Feodosia, Ukraine, 19th November 2008 – Current temperatures
in southern Ukraine are milder than usual this year and
thus the arrival of the thousands of Great Bustards that
are commonly seen on the Crimean peninsula at this time
appears to be delayed. Climatic effects and their impact
on migratory birds featured strongly at the Scientific Symposium
and the Second meeting of Signatories States to the CMS
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Conservation and
Management of the Middle-European Population of the Great
Bustard (Otis tarda).
Delegates adopted, inter alia, an updated
Medium-Term International Work Programme for 2009-2012,
as well as guidelines on capturing and radio-tracking of
the species. Hungary offered to assist with agreement coordination
and to host the third meeting of signatories in 2012. These
exciting developments will pave the way for strengthened
transboundary conservation of this remarkable species.
The framework for Great Bustard conservation under the species-specific
CMS MoU is set for a further four years. More than thirty
participants actively engaged in sharing the best available
scientific knowledge on Great Bustards, which provided the
basis for reviewing the work programme as well as new guidelines
and proposals for action. This provides a firm foundation
for strengthened cooperative action between the 13 countries
within geographic Europe that have signed the MoU.
The Great Bustard is Europe’s largest bird. It occupies
steppes and extensively farmed countryside. The bird species
is threatened because of reduced reproductive success due
to mechanised agriculture. In addition, collision with powerlines
results in increased mortality. The conservation status
of the Middle-European population is gradually improving
as a result of concerted actions carried out by the range
states.
Meeting documents can be found here: http://www.cms.int/species/otis_tarda/meetings/GB_2/Great_Bustard_2nd_SS_Meeting.htm
Presentations of the scientific symposium can soon be viewed
here: http://www.tuzok.mme.hu/index.php?m_id=4&sm_id=18
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