An introduction of IAS predators usually results in decrease in numbers of native species which are preyed upon and may result in total extermination of some species. There are two reasons namely: increased predation impact following new predators appearance and lack of adaptation of local species to avoid new predators. Alien species of predatory mammals including American mink and Common raccoon have a profound impact on the local populations of many water-marsh bird species when adapting new habitats. Birds breeding success is especially influenced by alien predators. Bird s egg destroyed by American mink Definitions: Alien species is a species introduced by human (deliberately or accidently) beyond its natural geographical range. The term does not apply to species spontaneously spreading beyond their natural ranges. Invasive species is a species that colonizes new areas and environments, having negative and sometimes catastrophic impact on ecosystems. Not every alien species is an invasive one. Alien invasive species is an alien species that has spread beyond its natural range becoming a threatening ecological factor and changing the environment and biodiversity balance. Introduction is a deliberate or accidental (dragged) addition of a species beyond its natural range by means of human activity on completely new areas, often in different climatic and environmental conditions. Invasion is a rapid colonization of new areas from introduction spots accompanied by a rapid growth in population size of the invasive species, causing smaller or larger changes to the invaded ecosystems. Alien invasive predators American mink American mink was brought to Europe from North America as a fur animal and is still bred for this purpose on farms. Escapes of individual animals from farms gave a start to wild population existing today in most of the European countries. The American mink lives along river banks and on shores of other water bodies including streams, canals, lakes and ponds. Mink is a generalist and opportunist predator. It does not specialize in hunting on any specific group of prey, most of the time choosing prey most abundant in the environment. The food preferences of this predator vary greatly. Mink has an ability to hunt its prey under and in the water, on land, in burrows and also can climb trees. Common raccoon Common raccoons come from the North America. It started to colonize Poland from Germany and that is why it is mostly widespread in western Poland. This predator colonizes new areas of the country enlarging its range to the East and South. Common raccoons live in various habitats preferring wetland areas - they are often found on banks of rivers and lakes. They may also adopt to live in human settlements. Common raccoons are very versatile predators as they can eat diverse food, both animals and plants. Also birds can be found among its prey. Common raccoons swim and climb trees very well that allows them to find nests both in a littoral zone and in the tree hollows and bird nesting boxes. How to counteract these threats Protection of water-marsh birds and their habitats is a priority stated in a number of international obligations and conventions on nature protection such as The Ramsar Convention. Because of widespread environmental changes protection of many bird species must take place in the form of active protection. It means that undertaking of specific actions is necessary in order to reduce a negative impact of different factors. An introduction of protection mechanisms that will stop the process of a transformation of bird habitats and a reduction of the pressure of invasive predators is usually the only effective way to preserve populations of many water-marsh bird species. An active protection of bird breeding sites is recommended in the key habitats countrywide, especially in the national parks. Eurasian curlew American mink Common raccoon 4 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 5

4 Project Goals The Life+ Protection of water and marsh birds in five national parks restoration of habitats and reduction of invasive species impact Polish IBA (LIFE09 NAT/ PL/000263) The main goal of the project was to introduce active protection of water-marsh birds including the following: 1. Improvement of habitat conditions necessary to uphold the populations of water-marsh birds, especially species that decreased in numbers in recent years. 2. Development and introduction of measures reducing pressure of invasive alien predatory species (American mink and Common raccoon) on water- -marsh birds. 3. Identification of other potential threats and a provision of education that aims to increase the level of knowledge about birds, their habitats and threats posed by invasive alien species. Project budget The project was in 95% funded by the European Commission and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management within the Life+ program. Remaining funds came from institutions involved in the project euro the total cost of the project 50% financed by the European Commission 45% financed by the NFEP&WM 5% contribution of the project beneficiaries The Life+ Program is the only European Union financial instrument solely focused on projects concerning climate and environment protection. The basis for its creation was the Unified European Act (1986) and the 5 th Program of Action for Environment (1993). The main goal of the Life+ Program is to support implementation of the European Union laws for environmental protection and promotion of new solutions in the field. It allows effective realization of nature protection tasks given the EU countries. Biebrza River - spring floods 6 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 7

5 Project beneficiaries Team work The project entitled Polish Important Bird Areas was carried out from 2011 to The following five national parks were included in the project: Biebrza National Park, Drawa National Park, Narew National Park, Słowiński National Park and Warta Mouth National Park and it was coordinated by the Mammal Research Institute of Polish Academy of Sciences in Białowieża. Project coordinator The Mammal Research Institute (MRI PAS) in Białowieża is an autonomous research unit of Polish Academy of Sciences. It was funded to acquire, develop and popularize knowledge on environmental processes and to provide a scientific support for nature protection and a sustainable development. This mission is carried out through a scientific research, an expertise for state institutions and NGOs and a popularization of knowledge about nature. The institute carries out research in mammal morphology, taxonomy, systematics, evolution, population genetics, ethology and ecology. The MRI PAS has been granted the European Union certificate of the Center of Excellence. It collaborates with national and foreign research institutions on various research projects as well as staff training and exchange. The coordination of the project entitled Polish Important Bird Areas by the Mammal Research Institute was to ensure unified methodology of protection and monitoring in all five national parks. The Institute was responsible for gathering and summarizing the outcomes of the project. The project conclusions allowed for the development of the After Life Plan of actions aimed in preserving the improvements to the environment. Słowiński National Park Biebrza National Park Black-headed Gull colony Drawa National Park Narew National Park Warta Mouth National Park Mammal Research Institute PAS Information billboard of the project New bird nesting boxes 8 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 9

6 Project team National Parks project partners Narew National Park encompasses the wetland valley of Narew River between the towns of Suraż and Rzędziany. It is a part of Natura 2000 network as the Bird Directive Site SPA (Bagienna Dolina Narwi PLB ) and the Habitats Directive Site SCI (Narwiańskie Bagna PLH ). Swamps, wetlands and water are dominating ecosystems here and cover around 90% of the Park s area. Over 50 species of birds breed here. 19 species of water-marsh birds mentioned in the 1st Attachment to the Birds Directive were observed in the Park e.g. Eurasian bittern, Montagu s harrier, Whiskered tern, Spotted and Little crake, Ruff, Great snipe, Aquatic warbler. Biebrza National Park protects the wetlands of Biebrza Valley and Sokółka Hills. The most precious park area is the valley of Biebrza River together with the largest peat bog complex in Poland. The valley is a part of Natura 2000 network as the Bird Directive Site SPA (Ostoja Biebrzańska PLB ) and the Habitats Directive Site SCI (Dolina Biebrzy PLH ). There are in total 275 bird species observed in Biebrza Valley, 180 of all species breed there. Some of those species are threatened with extinction in global scale, namely the Greater Spotted Eagle (100% of country s population) or the Aquatic Warbler (about 85% of country s population), as well as the Great Snipe or Corn Crake. Drawa National Park protects the woodland and aquatic complex of Drawa Primeval Forest natural forest gatherings of beech-alder riverines as well as areas of pine forests and natural ecosystems of lakes, rivers and peat bogs. The Park area is the part of Natura 2000 network as the Bird Directive Site SPA (Lasy Puszczy nad Drawą PLB ) and the Habitats Directive Site SCI (Uroczyska Puszczy Drawieńskiej PLH ). There are in total 919 vascular plant species present and 224 plant communities. It is a mainstay for 165 bird species, including 130 species that breed there. Among the park s avifauna the most threatened are water bird species breeding in tree hollows Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser, as well as ones nesting on land Corn Crake and Northern Lapwing. Warta Mouth National Park is the area defined by the hydrological axis of Warta River and its tributaries. Warta River divides the Park in two main parts: the Northern Polder and the flooding valley of Warta and Postomia River. A characteristic features of this ecosystem are changing water levels resulting in changes of plant communities. It is a part of Natura 2000 network as the Bird Directive Site SPA (Ujście Warty PLC ) and the Habitats Directive Site SCI (Ujście Warty PLC ). There are 260 bird species observed in the area, including 170 that breed there i.e. Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Shelduck, Horned Grebe, Rallids, Greylag Goose, Aquatic Warbler, White-tailed Eagle. Słowiński National Park is located in the central part of Northern Poland and encompasses over 32 km of Baltic shore, sand spit, seaside lakes and rivers, forests, peat bogs and meadows. The park area is a part of Natura 2000 network as the Bird Directive Site SPA (Ostoja Słowińska PLB ) and the Habitats Directive Site SCI (Ostoja Słowińska PLH ). There are at least 261 bird species observed including 184 breeding, or probably breeding. 26 species were mentioned in the 1 st Attachment to the Bird Directive. Słowiński National Park is also an important spot in water birds migration routes. 10 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 11

7 Project actions Achieving our goal project in progress 1. Enhancing the quality of water-marsh birds mainstays Land purchase In total 278 ha of private land within the National Park areas was bought and destined for lifetime to nature protection. As a result in Narew and Biebrza National Parks (where less than half of the land area is owned by the Park), the areas of protective activities have significantly grown. It allowed an effective implementation of active forms of protection. Mowing and removing bushes Extensive grass mowing and bush removal practices were carried out in order to rebuild and conserve breeding habitats of water-marsh birds. During last four years these practices were carried out on almost 400 ha of land in the key areas of bird protection by Narew, Biebrza and Drawa Rivers. Increase in number of breeding places The number of potential breeding sites for tree hollow nesting of water-marsh birds was increased. In the aim to achieve that special nesting boxes for Common Merganser, Common Goldenye and Mallards were installed in Drawa and Warta Mouth National Parks. Moreover, a total of 230 boxes were placed in both Parks. Nesting box inspection by the Drawa River. 2. Reducing the negative impact of IAS predators on birds Reducing the numbers of alien predators A method of reduction of invasive predators (American mink and Common raccoon) was introduced and adjusted for different terrain conditions occurring in each of the five Parks. The key areas and seasons for most effective reduction were identified. Personnel were trained so these actions can be continued when the project is finished. The most basic method for reduction of predators such as American mink and Common raccoon is to capture them alive using traps. To increase the effectiveness of removing mink and raccoon, the number and trap placement as well as time span were adjusted to match the density of their populations and home range sizes of the animals in different Parks. Over 300 traps were used in the project and as a result 829 American mink and 171 Common raccoons were removed. Protection of breeding colonies In order to prevent predatory mammals from reaching the nests, an additional protection such as an electric fence was given to colonies of ground breeding birds. In total almost six ha was fenced in Biebrza and Warta Mouth National Parks. Fences aimed to prevent predatory mammals from reaching the colonies subsequently having no negative impact on the birds it did not scare adult birds and chicks could easily pass through the eyelets. Setting up a trap for the predators Captured mink Protection of nesting boxes The access to the tree-mounted nesting boxes by the predators has been hindered through the installation of special devices in form of spiky rings and metal collars on tree trunks. Mowed area by Biebrza River Electric fence securing the bird breeding colony Nesting box protected against predatory mammals 12 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 13

8 Project actions 3. Identifying threats and education Mink farms and bird protection The data on the location and size of mink farms in Poland was gathered. Through genetic analysis it was proved, that the number of mink that escape to the wild is connected to the number of mink being farmed in the region. Close proximity of mink farms relates closely to the size of wild mink populations and threatens bird biodiversity in the National Parks. Genetic variability of American mink in the Parks was established and the impact of escaped mink measured showing a constant inflow of escapees to wild populations that increases genetic variability and ability of expansion. Education Pointing out the problems of water-marsh birds protection and the role of invasive species including the threat posed to native species is necessary in order to develop and uphold the actions carried out in the project. Seminars, workshops, conference, educational events were organized along with a number of educational materials published including brochures, books and calendars. The website was created and dedicated to protected bird species where one can find information on goals and assumptions of the project, current events and overall progress. The educational materials (books and brochures) were widely distributed. Both the actions and the results of the project were presented abroad (amongst others - Sydney, Australia - IUCN Conference; Reykjavik, Iceland presentation on the University of Iceland). Ranch mink Common raccoon colonization The density of Common raccoon population in Warta Mouth National Park is very high. Individual animals live in the same areas all over the year and these areas often overlap. Large fluctuation in water levels significantly reduce the Common raccoon activity. It brings to the conclusion that colonies inside the reservoir might become safe from the predator. Preparations for an educational event podpis pod zdjęciem Raccon equipped with a GPS/GSM collar Educational event in Suchowola Materials for download on the project webpage 14 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 15

9 Project results The number of birds has increased! Number of Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser breeding pairs in Drawa National Park. 5. Installing fences increased the breeding success of birds. In Biebrza National Park the breeding success of Charadriiformes birds inside the enclosures was 9-16% higher compared to unsecured areas. 6. Installing protection that decreased predator access to breeding boxes had a positive impact on breeding conditions of birds. In Drawa NP, breeding success of Common Goldeneye and Common Merganser was almost twice as high in the protected breeding boxes (25-37%), compared to the unprotected boxes before the project started (10-20%) The project brought meaningful ecological results. The number of invasive predators has dropped and the number of birds has increased in the areas where actions were carried out. 1. The number of species nesting in the Parks and the number of breeding pairs of most of the watermarsh bird species has risen. Breeding of species not observed previously for many years were noted (namely Pied Avocet or Marsh Sandpiper). A spectacular increase in the number of Blackheaded Gull breeding in Słowiński National Park was reported as well as Northern Shoveler in Warta Mouth National Park. Average density of waders (Northern Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwid, Common Redshank) almost doubled in Narew National Park and breeding Lapwings and Spotted Crakes appeared by Drawa River. Change in Black-headed Gull breeding population size in Słowiński National Park 2. An easier access to proper breeding places resulted in the increase of bird numbers and breeding success. The number of breeding pairs of Common Merganser increased from nine before the project started to after nesting boxes were installed and Common Goldeneye from 25 to 65 pairs respectively. Over 80% of the overall breeding activity took place in the installed boxes. Moreover after the box installation breeding losses decreased from 40% to 5%. 3. A significant decline in the number of American mink in the National Parks was achieved thanks to removal procedures. In most Parks the number of removed mink decreased each year and the number of places where mink tracks were recorded reduced accordingly. Mink number index in 5 National Parks 4. An increase in breeding success of birds along with a decline in invasive alien predatory species numbers was noted e.g. nesting success of three species (Northern Lapwing, Common Redshank, and Black-tailed Godwit) has risen from 10% to over 80% in Biebrza National Park. Nesting success in Biebrza National Park Social effects of the project 1. The interest and knowledge of local communities about bird species protection has risen as a result of educational meetings and events. Over 2200 people in total took part in the organized events involving presentations, educational games for children, competitions for adults, field trips and range of project promotion materials i.e. brochures, books, t-shirts, wellingtons and notebooks. 2. National interest in the area of water-marsh birds protection and the role of invasive species has risen. Until the end of 2014 project website was visited times by Polish and over English speaking users, respectively the information about the project and its achievements was press released both local and nationwide including newspapers, TVs and internet portals e.g. Rzeczpospolita, Gazeta Wyborcza, TVP Białystok, TVP.pl and Onet.pl. 3. The officials of the Ministry of Environment along with experts in legal regulations, which allowed for discussion on problems of fighting invasive species on international level were present on the international conference organized as part of the project. 4. Due to developed methodology the removal of invasive species in other National Parks (Bory Tucholskie NP), forest districts (Lipka and Rudka Forest Districts) and Natura 2000 areas (the project by Environmental Society Alauda) has started. The transfer of expertise allowed for more effective control of invasive species population numbers in other areas. Start of the project Educational event by Biebrza River 16 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 17

10 Significance of the project Common Redshank Can be found almost everywhere in Poland, most commonly in river valleys and banks of water reservoirs in north-eastern and central part of the country. It breeds in wet meadows and pastures with a nests located on the ground and consisting of a shallow whole in ground covered with dry grass. It feeds on small invertebrates. Common Coot Up to now it was one of the most common species of water birds found in Poland. Its numbers in recent years however, have dropped drastically. Common Coot lives in various water reservoirs. It builds nests among reed beds. It finds food on water surface and by diving under and feeds on water plants and invertebrates. Black-tailed Godwit It is a most common in the East of Poland. It nests in temporarily flooded meadows, mostly in river valleys. The nest is located on the ground. It feeds on invertebrates found on the ground, in soil and water. It is one of the species endangered by the predation of American mink. Greylag Goose It is nesting mostly in Western Poland. The most significant mainstay is found in Warta Mouth National Park. Around 700 breeding pairs nest there. It dwells in all kinds of water reservoirs where suitable food can be found. It prefers littoral vegetation of lakes, flooded river banks as well as ponds and oxbows. Northern Lapwing It favors wet meadows and pastures, banks of water reservoirs and wetlands. It requires open, wet terrain with low plant cover. The nest is a shallow whole in the ground. Mowing and cutting riverside meadows may stop the drastic decline in Northern Lapwing number, caused by lack of optimal breeding habitats. Significance of the project The cooperation of the research unit with the National Parks taking part in the project and the exchange of experience and information between the National Parks allowed for development of effective methods for active water-marsh birds protection. These activities should be continued in order to achieve a long term effect. Moreover the methods developed allow for the reduction of costs of continued conservation activities as a result of the project. The growing interest in water-marsh birds protection in other areas will allow to protect abovementioned species on a much wider scale in general. 18 Polish Important Bird Areas Polish Important Bird Areas 19

11 Project funding Project coordination Project partners