sign in sign up
<<
Home , Black stork, Ciconia

Black ( nigra) – Hungary

Conservation status EU27: Secure Protection status BD: Annex I CMS: Appendix II Bern Convention: Annex II Population (2008-12) UE27: Breeding: 5,900-7,800 pairs MS reported increases CZ, DE, EE, HU, FR, IT, LU Other MS AT, BE, BG, ES, GR, LT, LV, PL, PT, RO, SI, SK

Photo: Lukasz Lukasik (Wikimedia Commons, 2018)

Summary: The (Ciconia nigra) is a waterbird that breeds in Europe, with most of its population migrating to Africa in winter. Although it is scarce, its threat status is considered to be Least Concern both globally and within Europe, as its population has been increasing. It predominantly feeds in , but requires old, undisturbed and open forests with old trees with large canopies for nesting. The main pressures and threats to the species are human-induced habitat degradation caused by deforestation, the rapid development of industry and farming, as well as the construction of dams and drainage of lakes for hydroelectric power production and irrigation. The species is also highly sensitive to human disturbances and will abandon its nests due to the presence of foresters and hunters. The principal conservation measures that have increased the Black Stork’s population have included the restoration of and nesting habitats and the construction of artificial pools for feeding. LIFE projects, such as the ‘Conservation of endangered species populations in natural habitats of the Danube inland delta’, have helped restore such areas and raised awareness of the species and its needs with local communities.

Background Status and EU occurrence The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)1 is a widely distributed, but rather uncommon and specialist water bird species that occurs in Europe, Asia and Africa (BirdLife International, 2018). In the EU, the Black Stork regularly occurs in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, , Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Its European breeding population mostly winters in Africa, but some are sedentary, such as in Spain. Although it is a scarce species, due to its wide distribution, increasing population trend in Europe, and lack of any evidence of substantial declines elsewhere, the Black Stork’s threat status is considered at all scales—global, European and EU27—to be of least concern (BirdLife International, 2015, 2018). According to the latest Member State Art 12 reporting data (Annex 1), the species has shown short-term breeding population size increases (2000-2012) in seven Member States, with three also increasing over the longer-term (1980-2012): the Czech Republic, Germany and Hungary. The short-term breeding population status of the species was mostly reported as stable or unknown in the other EU countries, but decreasing in Latvia and Slovakia. Ecological requirements The Black Stork requires old, undisturbed and open forests for nesting. It builds large nests composed of sticks positioned between 4 to 25m high in large forest trees or along cliffs (e.g. in Spain). They prefer to nest in trees generally 25m high, about 120 years old and roughly 66 cm in diameter at breast height, with canopies large enough to hold the nest away from the main truck of the tree. The Black Stork can sometimes occupy nests of other bird species, and has been observed reusing nests in successive years (BirdLife International, 2015, 2017). Pairs are spread throughout the landscape at a distance of no less than 1 km, even in areas where the species is numerous (BirdLife International, 2015, 2017).

1 Natura 2000 species code A030-B The species forages in marshes, shallow rivers and streams, swampy patches, pools, flood plains and damp meadows, and occasionally in grasslands with strands of reeds or long grass. It tends to avoid dense forests and large bodies of water, though non-breeding birds can frequent estuaries of tidal rivers. In these habitats, the Black Stork predominantly hunts for , but may also take , snails, , small , , other birds and (BirdLife International, 2015, 2017). An Estonian study identified good practices relating to the conservation and management of the Black Stork (Lohmus and Sellis, 2003 in BirdLife International, 2015). The authors found that the ’retention of large older trees during forest management is important in providing nesting sites for the species.’ Other conservation measures suggested by conservationists include the preservation of large territories of deciduous woodland and management of river quality away from nesting sites. Regarding dietary requirements, measures should aim at protecting and managing feeding habitats as well as improving food availability through establishment of shallow artificial pools in grasslands or along rivers. The minimisation of human disturbance in breeding areas is also important (BirdLife International, 2015). Pressures and threats Pressures affecting this species are mainly human-induced and include forest and plantation management and use, large-scale water diversion, suspended electricity and telephone lines, and other human intrusions and disturbances (BirdLife International, 2015; BROZ, n.d.). This is particularly the case for Hungary’s Black Stork population, which has been observed abandoning its nests due to disturbance by forest maintenance workers and hunters (BROZ, n.d.). Other pressures and threats can be linked to climate change and natural processes, which include droughts and less precipitation, storms and cyclones (EEA/ETC-BD, undated). Overall, though, habitat degradation is the main threat to the species. Especially in Russia and Eastern Europe, areas of suitable breeding habitat are being reduced through forestry activities that remove the large nesting trees preferred by the Black Stork. Rapid development of industry and farming as well as the construction of dams and the drainage of lakes used for hydroelectric power production and irrigation are also contributing to habitat degradation. These activities both reduce nesting habitats through the construction of new buildings or clearing for farms, as well as reduce feeding grounds suitable for the Black Stork through damming rivers or reducing water flow from irrigation. According to Hungary’s Article 17 report the highest pressures on the species result from forest and plantation management and use, large scale water deviation and droughts and less rainfall. In Africa, wetland wintering habitats are ‘threatened by conversion, agricultural intensification, desertification and pollution caused by the concentration of pesticides and other chemicals’ (BirdLife International, 2015). Occasionally, Black can be killed by colliding with power lines and overhead cables, and illegal hunting in southern Europe whilst on migration (BirdLife International, 2015).

Drivers of improvements: actors, actions and their implementation approaches Organisers, partners, supporters and other stakeholders The main project that made a key contribution to the improving status of the population of the Black Stork in Hungary, was the LIFE project ‘Conservation of endangered bird species populations in natural habitats of the Danube inland delta’, which ran from January 2009 to December 2015 (Annex 2). The project covered the SPAs Dunajské luhy (Slovakia) and Szigetköz (Hungary), in the later focussing on a large inundation area at the Danube river between the villages Rajka and Göny, Moson Danube and scattered well-preserved wetlands within the Szigetköz. The project was led by the Regional Association for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development in Slovakia (Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske zdruenie; BROZ), in conjunction with project partners from Slovakia’s State Enterprise for Water Management Construction (Vodohospodárska výstavba; VVB), Comenius University’s Faculty of Natural Sciences in Bratislava, Slovakia (Prírodovedecká fakulta Univerzity Komenského Bratislava; PriF UK), Hungary’s North-Transdanubian Environmental and Water Directorate (Észak- dunántúli Környezetvédelmi és Vízügyi Igazgatóság; EDUKOVIZIG), and Hungary’s Nature Conservation Association (Szigetközi Természetvédelmi Egyesület – Szigetköz; SZITE)(BROZ, 2018). Contributions / relevance of strategic plans No strategic action plan is known to have been prepared for the Black Stork in Hungary.

Measures taken and their effectiveness Hungary reported that in 2008 to 2012 the following conservation measures were taken for the Black Stork. Application of conservation measures for Ciconia nigra for 2008-2012 in Hungary Inside / Broad Measure Type Ranking outside SPAs evaluation Restoring/ improving forest habitats Legal Recurrent High Both Maintain Adapt forest management Legal High Both Maintain Administrative Recurrent Restoring/ improving the hydrological Contractual High Inside Maintain regime Recurrent One Off Establish protected areas/ sites Legal One Off High Inside Maintain Legal protection of habitats and species Legal One Off High Both Maintain Regulation/ management of hunting and Administrative Low Inside Maintain taking Recurrent Specific management of traffic and energy Contractual One Low Both Maintain transport systems Off Specific single species or species group Administrative One Low Inside Enhance management measures Off Source: Hungary Article 12 report 2013 at https://bd.eionet.europa.eu/article12/summary

The Danube LIFE project aimed to improve the of floodplain bird species. As such, the most threatened natural habitats needed to be restored and appropriate site management introduced. In addition, conditions for long-term sustainability for the bird species needed to be created and outreach made to raise awareness of key stakeholders and the public regarding the conservation of riparian habitats. Project objectives included (BROZ, 2018): 1. Restoration of selected wetlands, dried-up and disturbed river branches and oxbows. 2. Restoration of river branch connectivity, water regime and flowing water conditions. 3. Land lease or purchase and subsequent introduction of appropriate habitat management. 4. Elimination of fish migration barriers at two strategic points. 5. Restoration of abandoned meadows as feeding and nesting bird habitats. 6. Restoration of bird refugia and nesting areas by planting of native tree species. 7. Acquiring relevant scientific data on target species and their habitats. 8. Awareness raising of key stakeholders and the public. Other LIFE projects indirectly contributed to the improvement of this species, mainly through the restoration of forest ecosystems and habitats (Annex 2). For example, the LIFE project ‘HUNSTEPPICOAKS’ sought the long- term conservation and improved conservation status of the Euro-Siberian steppic woods and Pannonic sand steppes in the Natura 2000 site Nagykőrösi pusztai tölgyesek. Consequently, these activities also supported habitats suitable for Black Stork in Hungary (WWF, 2011). Similarly, the LIFE project ‘DANUBEISLANDFOREST’ also provided indirect benefits for the species, as it too sought the conservation of alluvial habitats where the Black Stork can be found in Hungary. The project focused on the site of community interest on the Szabadság Island and side channel in Béda-Karapancsa (WWF, 2013). Understandably, neither project provided information on how their respective activities influenced the population or breeding sites of the Black Stork, as their main objectives were focused elsewhere. Funding sources (current and long-term) and costs (one-off and ongoing) Various funding sources contributed to the conservation actions taken for Hungary’s population of Black Stork. For example, the Danube LIFE project had a total cost of €4,577,663, half of which was met by the European Commission (i.e. €2,288,831) with remaining from the project beneficiaries own contributions (i.e. €2,288,832) (BROZ, 2018). In addition, the Hungarian Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) for Natura 2000 in 2014-2020 listed several funding sources relating to activities in Natura 2000 sites, including funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), European Fisheries Fund (EFF), Structural Funds and Cohesion Funds, LIFE+, and Swiss-Hungarian Contribution (EC, 2013).

Future actions The Hungarian PAF for Natura 2000 in 2014-2020 identifies the priority conservation measures for Black Stork as (EC, 2013):  Developing the infrastructure background of nature conservation management to improve/maintain the conservation status of forest habitats of Community interest located on Natura 2000 sites (purchase of special machinery and equipment necessary to improve the natural status of forest habitats).  Introducing/applying specific management regimes to ensure the protection of species and habitats of Community interest of forest ecosystems, with a special accent on specific needs of open steppic forests and forestry systems ensuring permanent forest cover.  Small-scale investments improving the status of habitats, to support the introduction and application of specific forest management regimes.  Introducing/applying specific management regimes to ensure the protection of species of Community interest living in extensive fishponds.  Compensation for the introduction of specific conditions related to land use and farming to be applied for ensuring the protection of species and habitats of Community interest.  Controlling succession processes to prevent the degradation of natural habitats (e.g. controlling populations of indigenous shrubs, preventing the siltation of wetlands).  Measures to improve or restore the natural water regime at catchment level (construction of water retention and supply infrastructure, elimination of unused drainage canals etc.).  Special habitat restoration measures: bat-friendly sealing of caves and artificial cavities, installing artificial nests, bat-friendly restoration of buildings etc.  Creating artificial infrastructure to ensure the dispersal and migration of species of Community interest, and to strengthen ecological links among natural habitats (building ecological passes for amphibians and small mammals, ensuring the connectivity of river sections separated by dams, replacement and adjustment of air cables, etc.).  Basic research to explore the ecology and of data-deficient species of Community interest, in order define their conservation status and create the basis of further monitoring.  Applied research to support the elimination of pressures and threats and to ensure the appropriate management of species and habitats of Community interest.  Intensive assessments to explore the national distribution and population size of species of Community interest and the distribution of habitats of Community interest.  Improving the infrastructure necessary for ensuring the monitoring of species and habitats of Community interest as well as their pressures and threats. The LIFE project ‘LIFE 4 Oak Forests’ (LIFE16 NAT/IT/000245) just began in 2017 and is expected to end in 2026. This transnational project aims to improve the conservation status of five oak forest habitat types within the Natura 2000 network in Italy and Hungary. As such, future actions of this project may have positive effects relating to the improvement of biodiversity within these habitat types, including areas used by the Black Stork (EC, 2018).

Achievements Impacts on the target species Although the LIFE projects did not quantify their impacts on the population and habitat area of the Black Stork, they did provide qualitative accounts. For example, the Danube LIFE project stated the restoration activities resulted in the return of the species to the area for feeding as well as living (BROZ, n.d.). Project activities mainly resulted in the creation of new feeding habitats for the species, as well as the restoration of suitable forest habitats. As the project activities focused on long-term conservation goals, it was not expected to have immediate results regarding the Black Stork’s population numbers, but they are expected to improve in the future (BROZ, 2016).

Other impacts (e.g. other habitats and species, ecosystem services, economic and social) The Danube LIFE project aimed to conserve floodplain bird species within the SPA Dunajské luhy and SPA Szigetköz. This not only included the Black Stork, but also other species such as Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Garganey (Anas querquedula), Gadwall (Anas strepera), Purple (Ardea purpurea), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Sand Martin (Riparia riparia), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) and Common Redshank (Tringa tetanus)(BROZ, 2018). Similarly, other LIFE projects that contributed to the conservation of the Black Stork (including HUNSTEPPICOAKS and DANUBEISLANDFOREST) also benefited other species in the forest areas they restored and managed (WWF, 2011, 2013).

Conclusions and lessons learnt The key targeted conservation measures that led to the improvements  Restoration of selected wetlands and disturbed river branches.  Restoration of hydrological connectivity, water regime and flowing water conditions, including removal of fish barriers.  Land leased or purchased and subsequent introduction of appropriate habitat management.  Awareness raising of key stakeholders and public. Conservation measures that have not been sufficiently effective  It is too early to assess whether any project activities were not sufficiently effective. Factors that supported the conservation measures  Involvement of local partners able to carry out restoration activities.  Outreach to local communities and awareness raising of the reason for the required construction activities.  Measures were mainly one-off investments in construction or restoration activities, which require minimal or no maintenance (and thus extra costs) on behalf of local authorities. Factors that constrained conservation measures  The Danube LIFE project stated that providing the bank guarantee to secure the first project payment was difficult and resulted in some project delays.  This LIFE project also stated that personnel changes and changes in organisational structure of project partners (e.g. VVB) caused some project delays.  Difficulties in updating permits for construction activities and misunderstandings with the local municipality, which caused a delay of several months in bridge construction. Quick wins that could be applied elsewhere for the species  Removal of barriers to fish at strategic points on rivers to increase fish numbers upstream. Examples of good practice, which could be applied to other species  Outreach to local communities and awareness raising of the reason for construction activities, especially through presentations to students and public, tours, etc.  Land lease or purchase and subsequent introduction of appropriate habitat management.  Restoration of selected wetlands and disturbed river branches.  Restoration of hydrological connectivity, water regime and flowing water conditions, and fish barriers.  Awareness rising of key stakeholders and public (especially regarding the species’ sensitivity to human disturbance).

References

BirdLife International (2015) Ciconia nigra. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22697669A60167006 http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22697669/1 BirdLife International (2017) Ciconia nigra (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22697669A111747857 http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22697669/0 BirdLife International (2018) Species factsheet: Ciconia nigra. http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-stork-ciconia-nigra on 27/03/2018 BROZ (2018) Conservation of endangered bird species populations in natural habitats of the Danube inland delta - LIFE07 NAT/SK/000707, Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske zdruenie - Regional Association for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development, Slovakia (BROZ) http://www.broz.sk/danubebirds/en on 27/03/2018 BROZ (2016) Final Report for the LIFE project “Conservation of endangered bird species populations in natural habitats of the Danube inland delta - LIFE07 NAT/SK/000707”, Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske zdruenie - Regional Association for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development, Slovakia (BROZ) http://www.broz.sk/files/danubebirds/LIFE07_NATSK000707_Danube_birds_Final_report_WEB_FINAL.pdf on 27/03/2018 BROZ (no date) Layman’s Report: Danube Birds Conservation, Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske zdruenie - Regional Association for Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development, Slovakia (BROZ) http://www.broz.sk/files/danubebirds/DBC_Layman_report_ENG.pdf on 27/03/2018 EC (2018) LIFE 4 Oak Forests - Conservation management tools for increasing structural and compositional biodiversity in Natura2000 oak forests: LIFE16 NAT/IT/000245, European Commission LIFE project database http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.dspPage&n_proj_id=633 5 on 27/03/2018 EC (2013) A Prioritised Action Framework (PAF) for Natura 2000 for the EU Multiannual Financing Period 2014- 2020: Hungary http://www.termeszetvedelem.hu/_user/browser/File/Natura2000/PAF/PAF_Hungary_EN_2013-04-18.pdf on 28/03/2018 EEA/ETC-BD. Ciconia nigra. Factsheet. Available at https://bd.eionet.europa.eu/article12/summary?period=1&subject=A030-B Lohmus, A and Sellis, U (2003) Nest trees - a limiting factor for the Black Stork Ciconia nigra populations in Estonia. Aves Liege 40(1-4): 84-91. http://www.aves.be/fileadmin/Aves/Bulletins/Articles/40_1-4/40_1- 4_84.pdf WWF (2013) Conservation of the Steppe Oak Woods of Nagykőrös: Nature Conservation and Habitat Restoration on the Great Hungarian Plain, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) http://www.szabadsagsziget.hu/media/1387292425_wwf_laymans_report_kesz_kicsi.pdf WWF (2011) Restoration of the Liberty Island and its side-arm on the Danube, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showFile&rep=file&fil=LIF E06_NAT_H_000098_LAYMAN.pdf

Authorship Prepared by Katrina Abhold of the Ecologic Institute, as part of the European Commission study on identifying the drivers of successful implementation of the Birds and Habitats Directives (under contract ENV.F.1/FRA/2014/0063), carried out by the Institute for European Environmental Policy, BirdLife International, Deloitte, Denkstatt, Ecologic Institute, ICF Consulting Services and PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. The information and views set out in this case study are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Commission.

Annex 1. The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) conservation status at Member State and EU levels

Increasing + Stable 0 Unknown x Decreasing - Fluctuating F Uncertain U

Breeding population Breeding range Wintering population Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term Short-term Long-term 2001- 1980- 2001- 1980- Austria 0 + 0 + 2012 2012 2012 2012 2000- 1980- 2000- 1980- Belgium x + + + 2012 2012 2012 2012 Czech 2000- 1982- 2001- 1980- + + + + Republic 2012 2012 2012 2012 2001- 1980- 2001- 1980- Estonia + - - - 2012 2012 2012 2012 2000- 1982- 2001- 1980- France + + + + 2012 2012 2012 2012 1998- 1985- 1998- 1985- Germany + + + + 2009 2009 2009 2009 Greece 2000- 1980- 2000- 1980- Hungary + + + + 2012 2012 2012 2012 2000- 1980- 2000- 1980- Italy + + - x 2012 2012 2012 2012 2001- 1980- 2001- 1980- Lithuania 0 - 0 0 2012 2012 2012 2012 2001- 1988- 1980- Latvia - - x 0 2012 2012 2004 2000- 1980- 2000- 1980- Luxembourg + + + + 2012 2012 2012 2012 2007- 1981- Poland x + x x 2012 2011 2001- 1980- 2001- 1980- Romania x x x x 2012 2012 2012 2012 2001- 1980- 2001- 1980- Slovenia 0 + 0 + 2012 2012 2012 2012 2000- 1980- 2000- 1980- Slovakia - 0 0 + 2012 2012 2012 2012 2001- 1980- 2001- 1980- Spain 0 + 0 + 2012 2012 2012 2012 EU overall + + Source: Member State Article 12 reports as presented on EIONET http://bd.eionet.europa.eu/article12/summary

Annex 2. LIFE Nature Projects in Hungary that aimed to help conserve the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)

Project Title Project N° MS Type of Beneficiary HUNSTEPPICOAKS - Conservation of Euro-siberian steppic LIFE06 HU Park-Reserve woods and Pannonic sand steppes in "Nagykörösi pusztai NAT/H/000098 authority tölgyesek" pSCI DANUBEISLANDFOREST - Conservation of alluvial habitats LIFE07 HU NGO-Foundation of community interest on the Szabadság Island and side NAT/H/000320 channel in Béda-Karapancsa pSCI HUGRASSLANDSLIFE - Conservation of dry grasslands in LIFE12 HU Park-Reserve Central Hungary NAT/HU/001028 authority Source: Life Programme database, projects with species = “Ciconia nigra” or “Black stork” listed in free text/keywords