Conservation and return of steppe birds to lowlands of Slovakia

Introduction

The project is expected to halt the decline and improve the population trend of 10 rare steppe bird species in southern Slovakia. The project aims to return the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) as a breeder to Slovakia and to foster the return of the European Roller (Coracias garullus) and Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus).

Target Species

Other target species include:

• Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
• Garganey (Spatula querquedula)
• Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)
• Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
• Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
• Scops Owl (Otus scops)
• Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosseta)

Nine SPAs are targeted.

Current Population Trends

Most of the target species currently have a declining population trend at the EU level, especially in the project area. The aim of the project is to reverse these negative trends and to stabilize and increase the populations of the target steppe bird species on the northern border of the Pannonian bioregion.

Expected Impacts

Besides the target bird species, we expect positive impacts on other species and habitats of EU importance, including:

• Osmoderma eremita
• Apium repens
• Marsilea quadrifolia
• Salt marsh and grassland habitats (e.g., 1340, 6120, 6210, 6260)

The project actions will lead to an increase in abundance and biodiversity of pollinators in the farmland areas targeted by 15%.

Habitat Restoration

The project will restore 700 ha of grassland habitats, of which 140 ha will be achieved by returfing arable land. Sustainable management through extensive grazing or mowing will be developed.

Nesting and Land Management

• 1600 nest boxes will be installed for the Roller and Red-footed Falcon.
• 200 ha of land will be purchased, and 90 ha will be long-term leased.
• 30 ha of wetlands will be restored, improving water retention by 30,000 m³ every spring.
• Planting of 1000 trees and returfing of land will increase carbon sequestration by 169.7 tC/year.

Communication and Community Engagement

Communication and awareness-raising activities will reach over 520,155 people, including the general public and key stakeholders. Active participation and cooperation with local farmers, communities, and volunteers (600) will be involved.

Funding and Biodiversity Corridors

The project will mobilize funds from CAP 2023-2027 by fostering the effective use of eco-schemes and establishing 10 km of biodiversity corridors (perennial flowering bands, lines of trees, and shrubs).

Monitoring and Future Planning

A robust monitoring program will be used to evaluate the impact of eco-schemes on biodiversity, with a particular focus on pollinators. The monitoring results, together with feedback from cooperating farmers, will be used for designing nature-friendly CAP schemes for the period 2028-2035. A strong communication, replication, and policies package is included to support their advocacy.

Long-term Goals

Moreover, the project aims to pave the way for the restoration of 1500 ha of wetlands in SPA Medzibodrožie, catalyzing the effective use of funds from the RENEW EUROPE plan for Slovakia.