Conservation Status and Protection of Migratory Species in Germany

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Conservation status and protection of migratory species in Germany

Document submitted to the 7th COP to CMS and the 2nd MOP to AEWA Conservation status and protection of migratory species in Germany

Document submitted to the 7th COP to CMS and the 2nd MOP to AEWA

September 18-27, 2002, Bonn, Germany Contents

Contents

A Word of Welcome by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Jürgen Trittin ...... 6

A Word of Welcome by the President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Professor Dr. Hartmut Vogtmann ...... 8

Introduction ...... 12

1 Selected aspects of protection of migratory species in Germany...... 16

1.1 Protection of the white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) ...... 16

1.2 Species: inventories and research ...... 24 1.2.1 Bats ...... 26 1.2.1.1 Bat-conservation activities as part of an integrated project system – the strategy of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) for implementing the EUROBATS agreement ...... 26 1.2.1.2 Ecology and protection of bats in forests – with special considerations for migratory species ...... 34 1.2.1.3 The research project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria”...... 44 1.2.2 Research and development project on the distribution, abundance and migrations of seabirds and waterbirds in the German North Sea, and development of international nature conservation objectives (Boffwatt)...... 73 1.2.3. Research and monitoring in the framework of efforts to protect wetlands limicolae in Germany – description of R+D projects of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) ...... 80 1.2.4 Monitoring and research into bird migration – the Mettnau-Reit-Illmitz programme (MRI) as an example of a long-term research programme for monitoring development of populations of common songbird species ...... 98 1.2.5 Description of EU-Life projects involving efforts to protect the Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris) ...... 105

1.3 Network of protected areas for selected species ...... 115 1.3.1 Tern protection on the coast...... 115 1.3.2 The Wadden Sea national parks on the German North Sea coast ...... 128 1.3.3 Basis for scientific assessment of Germany`s SPAs under the EC Bird Directive ...... 135

1.4 Contributions by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) ...... 138 1.4.1 EURONATUR...... 138 1.4.2 NABU ...... 141 1.4.3 WDCS ...... 144 1.4.4 DJV...... 145 1.4.5 DDA ...... 148

3 2 Conservation status and protecting measures of CMS-protected species native to Germany ...... 152

2.1 Conservation status of CMS-protected species native to Germany, and related measures...... 152 2.1.1 White-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla)...... 152 2.1.2 Great bustard (Otis tarda)...... 155 2.1.3 Ferruginous duck (Aytha nyroca) ...... 159 2.1.4 Aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola)...... 161

2.2 Administrative agreement for protection and management of the central European population of the great bustard (Otis tarda) ...... 167

2.3 Native species listed in the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) ...... 168 2.3.1 Waterbird conservation ...... 169 2.3.1.1 Progress in waterbird conservation – the health of native waterbird populations ...... 169 2.3.1.2 The "White Stork” Species Assistance Programme in Bavaria ...... 248 2.3.2 Species protection...... 256 2.3.2.1 Legal measures ...... 256 2.3.2.2 Action plans for individual species ...... 263 2.3.2.3 Emergency measures ...... 265 2.3.2.4 Species re-establishment ...... 268 2.3.2.5 Introduction of non-native species ...... 270 2.3.3 Biotop conservation ...... 272 2.3.3.1 Habitat inventories ...... 272 2.3.3.2 Site protection ...... 285 2.3.3.3 Restoration and regeneration of wetlands...... 305 2.3.4 Intervention ...... 309 2.3.4.1 Hunting ...... 309 2.3.4.2 Eco-tourism...... 317 2.3.4.3 Other human activities ...... 319 2.3.4.4 Damage to crops ...... 321 2.3.5 Research and monitoring ...... 329 2.3.6 Training and information ...... 337 2.3.7 Final comments...... 340 2.3.8 Progress in implementing resolutions and recommendations of previous meetings of the parties ...... 341

2.4 Bats and bat conservation in Germany – summary by the BfN (1999 b) ...... 341

2.5 Protection of the harbour porpoise in the North Sea and Baltic Sea ...... 346

2.6 Harbour seals in the German Wadden Sea ...... 352

4 Contents

3 Other native migratory bird species listed in CMS Annex II ...... 358

3.1 Example: peregrine falcon ...... 384

4 Current national projects that benefit migratory species of the Bonn Convention ...... 392

5 Germany`s contributions to supporting and developing the Bonn Convention ...... 396

6 Appendix...... 402

6.1 Bibliography ...... 402

Contributions to the report ...... 418 Imprint ...... 421

5 A Word of Welcome

by the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Jürgen Trittin

From our stationary vantage point, migratory birds are regular – but rest- less – guests that leave us again after just a short time.

The bird's eye sees things somewhat differently: the red knot, for example, a 26 cm long sandpiper, sees the world, stretching from Iceland, Alaska and Siberia down to the west coast of Africa, as its rightful dwelling. In the north, it has its nursery, on the North Sea coast it has its dining room (September), and in the Mediterranean and in Africa it has its winter quarters.

For the red knot and other migratory birds, and for seals and whales, there is only one world – and thus no boundaries for species protection. We humans are somewhat more limited, unfortunately: We have to sit down together and reach international agreements. For this much is clear: if we Germans do not stop common-cockle fishing, to ensure that the red knot finds enough to eat in September in the east Friesian Wadden Sea, then people down in west Africa will wait in vain for their guests from the far north.

Enhancing protection for migratory animal species – especially migratory birds – is thus a project that I consider extremely important, both politically and personally. It is simply fascinating and breathtaking: how reliably migratory birds find their way back to their familiar places, and what distances these small animals cover, with no more supplies than tiny reserves of fat on their bodies!

The protection we are discussing at the 7th Conference of the Parties to the Bonn Convention and the 2nd Meeting of the Parties to AEWA has to do with migratory routes, and with feeding, breeding and resting areas.

6 Words of Welcome

But I would also like to remind all of us of another form of protection that is urgently needed: we must limit climate change, each and all of us, in our own countries. Shifting of climate and rainfall zones under climate change will especially threaten migratory animal species. Climate protection and species protection should thus be seen as a common concern and moved forward in the same direction.

In 1979, we signed the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) here in Bonn. Within its framework, the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) has been concluded, an agreement oriented especially to protection of waterbirds, storks, ducks and geese along their west and east Atlantic flyways. The Secretariats of both agreements are located in Bonn, and I am delighted that they are now also holding their conferences of the parties here as well (7th CoP CMS 18-24 September 2002; 2nd MoP AEWA, 25-27 September 2002). Hopefully, with good results – for the birds. And thus also for us.

Jürgen Trittin

Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety

7 A Word of Welcome

by the President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Professor Dr. Hartmut Vogtmann

In 2002, Germany again has the honour of hosting the conferences of the parties to the Bonn Convention and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) – and thus of continuing its long tradition of contributing to international efforts to protect migratory animal species. I welcome you, also on behalf of my staff, very cordially here in Bonn, and I wish you not only very successful conferences, but also very pleasant stays in our country.

I'm sure I do not have to remind you of how Germany has worked to protect migratory animal species – and of how very hard it has worked to protect them. In spite of a challenge here and there in interactions between official and volunteer commitments, the Federal Government and the Länder have accomplished a great deal. The report you now hold in your hands, a work to which the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation has contributed substantially, gives eloquent testimony to much of this effort and its resulting achievements. Needless to say, it was possible to present only a small selection of the great many activities concerned.

Our achievements to date give us no reason for complacency. In the past few years, many new challenges for nature conservation have arisen. The Convention on Biological Diversity has recognised protection and use – as long as use is sustainable – as pillars of equal importance along with equitable compensation for use of biodiversity resources. The Bonn Convention and its regional agreements – and I would especially like to mention AEWA – offer the opportunity to specify protection of animal species in this light and to shape their use, within the foreseeable future, in such a manner that it truly can be called "sustainable".

8 Words of Welcome

The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation sees itself as a force driving refinement of these international requirements, in keeping with scientifically founded nature conservation requirements, and implementation on the national level. To these ends, over the past few years we have held two workshops, with broad participation by representatives of the science and research sectors, authorities and associations, that have led to con- sensus on principles of sustainable use of wild animals, the criteria for such use and means of implementing such use. We must continue on this path – not only is it required by the Convention on Biological Diversity and AEWA, it is also a core aspect of both the EU Bird Directive and CITES. Practical results from this process are also useful for refinement of the Federal Government's national sustainable development strategy. Nonetheless, further efforts must be made before initiatives supported by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, calling for sustainability criteria to be applied to taking and using of animal species in Germany, are implemented in relevant legal provisions and in specific action. The BfN's "classic" tasks – inventorying and describing species and communities and determining the key biological and ecological factors affecting relevant populations – have thus again come to the forefront of nation-wide animal species conservation. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation provides these findings as a basis for nature conservation policy decisions at the national and international levels.

Inventories of individual species, of communities and of ecological valuable habitats are also becoming increasingly important with regard to use of renewable energies, especially in offshore areas. Many open questions remain regarding the potential conflicts between wind energy use and protection of the marine environment, especially as habitats for wild ani-

9 mal species. With a tightly scheduled strategy, the Federal Government is aiming to reconcile both protection and use aspects and to initiate the relevant necessary research. The amendments to the Federal Nature Conservation Act and the Ordinance on Sea Installations (Seeanlagenverordnung), which came into force just a few months ago, have created the framework for controlled expansion of wind energy use in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. In this context, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation is called on to make a scientific contribution to ecologically optimised expansion of offshore wind energy installations.

The Agency has a wide range of instruments with which to fulfil its tasks, some of which are described at many points in this report. Under the aegis of AEWA, a number of research and development (R+D) have been, and are being, designed and carried out, in order to develop transferable threat analyses, design model protection concepts and support survey and monitoring programmes. Integration of external experts, co-operation with species conservation experts of the Länder and of relevant associations and public information are all key features of the work of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. All increase the chances that new findings and requirements in nature conservation will not only be provided to policy-makers – but will also wind up where they belong – in use in actual practice.

10 Words of Welcome

In this sense, I sincerely hope that the conferences here in Bonn help enhance international species protection and conservation. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation will continue to shape and scientifically implement the Bonn Convention and its regional agreements, within the framework of its competence. I would be particularly delighted if you found this report an inspiring invitation to participate in an important task – protecting our common natural heritage.

Professor Dr. Hartmut Vogtmann

President of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation

11 Introduction

The Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Jürgen Trittin, has invited the 7th Conference of the Parties to the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS; Bonn Convention of 23 June 1979), and the 2nd Meeting of the Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA; agreement of 16 June 1995) to Bonn during the period 14 – 27 September 2002.

This invitation was the occasion for the present report, which provides detailed information about the conservation status of migratory species in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Instead of remaining in one and turtles; fish, such as eels and sal- the same location throughout their mon; and butterflies, such as the lives, a great many animal species monarch butterfly in North Ameri- migrate at regular intervals over ca and the Apollo butterfly in wes- long distances, from their birthpla- tern Europe. Species cover thou- ces to other locations and back sands – in some cases, tens of thou- again. Migratory birds are the lar- sands – of kilometres between their gest group of such migrants: storks, summer and winter areas or bet- cranes, geese, ducks, ibises and fla- ween their birthplaces and adult mingos, to mention just a few. habitats. In these habitats, and on Other migrating animals include their migrations, such species are marine mammals, such as whales, subject to a great many threats, dolphins, seals and seacows; land including habitat changes (for ex- mammals, such as bats and antelo- ample, caused by irrigation or drai- pes; migrating reptiles, such as sea nage), persecution by humans or

12 Introduction

barriers to their movements (dams). tion status, suitable protection mea- This was the reason why in 1972 sures should be taken to enable the the German Federal Government populations to recover to an extent accepted a mandate, from the Uni- at which they can again be sustain- ted Nations Environmental Pro- ably used. To this end, the Conven- gramme, to prepare an internatio- tion contains the following instru- nal convention with the aim of ments: protecting migratory species, and l Strict protection, in the relevant to organise international coopera- range states, for all migratory tion to this end. The first drafts of species that are facing an imme- the convention were presented in diate threat of extinction and 1975, and in the years that follo- are listed in Annex I of the wed, these were intensively discus- Convention; sed, through correspondence and at small working meetings, with l Development and signing of interested countries. The negotia- agreements, between the various tion conference then took place relevant range states, to protect from 11 to 23 June 1979, at the migratory species that, while not invitation of the German govern- necessarily facing extinction, will ment, and it led to the signing of soon be facing extinction unless the new Convention. The Conven- international or internationally tion on the Conservation of Migra- co-ordinated efforts are made to tory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), protect them. The species for the "Bonn Convention", entered which such special regional into force on 1 November 1983, as agreements are to be concluded international law, after 15 states, are listed in Annex II of the the minimum number, had rati- Convention. fied it. Since then, the number of parties to the conference has The following animal species native grown continually; at present, to Germany are listed in Annex I there are 79 parties. and thus are strictly protected: sea eagle, great bustard, ferruginous The Convention's declared aim is to duck, sedge warbler. protect all migratory animal species (whether they migrate in the air, in water or on land) throughout their entire habitats. Where species' populations are threatened or have an unfavourable conserva-

13 Germany is a party to the following IMPLEMENTATION IN regional agreements that have to GERMANY. In implementation of do with Annex II species: the Bonn Convention, the Federal Government and the Länder co-ope- l Agreement of 16 October 1990 rate within their various spheres of on the Conservation of Seals in competence. The Federal Govern- the Wadden Sea ment manages efforts in the area of international co-operation. It pre- l Agreement of 4 December 1991 pares proposals for amendments of on the Conservation of Bats in laws, where agreements require Europe (EUROBATS) such amendments at the Federal level. The Federal Government also l Agreement of 31 March 1992 on engages in certain research activi- the Conservation of Small ties with regard to species covered Cetaceans of the Baltic and by the agreements. Specific protec- North Seas (ASCOBANS) tion measures are taken by the Länder. For example, the Länder l Agreement of 16 June 1995 on are responsible for setting aside the Conservation of African- protected areas, or for enacting Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds other types of area-based protec- (AEWA) tion, for animal species that require certain habitats – during their bree- In addition, Annex II lists a range ding seasons, in their wintering of other migratory species that are areas or in their resting areas along native to Germany, and for which flyways. In addition, in appropriate no regional agreements have been cases they take additional conserva- concluded, but which are subject to tion measures, such as carrying out a diverse and effective range of pro- species-assistance or monitoring tective mechanisms. programmes, to improve the conservation status of migratory species. The Länder are also charged with enforcing relevant Federal law. This they do either directly – for example, in the area of prohibitions on access – or in connection with relevant implementation regulations under Länder law (example: intervention regulations). The Federal Government and the

14 Introduction

Länder also carry out efforts to en- begins with a treatment of all four hance public awareness of the Annex I CMS species that are nati- needs of migratory species. ve to Germany (sea eagle, great bustard, ferruginous duck and Chapter 1 of the present work sedge warbler) and that are strictly highlights exemplary efforts being protected. A description of all made in behalf of migratory spe- Annex II species follows, divided cies native to Germany. It includes into species for which regional official nature conservation activi- agreements are in place and spe- ties, at the Federal and Länder le- cies for which no regional agree- vels, as well as efforts of volunteer ments have yet been concluded associations and groups. A discus- (only bird species). On the occasion sion of measures to protect the of the 2nd Meeting of the Parties white-tailed sea eagle, Germany's to AEWA, special emphasis is pla- heraldic animal, opens these des- ced on waterbirds. Chapter 2.3 is criptions (Chapter 1.1). Pro- thus oriented to the reporting for- grammes for surveying and study- mat agreed within the AEWA fra- ing other animal groups are pres- mework. Chapter 2.3.1 presents a ented in Chapter 1.2. The remarks first listing of all populations of on area protection in Chapter 1.3 AEWA species relevant for Ger- focus on the internationally impor- many. It also describes their places tant coastal and Wadden Sea areas in international contexts and their (the Wadden Sea has long been a population situations and trends in focus of particularly intensive con- Germany, in order to publicise servation efforts). Chapter 1.4 pre- important basic aspects of AEWA in sents contributions of non-govern- Germany and to promote imple- mental organisations. In these arti- mentation of the agreement. cles, for which the organisations are themselves responsible, the The present work provides only organisations describe their efforts summaries in the areas of small to protect migratory animal species cetaceans and bats. Further infor- in Germany. mation is available in Germany's national reports on these animal Chapter 2 documents the conserva- groups; the report on bat conservation status of all CMS species that tion in Germany has already been are native to Germany, and regular- published by the Federal Agency ly occur in Germany, and provides for Nature Conservation (BOYE et an overview of efforts being made al. 1999). to protect them. This section

15 1 Selected aspects of protection of migratory species in Germany

1.1 Protection of the white-tailed findings regarding the bird's range, popu- sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) lation and relevant threats, separately from such descriptions for other species.

INTRODUCTION. The white-tailed sea RANGE. The white-tailed sea eagle is eagle is Germany's heraldic animal; it found throughout virtually the entire Sea Eagle adorns the country's federal coat of arms, northern palaearctic. In the west, it ranges federal service flags and federal seals. A as far as the nearctic, into Greenland large, strong bird, it also serves as a sym- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). bol for rallying efforts in nature conserva- Its range extends from Japan, Kamchatka tion (HAUFF 1998). It figures prominently and the Bering Strait, in the east, to south- in lore, appearing in many fairy tales, west Greenland, in the west. The northern sagas, tales and songs. It is a bird "most boundary of its range lies within the Ba- people" are aware of, even if only in a rents Sea region and Siberia, at 70° north superficial way. latitude. The southernmost populations The white-tailed sea eagle, along with the are found between Croatia and the Caspi- great bustard, the ferruginous duck and an Sea, and in a band, between 30° and the aquatic warbler, is one of the species 40° north latitude, extending to the Pacific. listed in Appendix I of the Bonn Conven- The European countries with the densest tion on the Conservation of Migratory Spe- populations of the white-tailed sea eagle cies of Wild Animals (CMS) that are of par- are Norway, Poland, Russia (European ticular relevance for the Federal Republic part), Germany, Sweden and Finland. Tab. of Germany. Efforts to protect the white- 1.1-1 shows the numbers of breeding pairs tailed sea eagle and increase its numbers in these countries. are particularly well-documented. The German populations are particularly Consequently, this chapter takes the logi- significant, in connection with the north- cal step of describing such efforts, and ern European and eastern European populations, because they are particularly dense. The populations in Mecklenburg – West Pomerania, Brandenburg, Saxony Tab. 1.1-1: Numbers of breeding pairs in the European and Schleswig-Holstein are especially countries with the largest populations of white-tailed important. sea eagles (HAUFF in lit. 2001).

Country Population DEVELOPMENT OF POPULATIONS Norway 2.200 – THEN AND NOW. According to Russia (European part) 500 TUCKER & HEATH (1994), at the beginning Poland 500 of the 19th century the white-tailed sea Germany 370 eagle was still found throughout Europe Sweden 250 and was a common sight.

16 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Beginning in 1850 and then in the early of 0.23 young per breeding pair for the 20th century, populations in Europe de- period between 1973 and 1978. In the creased dramatically (OEHME 1961). They years after 1978, the reproduction rate in- did not recover until the end of the 20th creased to 0.37 young per breeding pair. century, as a result of intensive protection efforts. Recovery began with the popula- A noticeable increase in the total populations in Scandinavia and Poland. It then tion was seen as of 1980 (HAUFF 1998). In spread to north-east Germany and then Germany as a whole, the number of pairs further west. with breeding territories increased from 119 in 1976 to 301 in 1997. HAUFF (1998) GLUTZ VON BLOTZHEIM et al. (1971) re- reports a particularly strong increase for port that only about 12-15 pairs of white- the 10-year period after 1987. According to tailed sea eagles were left in Germany in his information, the population doubled 1913. In Mecklenburg, West Pomerania during this period. and Brandenburg, the total population in 1920 was 20-25 pairs. Since the range in- HAUFF (1998) provides reliable reproduc- volved was 23,000 km2, this translates into tion data for 1980 and for the period as of a density of 0.1 pairs per 100 km2. 1993. The breeding-success rate increased from 27% in 1980 to an average of 59.1% In Schleswig-Holstein, all breeding pairs of between 1993 and 1997. In Mecklenburg – the white-tailed sea eagle were wiped out West Pomerania, where nearly 50% of prior to the turn of the century (between German white-tailed sea eagles breed, the 1880 and 1900). Only four breeding pairs reproduction rate in 1980 was lower than were reliably identified in Mecklenburg – it was for all of Germany. Since then, the West Pomerania at the turn of the century. reproduction rate for white-tailed sea eagle in the state of Mecklenburg – West Population figures for the areas in ques- Pomerania has become more similar to tion, for the period beginning in 1935, are that for the rest of Germany (HAUFF 1998). inconsistent. Whereas GLUTZ VON BLOTZHEIM et al. (1971) list 30 pairs, In the early 1980s, following the popula- OEHME (1987a) reports a population of 60 tion increases in the core-range states of breeding pairs. GROEBBELS, cited in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg – West HAUFF (1996), states that in 1935 Germany Pomerania, populations of white-tailed sea as a whole had a population of 42 breed- eagle also grew in the states of Saxony ing pairs, 15 of them in Mecklenburg. By and Schleswig-Holstein, which previously the middle of the 20th century, the popu- had had only sparse populations. This lation of white-tailed sea eagles in resulted in a considerable expansion of Mecklenburg – West Pomerania had the bird's range. grown to 75 breeding pairs. Overall, a total of 120 pairs were reliably counted in According to HAUFF (1998), the total po- the two German states in 1950. pulation in Germany in 1997 was 301 pairs with breeding territories. Of 260 According to HAUFF (1996), the popula- pairs that actually attempted to breed, tion then stagnated over the next 30 years, only 144 pairs (55%) bred successfully. remaining at a level of about 100 to 120 These birds had a breeding-success rate of pairs. Only about 20% of the breeding 0.85 young per breeding pair. pairs were able to raise young successfully. OEHME (1990) reports a reproduction rate

17 POPULATIONS OF BREEDING and year hatched. The band information PAIRS BY LÄNDER. Figure 1.1-1 shows can thus be used to draw conclusions how populations of white-tailed sea eagle regarding migration of white-tailed sea have developed in the various German eagle. As a result, it has been discovered Länder. that the new birds seen in Denmark are young sea eagles that have left Schleswig- Holstein. MIGRATION OF THE WHITE- TAILED SEA EAGLE.The white-tailed In Germany, banding of white-tailed sea sea eagle's migration is confined to the eagle is organised by two stations. In Schles- European continent. In keeping with the wig-Holstein, birds six to eight weeks old bird's range and its habitat requirements, receive bands of the Helgoland ornitho- it takes place in the North Sea and Baltic logical station. A total of 169 white-tailed Sea regions, as well as in the countries sea eagles were banded between 1977 and bordering these seas. 1998 (GRÜNKORN & STRUWE-JUHL 1998).

White-tailed sea eagles have been banded In eastern Germany, banding of white- in Europe since 1976, as the result of an tailed sea eagles is organised by the initiative of the Swedish Society for the Hiddensee ornithological station. From Conservation of Nature. The bands attached 1964 to 2000, this station banded a total to the birds show the birds' area of origin of 936 white-tailed sea eagles (KÖPPEN

Fig. 1.1-1: Development of populations of white-tailed sea eagle (pairs with breeding territories), broken down by German Länder (states) (from HAUFF in lit. 2001).

Year

18 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

2001). Since 1981, white-tailed sea eagles of the same year in Gedser / Denmark and have been banded with two bands per on the Dutch Island of Texel. bird. A right-leg band shows the Land (state) in which the bird was banded. It A total of 14 of 167 young sea eagles ban- also bears an individual number for the ded in Schleswig-Holstein died within bird. White-tailed sea eagles banded in their first two years of life. In the follow- Germany wear either orange-coloured ing years a total of five of the remaining bands (Schleswig-Holstein) or yellow bands birds were sighted in Mecklenburg – West (eastern Germany). A leftleg band, also co- Pomerania. One was sighted in Denmark, lour-coded, shows the year in which the one was seen in Poland and one was spot- bird was banded. ted in England. Four of the birds remained in Schleswig-Holstein and bred there. The Older birds are known to make extensive bird sighted in Poland was found dead in migrations, especially during winter months. its 19th year of life, in a sea-eagle breeding During the winter, Scandinavian eagles, area near Slupsk; it may well have bred most of them still immature, migrate into there, some 430 km east of the place where Baltic Sea or North Sea areas in their it was hatched, for quite some time. search for food. They can also be found in lake regions further inland. It has been found that such aimless wan- dering (dispersion movements) plays a de- LOOFT & BUSCHE (1990) report that young, cisive role in settlement of new areas. For sexually immature white-tailed sea eagles example, all the populations of breeding wander about, looking for food. In the pro- pairs in Denmark have been formed by cess, they roam extensively and cross into birds from Schleswig-Holstein. This behav- other Länder. Banding data for young white- iour also protects the white-tailed sea tailed sea eagles in Schleswig-Holstein doc- eagle's gene pool in any given region. This ument this (GRÜNKORN & STRUWE-JUHL may prove to be a key factor in further 1998, KÖPPEN 2001). For example, two protection of populations of the "white- white-tailed sea eagles banded in 1979 in tailed sea eagle" species, of which only a Schleswig-Holstein were found in the fall relatively small total population is left.

Tab. 1.1-2: Comparison of the causes of deaths of white-tailed sea eagles in Schleswig-Holstein before and after 1980 (from STRUWE-JUHL et al. 1998)

Cause of death 1951-1979 1980-1997 Birds discovered in other areas, 1980-1997 Shooting 6 1 Poisoning 5 4 Trapping 2 1 Traffic151 Power lines 3 1 (Territorial) battles 2 Weather 1 Hypothermia 1 Total 14 16 4

Cause unknown 14 5 3

Total 28 21 7

19 LOSSES, AND THE RELEVANT REA- such plundering, which occurred predomi- SONS. Various factors, with relative sig- nantly in Schleswig-Holstein, the birds' nificance varying over time, have been eggs were "removed for collection". This identified as reasons for the decrease in ultimately led to intensive efforts to guard the sea eagle's population in the period the birds' aeries. until 1980. Since the middle of the 20th century, pes- HAUFF (1998) reports that populations of ticides have been used to increase agricul- the white-tailed sea eagle decreased as of tural crop yields. The best-known pesticide about 1850 as a result of intensive hunt- in connection with the white-tailed sea ing. Hunting, with all of its grave conse- eagle is DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichlor- quences, was encouraged via payment of oethane), to which PCB (polychlorinated "bounties" for birds shot (HAUFF 1993). For biphenyls) were added. These and other example, beginning in 1875 in Mecklen- environmental toxins entered the food burg, a bounty of 1.25 gold marks was chain and were consumed by the sea paid for every white-tailed sea eagle killed. eagles as part of their prey. As a result, their reproductive rate dropped sharply. Hunting reduced the sea eagle's range in Their eggs became thin-shelled and tend- Germany. For example, hunting destroyed ed to break during brooding (OEHME Bavaria's population by 1890. The popula- 1987b). Use of DDT and PCB has been tion in Schleswig-Holstein was eliminated banned for years via relevant ordinances by 1875 (HAUFF 1998). In the areas that on use and prohibition. now make up the Länder of Saxony, Saxo- ny-Anhalt and Lower Saxony, the white- STRUWE-JUHL & LATENDORF (1997), tailed sea eagle became extinct by the LANGGEMACH et al. (1998) and KRONE et turn of the century. al. (pub. pend.) provide more precise details regarding the causes of death of Pursuant to LOOFT & BUSCHE (1990), until the white-tailed sea eagles found between around 1850 about 40 white-tailed sea ea- 1980 and 1997. gles were shot annually in Schleswig-Hol- stein. The birds concerned were probably Between 1980 and 1997, a total of 21 young birds from neighbouring countries white-tailed sea eagles were found dead that had come to Germany in their search in Schleswig-Holstein. An additional seven for food – for example, to the Wadden Sea birds banded as nestlings in Schleswig- area. At night, sea eagles hunting in the Holstein were found outside of the state Wadden Sea area returned to "sleeping between 1980 and 1997 and included in trees", with several birds sometimes using the study. Study of the dead sea eagles the same tree. LOOFT & BUSCHE (1990) included chemical analysis to help deter- report that in some nights up to nine mine the causes of the deaths. white-tailed sea eagles were shot in one session. Of the 21 sea eagles, five were killed by traffic (rail and road). One bird was killed According to HAUFF (1993), about 412 by a collision with a road vehicle. The white-tailed sea eagles were killed in Meck- other four birds were hit by rail vehicles as lenburg and West Pomerania between 1841 they ate carrion lying next to the rails. Four and 1853. birds were found to have died through poisoning, although the poison in ques- Later, the birds became prey to intensive tion (mephinphos) was identified in only nest-plundering, in addition to hunting. In one of the cases. An additional three birds

20 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

were killed by power lines. The cause of case of illegal keeping of a sea eagle. The death was not identified for five of the bird in question was observed in flight, birds. The remaining four birds found bearing jesses and bells. Intensive research dead died as a result of intraspecific bat- showed that the bird was being kept ille- tles. gally. KRONE et al. (pub. pend.) carried out a LANGGEMACH et al. (1998) report the cau- Germany-wide study. They studied 120 ses of injuries suffered by white-tailed sea white-tailed sea eagles from Germany that eagles found either dead or injured bet- were found, between 1990 and 2000, either ween 1990 and 1998 in Brandenburg and dead or moribund. The most significant Berlin. Of a total of 14 birds studied, seven causes of death were anthropogenic: colli- also had older, healed injuries. Significant- sions with railway vehicles and poisoning ly, most of the injuries were found to have through consumption of lead particles been intentionally caused. (Tab. 4).

In 1996, a preparation application was sub- Although no white-tailed sea eagle died mitted for the intentionally poisoned sea directly from gunshot wounds, lead shot eagle, listing the cause of death as the im- was found in five of 58 sea eagles x-rayed. pact of a falling beech tree (Fagus sylvatica). A subsequent autopsy revealed the real The most frequent cause of death, "impact cause of death. of railway vehicle", is explained in that the Of the four stolen dead sea eagles, two sea eagles' diet consists partly of carrion. were taken directly from the death site. While animals are often thrown from the Another sea eagle disappeared without a roadway when they are struck by road trace from a zoo near Cottbus. The fourth vehicles, animals struck by trains often theft remained an unsolved mystery. come to rest between the rails, where they attract sea eagles – who are then often To the list of causes of death or injury killed by the next train. shown in Table 1.1-3 must be added one

Tab. 1.1-3: Causes of death, injury or loss of white-tailed sea eagles found in Brandenburg and Berlin (from LANGGEMACH et al. 1998)

Reason effective when bird found Earlier injury Time Railway Gunshot wound 08/98 Power lines Suspicion that a steel trap was used 10/93 Railway Suspicion that a steel trap was used 09/96 Unknown (found dead) Suspicion that a steel trap was used 03/97 Find of a dead old bird Suspicion that a steel trap was used 06/98 Intentional poisoning with carbofuran (insecticide) - 11/96 Theft of a young bird from an aerie - 05/94 Theft of a young bird from an aerie (incited) 95 Theft of a dead sea eagle 06/93 Theft of a dead sea eagle Railway death 02/96 Theft of a dead sea eagle Railway death Winter 96 Theft of a dead sea eagle - 96

21 As part of its "greenbelt along the tracks" (HEYDEMANN 1998). The noise distur- policy, German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) bance was compounded by the air turbu- tries to minimise train-caused deaths of lence caused by the helicopter. In another wild animals by eliminating hiding places case, in 2000, an overflight by a hot-air for wild mammals along railway tracks. balloon caused a brood to be abandoned When animals are struck nevertheless, lo- (STRUWE-JUHL & LATENDORF 2000). cal hunting authorities are immediately Logging and other forest-management notified, so that the remains can be activities in the direct vicinity of nests, promptly removed (DEUTSCHE BAHN during mating and nest-building periods in lit. 2002). in winter and spring, can also cause sea eagles to abandon their nests. In 2000 and The primary source of lead poisoning of 2001, two sea-eagle pairs, in Lower Saxony white-tailed sea eagles probably consists of and Schleswig-Holstein, abandoned their waterfowl and other game that are shot broods for this reason (STRUWE-JUHL, mdl. by hunters but not found and retrieved. and SÜDBECK, orally reported). In 2000, Such animals are then eaten by sea eagles, an unoccupied nesting tree was felled in also as carrion. The lead shot and lead Schleswig-Holstein. fragments (from semi-jacketed projectiles) in the animals' bodies wind up in the In Germany, the white-tailed sea eagle eagles' digestive tracts. breeds in areas with large numbers of lakes. In addition to losses resulting from hunt- On and near large lakes, it can come into ing or traffic, white-tailed sea eagles are conflict with recreationers engaged in subject to other threats and dangers in water sports. Satisfactory compromises their breeding areas. have been reached, however, by establishing protected areas and enhancing public These especially include disturbances near awareness. nests, caused by recreationers and other sources of noise. In 1992, a helicopter flew low over a nest and landed in its vicinity, EFFORTS TO PROTECT THE causing the birds to abandon their brood WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE – THEN AND NOW. With its majestic appearance, the white-tailed sea eagle has always attracted special interest. This has signifi- Tab. 1.1-4: Causes of death of sea eagles in Germany cantly aided efforts to protect it. (pursuant to KRONE et al. pub. pend.). In 1903, WÜSTNEI (1903) stated that sea Cause of death Percentage eagles were "natural treasures" that should (rounded off) be protected. He called for strict protec- Impact of railway vehicle 14% tion and a ban on all hunting of the birds. Lead poisoning 12% Some states of the Reich passed ordinan- Infections 11% ces mandating yearround bans on hunting External injuries (LOOFT & BUSCHE 1990). (trauma) 10% Electrocution 9% In 1906, strong public pressure led to the Landing on power lines 7% suspension of bounties on white-tailed sea Intraspecific battles 5% eagles. Poisoning (other than lead poisoning) 3% Deformities 2% Starvation 1% Unknown (decomposition too far along) 24%

22 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

As of 1934, all eagle species were placed One of these birds was pushed out of the under protection, as game subject to a nest by naturally hatched fledglings. The yearround closed season, by the Reich other three incubated white-tailed sea Hunting Act and its Execution Ordinance eagles were able to grow and fly out of (1935). Hunting then decreased as this leg- their nests. Two other white-tailed sea islation and further ordinances were im- eagles, hatched and raised completely in plemented. On the other hand, nest-plun- captivity, were successfully introduced to dering, often involving complete destruc- the wild. Such efforts were later discontin- tion of nests and eggs, increased. ued, however, since the genetic lines of the artificially hatched birds were not Starting in the mid-1950s, committed con- known. servationists with a special interest in birds of prey began monitoring the small In the early 1960s, a guideline on nest pro- remaining populations of white-tailed sea tection was passed for the former GDR's eagles in Schleswig-Holstein. They were districts of Rostock, Neubrandenburg and supported in these efforts by conservation- Schwerin (where most of the former GDR's ists from England and the Netherlands. eagles were found) (TESSENDORF & WÖLFEL Nonetheless, in spite of the conservation- 1999). This guideline on nest protection ists' watchfulness, thieves continued to was then subsumed within the 1992 na- climb up to nests and rob or destroy their ture conservation act of the state (Land) of eggs. On the other hand, the efforts still Mecklenburg – West Pomerania. A second had the positive effect of considerably state nature conservation act, passed in improving understanding of the white- 1998, strengthened protection for the tailed sea eagle's biology. birds' nests still further. Article 36 of the On the ground, nesting trees were sur- act establishes two nest-protection zones. rounded with nets and barbed wire, to In nest-protection zone I, covering a radius provide additional protection. Thanks to of 100 m from the nest, no vegetation the vigilance of the "guards" and of cer- may be cut and the area's character may tain institutions, forestry activities near not be changed in any way. Furthermore, nests decreased during breeding season; during the period from 1 March to 31 even felling of nesting trees decreased. August, all agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting are prohibited. In protection To the present day in Schleswig-Holstein, zone II, covering the area between 100 m nests located in particularly sensitive areas and 300 m from the nest, agriculture, are observed by conservationists encamped forestry, fishing and hunting are also pro- in trailers and tents. Such guards inform hibited during the period from 1 March to the interested public about the white- 31 August. tailed sea eagle and efforts to protect it, and they guide visitors to observation In contrast to the situation in Schleswig- points. Holstein, no direct guarding of nests took place in the former GDR. Such guarding Other measures, in addition to nest guard- would not have been feasible, given the ing, are also carried out to protect the large number of nests there (already larg- birds. Between 1975 and 1980, a total of er then than in Schleswig-Holstein). four young eagles hatched in bird-station incubators were placed in existing nests, next to naturally hatched young (RÜGER 1981).

23 For the past four decades, responsibilities 1.2 Species: inventories and for monitoring nests have been divided research among three regional co-ordinators (HAUFF 1993). The nests themselves are protected by local officials – often local foresters. Monitoring takes place three Before animal populations can be effec- times per year; in March, the nests are tively protected, they must first be invento- checked for occupation by white-tailed ried, since only inventories can reveal po- sea eagles, and in April and June bree- pulations' real protection needs. Without ding success is monitored. knowing how a population is developing, one cannot recognise key trends – includ- Recently, new ways have been found ing potential threats. And inventories, pa- to inform the public. From 1993 to 1995, ving the way for effective protective ac- a sea-eagle nest on the island of Kanin- tion, should include research into the lat- chenwerder, near Schwerin, was moni- est relevant issues. tored with a video camera. The images were shown live in the island's nearby The following chapters, in section 1.2, pro- lodge (HAUFF 1999). All of the video vide examples of inventories and study footage was kept and is now being ana- that provide a basis for effective, lasting lysed at the University of Rostock, as protection. The species in question are part of a diploma thesis. species listed in Annex II of the Bonn Con- vention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). LEGAL PROTECTION FOR THE WHITE-TAILED SEA EAGLE AND Annex II lists migratory species whose ITS NESTING SITES. The white-tailed conservation status is unfavourable, and sea eagle enjoys the status of "strictly pro- for which, pursuant to Art. IV CMS, agree- tected species" under the Federal Nature ment are to be enacted. The "Agreement Conservation Act. At the same time, the on the Conservation of African-Eurasian white-tailed sea eagle has the status of a Migratory Waterbirds" (AEWA) and the game animal under the Federal Hunting "Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Act. No hunting season has been estab- Europe" (EUROBATS), two examples of such lished for the bird, however. agreements, have a direct bearing on the species mentioned in the following chap- The options provided by state nature con- ters. servation acts for protecting nesting sites are described in Chapter 2.1.1. Chapter 1.2.1 provides an overview of proj- Thanks to the efforts of many conserva- ects initiated in fulfilment of obligations tionists, white-tailed sea eagle populations under Article III EUROBATS (fundamental in Germany have recovered. Nonetheless, obligations). Since the Federal Republic of the birds will continue to require protec- Germany has a special responsibility for tion. Efforts of volunteer conservationists species that live in the zone of summer- have proven to be highly effective and green deciduous forests, the project "Eco- valuable. logy and protection of bats in forests" is described in detail.

24 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

In order to improve knowledge about off- Establishment of the "Life-Nature" financ- shore areas, a project was carried out on ing concept now makes it possible to carry distribution, abundance and migrations of out regional projects, within European seabirds and waterbirds. This project, which Union Member States, for protection of was funded by the Federal Ministry for the endangered species. Chapter 1.2.5 pro- Environment, Nature Conservation and Nu- vides an overview of projects carried out clear Safety (BMU) and scientifically sup- in Germany, with the help of Life, to pro- ported by the German Federal Agency for tect the Eurasian bittern, an example of a Nature Conservation (BfN), is described in species covered by Annex II CMS and AEWA. chapter 1.2.2. It highlights Germany's spe- Financing of a network of habitats suitable cial responsibility for protecting the Wad- for the Eurasian bittern supports develop- den Sea and the animal species living in ment of the Natura 2000 European net- the German North Sea area. It also espe- work of conservation areas, which also cially benefits AEWA bird species – within benefits other species. the meaning of Article III h) and in keeping with the action plan, research must be carried out on ways to improve the habitats of such birds. In high seas areas, such birds urgently require international protection.

Chapter 1.2.3 provides an overview of research projects related to conservation of wet meadows in Germany, and initiated, in keeping with Art. III e) and h) AEWA, in order to improve the conservation status of migratory meadow limicolae in Germany. With this effort, the Federal Republic of Germany is also contributing to the maintenance of a network of suitable habitats for migratory species, as required by Art. III d) AEWA.

Chapter 1.2.4 presents the Mettnau-Reit- Illmitz programme of research into the development of populations of common songbird species. This programme also covers species in the family of flycatchers and batises (muscicapidae) that fall under Annex II CMS. Most songbird species are difficult to inventory with absolute reliability, and thus little is known about the large-area population trends – and, thus, the risk situation – of many species. The data obtained through the MRI programme reveal such population trends for the first time and can provide a first basis for protection concepts for muscicapidae as well as other species.

25 1.2.1 BATS bats in forests, conservation of roosts in buildings, research on migration, integration of bat conservation aspects within landscape management, public relations, This section presents special conservation and international co-operation. Future efforts being made by the Federal Govern- work should focus on monitoring of bats ment and the Länder on behalf of native and transfer of information from science bat species – efforts that exemplify a broad to amateurs and the public as well as from range of activities on behalf of many dif- one language to another. The BfN's activi- ferent migratory species. ties fit together as elements of an integrated bat-conservation project system. The Mouse-Earded Bat Bats have enjoyed special protection in Ger- success of this stepwise strategy has been many for decades. As a result of the Agree- due, in part, to the existence of EURO- ment on the Conservation of Bats in Eu- BATS, to the public's enthusiasm for bats rope (EUROBATS), and of the many "Euro- and to the strong commitment of all co- pean Bat Night" events carried out by ma- operation partners. ny associations and state organisations – also in Germany – the public has become more and more aware of the need to pro- INTRODUCTION. The "Agreement on tect bats and their habitats. the Conservation of Bats in Europe" (EURO- BATS) was signed in September 1991, at the initiative of the UK. It has been in force since 16 January 1994 and now has a total of 24 parties (as of August 2001). The agreement mandates measures to protect bat species and their habitats, as well as 1.2.1.1 Bat-conservation activities as research, public-awareness measures and part of an integrated project regular reporting about measures taken system – the strategy of the (cf. BOYE et al. 1999). German Federal Agency for In Germany, the new agreement raised Nature Conservation (BfN) for the hopes of an informed public. Since the implementing the EUROBATS 1980s, bats had received increasing atten- Agreement tion from volunteer and government nature conservation organisations. Many bat conservationists1) had banded together in groups and associations, and lower nature ABSTRACT. Bat conservation activities conservation authorities were increasingly as compounds of an integrated project sys- supporting local efforts to protect the ani- tem – the strategy of the German Federal mals and their habitats. Bat researchers Agency for Nature Conservation to imple- had begun looking for new impetus and ment the EUROBATS Agreement. support funding (NOWAK 1993).

The paper describes the objectives, instruments, and projects of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) in the field of bat conservation since 1993. Many different projects were financed by

1) Federal funds to implement the Agreement (Refers to “Fledermausschützer”, the German from this on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EURO- term) In the interest of the simplicity, this text does not BATS) at the regional, national and inter- always use both male and female forms of nouns. It is worth mentioning that both men and women are involved national levels. The major topics included: in bat conservation and bat research.

26 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

The German Federal Agency for Nature l Assessment of current dangers to bats Conservation (BfN), as a concerned spe- resulting from use of wood preserva- cialised authority, welcomes any and all tives. improvements of nature conservation in Germany. For this reason, it wanted to l Enhancement of regard for bats in ensure that opportunities to improve bat landscape and intervention planning. conservation, as provided by the new agreement, would not go unused. EURO- l Support for volunteer and official bat BATS had awakened new awareness of bat- conservationists, in the form of im- conservation issues, among policymakers, proved provision of information, meas- nature conservation authorities and bat ures to support conservationists' proj- conservationists alike, and the BfN sought ects and means by which conservation- to exploit this awareness while it lasted. ists can take part in BfN projects. There was no reason to expect new structures or instruments especially for implementing EUROBATS. Therefore, we decid- In the late 1990s, the following additional ed to make use of the BfN's existing re- aims, whose importance continues to sources in a way that would gradually grow, began receiving priority: lead to an integrated project system, via individual projects, and that would meet, l Development of a bat-monitoring sys- or help meet, priority bat-conservation tem that meets requirements described needs we identified from our informed per- by bat experts, as well as EUROBATS spective. This approach would also support and FFH requirements. efforts being made in the various German Länder. The following section describes this l Support for international exchange of strategy, the various projects concerned knowledge and research findings rela- and the tasks that remain for the future. tive to bat species and suitable bat conservation measures, especially among states in the EUROBATS region. THE BFN'S AIMS AND INSTRU- MENTS RELATIVE TO BAT CON- SERVATION IN EUROPE. In 1993, the To achieve these aims, the German Fede- BfN derived the following priorities, from ral Agency for Nature Conservation has a the EUROBATS agreement and experts' range of instruments that are financed via assessments of the situation in Germany, the budget of the Federal Ministry for the for bat research and bat conservation: Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU): l Improvement of information, about bats and bat conservation, provided to l Research and development projects. certain groups of occupations that During the year before they are to become into contact with bats or that can gin, R+D projects are negotiated with significantly influence protection of the Federal Ministry for the Environ- bats' roosts (such as forest rangers, ar- ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear chitects, pest-control personnel, teach- Safety (BMU) and then added by the ers). minister to the "Environmental Re- search Plan" (Umweltforschungsplan - l Study of migrations of bats in Europe, UFOPLAN) of the relevant following as a basis for development of interna- year, so they can receive support. tional protection concepts for migratory species.

27 l Development and test projects. Such pro- The BfN's work to transpose the European jects normally consist of a main project, Union's Fauna, Flora and Habitats Direc- in which investments are made, and a tive (FFH) is also worthy of mention. Since scientific support programme that re- some bat species are listed in Annex II of views the main project's efficiency (GER- the Directive, and all are included in An- MAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE nex IV, bats are receiving strong attention CONSERVATION 2001a). in transposition of the Directive (SSYMANK et al. 1998, RUDOLPH 2000). l Major nature conservation projects. The programme for protection of areas of national, representative importance and EMPHASES AND RESULTS OF THE the shoreline programme (Gewässer- BFN'S WORK, BAT CONSERVA- randstreifenprogramm) comprise man- TION IN FORESTS. In discussion of agement and development plans whose necessary measures for bat conservation in preparation takes account of animal forests – measures from which recommen- groups such as bats (GERMAN FEDERAL dations could be derived for the forestry AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION sector – scientific uncertainties emerged 1999a). regarding what species should be considered and what threats these species face. l Funding for experts. A special budget To help answer these questions, the R&D item makes it possible to award con- project "Studies of bat ecology in forests, tracts to specialists with know-how that with special emphasis on migratory spe- the BfN wishes to apply to its own cies and formulation of recommendations tasks. for bat conservation in forests" (1995-1999 and 2001) was approved (the results of this l Funding for public awareness measures. project are presented below). In 1995, this In addition to funding and carrying out project was publicised among bat resear- public relations efforts, the BfN issues chers and relevant associations, and 20 information for the press and publishes persons and institutions applied to take a series of publications to inform the part. Of this number, seven were selected public and special groups of experts. and requested to submit a detailed offer. Finally, the project was awarded to the l In individual cases, special BMU fund- German Association for Landcare (DVL), ing to support tasks or projects of asso- which was subsequently able to integrate ciations and international organisa- many of the other applicants in the proj- tions. ect via contracts for work and services. With participation of over 100 bat experts, from throughout Germany, this R+D proj- In addition to using these instruments, the ect proved to be a special success, above BfN supports bat conservation by partici- and beyond the scientific results it pro- pating in relevant bodies. Central among duced (MESCHEDE & HELLER 2000 and these are the Meetings of the Parties to this volume). Through their integration EUROBATS and the Advisory Committee of within the R+D project, many local experts EUROBATS, in both of which a BfN repre- and research groups received well- sentative participates as expert advisor to deserved recognition of their work and the German delegation, and the body of experience. Furthermore, DVL organised experts established by the German Länder seminars, for exchange of interim results, for implementing the agreement in Ge- that intensified dialog between all partici- rmany. Finally, the BfN receives, and of- pants and initiated co-operative efforts fers, expert support via its many co-opera- that, it is hoped, will continue long after tive efforts and contacts to associations, the project itself has ended. research institutes and other institutions.

28 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

BAT CONSERVATION IN SETTLED The main project was charged with inter- AREAS. Most problems involving bats in esting homeowners, in the project area, in settled areas occur when construction po- bat conservation – so that they would not ses threats to bats' roosts, in or on buildings, only tolerate roosts on or in their houses or when building occupants consider the but would even take pleasure in their pres- animals a nuisance. Solutions to such pro- ence. In addition, new roosts were to be blems must take account of three aspects: created that would meet the needs of cer- the importance of a given roost for the lo- tain bat species occurring in each commu- cal bat population, building owners' co- nity in question. Thanks to a comprehen- operativeness and tolerance, and structur- sive public-awareness programme, exten- al options for creating alternative roosts. sive, direct information provision and co- The development and test project "Creation operation with representatives of the con- of a network of roosts for building-dwell- struction industry, the aims of the main ing bat species, by protecting and adding development and test project were achieved to available roosts in and on buildings" (DIETZ & WEBER 2001). The project pro- (1996-2001) was designed to outline these duced both simple information sheets as aspects' role in nature conservation prac- well as special, highly detailed informa- tice (DIETZ & SIMON 1999). The applicant tional folders for teachers, architects and for the main project was the working group craftsmen (DIETZ et al. 2000, DIETZ & WE- for wild-animal biology (Arbeitskreis Wild- BER 2000). The response of the local popu- biologie) at the University of Gießen (Justus- lation in the project area shows that bat Liebig-Universität). The project required conservation is strongly supported when applicants to provide part of the funding, relevant efforts include provision of suit- and the Gießen Regional Commissioner able information and consultation. and the Hesse Nature Conservation Foun- dation (Hessische Naturschutzstiftung) con- Use of wood preservatives in Germany, tributed to the working group's share of along with the resulting threats to bats, such funding. Since the Marburg-Bieden- was illuminated in the framework of a kopf district had been chosen as the proj- specially contracted project. Publication of ect area, it was only logical for the Univer- its findings is being delayed, however, un- sity of Marburg (Philipps-Universität) to pro- til opinions are received from other insti- vide scientific support. Initially, the city of tutions that deal with wood preservatives Marburg was unable to commit to partici- and the toxins they contain. The acute pating, but then it reversed its course when problems in this area are caused primarily the public took a keen interest in the project. by private use of wood preservatives, since commercially sold lumber is impregnated Scientifically, the project began with the and does not require any additional pre- hypotheses that bat colonies always use servative coatings. networks of roosts, that individual bats tend to move around between roosts in their network and that maternity colonies STUDY OF BAT MIGRATIONS. For would be able to grow only if they were about 70 years, migratory movements of able to find additional suitable roosts with- European bats have been studied by means in their radius of action. It was thus rea- of bat-banding with small wing clips that soned that population tallies and protec- are attached to the animals' forearms. tion measures should always focus on roost Data and findings are produced when in- networks. Within the first year of the stu- dividuals marked in this way are found dy, the scientific advisors were able to con- and their marking codes are reported to a firm that serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus) banding centre. Findings about long-dis- and pipistrelle bats (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) tance flights thus depend on chance (cf. were using a network of roosts (FEYER- KIEFER & HUTTERER pub. pend.), and they ABEND & SIMON 2000). provide little information about the actual

29 routes involved or about movements of Bern Convention on the Conservation of populations. European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (LIMPENS & SCHULTE 2000). For a time, it was thought that genetics could provide an alternative to banding, if local populations could be genetically dif- BATS IN NATURE CONSERVATION ferentiated and characterised, in spite of AND LANDSCAPE PLANNING. If bat any close kinship relationships. This approach conservation is to be practised throughout was tested by the Friedrich-Alexander-Uni- all of Germany's territory, these flying versity Erlangen-Nuremberg, within the mammals also have to be protected out- framework of the R+D project "Population- side of forests and settled areas, the two genetic study of the structure of bat popu- important sectors in which many bat lations, using the example of the noctule roosts conflict with intensive uses. The BfN bat (Nyctalus noctula)" (1994-1998). The has been studying options for bat-oriented study's findings provided little evidence biotope management in protected areas, that a genetic approach could serve as an along with the options' ramifications for alternative to wing banding: European bat studies, in the framework of many noctule bats exhibit genetic mixing over major nature conservation projects large areas, because they mate during (SCHERFOSE et al. 2001). The relevant their autumnal migrations, and an indi- inventories and landscape assessments vidual's genetic make-up is local-colony- have not yet been standardised, however, specific only in the genes inherited from and thus there continues to be a lack of the mother (in the mitochondria) (MAYER guidelines and recommendations for opti- et al., pub. pend.). Consequently, genetic misation of protected areas with respect to studies are no more effective than band- bats. This lack is also a noticeable deficit ing programmes in identifying maternity- in work to establish the "Natura 2000" pro- colony areas. Nonetheless, the R&D project tected-area network. provided an important basis for bat conservation, since the genetic methods it In co-operation with two associations, the developed can be used to identify kinship BfN has been working to integrate bat-ori- relationships between maternity colonies, ented scientific input within landscape- thereby making it possible, for example, to planning projects, especially intervention reconstruct isolation mechanisms or settle- planning. In December 1993, a scientific ment strategies. In addition, following the conference entitled "Standard methods R+D project, many bat researchers and pro- and minimum requirements for mammal- ject sponsors were able to make use of the research contributions to environmental relevant equipment and experience of the and nature-conservation planning" was Zoological Institute II in Erlangen. held in co-operation with working group for wild-animal biology at Justus-Liebig- Questions relative to "Biology and protec- University Gießen (BOYE et al. 1996). The tion of endangered migratory central-Euro- topic of "Bats in physical and landscape pean bat species, illustrated with the ex- planning" was then discussed in Novem- ample of Nathusius' pipistrelle bats (Pipi- ber 1995 at a conference at NABU's Gut strellus nathusii) and pond bats (Myotis Sunder nature conservation academy. The dasycneme)" were discussed at a conference conference organisers continue to study held at the German Nature Conservation this topic (for example, BRINKMANN et al. Association's (NABU's) Gut Sunder nature 1996, LIMPENS & ROSCHEN 1996), and conservation academy. The conference, they have since initiated several follow-on which was supported by the BfN, served to events. co-ordinate international efforts to protect and study the two species, as called for in order to comply with EUROBATS and the

30 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

PUBLIC-AWARENESS MEASURES Spandau Citadel, with Federal funding AND ADVERTISING. In light of the contributions. This festival has been very many relevant informational brochures useful in making national-level politicians published by the German Länder and vari- and journalists aware of bat conservation. ous associations, the question arose as to whether the Federal Government could One of the Federal Republic of Germany's make a useful additional contribution in contributions to the "EXPO 2000" World this area. In 1995, at the request of the Fe- Exposition in Hanover was "The Green deral Ministry for the Environment, Nature Oval", an Internet presentation of nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the conservation projects (now located at www. BfN then prepared a relevant internal con- gruenesoval.de/sites/home.htm and avail- cept for measures to enhance the public's able on CD-ROM). The development and awareness about bat conservation. The in- test project in the Marburg-Biedenkopf dis- formation materials described in this con- trict was one of the projects selected for cept, for various different target groups, this exhibit. Descriptions of that project have since been developed within the frame- included general information about bats work of the aforementioned projects (R+D, and problems in bat conservation. development and test). Brochures about bat migrations and threats to bats from To enhance dissemination of information use of wood preservatives have not yet to bat experts, the BfN works to make pro- been produced. ject reports, EUROBATS documents and other specialised information generally In the 1990s, public appreciation of bats available. In addition to providing infor- grew, and bats became an especially "fash- mation via BfN series publications, we ionable" nature conservation subject. This occasionally report about our efforts in favourable climate was promoted by spe- the journal "Natur und Landschaft" [Na- cific activities and a professional approach ture and Landscape] and in the "Mitteil- on the part of bat conservationists (cf. JÜDES ungsblatt der NABU-BAG Fledermausschutz" 1988). Perhaps the general zeitgeist also [Newsletter of the NABU's national-level played a role in this trend (for example, a working group on bat conservation]. The general fascination for microtechnology, present contribution also serves to give in- an interest in fringe groups with a poor terested experts further insights into the image); perhaps this zeitgeist enabled bats' BfN's work. special capabilities and habits to capture the public's imagination. In any case, na- Measures carried out within the frame- ture conservation efforts certainly support- work of the "Year of the Bat 2001" cam- ed this positive trend. The public's interest paign established by the EUROBATS organ- was sparked and fuelled. And the exis- isation also help foster extensive public tence of EUROBATS also played a signifi- sympathy for bats. This year, the BfN has cant role. For example, the EUROBATS published a calendar with bat photos ta- Secretariat conceived the idea of a Euro- ken by GEO photographer THOMAS pean-wide "Bat Night" – a night, once a STEPHAN. The BfN has also produced a year, on which bat-oriented excursions brochure entitled "Timely: Protecting Bats" and events would be carried out at many ("Aktuell: Fledermäuse schützen") in co- different locations. NABU assumed respon- operation with the Federal Ministry for sibility for the many different local events the Environment, Nature Conservation held in Germany. In co-operation with the and Nuclear Safety (BMU). state of Schleswig-Holstein, NABU held a central, major event in Bad Segeberg during the European Bat Night for 2001. And since 1997 the Vespertilio e.V. association has held its own "bat festival" in Berlin's

31 INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION. me" (1997-1998). The BfN's support made Now that extensive knowledge has been it possible to initiate co-operation between gathered about bat ecology and possible experts from several different countries, conservation measures, and that strategies co-operation that has continued to the and materials are available for effective present day and is now being managed by public-awareness programmes, the BfN Bulgaria. The second international BfN sees another important task in exchange project is receiving additional funding of existing know-how between European from the Federal Ministry for the Environ- countries. The largest problem in this area ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear seems to be one of language (PRIMACK Safety (BMU). This support is being applied 2001). In all relevant countries, bat experts toward the project's aim, "Training of bat- seem to take note of information only conservation experts in eastern and south- when it is in their own national language. eastern European countries" (1999-2001), a And yet translations are very expensive. As programme that provides courses in in- a result, we are working, through EURO- ventorying bats with the help of detectors. BATS, to accelerate information exchange. On behalf of the BfN, HERMAN LIMPENS EUROBATS countries are also interested in has carried out such courses in Bulgaria, the findings of the R+D project on bats in Croatia, Ukraine, Slovenia, Georgia, Mol- forests simply because this subject is part davia, Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia and of the agreement's work emphases, as Yugoslavia. Experts trained through the established by no. 4 of the resolutions programme are provided with detectors agreed on at the second session of the with which they can continue to apply meeting of parties. what they have learned. This support has effectively contributed to conservation A second international work priority, pur- efforts in Balkan countries and has been suant to the same EUROBATS resolution, is gratefully received. to compile a list of all important underground bat roosts. With the help of the German Länder and many volunteers MONITORING.In light of Germany's familiar with their own local areas, the reporting obligations in connection with BfN has been able to catalogue the sites the EU's FFH Directive and the EUROBATS that should be included in this list. Via a agreement, the need for a nationally stan- special contract for services, it has been dardised concept for inventorying and possible to check the various reports, to monitoring bat populations is becoming catalogue the sites in keeping with stan- more and more urgent. A experts' body dardised criteria and thus to prepare an established by the German Länder, work- adequate German contribution to the ing in co-operation with the BfN, is devel- European list. oping such a concept, also drawing on the work and experience of the country's For reasons of budget law, the BfN is hard- many volunteer experts (WENDT 1997). To ly able to make direct investments abroad. this end, a workshop, open to all persons As a result, its measures for support of bat interested in this subject, was held during conservation in other countries are usually the 5th conference of the NABU working limited to logistical or staffing contribu- group on bat conservation, which took tions. Nonetheless, in two projects it has place in May 2001 in Prenzlau. This work- been able to assist bat conservationists shop is to be followed by another event effectively in other countries. In the first next year that the BfN will organise. De- of these projects, the BfN provided sup- velopment of bat-monitoring systems must port for the EUROBATS Secretariat's initia- take a range of nature conservation princi- tive for "Inventory of populations of long- ples and frameworks into account, some winged bats in south-eastern Europe and of which are being prepared by TU Berg- development of a conservation program- akademie Freiberg, within the framework

32 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

of the R+D project "Model for an overall protect species threatened with extinction concept for Federal monitoring of animal and other species of national priority populations, illustrated with the example (BOYE & BAUER 2000). Processing the of avifauna" (1997–2001). flood of scientific information being produced in this area, in order to make the Development of a nation-wide programme information available to bat conservation- for systematic inventory of bat populations ists in other countries and to volunteers, in Germany would also improve the data- will be an ongoing, increasingly important base for the next edition of the "Red List task. of Endangered Mammals", which the BfN plans to publish approximately 10 years after the appearance of the current edi- SUMMARY. This article describes the tion (BOYE et al. 1998). Federal Agency for Nature Conservation's (BfN's) aims, instruments and projects in the area of bat conservation since 1993. In CONCLUSION. Since 1993, the German implementing the Agreement on the Con- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation servation of Bats in Europe, the Federal (BfN) has been heavily involved in study Government has funded many individual and protection of bats. Since the Federal projects that combine to form an integrat- Government has not established any speed project system for bat conservation. cial bat conservation programme, relevant The most important topics have included funding has been drawn from a range of bats in forests, roost protection in settled sources, and individual measures and proj- areas, study of bat migration, integration ects have been systematically combined to of bat-conservation criteria in landscape form an integrated project system. With- planning, public-awareness measures and out the "Agreement on the Conservation international co-operation. Future priori- of Bats in Europe" and the political signals ties will include the areas of monitoring this agreement has provided, the signifi- and information transfer. The BfN's efforts cant levels of Federal funding devoted to have profited from the existence of the bat conservation, and the many man- EUROBATS agreement, the public's interest hours invested in relevant efforts, would in bats and the commitment shown by co- not have been possible. What is more, bat operation partners. conservation efforts have received an important boost from the public's interest in bats and the great willingness of many bat experts to co-operate with the BfN, willingness from which the integrated project system for bat conservation has greatly profited.

Projects within the project system were selected in accordance with the priorities of the responsible BfN department, the quality of the project proposals submitted and obligations entered into under the EUROBATS agreement. Additional Federal funding is required for study of bat migration in central Europe, for efforts to enhance awareness of pest-control agencies and companies and for a monitoring programme. Furthermore, the Federal Go- vernment should intensify its efforts to

33 1.2.1.2 Ecology and protection of forest spheres, than simply installing bat bats in forests – with special roosting boxes. consideration for migratory species For this reason, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), in co-operation with representatives of specialised nature Presentation of the research and develop- conservation authorities of the Länder, ment project "Studies and recommenda- funded a research and development proj- tions for protection of bats in forests" ect (R+D project) aimed at intensifying research on bats in forests and deriving The Agreement on the Conservation of Bats recommendations for protection of such in Europe (EUROBATS), a regional agree- bats. ment within the framework of the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migra- This project, carried out by the German tory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), came Association for Landcare (DVL), with scien- into force in 1994. The obligations it im- tific support from the Federal Agency for poses on its parties include identifying im- Nature Conservation, was an exemplary portant areas with regard to bat conserva- co-operative effort involving over 100 per- tion, taking suitable measures to protect sons. This group carried out extensive in- such areas and initiating and supporting dividual studies, in over 30 study areas protection-relevant research programmes. spread throughout all of Germany. This project organisation also was able to draw Of the 20 bat species that regularly occur on the knowledge and experience of main the Federal Republic of Germany, 16 are ny local bat "buffs" and bat researchers listed on the German Red List of Threat- and to acknowledge the value of these ened Mammals, while two other species assistants' findings. are included on the early warning list (Vor- warnliste) (BOYE et al. 1998). The great The R+D project, which took place from majority of native bat species depend on 1995 to 1999, was divided into a number forests as habitats for reproduction, hunt- of sub-projects. It began by surveying the ing and winter roosts (see Tab. 1.2.1.2-1). relevant literature and compiling all avail- Some 10.5 million hectares of Germany's able knowledge about forest-dwelling bats. territory, or nearly one-third of the coun- This literature review was continued try's area, are covered with forests, and throughout the project and applied to about 96 % of these forests are managed studies of specific species. for commercial purposes. Isolated stands of semi-natural forest are now left only in The field research consisted largely of tele- natural-forest reserves, national parks and metric studies of habitat requirements and biosphere reserves (GERMAN FEDERAL area-use behaviour of typical forest species AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION – Bechstein's bat (Myotis bechsteinii), Natter- 1999a, MESCHEDE & HELLER 2000). er’s bat (Myotis nattereri), Leisler's bat (Ny- ctalus leisleri), Nathusius’ pipistrelle (Pipi- These facts highlight the importance of strellus nathusii), barbastelle (Barbastella forest habitats for conservation of bats in barbastellus) and Brandt's bat (Myotis Germany. To date, there is still a lack of brandtii). It also comprised efforts to in- clear recommendations that would guide ventory bat fauna of various different for- forest rangers and forest owners in doing est types (riparian forests, mountain forests more for bat conservation, in their own and other forest types), as completely as

34 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

possible, with the help of various meth- STUDY AREAS.Within the course of ods. the project, studies were carried out in a total of 31 forest areas, throughout all of Another sub-project studied the migratory Germany. Faunistic surveys were carried behaviour of migratory bats, using the out in 24 forest areas. These included se- example of the noctule bat (Nyctalus noctu- ven riparian forests, of the Rhine, Danube, la) and Nathusius’ pipistrelle. Elbe and Isar rivers, six mountain forests Background information on the habitats at elevations above 800 m above sea level found in relevant forests was obtained via and eleven other forest areas with various a forest inventory and then integrated types of habitats. Tele-metric studies on with bat-ecology data, with the help of habitat use by individual species were car- geographic information systems. ried out in nine deciduous, mixed and coniferous forests. During the course of the project, DVL carried out seminars that contributed significantly to exchange of interim findings and FAUNISTIC INVENTORY METHODS. to intensification of co-operation between In each of the various study areas, a num- bat experts – also outside of the ongoing ber of complementary methods were used, studies. in parallel, to carry out inventories of bat species. The three main methods used to The project's extensive findings have been show the presence of bats were as follows: compiled by A. MESCHEDE and K.G. roost checks, net capture and detector HELLER and published by the German checks. Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, in the Landschaftspflege und Naturschutz In the roost-check method, directly accessi- series (MESCHEDE & HELLER 2000, ble bat roosts in nesting boxes were MESCHEDE et al. 2001). Yet another impor- checked about three to five times per year tant result of the project was the publica- for bats. Where roosts were located in nat- tion of the brochure "Bats in the Forest" ural tree hollows that were not directly ("Fledermäuse im Wald"), which summaris- accessible, the relevant trees were climbed es the project's recommendations for bat- and then an endoscope was used to check friendly forest management (MESCHEDE for bat occupancy. In some areas, bats liv- 2000). This brochure has been distributed ing in natural tree hollows were captured, to all forest authorities and centres, and it with various types of traps set at the roost has been made available to private forest exits, for species determination and for owners. An English edition is now also further studies. In still other study areas, available. existing buildings (forest huts, barns, etc.) were checked for bat roosts in cracks, The present project description provides under coverings, roofs, etc. and were also an overview of the methods used in the inspected for bat droppings. project and presents, by way of example, selected project findings and conclusions. Net capture was carried out with various types of nets, of varying sizes (Japan nets and so-called "dolls' hair nets").

As to acoustic procedures, various models of ultra-sound detectors to used to detect and – where possible – identify bats. Such

35 detectors make it possible to hear bats' TELEMETRY AND FOOD ANALY- location calls, which are inaudible for hu- SES. During the course of the project, mans and which are frequently species- telemetric studies were carried out of specific. In many cases, species can be roost and habitat requirements of Bech- identified in the open on the basis of their stein's bats in four study areas, of Nathu- calls' pitch and frequency. What is more, sius’ pipistrelles and Leisler's bats in two calls can be recorded in the field and then study areas for each and of Natterer’s bats, analysed sonographically with suitable barbastelles and noctule bats in one study computer programmes. Since the mating area for each. calls of Leisler's bat and the noctule bat are clearly audible for humans, late-sum- Telemetric radio transmitters – in each mer mating colonies of these two species case, not weighing more than 5 to 10% of can be directly detected. Analysis of data the body weight of the species in question gained in this manner took into account – were attached (either glued or affixed the fact that only experienced observers with a collar) to the animals. In studies, are able to distinguish these two species the locations of radio-tagged individuals from one another. were determined with receivers and entered on maps with scales ranging from 1: Another, somewhat more sophisticated 10,000 to 1: 25,000. Depending on person- method consisted of using ultra-sound nel availability, triangulation was carried detectors to automatically record bat calls out two observers taking simultaneous on tape. Such "listening boxes" also record bearings, or time-delay triangulation was a time signal at the same time they record carried out by a single observer. In addi- a call, thereby making it possible to trace tion, direct bearings were taken of areas development of bats' calling behaviour, in where the bats spent longer periods of the course of a night, with relatively pre- time (single-person method), and attempts cise time correlation. Most importantly, were made to follow radio-tagged individ- this approach makes it possible to corre- uals as closely as possible ("homing-in-on- late calls with specific locations and thus the-animal" method). identify activity patterns at specific sites – for example, at entry and exit areas of These methods were supported by visual roosts. observations of radio-tagged individuals and use of bat detectors. In one study In addition to these standard inventory area, transmitter signals were received methods, in some study areas point and automatically from within the roost (in transect mappings were carried out, and keeping with the listening-box technique exiting and hunting bats were observed described above). directly with night-vision equipment. Telemetric data was analysed via the "minimum-convex-polygon model", in which an animal's home range is described by means of the polygon formed by the bearing points obtained during the study period. Since this method also takes areas into account that are outside of the bats' actual hunting grounds, the "harmonic-mean model" was used to identify studied individuals' activity focuses within their home ranges. By means of small lights attached to the

36 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

bats for short periods of time (the lights consist of plastic tubes containing a sub- stance that glows for several hours via an enzyme reaction), a total of seven individuals of Brandt's bat and one Bechstein's bat were tracked visually, for several hours in each case. These observations produced additional data about habitat selections of bats that hunt in forests (hunting altitude, forest layers in which the bats hunt).

In some study areas, telemetric studies were complemented by studies of the bats' Natterer´s Bat diet. About once per month, samples of compiled in a database, and recovered droppings were taken from roost areas specimens of the two species in question (nesting boxes or lofts/attics) with bats were made available for study by the staff identified as to species. The samples were of the banding centres (Dr. ROER and Dr. then analysed for the presence of prey typ- HUTTERER, Bonn and Dr. ZÖPHEL, ical for the forest in question. Such studies Dresden). were carried out in the Bayreuth area, with Natterer’s bat and the brown long- eared bat (Plecotus auritus), and in the FOREST INVENTORIES. In each of 15 Upper Palatinate (Oberpfalz) area, with selected study areas, the forest biotope Bechstein's bat and mouse-eared bat structure around known maternity colo- (Myotis myotis). nies of the primary forest species Bech- stein's bat, Natterer’s bat and brown long- eared bat – in each case, throughout a 1 STUDIES ON MIGRATORY BEHAV- km radius (corresponds to 314 hectares) – IOUR OF THE NOCTULE BAT AND was mapped, using a biotope key provided NATHUSIUS’ PIPISTRELLE. In 1996 by the Federal Agency for Nature Conser- and 1997, a nation-wide network of observation, and entered on forest-management vers, organised by R. WEID, counted flying maps. In addition, in three areas the hunt- noctule bats, at specified times and using ing grounds of telemetred bats were simi- a standardised method. larly analysed (with the areas covered defined by the bats' hunting habits, rather Also as part of the project, in 21 different than by radius). The resulting data was areas noctule bats and Nathusius’ pipistrel- correlated – manually and with the help les were banded with forearm bands, in of a geographic information system – with an effort to learn about the bats' migrato- data on the ecology of the studied bats. ry routes and choices of forest areas (such data is produced when the bats are recovered). In eastern Germany, the bands were issued, and resulting data collected, by the banding centre at Saxony's state environmental and geological agency (Sächsisches Landesamt für Umwelt und Geologie - Rade- beul); in western Germany, these tasks were carried out by the Museum Alexan- der Koenig (Bonn). The banding data was

37 FINDINGS. The project produced exten- and on their percentages of deciduous sive, detailed findings on the ecology and trees. habitat requirements of the various species, findings that were reported in the Many bat species have been found to project report's sections on the species. change roosts frequently – even daily, in Here, we can only summarise selected, ge- some cases – during the course of a year. neral aspects that are especially significant The possible reasons for such movements with regard to protection of bats in include avoidance of predators or para- forests. sites, changing preference for specific hollows' micro-climatic characteristics, transfer of roosts to the vicinity of favourable ROOSTS. All forest-dwelling bat species hunting grounds and displacement by require shelter. To be suitable as roosts, other bat species or other animals that shelters must meet a range of criteria. use hollows (birds, hymenoptera). First and foremost, a shelter must provide Furthermore, not all hollows are immedi- protection against weather (rain, wind, ately suitable for bats, and thus the supply frost) and predators. In addition, it must of hollows with potential to serve as roosts provide sufficient space for social interac- must always exceed the demand. tions (reproduction, raising of young) and One of the R+D project's key conclusions is for formation of colonies (clusters) that thus as follows: "To provide an adequate can engage in social thermal regulation. number of roosts for a natural bat colony, In forests, such requirements can be met a 120-year-old commercially managed for- by natural caves or hollows in trees, as est must contain at least 20 to 30 tree hol- well as by properly placed nesting boxes lows per hectare. This corresponds to a or other artificial structures (such as cracks density of 7 to 10 tree hollows per in buildings and structures located in hectare." forests).

NESTING BOXES. Over 100 years ago, NATURAL ROOSTS. Bats choose natu- GOGLER (1865, cited from MESCHEDE & ral cracks or hollows in trees in accor- HELLER 2000) suggested the use of artifi- dance with the amounts of space such cial bat roosts in forests, as a way of com- shelters provide for individuals and for pensating for loss of natural roosts, and as social interactions. In most cases, hollows a means of combating forest pests biologi- are created either by woodpeckers or by cally. To date, a total of 16 of the 20 bat decay following damage to tree trunks. species regularly occurring in Germany They normally provide more space than have been shown to use nesting boxes for cracks, and thus they function especially roosting, and 11 of the species also regu- effectively in meeting the bats' different larly use such boxes for reproduction. On needs that arise throughout the annual the other hand, it is questionable whether cycle: roosts for single individuals, mater- nesting boxes actually attract new colonies nity roosts for raising young, mating or of bats, thereby increasing total bat popu- resting roosts for migratory species and lations, or whether they simply lure local frost-free roosts for wintering. As a result, bat populations away from natural, less hollows left by woodpeckers are the most convenient roosts. Furthermore, since such important roost type for a number of bat boxes require ongoing maintenance, they species. Successful protection of forest bats cannot serve as long-term replacements thus depends primarily on population for natural roosts. densities of woodpeckers, and these in turn depend on forests' age and structure

38 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

The R+D project produced a number of The most important food animals for fo- findings that support use of nesting boxes rest bats are nocturnally active butterflies as temporary transitional solutions, until and moths (lepidoptera) – a group that sufficient numbers of natural roosts are includes many forest pests – as well as flies again available. Use of easily accessible (diptera), lacewings (neuroptera), mayflies boxes also plays a special role in faunistic (ephemeroptera), beetles (coleoptera), spiders inventories, in monitoring of bat popula- (arachnida) and harvestmen (opiliones). tions, in study of specific biological questions and in efforts to enhance public Bats are known to be non-selective hunters awareness. Nonetheless, the aim of bat that make efficient use of food resources conservation in forests must be to provide as they appear (suddenly appearing large an adequate number of natural roosts, via populations of insects). suitable measures, so that the use of artificial roosting/nesting boxes in forests can On the other hand, telemetry studies show gradually be reduced. On the other hand, that some individuals remain true to the the boxes should be used to support bat same hunting grounds and that different fauna in young and middle-aged forests. species use different horizontal and vertical structures within the forest – i.e. make use of niches in forest habitats. Such niche OTHER ROOSTS. In addition to natu- selection depends primarily on bats' body ral hollows and cracks etc. and special size, the size of bats' preferred food organ- roosting/nesting boxes, man-made struc- isms and on the bats' resulting hunting tures such as huts, raised blinds (for hunt- strategy. Depending specifically on food ing), bridges etc. can serve as substitute or availability, hunting grounds and radii of additional roosts for forest-dwelling bats. action can vary in size between a few This possibility should be taken into hectares and over a hundred hectares. account in design and construction of structures and in any renovation. IMPORTANCE OF RIPARIAN FORESTS AS RESTING HABITATS HUNTING GROUNDS AND FOOD. FOR MIGRATORY BAT SPECIES. Because of their small size and their high- Watercourse riparian forests are highly ly energetic movements and behaviour, dynamic habitats, because of their loca- bats require large amounts of food. In a tion within flood regimes. Periodic flood- single night, they hunt and consume an ing, which shifts sediment layers, washes amount of food that corresponds to about and breaks off portions of solitary trees 20 to 50 % of their body weight. As data and forms open water areas, makes such published by other authors shows, for forests particularly rich in structure and example, an 800-member colony of insect life. Lengthy periods of flooding mouse-eared bats will consume about often cause stands of trees to die off. At 2,000 kg (2 tonnes) of insects in a single the same time, added moisture promotes summer (ANTHONY & KUNZ 1977, KULZER decay processes – and, thus, the creation 1989 cited from MESCHEDE & HELLER of suitable bat roosts. Consequently, such 2000). forests are suitable habitats for bat species.

39 In addition, riparian forests are particular- no Nathusius’ pipistrelles can be found in ly important as resting and wintering forest areas just a few kilometres away habitats for migratory bats, especially the from rivers. During their fall migrations, noctule bat and Nathusius’ pipistrelle. the bats also mate in their rest areas, thus The noctule bat is a typical forest bat. In then requiring a generous supply of close- summer months, almost all representa- ly spaced roosts that permits social inter- tives of the species found in northern and actions. north-eastern Germany (Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, parts of Brandenburg and Sax- These examples highlight riparian forests' ony) and Europe are females. During this great importance for protection of Nathu- period, the males live scattered through- sius’ pipistrelle and noctule bats in Eu- out central Europe. Wintering colonies, rope, and they illustrate the need for comprising both sexes, are found primari- nature conservation in Germany to have ly in south-western Germany (Hesse, North an international orientation. Above and Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, beyond general recommendations for pro- Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria). tection of forest bats (see below), the following objectives, based on the R+D pro- Beginning in the first half of May, females ject's findings, are proposed for protection begin occupying their maternity roosts in of riparian forests: order to raise young. During the females' return journey, which begins in about Au- l Protection, optimisation and enlarge- gust, males occupy mating roosts in transit ment of Germany's remaining riparian and wintering areas, in order to mate forests. with migrating females. Suitable forests along south-western German rivers (Rhine, l Implementation of the EU's FFH Danube, Lech, Isar, Main), rich in trees Directive, which lists riparian forests as with hollows, clearly play a key role in this priority biotope types that are especial- process. The special value of riparian fo- ly worthy of protection. rests probably results in that they provide both roosts and rich hunting grounds, l Replacement of non-native trees with within relatively small areas. It remains tree species typically found in softwood unclear whether bats actually use water- and hardwood riparian forests, and courses for orientation during their migra- restoration of typical riparian water tions, however. Additional research is regimes, via shifting of dam locations needed to clarify how migratory bats and creation of retention areas. carry out their migrations. l Protection of oxbows and natural Nathusius’ pipistrelle also uses riparian roosts, via protection of islands with forests, especially as biotopes to rest in old forests and of unused land. during its migrations from eastern Euro- pean summer roosts (maternity roosts) to its western and south-western European winter roost areas. The populations that winter in Germany come predominantly from summer roosts in Poland and in Baltic countries. The bats' strong dependence on riparian forest habitats is high- lighted in that, as experts agree, almost

40 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS summer and winter roosts as well as FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT, WITH improvement of their food situation. In REGARD TO BAT CONSERVATION. the interest of populations' long-term sur- From a perspective of bat conservation, vival, protection must be concentrated nature conservation efforts in the context especially on requirements (space, etc.) of of forest management should be oriented reproducing groups, i.e. of maternity to forest-dwelling species' roosting, hunt- colonies and maternity associations. ing and space requirements, in all phases of bats' lives. This implies that protection of forest bats must include protection of

Table 1.2.1.2-1: Bat species that regularly occur in Red List status (BOYE et al. 1998): 1: threatened with Germany, arranged in descending order of dependen- extinction, 2: highly endangered, 3: endangered, G: ce on forests as hunting habitats (pursuant to assumed to be at risk, but status unknown, V: early MESCHEDE & HELLER 2000) warning list. Use of maternity roosts in forests: !!! regularly, (!) occasionally (MESCHEDE & HELLER 2000).

Red List Use of forests Use of forests FRG as hunting for maternity areas (rank) roosts

Bechstein's bat Myotis bechsteinii 3 1 !!! Mouse-eared bat Myotis myotis 3 2 (!) Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus 1 3 !!! Brown long-eared bat Plecotus auritus V 4 !!! Nathusius’ pipistrelle Pipistrellus nathusii G 5 !!! Natterer’s bat Myotis nattereri 3 6 !!! Brandt's bat Myotis brandtii 2 7 !!! Lesser horseshoe bat Rhinolophus hipposideros 1 8 Greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum 1 9 Whiskered bat Myotis mystacinus 3 10 (!) Leisler's bat Nyctalus leisleri G 11 !!! Geoffroy's bat Myotis emarginatus 1 12 (!) Serotine bat Eptesicus serotinus V 13 Daubenton's bat Myotis daubentonii 14 !!! Grey long-eared bat Plecotus austriacus 2 15 Northern bat Eptesicus nilssonii 2 16 Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus 17 (!) Noctule bat Nyctalus noctula 3 18 !!! Pond bat Myotis dasycneme G 19 Parti-coloured bat Vespertilio murinus G 20

41 A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDA- which they can form hollows through TIONS FOR PROTECTION OF FO- natural decay processes, deciduous REST BATS CAN BE DERIVED trees tend to provide larger numbers of FROM THE R+D PROJECT'S FIND- potential bat roosts than do conifers. INGS: l When forest-management measures l For commercial reasons (optimal age of necessary for meeting safety obliga- wood for harvesting), trees in managed tions or combating pests are pending, forests are normally harvested before the measures should not be carried out they reach an age at which suitable during especially critical periods for roosting hollows for bats can be creat- bats (periods when young are raised, ed by woodpeckers or decay. For this wintering periods). reason, a two-level network of roosts should be developed, to ensure that l Nesting boxes cannot take the place of older stands of trees always have least natural roosts. In habitats suitable for 25-30 hollows, or about 7 to 10 trees bats, they should be used only as transi- with hollows per hectare. tion solutions until a natural roost system can be developed. Design of such l In LEVEL 1, a sufficiently dense net- boxes (materials, structure) and the work of trees with hollows (distance choice of sites for their placement between centres of hollows should not should be oriented to the needs of the be greater than 1,000 m) should be locally occurring bats. protected and not harvested; the trees in the network should be clearly l In forest management, clear-cuts larger marked to show their status. At the than 0.5 to 1 hectare in area should be same time, a LEVEL 2 network of avoided, since such clear-cuts can sud- younger trees that could later contain denly eliminate natural habitats (hunt- hollows should be created, at the right ing habitats) for forest-dwelling bats. time to ensure availability for replacement of LEVEL 1 trees that are taken l In the interest of improving bats' hunt- out of the system through death, har- ing biotopes and food supply, struc- vest or loss of roosts. turally rich forests, adapted to local conditions (selection of site-adapted l Known bat roosts should be suitably tree species) should be encouraged. All marked to protect them from harvests. natural phases of forest development should be permitted. l In selection of tree species, site-adapted mixed-species forests should be given l No insecticides should be used in preference over conifer-only forests. forests. Since woodpeckers normally prefer deciduous trees, and since deciduous trees normally live longer than conifers, thereby being more likely to reach an age at

42 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

l Recommendations are also provided for l For protection purposes, forest areas mapping locations of bats and tree hol- can be set aside as national parks, bios- lows, for workshops and training events phere reserves, natural-forest "cells", for interest groups, for establishment of nature conservation areas, forest con- a network of conservationists and for servation areas and Natura 2000 areas. use of volunteers for bat conservation. Because such areas account for such a small percentage of the country's total area, they cannot take the place of conservation efforts in commercially managed forests, however.

43 1.2.1.3 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Translated reprint from BayLfU 156 (2001), pages 241-268, reproduced with kind permission from the Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency (BayLfU)

BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Bernd-Ulrich Rudolph, Matthias Hammer and Andreas Zahn

1 Introduction A. Liegl; since 1995 it has been housed within the zoological institute of the University of Munich, in the department of Professor G. Neuweiler, and under the How should a species-conservation programme be direction of Dr. A. Zahn2. The LfU is responsible for carried out for an entire group of animals overall co-ordination and for scientific supervision of • that, as a result of sharp population declines, is both co-ordination offices. generally considered very rare, even though the relative importance of the causes for the declines The most important components of the research pro- is not understood in detail; ject – and, thus, the tasks of the co-ordination offices • when knowledge about the biology and ecology of – include: the individual species concerned is incomplete • Inventorying and monitoring known bat roosts, and of varying quality; • Informing the public about the purposes of, and • with a few species that, for all or part of their need for, bat conservation, annual cycles, closely follow human beings, i.e. are • Establishing a system within which local conser- linked with cultural landscapes; vationists care for important bat roosts, • whose various species use large landscape sections • Advising, training and updating full-time and as their habitats, in relatively unspecialised ways, volunteer bat conservationists and working with the result that specific habitat-enhancing groups that carry out bat inventories, measures are difficult to implement? • Informing and advising nature-conservation authorities, other authorities and professional The "Bats" conservation programme in Bavaria was associations about bat conservation, begun in 1985 by the Bavarian Environmental Pro- • Informing and advising private citizens and insti- tection Agency (LfU), on behalf of the Bavarian State tutions who own buildings occupied by bats, Ministry for State Development and Environmental • Monitoring development of populations in roosts Affairs (StMLU). Because of the many open questions in which conversion and protection measures involved, it was established in research-project form, have been carried out (monitoring of success), and entitled "Development and Protection of Bat Po- • Developing special protection programmes for pulations in Bavaria" ("Bestandsentwicklung und particularly endangered species or roosts, and stu- Schutz der Fledermäuse in Bayern")1. Two co-ordina- dying protection-relevant aspects of the ecology of tion offices for bat conservation were established, in such species, northern and in southern Bavaria, to carry out the • Monitoring potential bat roosts. programme. For the regional-commissioner districts of Central, Upper and Lower Franconia, and for Upper The co-ordination offices for bat conservation have Palatinate (Oberpfalz), the agency is located at the now been in operation for 15 years, and the present Institute for Zoology II of the University of Erlangen- overview sums up the progress achieved by the "Bats" Nuremberg, and is under the direction of Professor O. conservation programme in Bavaria. It presents im- v. Helversen; the current presiding official at the co- portant results of the research project and discusses ordination agency for northern Bavaria is M. open questions, with regard to individual species, the Hammer. The co-ordination agency for bat conserva- overall roost situation and recent international requi- tion in southern Bavaria, responsible for the regional- rements for bat conservation. commissioner districts of Lower Bavaria, Upper Bavaria and Swabia, was initially housed within the government of Upper Bavaria, and was under the direction of Dr. K. Richarz and then A. Schumm and 2 Organisation of bat conservation in Bavaria 1) Both names – “Bats” conservations programme (“Artenhilfspro- gramm Fledermäuse”) and “Develpment and Protection of Bat 2.1 Legal background Populations in Bavaria in Bavaria” (research project) – are used interchangeably in this article; technically speaking, the species- conservation programme involves additional conservation aspects, however, because of the broad range of activities of natu- All of Germany's native bats are strictly protected re conservation authorities that it provides for. under German species-conservation law, i.e. they may 2) The addresses of the co-ordination offices are included within the not be intentionally disturbed or taken, and their authors´ addresses, which are listed at the end of the article habitats may not be impaired or destroyed.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 241 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Responsibility for enforcing species-conservation law How do the research project and the work of the co- lies with nature conservation authorities. ordination offices fit in with these obligations, which In July 1993, Germany signed the international Agree- result from national and international law? Tab. 1 ment on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EURO- presents the structure of the species-conservation BATS), a regional agreement within the framework of programme and shows how bat conservation is orga- the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migra- nised in Bavaria. tory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The EUROBATS agreement mandates trans-boundary protection of bat populations in Europe and establishes the follo- 2.2 Structure of the co-ordination offi- wing relevant specific aims: population inventories, conservation of roosts and habitats and public rela- ces for bat conservation tions to enhance awareness and provide a solid basis for bat conservation and basic research. The countries The Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency is that have ratified the agreement have obligated responsible for providing scientific supervision for the themselves to work toward these aims. research project "Development and conservation of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the bat populations in Bavaria". The Bavarian State conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna Ministry for State Development and Environmental and flora, also known as the "Fauna, Flora and Ha- Affairs provides some 170,000 DM annually in fun- bitats Directive" (FFH Directive), has been in force in ding for the project. This funding is earmarked for the EU since July 1992. Six bat species that occur in purposes such as financing two trained staff, at the Bavaria are listed in Annex II of the Directive as spe- two participating universities, as well as financing cies of Community interest for whose protection freelance assistants via contracts for services. At any "special areas of conservation" must be established: given time, the research project has a planned dura- greater horseshoe bat, lesser horseshoe bat, mouse- tion of two years. eared bat, Bechstein's bat, Geoffroy's bat and barbastelle. The FFH Directive requires that concrete mea- Since 1985, the following staff of the co-ordination sures be taken to protect the roosts and habitats of offices have taken part in the research project: these species; impaired habitats are to be restored to a more favourable condition. The special areas of Northern Bavaria: Klaus Albrecht, Bettina Cordes, conservation are to become part of Natura 2000, the Hartmut Geiger, Matthias Hammer, Georg Knipfer, European network of protected areas. The relations- Helmut Kriegbaum, Felix Matt, Angelika Meschede, hip between the "Bats" conservation programme and Brigitte Pink, Bernd-Ulrich Rudolph, Bernhard Walk, the FFH Directive is discussed below (cf. Chapter 8.2). Marc Weinkauf.

Tab. 1: Organization of the species conservation programme and bat conservation in Bavaria (from Schlapp 1996, revised)

Scientific and organizational bases of the research programme / implementation State Environmental Protection Co-ordination offices for nor- Volunteers Agency thern and southern Bavaria • Overall co-ordination • Inventories • Management and protection of roosts • Central data management • Monitoring; scientific evaluation • Inventories • Scientific analysis • Consultation and support in important • Individual advising • Scientific concepts and protection pro- cases • Public awareness measures on the local grammes • Training level • Report relative to Agreement on the • Public awareness measures Conservation of Bats in Europe (EURO- • Study of protection-relevant aspects of BATS) bat ecology • Proposal for FFH areas • Contacts to professional associations • Co-ordination of work for bat atlas and church authorities • Contacts to specialisted authorities, etc.

Legal enforcement and state support for bat conservation

Bavarian State Ministry for State Governments Administrative authorities of Development and Environmental rural districts; non-district cities Affairs (StLMU) • Funding • Enforcement of species protection • Support in specific cases (for example, • International and federal affairs laws, including permitted exceptions for measures to improve roosts) • Publications relative to species and bio- • Co-ordination of enforcement and sup- • Protection of roosts, including designa- tope protection programme port tion of natural monuments and lands- • Notification regarding FFH areas • Set-aside of nature conservation areas cape features, protective closure of • Implementation of special species assi- important winter roosts stance programmes • Public awareness measures

242 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Southern Bavaria: Barbara Dippel, Steffi Federl, • They ensure that high scientific standards are Dorothea Friemel, Eva Kriner, Friedrich Kronwitter, maintained in the research project and in assess- Kathrin Krüger-Barvels, Carmen Liegl, Hermann ment of bat conservation requirements. Limbrunner, Sandra Maier, • The co-ordination offices remain independent and Robert Mayer, Susanne Morgenroth, Ute Rindle, Doris thus enjoy the respect of all concerned parties. Wenger, Andreas Zahn. • When necessary in connection with special questions, modern field-research methods, such as tele- During this period, the following persons have had metry (cf. Chapter 3.4) or recording of echo-loca- responsibility for overall direction: Klaus Richarz, tion calls, can be employed, and student assistants Alfred Schumm, Alois Liegl, Georg Schlapp, Bernd- can be used to help carry out such particularly Ulrich Rudolph. work-intensive tasks; specific questions concerning bat populations can be answered in the frame- The co-ordination offices maintain close contacts with work of special events such as excursions or field higher and lower nature conservation authorities and workshops. with the many bat conservationists that are active on • The universities carry out applied research relati- a volunteer basis, usually through the local-district ve to the ecology of native species, in the frame- groups of nature conservation associations. The num- work of diploma or state-examination theses and ber of active bat conservationists in Bavaria has now doctoral dissertations (cf. v. HELVERSEN 1989), and reached about 250–300. They are often the first relevant findings can be incorporated directly wit- points of contact for the public, in rural districts and hin conservation concepts. The co-ordination offi- cities, and they make valuable contributions in rai- ces also provide proposals for diploma theses, sing the public's awareness and understanding, in along with advising and support for such theses taking population inventories and in protecting (cf. Chapter 7). roosts. They also follow up on reports of newly discovered bat colonies, thereby assisting the co-ordination offices significantly, since monitoring of all reported relevant objects (which are often unsafe) for bat colo- 3 Protection and monitoring of nies is a very time-consuming task. It is so time-consuming, in fact, that co-ordination offices must leave bat colonies most of it up to local bat naturalists / conservationists. And those involved in local bat conservation often have to serve in a "fire department" role, taking One of the research project's central tasks is to take action and providing advice at a moment's notice – inventories of bat populations and to carry out long- for example, when bats are discovered during buil- term monitoring of bat populations in order to keep ding renovation or tree-felling. track of their development.

One of the co-ordination offices' most important tasks In the early years of the species-conservation pro- is to train and educate active bat conservationists by gramme, staff of co-ordination offices spent much of means of special training events, joint tours of rele- their time checking potential roosts – primarily cer- vant sites, etc., and to co-ordinate methods for coun- tain types of conspicuous buildings such as churches, ting populations. The LfU considers another one of cloisters and castles – and mapping their locations. the co-ordination offices' very important tasks to be Many bat-conservation groups and individual bat con- maintaining high scientific standards in bat conser- servationists began their conservation work in rural vation, and in inventorying and describing colonies, districts with such mapping tasks. By now, at least throughout all Bavaria. The co-ordination offices col- basic inventories have been carried out of conspicu- lect and analyse the data from all parts of Bavaria. ous potential bat roosts in Bavaria's cities and in all of Assessments of the overall development of popula- its rural districts. Consequently, much is known about tions are made on a regional basis and thus may dif- distribution in Bavaria of species that populate attics fer completely from assessments based on trends for (cf. Chapter 3.1 through 3.4). individual colonies. This is important, and it can occur, for example, when local inventories that show The situation is different with species that populate no declines in connection with neighbouring colonies hollows in trees or fissures and gaps etc. in buildings. are seen in a context that extends beyond the relevant In any given region, the degree of accuracy with rural district concerned. which such species are inventoried depends centrally on the efforts of local bat conservationists, on local Since co-ordination offices' staff normally carry out public-awareness measures or on special studies and excursions together with volunteer staff (cf. Chapter scientific work. 3.1 through 3.6), they are usually also able to discuss the reasons for local population changes with local Monitoring in the framework of the research project bat conservationists. focuses on easily counted species in their summer roosts, i.e. on the mouse-eared bat, Geoffroy's bat and The ties between the co-ordination offices for bat con- the greater and lesser horseshoe bats in their mater- servation and the universities of Erlangen and nity colonies, as well on colonies of the parti-coloured Munich provide a number of special benefits: bat. It also includes bats in winter roosts, especially in

BayLfU 156 (2001) 243 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

anthropogenic roosts in northern Bavaria, which are ged in such a way that the bats are not harmed and easier than karst caves to inspect and move around in the colonies remain intact. (cf. Chapter 4). The Bavarian bat-monitoring programme is designed to carry out independent monitoring of population changes of various species, to Examples of specific cases review the success of measures for protecting individual colonies or roosts and to provide "early warning" 3.1 Mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) regarding any threats to colonies. An important aspect of this monitoring – which is the most com- In Bavaria, as in all of central Europe, female mouse- prehensive, lengthy long-term monitoring project eared bats establish their maternity colonies almost ever carried out in a species-conservation effort in exclusively in capacious attics of churches and castles Bavaria – is that its methods are standardised, thanks (RUDOLPH & LIEGL 1990, ZAHN 1995). By mid-July, to the involvement of the two co-ordination offices for when the young are fully fledged or will soon be on bat conservation. Its staff monitor the great majority their own, the colonies tolerate disturbances and are of all roosts in question. Procedures with regard to easy to count. As a result, the mouse-eared bat (Fig. 1) roosts inventoried by local bat conservationists are co- is very well suited for population monitoring. ordinated via training. During the summer, the males live predominantly The bat-monitoring programme in Bavaria has shown alone and are spread over large areas (ZAHN & DIP- that populations of some species have been in- PEL 1997). In winter, mouse-eared bat colonies split creasing, while those of other species at least have not up and distribute themselves among numerous sub- been decreasing. On the other hand, it must be terranean winter roosts; overall, only a small portion of the animals observed in summer roosts are found in the winter (v. HELVERSEN 1989). Measures to protect the mouse-eared bat, within the framework of the research project, are thus concentrated on the maternity colonies and on well-populated winter roosts.

In 1979, 34 maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats, with a total of about 2,000–2,500 animals3 , were known in Bavaria (ANTONI 1980). In 1985, when the research project began, the numbers had grown to 70 maternity colonies and over 10,000 individuals; by 1999, the number of maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats had reached 150 in southern Bavaria, and 134 in northern Bavaria, and the total number of bats in question was about 81,000 (cf. Fig. 2). Fig. 4 shows the distribution of Fig. 1: Part of a maternity colony of mouse-eared bats (Photo: v. Helversen). maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats in Bavaria. This growth in the remembered that truly meaningful conclusions regar- number of known colonies of mouse-eared bats is due ding such trends can be made only on the basis of to careful checking of churches, cloisters, castles and many years of data, since bat-population sizes can other such conspicuous buildings throughout fluctuate widely from year to year (cf. Chapter 3.6 and Bavaria, since establishment of new colonies has been Chapter 4, for example). documented only in isolated instances in recent years. Apart from its scientific value, the extensive Bavarian On the other hand, the growth in the numbers of bat-monitoring programme has had the following individuals is due to real growth of many colonies. For important effect with regard to protection of signifi- example, from 1985 to 1999, the average size of nor- cant bat colonies and populations: the co-ordination thern Bavarian colonies of mouse-eared bats increa- offices and volunteer bat conservationists maintain sed from about 277 to 485 bats (cf. Figs. 3 and 5). regular contact – at least once-yearly – with owners or Southern Bavarian maternity colonies of mouse-eared administrators of structures etc. in which roosts are located. Such contacts repeatedly remind the owners, 3) sextons or priests, etc. of the relevant bat populations' Most inventories of Bavarian colonies of mouse-earded bats are carried out beginning in mid-July, with the result that both fema- importance, and they normally yield advance war- les and young are counted – but are not normally counted sepe- ning of any plans for changes in the roosts. rately. The term “bats” in the context of maternity colonies inclu- Renovation etc. can normally be scheduled and mana- des both female and young; of the females, about 70% have young (Zahn 1999).

244 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

bats are considerably smaller; they number 180 bats on the ave- 160 rage. NorthernNordbayern Bavaria 140 SouthernSüdbayern Bavaria In most rural districts and non- district cities, a large percentage – 120 estimated at over 70% – of roosts in conspicuous, potentially roost- 100 harbouring buildings have been discovered. Most of the maternity 80 colonies are visited by the staff of the co-ordination offices once a 60 year, so broad-based monitoring of populations is assured. Anzahl Wochenstuben 40 Number of maternity colonies Poisoning of colonies through tre- 20 atments of roof timbers – presumed to be one of the main causes 0 for declines in bat populations 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 over the past decades – has beco- YearJahr me a negligible factor in Bavaria. On the other hand, disturbances of maternity colonies of mouse- Fig. 2: Number of known maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats, from 1985 to 1999, eared bats, as a result of work on broken down by northern and southern Bavaria roofs or roofing frameworks, occur again and again: since 1982, for example, the roosts of 28 maternity colonies of they experience major disturbances or changes in mouse-eared bats in southern Bavaria have been reno- their roost. This is also their natural response when vated. In four cases, the colony disappeared, while in natural enemies appear (for example, stone-martins, three roosts the number of females decreased consi- tawny owls or barn owls). They then reappear in their derably. Such damage occurs especially in cases in old roost sooner or later, depending on the extent of which the disruption – sometimes they may not return for • The co-ordination offices are informed about the several years. In one case during the research project, renovation too late, a maternity colony in a church in Würzburg (Bavaria) • Completion of the work is unexpectedly delayed largely disappeared: during the sexton's vacation in into the spring, summer 1992, the window in the church's roof fra- • Major structural modifications are carried out, mework that the bats used for entry and exit was clo- especially in the area of openings through which sed, and the some 200 animals in the colony starved. the bats fly in and out, Since then, Kerth and Otremba have discovered anot- • Building owners, architects and responsible autho- her, somewhat smaller maternity colony in Würzburg rities do not comply with agreements reached with co-ordination offices or with the agencies' 500 recommendations. Averagedurchschnittliche colony size Koloniegröße 450 NumberAnzahl Kolonien of colonies The last of these problems occurs 400 again and again, and it can be prevented only through continual vigi- 350 lance by local conservationists. 300

In cases involving small maternity 250 Number colonies (fewer than 100 bats), and Anzahl in special hardship cases in which 200 delay of renovation does not seem 150 justified, the co-ordination offices propose that part of the attic be clo- 100 sed off with plastic sheeting. This 50 enables the bats to raise their young even while renovation work 0 is in progress. This approach has 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 been successfully applied in six JahrYear roosts in southern Bavaria (cf. Fig. 6). Normally, mouse-eared bats move to neighbouring colonies when Fig. 3: Average size of annually monitored maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats in northern Bavaria, from 1985 to 1999.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 245 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Distribution of bats in Bavaria Mouse-eared bat

Myotis myotis

Maternity colony size

> 1000 individuals 501-1000 individuals 215-500 individuals 51-250 individuals 1-50 individuals

Rural district boundary natural-area boundary Elevation 0 - 500m 500 - 1000m über 1000m

02550 Source: Artenschutzkartierung Bayern (species-conservation mapping for Bavaria), supplemented by co-ordination offices for bat conservation, northern and southern Bavaria Kilometres Last revision: Published by: Bavarian State Environmental Protection Agency January 1999

Fig. 4: Distribution of maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats in Bavaria (as of January 1999)

246 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

that may have been established by other bats belonging to the first colony.

The mouse-eared bat's preferred hunting grounds in Bavaria, in both flat areas and in the Alps, are located in deciduous and mixed-species forests and on grassland (RUDOLPH 1989, AUDET 1990). This choice of habitats for feeding, along with the bats' preference for roosts in climatically favourable locations, explains their spatial distribution (cf. Fig. 3) and the species' varying population densities in Bavaria (RUDOLPH & LIEGL 1990, ZAHN 1995). Since mouse-eared bats regularly range 15 and more kilometres from the roost during a night's hunting (GÜTTINGER 1997), large colonies require extensive roaming spaces. Over the course of a year, they cover considerably larger areas, Fig. 5: The maternity colony of mouse-eared bats in the church of Oberailsfeld (Bayreuth rural district) is one of the largest in Bavaria; between 1985 and the most recent count, the colony increased in size from 500 females to about 1,500 females. In hot weather, the bats spread themselves throughout the attic (Photo: Rudolph).

when the distances between colonies and winter roosts are taken into account – in northern Bavaria, for example, these distances can exceed 100 km (WEBER 1988, cf. chart in v. HELVERSEN 1989).

Specific, habitat-oriented measures to improve feeding areas or to increase prey-animal densities for highly mobile species such as the mouse-eared bat can only have highly local, probably not measurable impacts on populations. Consequently, measures to improve habitats over the large spaces bats cover must be integrated within general nature conservation policy, if they are to have any chance of success. The following examples of relevant efforts are worth mentioning in this context: • The "principles for semi-natural forest management" issued by the Bavarian State Forest Administration (STMELF 1997), • Forestry recommendations for protection and promotion of semi-natural deciduous and mixed-species forests, and for medium-term and long-term conversion of conifer-only forests, such as the recommendations formulated in the Bavarian species and biotope-conservation programme (ABSP), • The Bavarian contract-based nature conservation programme. This programme is to apply to forests in Bavaria as of 2002.

Fig. 6: Thanks to regular monitoring, mouse-eared bat maternity colonies are now rarely disturbed or driven away by renovation. In special cases, when renovation cannot be delayed until after the maternity season, plastic sheeting can be used to shield the bats from work proceeding in the colony's loft or attic. The example here is from the church of Klähham (Lands- hut rural district) (Photo: Zahn)

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3.2 Geoffroy's bat The range of Geoffroy's bat in Bavaria became appa- (Myotis emarginatus) rent only gradually, during the course of the research project. In the post-war era, only one maternity colony, in Schloss Herrenchiemsee, was ever reported Southern Germany contains the northern boundary (ISSEL et al. 1977). The next discovery of a maternity of the range of Geoffroy's bat. In Germany, four colony occurred in 1986, in Dettendorf (Rosenheim maternity colonies of this bat have been discovered in rural district, KRULL 1988). Between that year and southern Baden (MÜLLER 1993) and 13 have been 1991, five additional maternity colonies were found, found in south-east Upper Bavaria; these colonies con- including the rediscovered Herrenchiemsee colony. tain a total of 1,250 females. All of the maternity colo- The largest (by far) colony in Bavaria, comprising nies are located in attics. In the southern part of about 600–700 bats (1999: 422 females), was found in Upper Bavaria, in the summer individual males can 1995, via an inventory of potential bat roosts in the be found in attic spaces near maternity colonies and Traunstein rural district. In 1999, one additional colo- near caves in the Alps (captures with nets); it is not ny was found, and in 2000 two more maternity colo- known where most Geoffroy's bat males live, however. nies were discovered. Geoffroy's bat hunts in structurally rich terrain and in forests, probably throughout a radius of several kilo- Monitoring of Geoffroy's bat maternity colonies has metres from its roost (KRULL et al. 1991). There is still turned up the usual weather-related and methods- a lack of precise data on the sizes of areas covered by related population fluctuations from year to year. colonies, as well as on the species' preferred feeding Since 1991, the populations in the maternity colonies habitats, etc.. The locations of the winter roosts of have remained at a constant level, however (cf. Fig. 7). Bavarian Geoffroy's bats are unknown; presumably, the roosts are located in rock crevices and caves in the Alps. In February 1997, a Geoffroy's bat was sighted in 3.3 Lesser horseshoe bat a cellar vault in Schloss Herrenchiemsee (a castle) – this was the only instance in which a wintering bat of (Rhinolophus hipposideros) this species was ever observed. Since the Second World War, populations of the lesser The most important strategy for protecting Geoffroy's horseshoe bat (Fig. 8) have declined dramatically in bat within the framework of the species-conservation Bavaria (KRAUS & GAUCKLER 1980, RUDOLPH 1990) programme is to catalogue all of the species' impor- and throughout all of central Europe (e.g. ROER tant roosts. Geoffroy's bat, like other bat species that 1984). The population trends and situation of this spe- inhabit buildings, faces threats from toxin use in cies in Bavaria were described in detail sometime ago attics and on roof frameworks, as well as from wood by ZAHN & SCHLAPP (1995). treatments and renovation. What is more, it is far more sensitive – than mouse-eared bats, for example In the 1950s, the lesser horseshoe bat was still com- – to even small disturbances such as entry by humans mon in Bavarian winter roosts. Some 50 maternity into attic roosts. As a result, this species especially colonies were known during this period. The known requires disturbance-free roosts. main areas covered by the species were the Frankenalb region, including its foreland, and the southern fore- 400 land of the Alps. Palling Maxlrain Dettendorf Herrenchiemsee 350 The lesser horseshoe bat is facing Garching Vagen an extremely high risk of extinc- 300 tion in northern Bavaria: the last documented instance of repro- 250 duction (a single adult animal with one offspring) occurred in 200 1989. Since then, a few individu- Anzahl

Number als have been sighted in two caves 150 in the Frankenalb region; one was seen during the winters from 100 1996/97 to 1998/99, in a cellar in the Bayreuth rural district; and 50 two were sighted in the 1999/00 winter in two different cellars, 0 also in the Bayreuth rural district 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 (Koch, orally reported). In sou- YearJahr thern Bavaria, lesser horseshoe bats have been seen after 1990, at various locations, in both summer Fig. 7: Population development in six colonies of Geoffroy's bat in southern Bavaria, 1991- and winter. The summer sightings 1999. The total colony size (numbers of females and young) is given for the Garching and Palling maternity colonies, while the figures for the other colonies represent numbers of occurred primarily in attics and females.

248 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

A diploma thesis, initiated by the co-ordination agency, on bat fauna of the Upper Bavarian Alps provided an indication of the presence of another lesser horseshoe bat maternity colony in the Alpine foreland (HOLZHAIDER 1998). In summer 1997, several lactating females were captured with nets at the mouth of a cave at Lake Kochelsee. In 1998, a systematic search, by the co-ordination agency, for roosts in this area turned up four lesser horseshoe bats in the attic of an unoccupied house in Kochel (Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen rural district). The site turned out to be an interim roost, however, and not the site of the maternity colony. The maternity colony, comprising about 30 adult animals, was discovered only in July 2000, in a church tower. Six weeks later, the co-ordination agency for southern Bavaria found yet a third colony of the lesser horseshoe bat, not far from Lake Chiemsee. This discovery had also been preceded by net-capture of a lactating female at the mouth of a cave. The colony itself was found via a telemetry experiment following the approach applied with the greater horseshoe bat (cf. Chapter 3.4). The colony occupies an unoccupied building that is slated for renovation in the near future. The telemetered female's hunting grounds were located in a mixed-species forest in a mountainous area. The Herrenchiemsee colony has grown since 1991 (cf. Fig. 8). The roost, like the island as a whole, now lies within the care of the Bavarian state administration for castles and lakes. Although contacts between the co-ordination agency and the administration are good at the site, and the roost's importance in bat Fig. 8: Lesser horseshoe bat (Photo: v. Helversen) conservation is recognised, the chain of information could be disrupted if any construction becomes neces- church towers, while the winter sightings took place sary. This occurred in July 1996, for example, when in caves and mineshafts; one sighting occurred on an work on cables, lasting several days, was carried out autobahn bridge and one took place in a cellar (six near the roost and the bats promptly responsded by sightings of individual animals, one sighting of ten temporarily leaving the area. Possibly, the disturban- individuals – see below). ce will also have lasting consequences, since relative- Protection of the lesser horseshoe bat's last known ly few animals were observed during the 1996 inspec- maternity colonies is of decisive importance, if the tion, which took place about four weeks after the species' extinction is to be prevented. In 1983, in work on the cables (cf. Fig. 9). Peißenberg (Weilheim-Schongau rural district) a colo- In 1997, research for a diploma thesis was carried out ny was discovered whose roost was about to be torn at Herrenchiemsee, under the direction of the co-ordi- down. In 1984, the animals were moved into a neigh- nation agency, in an effort to improve the overall bouring building (RICHARZ 1989a provides a detailed basis for protecting the colony (WEINER 1998a). This description of this move). The lesser horseshoe bats work showed that the colony remains year-round in accepted the new building, but they failed to repro- Schloss Herrenchiemsee – in February 1998, ten bats duce until about 1991, for unknown reasons. In 1991, were observed in the winter roost, which is located in the colony numbered 12 individuals; in 1992 it had the cellar. In early July 1997, the bats' young were shrunk to two, and from 1993 through 1997 it com- born, and in early August they flew out for the first prised only three to four individuals. In 1998, no bat time. was sighted (Klonz, orally reported). The horseshoe bats leave the castle via a surprisingly In 1991, a reproducing colony was documented in the complicated route – they fly through seven different attic of Schloss Herrenchiemsee (Upper Bavaria). rooms to a cellar window that opens on to the castle- Possibly, the castle's location on an island in Lake 's northern patio, even though the castle's top storey Chiemsee, with mild climate and abundant food, has an opening that is easily accessible for them. offers the animals particularly favourable conditions. Plans call for the patio in question to be covered wit- In 1953, W. Issel counted a total of 200 individuals in hin the next few years. Currently, discussions are this roost, making the colony the largest maternity being held with the responsible construction authori- colony of the lesser horseshoe bat ever discovered in ty to ensure that this covering, along with planned Bavaria (ISSEL et al. 1977). It is not known whether the renovation on the castle's outer walls, is designed in castle harboured a colony in all of the years from keeping with the bats' needs. To this end, in August 1953 to 1991. 1998 plastic sheeting was hung over the patio, to

BayLfU 156 (2001) 249 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

with respect to conservation of 60 the species, since mosquito popu- JuvenilesJuvenile lations along the banks of Lake AdultsAdulte Chiemsee explode during rainy 50 AdultsAdulte + JuvenilesJuvenile years (for example, 1997 and 1999). Strong pressure is applied 40 on, and by, the local communities to combat mosquitoes in flooded meadows and reed areas. This is 30 to be carried out by means of a biological agent, a Bti preparation Anzahl Tiere

Number of bats 20 (Bacillus thuringiensis israelien- sis), which selectively kills mosquitoes and midges. The impacts of 10 such a campaign on the food chain, and thus on the bats – use of the agent will eliminate an ent- 0 ire prey-animal group that 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 accounts for a large percentage of YearJahr the biomass consumed by the bats – have not been studied, however. The southern Bavarian co-ordina- Fig. 9: Population development of the lesser horseshoe bat at Schloss Herrenchiemsee castle, 1991-1998. With the exception of 1995, the colony was always checked in early to mid-July. tion agency for bat conservation In some cases, numbers of adult and juvenile bats were recorded separately, as is indicated and the State Agency for by the colour-coding. The numbers of young are minimum values, since young are easy to Environmental Protection have overlook as they cling to their mothers. thus been urging nature conservation authorities to refuse permission for any such anti-mosqui- simulate the planned cover and to assess what impact to campaign in bank areas of Lake Chiemsee, and a greatly reduced exit corridor would have on the especially on Herreninsel island. animals' behaviour. Via observations of the bats' exit patterns during the simulation – following initial hesi- tation, the bats learned to cope with and accept the 3.4 Greater horseshoe bat new situation – precise instructions have been formulated for the planned construction (WEINER 1998b). (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum)

Feeding analyses carried out in the framework of P. The greater horseshoe bat, which in the mid-20th cen- Weiner's diploma thesis showed relatively high per- tury was still found throughout the climatically favou- centages of diptera, especially mosquitoes, in the hor- rable areas of southern and central Germany, is now seshoe bat colony's droppings. This is very significant the rarest bat species in Germany. The current population has shrunk to a few individuals that spend the winter in the 25 Saarland (WEISHAAR 1995) and GesamtbestandTotal population überwinternder of wintering bats Tiere to a small group in the Upper AnzahlNumber Jungtiere of young Palatinate (Oberpfalz) with proba- 20 bly no more than 50–70 individuals. The latter of these includes the only known maternity colony in Germany. The greater horses- 15 hoe bat's decline in the Federal Republic of Germany has been documented especially by the 10 Anzahl Tiere work of KRAUS & GAUCKLER Number of bats (1977), NIEHUIS (1979) and v. HEL- VERSEN et al. (1987). 5 In Bavaria, a population remains in the Oberpfälzer Jura area, bet- 0 ween Nuremberg and Regens- 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 burg. Since the beginning of the YearJahr research project, a total annual average of 16 wintering individuals have been observed, in a total Fig. 10: Population development of the greater horseshoe bat in the Upper Palatinate area. The numbers of young were not recorded in 1993 and 1998; births did occur in these years, of six karst caves spread over an however.

250 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

area of about 100 km2. The population fluctuated ned above have thus been closed (although the closu- between 12 animals in 1985/86 and 21 in 1988/89 and res have repeatedly been forced open). then gradually shrank to 15–16. In 1998/1999, the Protection of the most important summer and winter total number reached 19 again (cf. Fig. 10). Since the roosts will not suffice to guarantee the greater hor- number of individuals in this group did not drop initi- seshoe bat's survival in Bavaria, however (HAMMER et ally, it was logical to assume that there was a repro- al. 1995). Currently, the region is undergoing structu- ducing colony in the region. Apart from protection of ral changes that are transforming the old village's winter roosts, protection of this – probably last – colo- diverse roof "landscape", via modernisation. Many of ny of will of course play a central role in the survival the lofts not used by human occupants are used by of the greater horseshoe bat's survival. In 1990 and the bats temporarily as interim roosts, and thus it will 1991, G. Knipfer carried out a systematic search for probably not suffice to protect the greater horseshoe the colony in potential roost buildings in surrounding bats' maternity roost. At the same time, the region's villages, but was unable to find it. In 1992, following agricultural sector is undergoing profound change net captures in front of caves and in an interim roost, via merging of plots and intensification of farming, as four females were then telemetered during the rese- secondary farming operations are given up. The natu- arch project. This experiment rapidly led to the disco- re conservation authorities and the local landscape very of the maternity colony in an inconspicuous vil- management association are seeking to protect the lage outbuilding with a number of old, unused lofts area's landscape diversity, within the framework of an (GEIGER & HAMMER 1993, HAMMER et al. 1995, GEI- ABSP (species and biotope protection) implementa- GER 1996). Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Stetter, the tion project, and via biotope-networking and manage- nature conservation authority of the government of ment measures. Upper Palatinate was then able to lease the building immediately. As a result, the maternity colony has Unfortunately, it is conceivable that, in spite of all been largely protected from disturbances and impair- conservation efforts, the greater horseshoe bat popu- ments for the time being, and the building is to be lation is already too small and isolated in order to sur- purchased, as soon as possible, with funding from the vive in the long term. Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund (Bayerischer Naturschutzfonds)4. The colony's size has fluctuated between 13 and 19 adult animals in the past few years; and 3.5 Parti-coloured bat the annual number of births has remained relatively constant, at 9 to 10 (1999: 12; cf. Fig. 10). (Vespertilio discolor)

The telemetry experiments also provided important While individual parti-coloured bats are regularly information about the area covered by the bats (the found throughout all Bavaria, colonies – both mater- four bats studied ranged up to 6 km from the roost); nity colonies and male colonies – are found only in about the colony's interim roosts, located in a number southern and eastern Bavaria. Little is known about of lofts scattered throughout the village; and about the biology of this species. The parti-coloured bat's the colony's hunting habitats (HAMMER et al. 1995, main range areas are located in eastern Europe and GEIGER 1996). It also yielded an important basis for a Asia. It regularly makes extensive migrations and is special conservation programme for the greater hor- considered quite resistant to cold. Relatively frequent- seshoe bat in Bavaria (HAMMER & MATT 1996). The ly, individual animals fly into buildings – often even colony's hunting grounds, for example, are located into tall buildings in the middle of cities. This is taken almost exclusively on a nearby military training area as an indication that the bat's natural habitats inclu- with a structurally rich landscape, in wooded biotopes de rocky landscapes. and forest periphery, as well as in wooded strips along a brook (GEIGER 1996). The landscape outside of the In Bavaria, summer roosts of this species have been training area, on the other hand, while also structu- found only on buildings. Specifically, the roosts are rally diverse, is conventionally farmed and is less located within wood or asbestos-cement coverings on important as a hunting habitat. walls, within roller-blind boxes and in window shutters. RICHARZ et al. (1989) provide an overview of The greater horseshoe bat's survival in the Upper sightings of parti-coloured bats in southern Bavaria in Palatinate may thus well be tied to the presence of the 1980s. the military training area, which has not experienced major landscape changes via land consolidation and More recently (1990–1999), a total of 43 summer which provides bats with food and hunting habitats roosts, occupied during the period from late April to not polluted by pesticides or fertilisers. late August, have been discovered throughout Bavaria. Reproduction by this species has been docu- Apart from protecting the building with the materni- mented only very rarely in Bavaria: a historic find of ty roost, the nature conservation authority is working a maternity colony comprising about 30 females, and to save the bats' winter roosts. The six caves mentio- located in the church of Landsham (Ebersberg rural district) in 1949 (ISSEL et al. 1977) must be seen in 4) In spring 1999, the Bavarian Nature Conservation Fund approved connection with four maternity-colony discoveries in the applivation of the government of Upper Palatinate. The hig- the eastern Bavarian rural districts of Cham, her nature conservation authority is now negotiating with the Neustadt-Waldnaab (now disappeared following an community of heirs (Stetter, orraly repoted)

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attempt to move the animals to a different roost) and it was not possible to determine the species in Regen, and in the city of Passau. The last two of these question, it is assumed that the parti-coloured bat also colonies were not discovered until the summer of has a number of unknown roosts in Bavaria. 1998. Overall, the colonies in these four roosts range The parti-coloured bats' winter roosts in Bavaria are from 15 to over 50 bats. Other summer roosts sighted virtually unknown. Wintering individuals have been seem to be only male colonies, since captures at these found in a cave in the Alps, in a mine shaft, in bore- sites have never turned up females, and since the rele- holes in a concrete outer wall, in a cellar and in a vant roost owners have never reported finding dead vaulted chamber in a fort. or weak young. In all of Bavaria, throughout the entire year – and, The times at which parti-coloured bats use these sum- most frequently, in late spring and from late fall mer roosts vary greatly. Some roosts are occupied for through January – individual parti-coloured bats are only a few weeks, in the early spring or early summer, found outside of the bats' typical roosts (bats that fly while other roosts are occupied from April until into offices and apartments, dead bats in buildings). August. And occupancy periods for a given roost can Presumably, because of the lack of connections to also vary considerably from year to year. In many roosts, these are either migrating bats or bats that are cases, bats suddenly stayed away, for unknown rea- searching for winter roosts (cf. Fig. 11). sons, from roosts they had occupied for several years In sum: the parti-coloured bat is a species that espe- in succession, even though no changes had been cially profits, within the "Bats" conservation program- made in the roosts. Inventories and estimates of the me, from public-awareness efforts and from program- sizes of the male colonies have produced figures ran- me contacts with owners of roost sites – all of which ging from at least two to 311 animals. Given the vari- are located in private homes. Apparently, it occupies ability in the duration of the bats' roost occupancy, a broad range of different types of roosts, and this is and the fluctuations in the numbers of bats in the behind its sporadic appearances at many different roosts (cf. RICHARZ et al. 1989), it is difficult to choo- locations. se the most appropriate time to count the bats. These circumstances considerably complicate monitoring of colonies, and thus the annual population fluctuations observed in some roosts (cf. Tab. 2) may be due to the underlying methods used in the studies. Reliable counts are obtained only the few cases in which committed roost owners carefully observe the bats' annual arrival and departure. Over the past 13 years, the colony in Raisting (Weilheim-Schongau rural district), which is checked every year by the roost owner, has fluctuated in size from year to year, and yet it is assumed that the size of the overall population has remained constant (cf. Tab. 2). Conclusions regarding population development of the other colonies are also imprecise. In light of the many documented sightings of crevice-occupying bats in which

Tab. 2: Regularly monitored roosts of male parti-colored bats (counts 1994-1999; -: not counted)

Site Rural district 1994 1995 1996 19971998 1999 Remarks

Bliensbach Dillingen 28 40 35 - 40 about 40 about 30 52 Thannhöcking Dingolfing-Landau 27 20 - > 3 ? ? Droppings in 1998 and 1999 Adelschlag Eichstätt about 70 50 - 70 - 20 20 about 30 Hundspoint Landshut 180 180 - 55 0 about 10 Bats stayed away in 1998 Brachstadt Donau-Ries 60 47 50 - 60 0 53 0 Bats stayed away in 1997 and 1999 Rappenhof Passau 87 about 50 about 80 ? about 90 ? Fresh droppings in 1997 and 1999 Kleinthannsteig Passau > 30 about 80 ? ? ? about 80 Fresh droppings, 1996-1998 Mötzling Passau - - > 80 56 about 60 ? Fresh droppings, 1999 Herrenchiemsee Rosenheim - - 10 about 40 ? ? Interim roost: bats leave in May; fresh droppings in 1998 and 1999 Raisting Weilheim-Schongau 260 200 260 220 150 150 Berg-Eurasburg Bad-Tölz-Wolfrats- ? 25 - 0 30 30 Number unknown for 1994; hausen bats stayed away in 1997

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Alps harbour considerably larger 20 numbers – e.g. between ten and 30, and in one case about 400 to 500 bats (KRAUS in RICHARZ 15 1989b). Overall, many more bats are observed in the winter roosts than are seen in summer. 10 Since the reasons for the barba- Anzahl Number stelle's decline are unknown, efforts in the framework of the "Bats" 5 conservation programme are concentrating on protecting and observing the large winter roosts, 0 on informing and instructing owners of buildings with materni- Juli July Mai Juni May June April April März ty roosts, and on urging such March Januar August August January Februar Oktober October

February owners to respect the bats. December Dezember November November September September MonthMonat Long-term population monitoring plays a major role within the spe- Fig. 11: Seasonal distribution of individual finds of parti-coloured bats (n = 94) in Bavaria, cies-conservation programme. from the beginning of the research programme until 1999. This monitoring focuses especially on northern Bavarian winter 3.6 Barbastelle roosts and on the two largest southern Bavarian winter roosts. Since the barbastelle's winter-roost popula- (Barbastella barbastellus) tions undergo large natural annual fluctuations, inventories must continue for many years before they The barbastelle is rare in central Europe. A major can reveal the bat's real trends. Populations in Bavaria population decline has been documented in the form have either been constant or have grown slightly. of complete, or nearly complete, collapse of large winter-hibernation colonies in Baden-Württemberg (NAGEL & NAGEL 1993), Hesse (AGFH 1994) and Bavaria (ISSEL et al. 1977, KRAUS in RICHARZ 1989b). 4 Protection and monitoring of The barbastelle's behaviour has hardly been studied; in all likelihood, it is a "forest bat" whose original, winter roosts natural roost type is "cracks in trees" (Meschede, orally reported). Some colonies in central Europe are known, almost all of which live in or on private Some bat species cannot be inventoried satisfactorily homes, behind wood coverings and window shutters. in their summer roosts, since The maternity colonies in Bavaria have few individu- • their summer roosts are hidden (for example, als (5 to 20 females) and, according to observations forest bats hide in hollows in trees), made in southern Bavaria – have somewhat irregular • the animals frequently respond to disturbances by occupancy patterns. From 1987–2000, a total of 15 flying away (this is the case, for example, for bats maternity colonies were found in Bavaria; in addition, in nesting boxes), reproduction has been documented via capture or • in each case, a visible colony represents only part finds of lactating females and females well advanced of the maternity colony concerned, which will in pregnancy. vary constantly in its group composition and numbers (this is the case for Bechstein's bat, for exam- The bats' hunting grounds are presumed to lie in ple, WOLZ 1992, KERTH 1998), forests or woody habitats, and their radius of action, • the animals tend to hide within their roosts, and according to a recent study in Brandenburg, is several the true sizes of their colonies can be determined kilometres (Steinhäuser, in preparation). It is unclear only through lengthy censuses of the animals as where males, females and young live following the they fly out of their roosts. This is the case for maternity period. The known winter roosts consist of Natterer’s bat, the brown long-eared bat and the caves, forts, mine shafts and cellars. On the other grey long-eared bat in their roosts in lofts and hand, many barbastelles obviously spend much of the church towers. cold parts of the year outside of such roosts, since it regularly occurs that some barbastelles do not appear For some species, winter-roost counts are the only in their subterranean roosts until the onset of severe means of carrying out monitoring, at reasonable cold. A rather large number of winter roosts are expense and effort, and thus of obtaining population- known in Bavaria (cf. Fig. 12) that contain just a few – trend data. On the other hand, population-trend i.e. fewer than six – barbastelles. A number of roosts assessment via counts in winter roosts must take in northern Bavaria, in the Bavarian Forest and in the account of the fact that the observed numbers of indi-

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Distribution of bats in Bavaria Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus

Maternity colony size Winter sightings

>15 bats as of 1985 >15 bats before 1985 6-15 bats as of 1985 6-15-bats before 1985 up to 5 bats as of 1985 up to 5 bats before 1985

Rural district boundary natural-area boundary Elevation 0 - 500m 500 - 1000m über 1000m

Source: Artenschutzkartierung Bayern (species-conservation mapping for Bavaria), supplemented by co-ordination offices for bat conservation, northern and southern Bavaria Kilometres Last revision: Published by: Bavarian State Environmental Protection Agency January 1999

Fig. 12: Distribution of the barbastelle (as of January 2000).

254 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

viduals of any given species – with the exception of and brown long-eared bat. The relevant interpreta- the barbastelle – are very small in comparison with tion is not trivial: the populations of these species are the populations known in summer (v. HELVERSEN clearly increasing on a supra-regional basis. In gene- 1989). This means that the winter roosts of the great ral, large annual fluctuations in their numbers can majority of the bats are not known. Even in the case occur, however, so that the trends are not always of the greater and lesser horseshoe bats, which do not clear. The probability of finding Natterer’s bat in its hide in crevices and cracks within their roosts, our roosts depends on the weather at the beginning of winter-roost counts turn up less than half of the winter, while the probability of finding barbastelles known summer populations. When it comes to spe- (not included in Fig. 13) depends on temperatures cies such as Geoffroy's bat, Bechstein's bat or parti- throughout the entire winter: low outside temperatu- coloured bat, at present we can only speculate about res prompt both species to appear in their roosts, the locations of the winter roosts in Bavaria. while mild weather obviously lures them outside of their roosts. Since 1985, the research project has included winter- roost monitoring in several natural caves, (especially) Most of the Natterer’s bats counted have been found in anthropogenic roosts in the three Franconian at the beginning of the counting season, during regional-commissioner districts and in the Upper excursions in the Steigerwald forest and in the Palatinate, as well as in a few caves and mine shafts in Haßbergen mountain area. the Alps. Of more than 1,000 potential winter roosts The populations of grey long-eared bat and checked since the early 1980s in northern Bavaria, 56 Bechstein's bat appear to be shrinking, although the roosts or roost complexes (this random check includes total numbers of individuals counted in each case, at a number of cellar groups, in some cases with over 20 fewer than 20, are too low to permit reliable conclu- individual objects, and quarries comprising several sions. The same holds for the serotine bat and the nor- different mineshafts) have been declared "winter thern bat (not included in Fig. 13). roosts for long-term monitoring". These roosts are checked once a year, at about the same time each Normally, bats' winter roosts are protected by main- year. Observation data for some of these roosts rea- taining the roosts and restoring them where necessa- ches back into the period before the research project ry – for example, by renovating old beer cellars or res- (SCHLAPP 1981); on the other hand, more and more toring and cleaning cellar entrances. Another impor- roosts have been added to the long-term-monitoring tant means of protection consists of closures (screens, programme over the years. In northern Bavaria alone, grates, etc.), in order to reduce possibilities for distur- some 15 full-day excursions, during the period from bances. Such protective closures are normally paid for the end of November to mid-March, are required by the local nature conservation administration, every year to check these roosts. And about again as forest administration or nature-park administration. many excursions are required for other roost checks. Bat winter roosts should not be closed off as a matter In southern Bavaria, where anthropogenic winter of course, however; closure is a necessary, effective roosts are considerably less common, one monitoring measure for protecting the bats only under certain effort is carried out in winter (has been carried out circumstances: since 1990), involving 57 different objects. Apart from the winter-roost moni- 6 toring carried out by the two co- Große/KleineBrandt's bat/whiskered Bartfledermaus bat ordination offices, Bavarian cave WasserfledermausDaubenton's bat researchers, of various associa- 5 GroßesMouse-eared Mausohr bat BraunesBrown long-eared Langohr bat tions, carry out counts in nume- FransenfledermausNatterer’s bat rous caves in the Frankenalb 4 region (PREISS 1983, STIEBLER 1997). The winter counts in karst 3 caves are discussed in advance with the state association for cave and karst research (Landes- 2 verband für Höhlen- und Karst- forschung in Bayern e. V.), to pre- 1 Normierte Anzahl (1985/86=1) Normed number (1985/86 =1) vent duplication of efforts and to maximise the useful database. 0 Fig. 13 shows the results of winter- roost monitoring in northern 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/99 Bavaria, within the framework of WinterhalbjahrWinter the research project, and covering the species mouse-eared bat, Fig. 13: Population development of Brandt's bat, whiskered bat, mouse-eared bat, Natterer’s Natterer’s bat, Daubenton's bat, bat, Daubenton's bat, and brown long-eared bat, in a selection of north Bavarian winter Brandt's bat (which are not diffe- roosts ("Monitored winter roosts"). The figures are normed to the result for winter 1985/86 rentiated in their winter roosts) (=1).

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• the roost contains species in danger of extinction, 5 The roost-protection system such as greater and lesser horseshoe bat or barbastelle, • the roost contains a large number of individuals One of the aims of the "Bats" conservation program- (more than ten animals), me is to establish a system of roost protection that • the roost is particularly subject to disturbances – provides the framework for close, ongoing contact for example, because it is located near a village or with owners or administrators (such as sextons) of town, along a hiking path or in a cave frequented buildings in which roosts are located. Such contacts by spelunkers or tourists. enable prompt exchange of information regarding any planned changes in roosts or any problems The great majority of bat winter roosts do not require encountered by the animals. This, in turn, enables protective closures, and any funding that may be ear- nature conservation authorities or the co-ordination marked for their closure can be applied to other offices to take action as necessary. At the same time, urgent nature conservation tasks. roost protectors can collect important data on their colonies – for example, via fly-out censuses, nightly checks of young, monitoring of mortality of young, etc.. Ideally, such checks will meet requirements for monitoring. Roost protectors' tasks include counting colonies, removing droppings and ensuring that bats' entryways remain open and easily passable in spring. Due to the size of the area covered by the co-ordination offices, and the offices' limited staff resources, this approach assigns primary importance to local volunteer bat conservationists, since only they can provide the necessary local contacts (cf. Chapter 2.2). Especially in connection with important maternity colonies of mouse-eared bats, as well as of colonies of other species (such as barbastelles or parti- coloured bats – see above), these persons take responsibility for continual safeguarding of colonies. In addition to their roles in protecting and monitoring roosts, they often serve as contacts regarding many other aspects of bat conservation, because they are locally known as bat specialists. Many persons also carry out this function on behalf of lower nature conservation authorities or municipalities. For some time, the possibility of organising roost protectors within rural districts' Naturschutzwacht programmes for volunteer nature conservation workers has been discussed. This would solve a number of insuran- ce-related issues and ensure that the protectors were reimbursed for their expenses (material, time). No specific action has yet been taken in this direction, however. Roost support and protection is ideal in cases in which roost owners or administrators (sextons, Fig. 14: Notice posted to inform the public about the presence of bat colonies in attics of etc.) identify with the bats, work to churches and public buildings; the notice states what species is present, provides guidelines regarding proper behaviour in order to protect the colony, and urges owners etc. to inform nature conservation authorities before carrying out any renovation. It also provides the name and telephone number of the local bat conservation representative.

256 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

ensure that no harm comes to the colony and contact sing 16 display panels, in connection with the the co-ordination offices or nature conservation state garden show (Landesgartenschau) in authorities whenever any problems occur. Ingolstadt. Through 1995, this exhibition visited a total of 25 other cities and towns in Bavaria. Even where contacts between bat conservationists • The co-ordination agency for southern Bavaria and roost owners or administrators are good, there is offers a slide show, with accompanying text, that always a possibility that unforeseen events or misund- can be borrowed or copied, for a modest fee to erstandings can lead to disturbances of the bats cover expenses. In addition, an identification cour- during the summer (cf. Chapter 3.3). What is more, by se has been developed for training and further- no means has suitable protection and support been training purposes. The course consists of an intro- found for all maternity colonies. For this reason, the ductory lecture with slides and an exercise section co-ordination offices have been posting signs at in which participants have the opportunity to roosts, calling attention to the roosts' importance and work with mummies, skulls and prepared speci- listing the address of the responsible co-ordination mens and to compare species. agency (cf. Fig. 14). Like the warning signs hung by • The co-ordination offices have become more and wood-treatment companies in lofts and attics, war- more well-known, and this has been driving ning of use of wood preservatives, such signs are demand for information about bat conservation. A hung where they will immediately be seen by any second, fully revised edition recently appeared of craftsmen or architects who visit the roost areas. a brochure entitled "Bats" that had been jointly prepared by the State Bird Conservation Association (Landesbund für Vogelschutz) and the LfU. The co-ordination offices also send out 6 Public-awareness efforts and various other materials that they produce themselves, including descriptions of the agencies, gui- training delines for clean-up of bat roosts, a folder entitled "Bat manure as garden fertiliser" (Fledermauskot Another emphasis of the "Bats" conservation pro- als Gartendünger") etc., as well as materials such gramme consists of public-awareness efforts and trai- as address lists of providers of bat boxes, and of ning. Both of these elements are playing an increa- relevant literature and media. Depending on the singly important role in the work of the co-ordination interests expressed in written or telephone enqui- offices (cf. Tab. 3). On the one hand, they serve to ries, the agencies are also happy to send out acquaint the public with the purposes and concerns copies of relevant scientific and popular-scientific of bat conservation. What is more, they have the use- articles. ful side-effect of giving volunteer bat conservationists • Work with youth: The co-ordination agency for and roost protectors an opportunity to publicise northern Bavaria, in co-operation with the State themselves and their work on the local level. Bird Conservation Association, assumes responsibility for the scientific part of an annual weekend Press reports frequently appear – either in advance or seminar for young people that describes basic after the fact, as effective follow-up publicity – in con- aspects of bat behaviour and bat conservation and nection with lectures and excursions dealing with bat communicates recent ecological research fin- conservation. Thanks to such reports in daily newspa- dings. In the Nuremberg–Fürth–Erlangen region, pers, radio and TV stations have recently been reque- it also regularly conducts informational events at sting more and more assistance for productions about schools, events at which children have proven to bats and bat conservation (cf. Tab. 3). be extremely interested and open listeners. There has been one opportunity to date – and more are Other important aspects of public-awareness efforts desired – to take an elementary school class to include: visit a maternity colony of mouse-eared bats and • In 1992, the co-ordination agency for southern show the children (in small groups) the colony at Bavaria prepared a travelling exhibition, compri- first hand (the higher nature conservation autho-

Tab. 3: Public-awareness events held by the two co-ordination offices since 1991.

Type of event 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 19971998 1999

Public lectures and excursions 10 15 24 24 27 15 36 >20 20 Training events for volunteer bat conservationists 152571681116 and/or representatives of authorities Pressdiscussions,radio/TV interviews, etc. - - 3112695 Other (for example, annual 3 2 4 232323 meetings of "bat buffs"*, workshops)

* Every one or two years, the co-ordination offices hold annual meetings of south and north Bavarian bat conservationists. These meetings, which provide a forum for exchanges of information, are attended by an average of 150-200 participants.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 257 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

rity had given permission for the field trip to take school classes. In 1999, Ms. Pink, working on place as of mid-July). The overall experience was a behalf of the LfU, produced a video about the bat very positive one – all of the children were very colony that is available for borrowing and sho- enthusiastic and behaved appropriately. wing during special events. The possibility of set- • Since 1995, staff of the co-ordination agency for ting up a similar video station to present a bat southern Bavaria have regularly carried out one- colony in southern Bavaria is currently being con- day and one-week excursions and workshops, focu- sidered. sed on "bat ecology", for biology students at LMU Munich. • From time to time, continuing-education events are offered for teachers, staff of nature-conserva- 7 Research tion and forestry authorities and other interested parties who can function as "multipliers". Such events are held in co-operation with the Since 1980, numerous diploma theses, certification Association of German Biologists (Verband deut- theses and dissertations on the ecology of native bats scher Biologen – VdBiol) or within the framework have been written at Bavarian higher education insti- of seminars of the Bavarian Academy for Nature tutions. In general, such research efforts do not focus Conservation and Landscape Management (ANL) directly on the "Bats" conservation programme in and the Bavarian State Agency for Forests and Forest Management (Bayerische Lan- desanstalt für Wald- und Forstwirtschaft). Many different occupations, such as roofers, architects and forest rangers, encounter bats in their daily work, and our public-awareness efforts aim to continually intensify dialog with such groups. Our information exchanges with one of the leading companies in building conservation and protection (wood preservation treatments) can be considered a start of such work. For years now, the co-ordination offices have regularly been informed whenever fumigations of church interiors or wood treatments in attics are planned. The co-operation began with a study, carried out as part of a diploma thesis at the University of Erlangen, of the impacts of toxins on mouse-eared bats (KRUG 1988). Early co-ordination can prevent threats to colonies, as well as avoidable work delays. • Since 1997, the hunting and fishing museum in Tambach castle (Coburg rural district) has operated an infrared-video monitoring station, established in co-operation with the co- ordination agency of northern Bavaria (Pink, in preparation). A live transmission from the large maternity colony in the attic (about 800 females in 1998) to the museum below has made the subject of "bats" come alive for a great number of visitors, including many Fig. 15: Form used in maternity colony censuses (reduced in size; original size is DIN A4). The form notes the count date, the species in question, the result (numbers of females and young) and the result for the previous year; it also thanks the property owner and provides the name and telephone number of the local bat conservation representative.

258 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Bavaria; instead, they reflect the interests of the pied simultaneously by noctule bats. Observations of various relevant academic chairs in the area of bat comparable colonies of this species have also been ecology. On the other hand, some of the research has made in Kempten, Nuremberg, Rosenheim and been suggested or even directed by the co-ordination Munich. From these findings, it may be concluded offices. As a result of the link between the co-ordina- that noctule-bat roosts on buildings can be inhabited tion offices and the universities of Erlangen- by the bats at all times of the year, and this conclu- Nuremberg and Munich, subject selection has empha- sion, in turn, must be taken into account in connec- sised applied research – many students have had their tion with any renovation. On the other hand, the bats interest in bat ecology and bat conservation awake- proved to be so flexible in their roost selection that it ned via contacts to staff of the co-ordination offices is not necessary to protect every roost at all cost. Some and through participation in relevant excursions and building occupants find noctule bats, which often events. emit loud calls, and their droppings to be a considerable nuisance in the immediate vicinity of their resi- A number of examples can be cited to show how fin- dences. Where sufficient alternate roosts are present, dings of such work enter directly into efforts to pro- due to the way buildings are constructed and/or grou- tect bats. Some of these were mentioned above, such ped, closing of such problematic areas, during the as the study of the lesser horseshoe bat colony in animals' absence, can be accepted from a conserva- Schloss Herrenchiemsee or the search for the roost of tion perspective, since it can prevent uncontrolled another colony of the same species following capture "vigilante actions" that could trap and ultimately kill of lactating females (Chapter 3.3). Another important the bats. example of such applied research on native bats in Bavaria consists of studies of the phenology of bats in Many conservationists still hold to the myth that all and around caves (LIEGL 1987, WEBER 1988). Findings bat species face comparable threats of extinction, and from this work has led to a reassessment of caves' that thus all colonies must receive the same strict importance as roosts for bats during the course of the level of protection. While such protection is certainly year – and, thus, have been highly useful in assessing required, unconditionally, for certain rare species in problems of increasing cave tourism in Bavaria. The Bavaria (such as the greater and lesser horseshoe bats, summer "swarming" phenomenon has been confir- Geoffroy's bat, barbastelle, northern bat, Leisler's bat), med for caves in the Alps (HOLZHAIDER 1998, we now know, thanks to many years of monitoring via Meschede & Rudolph unpublished). the research project, and to many diploma and doctoral dissertations in the area of population ecology As the history of discovery of the maternity colony of (for example, GEIGER 1992, WOLZ 1992, ZAHN 1995, the greater horseshoe bat (Chapter 3.4) and, very KERTH 1998), that the populations of some species recently, of the discovery of a colony of the lesser hor- have grown and in some cases have been underesti- seshoe bat (Chapter 3.3), shows, modern research can, mated. Examples include the mouse-eared bat, and must, enter into bat conservation. While such Daubenton's bat and Bechstein's bat. Needless to say, research has not yet been able to assure the long-term this conclusion does not free anyone from the obliga- survival of small populations, telemetric studies have tion to take conservation seriously at all times and to provided some of the most important bases for pro- protect the roosts and hunting grounds of all species. tection efforts. On the other hand, it is also a positive result of protection efforts within the framework of the "Bats" con- Even high-school research papers can contribute to servation programme. It does put the importance of our understanding of bat behaviour. For example, in individual sightings, or of observations of single, litt- Waldkraiburg (Mühldorf rural district) and in le-populated roosts, into proper perspective – for Wasserburg am Inn, work for two such papers, inclu- example, in connection with assessments of interven- ding regular bat counts, was able to document the tion. The absence of a colony of barbastelles or pipi- presence of noctule bats in cracks of outer walls of strelle bats in a formerly occupied crevice roost, or of multi-storey buildings (CHRISTOPH 1998, SCHOTT Bechstein's bat in a nesting box, signals not a decline 1998, ZAHN et al. 2000). The counts proved that con- but simply normal behaviour whereby member siderable numbers of noctule bats roost in outer walls groups of a maternity colony move around from roost of such buildings throughout the entire year – and to roost. not only in winter, as had previously been assumed in southern Bavaria. While an annual minimum is reached in July, the number of bats present – for example, in Waldkraiburg – during this month still represents about 20 % of the annual maximum of 300 bats that is seen in September. The noctule bats change roosts frequently, often splitting their numbers up between several different roosts. The bats use at least 11 roosts in Waldkraiburg, in a total of seven different tall buildings (including apartment buildings). Six of the roosts have been shown to be used simultaneously. In Wasserburg, eight roosts were found, on three apartment buildings. At least five of these were occu-

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8 International obligations • Set aside conservation areas for these habitats and species, • Monitor development of relevant populations and 8.1 The EUROBATS agreement' impor- of habitats, in order to be able to take counterme- tance for bat conservationin asures when populations and habitats are threate- Bavaria ned, • Carry out basic research – including research on ecology and distributions of species, and on neces- In January 1994, the Federal Government ratified the sary care and management of habitats. "Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe" (EUROBATS), a regional agreement within the frame- Annex II of the directive lists seven bat species that work of the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of live in Germany: pond bat, Bechstein's bat, mouse- Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Article III of eared bat (cf. Chapter 3.1), Geoffroy's bat (cf. Chapter this agreement lists the requirements for bat conser- 3.2), lesser horseshoe bat (cf. Chapter 3.3), greater hor- vation: seshoe bat (cf. Chapter 3.4) and barbastelle (cf. • Protection: prohibitions against capture, trade, kil- Chapter 3.6). The pond bat is extremely rare in ling, Bavaria – it has not been sighted since the 1950s. • Roost and habitat protection: identification and Bechstein's bat is distributed throughout deciduous protection of important habitats and "feeding forests of northern Bavaria; various deciduous and areas" for bats, mixed-species forests in lower and upper Franconia • Additional measures to protect endangered spe- harbour colonies with substantial numbers of indivi- cies, duals (SCHLAPP 1990, WOLZ 1992, KERTH 1998) and • Public-awareness measures, with significant population densities not seen in • Basic research, other parts of Germany. Bavaria has national respon- • Consideration of potential effects of wood preser- sibility for protection of these species, with the excep- vatives and insecticides on bats. tion of the pond bat (RUDOLPH 2000).

This agreement has been transposed into German Of the habitat types listed in Annex I of the directive, law, as far as the legal aspects of protection of indivi- caves not developed for tourism have the most direct dual animals and conservation of colonies are con- relevance for bats, as potential roosts. Forest habitats cerned: all bat species are strictly protected and must have the greatest importance as hunting habitats and not be disturbed or harmed in their habitats. On the roost locations for some Annex II species: Luzulo- other hand, the EUROBATS agreement would not be Fagetum beech forests, Asperulo-Fagetum beech effectively implemented in Bavaria without the spe- forests, montaneous and subalpine beech forests, cal- cies-conservation programme (cf. Chapter 3 and 4), careous beech forests, Stellario-Carpinetum oak-horn- since the research project covers the areas of public- beam forests, ravine forests, hardwood alluvial forests awareness efforts, special species-conservation pro- and acidophilous coniferous forests. Other Annex I grammes and – due to its links with universities – habitat types that are important hunting grounds for basic research. With the data collected in the moni- bats include various types of natural standing waters, toring programme, the LfU has an outstanding basis semi-natural running waters and oligotrophic grass- for reviewing success in implementing the agree- lands and meadows (cf. SSYMANK et al. 1998). ment, review which is required at two-year intervals in the form of a mandatory report. On the other One of the Member States' most important tasks in hand, some deficits still persist in Bavaria – for exam- transposing the directive is to set aside adequately ple, in protection of hunting areas and in identifica- extensive protected areas for the various relevant tion of hunting habitats (for example, Geoffroy's bat, habitat types and species. Bavaria's proposals for area barbastelle). For some species, inventories of impor- selection, with regard to bats, are made by the LfU on tant roosts or population concentrations are still the basis of findings from the species conservation incomplete (for example, pipistrelle, Brandt's bat). programme (RUDOLPH 2000). The Bavarian state government's FFH-area notification of August 2000 lists approximately 170 specific bat habitats (buildings 8.2 The importance of the Fauna, that serve as colony locations and winter roosts).

Flora and Habitats Directive for With the exception of Bechstein's bat, the bats listed bat conservation in Bavaria in Annex II are the same as the priority species for Bavarian bat-conservation and bat-monitoring efforts. As a result, as described in chapters 3 and 4, a great The purpose of the European Union's Fauna, Flora deal is known about these species' populations and and Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC, cf. SSY- distribution, population trends in recent years, pro- MANK 1994) is to protect biological diversity within tection requirements and threats. Furthermore, scien- the European tific work over the past two decades has substantially Union; it obligates Member States to broadened the basis for protection of the mouse- • Carry out effective measures to protect the habi- eared bat, greater and lesser horseshoe bats and tats and species listed in Annexes I and II, Bechstein's bat. More study is required in Bavaria,

260 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

however, of the behaviour of Geoffroy's bat and the successful approaches to date, for example, of succes- barbastelle and of the distribution and commonness ses achieved in protection and monitoring of buil- of the barbastelle and Bechstein's bat, with the gaps ding-dwelling bats (especially mouse-eared bat, in knowledge differing in extent for different areas. Geoffroy's bat, horseshoe bats) and in monitoring of The research project's monitoring programme has winter roosts. In this area, contacts to owners and proven to be extremely useful with regard to fulfil- administrators of roosts, and to relevant professional ment of obligations, resulting from the FFH Directive, associations and administrations, must be continually for monitoring of species and habitats. cultivated and – where necessary– improved, especially via such measures as The real challenge resulting from the FFH Directive, • Optimisation of co-operation with church-con- however, is to protect the "favourable conservation struction agencies, authorities responsible for status" of species and habitats in the long term, i.e. to monuments and construction, the state admini- implement effective conservation strategies and acti- stration for castles and lakes, local authorities, etc.. vely counter negative trends for relevant populations. For example, it must become obvious, standard Achievement of this objective is to be measured via procedure for church-construction agencies to monitoring of population trends and of key habitat inform co-ordination offices or nature conserva- parameters. As described above, bat monitoring must tion authorities, automatically and well in advan- generate long continuous data sequences, if it is to ce, whenever renovation of churches with bat reveal trends and support sufficiently precise conclu- populations is planned. At the same time, aware- sions regarding population developments. Except for ness must be enhanced of the need for church Bechstein's bat (cf. Chapter 4), such a database has buildings in general to remain accessible to bats. already been provided for the relevant bat species. • Relevant information and publications for church The "Bats" conservation programme, along with communities, sextons, architects, chimney sweeps, government conservation efforts, has proven to be an roofers, gardeners, landscape architects, etc.. effective instrument for protecting – as required by the FFH Directive – the six bat species found in Co-ordination agencies must continue to remain avai- Bavaria, at least with regard to roost protection and lable as points of contact for all aspects and concerns public-awareness efforts. In the area of habitat proof bat conservation, especially in connection with spe- tection, co-operation of forest owners and forest admi- cific cases of renovation of bat roosts. And they must nistrations is especially required, due to the strong remain able, along with their "everyday work" in the dependence of the mouse-eared bat, Bechstein's bat context of special species conservation projects, to and barbastelle on forest habitats. This is an area in take action as necessary on behalf of particularly end- which the co-ordination offices for bat conservation angered species or roosts (cf. the examples of the les- must intensify their public-awareness efforts. The ser and greater horseshoe bats). most important aims and measures with respect to Efforts to enhance the public's awareness remain an forest-based bat conservation are listed in the results ongoing task within the framework of the species- of the R&D project "Studies and recommendations conservation programme – especially as the co-ordi- with regard to bat conservation in forests" nation offices become better and better known and ("Untersuchungen und Empfehlungen zur Erhaltung the public's acceptance and understanding of the der Fledermäuse in Wäldern") and in the brochure needs of bats grow. The agencies thus continue to pro- produced via this project (MESCHEDE et al. 2000a, b). duce information sheets and flyers, intensify their contacts to adult-education schools, local education networks, associations, etc. and to expand and enhance their Internet presence, etc.. 9 Outlook The co-ordination offices' efforts on behalf of public awareness also include providing roost owners/administrators and roost managers with regular data The purpose of species conservation programmes is to updates and information about the development of improve the conditions for endangered species to "their" colonies, as well as establishing contact with such an extent that direct assistance for the species is owners of structures that house crevice/crack-dwel- no longer required. The "Bats" conservation program- ling species. In many cases, contacts to such owners me has had obvious success, as is manifested in the are a one-time affair, occurring in connection with positive developments in populations of a number of identification of the species in question and inspec- species and in the growing acceptance seen in tion of the roosts. Some roost owners many thus gain various segments of the public and various profes- the impression that the agencies have lost interest in sions. Nonetheless, the ultimate aim has not yet been "their" colonies following such initial contact. In light attained. Since the "Bats" research project is one of of the large number of such roosts involved (especial- the oldest Bavarian species conservation projects, we ly roosts of pipistrelles and whiskered bats), the co- are required to subject the priorities for our work to ordination offices are currently unable to cultivate continual scrutiny and to adapt them to new require- such contacts on a regular basis – even at two-year ments5 and findings as appropriate. 5) Recently, for example, mobile communications companies have The primary basis of future work within the species- discovered the usefulness of church towers as sites for transmis- conservation programme will be a continuation of sion systema; a first colony of mouse-eared bats in achurch in the Kitzingen rural district has now been affected by such use.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 261 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Abb. 16: Die Breitflü- gelfledermaus bevor- zugt sowohl im Som- Fig.mer als 16: auch The im serotine Winter batspaltenförmige roosts in cracks Quar- and crevices, in both sum- mertiere and (Foto: winter v. Helver- (Photo: v.sen). Helversen).

Fig.Abb. 17: 17: Checking Kontrolle a serotine bat roost in a school in theeines Dillingen Quartiers rural der district Breitflügelfledermaus (Photo: Zahn). an einer Schule im Landkreis Dillingen (Foto: Zahn).

262 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

Fig. 18: Maternity colonies of the noctule bat are rare in Bavaria; this photo was taken in a rescue station where young of females rendered flightless through injury are raised and then returned to the wild Photo: v. Helversen). Abb. 18: Wochenstuben des Abendseglers in Bayern sind selten; hier ein Foto aus einer Auswilderungs- station, in der Jungtiere verletzter und flugunfähiger Weibchen ausgewildert werden (Foto: v. Helversen).

Fig.Abb. 19: Netzfänge Net captures playsind einan wichtigerimportant role in faunistic research in BavariaBestandteil – for der example, faunis- intischen studies Forschung of caves' in importanceBayern, zum Beispiel for bats throughoutin Hinblick auf the die course of a year; the photo showsBedeutung a Natterer’s von Höhlen bat andfür Fledermäuse a barbastelle im that wereJahresverlauf; captured das at the mouth of a cave in the BavarianFoto zeigt Alpseine Fran- (Photo: Hammer).sen- und eine Mopsfle- dermaus, gefangen an einer Höhle in den bayerischen Alpen (Foto: Hammer).

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intervals. This is a perfect example of the sort of task To enhance bat-habitat protection, within overall con- that must be left up to local roost protectors/mana- servation efforts, the ABSP's implementation projects gers and local bat conservationists. It is also a task could make greater use of findings about ecology of that thus far is being satisfactorily performed in only endangered bat species (cf. greater horseshoe bat). the few rural districts that have adequate numbers of volunteer staff. Recent discussion about nature conservation has raised the question of the "right" species and habitats for Efforts to monitor small species that typically dwell in protection and criticised a traditional approach often gaps and cracks etc. in private homes deserve men- applied in central Europe: to seek to protect rare spe- tion in this context. At present, we lack reliable infor- cies that have only peripheral natural range areas in mation about the population trends for such species. central Europe, at the expense of species and habitats Conceivably, owners of buildings with such colonies, whose ranges are centred in central Europe. throughout Bavaria, could be convinced to carry out Assessment of overall European distribution of most regular counts of their colonies. If enough samples native bat species leaves considerable room for inter- are then involved and the participating "partners" pretation. In Bavaria, the lesser horseshoe bat, for count reliably, we might be able to assess the popula- example, is now at the periphery of its range, and this tion situation for such species. bat is still relatively common in southern Europe. And yet the current boundaries of the bat's range are not A central focus must thus be on strengthening, expan- natural boundaries; they represent a line of extinc- ding and cultivating the network of local roost mana- tion that certainly justifies any obligation to provide gers – to increase the numbers of competent local specific protection. The situation is similar for the iso- representatives of bat-conservation interests and to lated population of the greater horseshoe bat. reduce the co-ordination offices' workload. This need seems all the more urgent in that in some rural In central Europe, the mouse-eared bat follows districts the local volunteer bat conservationists are human culture; it probably could not exist in Europe, growing very old and no younger conservationists with its current climate, if it had no buildings in have appeared to take their place. We are hoping that which to roost. In light of the species' high population notification of numerous important bat roosts, as FFH densities in parts of southern and central Germany, areas, will bring a major improvement on this front – and of its preference for hunting habitats in beech also in terms of organisational and financial perspec- forests – and the beech's main natural range is found tives (for example, roost managers in the framework in central Europe – central Europe cannot be consi- of the volunteer conservationists' programme dered to have little responsibility with respect to the (Naturschutzwacht) – cf. Chapter 6). species' overall range; central Europe's responsibility is large. On the other hand, only a few species – pri- In the years to come, the species-conservation pro- marily Bechstein's bat – show an obvious central gramme will focus more and more strongly on the European concentration in their overall ranges. species listed in Annex II of FFH Directive and on reported roosts and habitats. Additional study of habi- While most bat species have other ranges outside of tat requirements (especially with regard to selection central Europe, they must still be considered part of of hunting habitats), as required by Article 18 of the central European fauna. The resulting consequence FFH Directive, is required for certain species, especial- for bat conservation is as follows: protection efforts ly the lesser horseshoe bat, barbastelle and Geoffroy's must give greater emphasis to Bechstein's bat and its bat; additional study of range/distribution in Bavaria habitats. Other species must also be given greater is required for the barbastelle and Bechstein's bat. attention – especially those species whose distribution Implementation of habitat protection for FFH species and behaviour are still poorly understood (such as the also necessitates intensive co-operation with, and pipistrelle, Brandt's bat, barbastelle, northern bat, advising of, forest administrations. In the case of the pipistrellus pygmaeus/mediterraneus). The best pro- "natural cave" habitat type, it also requires applica- tection results are obtained by protecting buildings tion of protection concepts in co-operation with spe- that house roosts and by carefully protecting habitats, lunking associations. especially forest habitats, since a majority of central European bat species use forests as a key habitat Further basic research is required to help us under- (MESCHEDE et al. 2000a, b). The call for protection stand the habitat requirements of the above-mentio- and encouragement of old, structurally rich forests ned FFH Directive species. In addition, basic research with locally native tree species, as bat habitats (as must be a part of all special species conservation pro- mentioned above, this would include primarily beech jects and protection efforts. The ecology of a number forests) thus brings this discussion full circle. of rarer species is still poorly understood. Contacts to universities should be used to encourage further work One difficulty is apparent in all such tasks: growth of in this area – which would also help fulfil the EURO- tasks adds to the responsibilities of staff of co-ordina- BATS agreement's call for basic research. tion offices – in their roles as advisors, co-ordinators, organisers or executors. It is already clear that rural districts with active bat conservationists require considerably more assistance and support than do districts with few active volunteers. As the public and

264 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria"

state administrations become more and more invol- Geoffroy's bat, barbastelle, parti-coloured bat and gre- ved in issues of bat conservation, general interest in ater and lesser horseshoe bats. conservation increases – and more and more conservation problems come to light that the co-ordination Another important part of the bat research program- offices must deal with. And the agencies' current me consists of monitoring of winter roosts. For many staffs are already working at the limits of their capa- species, such monitoring represents the only way to city. keep track of population development. Significantly, monitoring of summer and winter roosts indicates that populations of some species have been increasing. 10 Summary There are two co-ordination offices for bat conservation in Bavaria: one at the University of Erlangen- "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Nuremberg (Northern Bavaria), the other at the Bavaria" is a special bat-conservation programme that University of Munich was established in 1985, as a research programme, by (Southern Bavaria). The co-ordination offices' ties to the Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency. Its universities make it possible to include students and main purposes are to inventory and monitor bat scientists in the bat conservation programme – for fauna; educate the public about bat conservation; and example, via research for diploma theses or disserta- advise and train volunteer bat conservationists, repre- tions. The universities also provide assistance with sentatives of nature connection authorities and repre- special methods, such as telemetry, for conservation sentatives of relevant occupations. programmes for particularly threatened bat species.

The basis for effective bat protection consists of inven- The Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe torying and identifying bat roosts and assessing their (EUROBATS) (in force in Germany since January 1994) condition. For this reason, one of the bat conservation and the EU's "Fauna, Flora and Habitats Directive" programme's key initial focuses was on locating bat (FFH Directive) have brought important progress in colonies in buildings, including supporting relevant protection of bats at the national and international activities of local conservationists and associations – a levels. Annexes I and II of the FFH Directive list habi- process that continues to the present day. At the same tat types that are important as bats' hunting habitats time, programme staff sought to make the public, (for example, various deciduous-forest types), as well nature conservation authorities and other state admi- as several bat species that must be strictly protected nistrations (including church administrations) aware and for which priority conservation areas must be cre- of the needs for, and purposes of, bat conservation. As ated. With its monitoring programme, its emphases a result, a large percentage of the bat colonies in con- on protection of building-dwelling bats' roosts and its spicuous, potential roost-harbouring buildings such as efforts to enhance public awareness, the Bavarian bat churches or castles have been found. Thanks to this research programme is making an important contri- fact, and to the presence of volunteer bat conserva- bution to implementation of the EUROBATS agree- tionists in many Bavarian districts and municipalities, ment and the FFH Directive – for example, with destruction and disturbance of large bat colonies and regard to proposals for area selection or monitoring of roosts of building-dwelling bats is now the excep- of areas in the "Natura 2000" network. tion (cf. Chapter 3.1). When damage to a colony does occur, it is usually the result of failure to comply with arrangements between architects and nature conservation administrations, etc.. Summary6

A much lower percentage of the less conspicuous bat The research program "Population development and roosts – such as roosts in private houses or in forests – Protection of bats in Bavaria": this special conserva- has been found. And such roosts are frequently thre- tion program for bats was established in 1985 as a atened by intentional or unintentional actions. This research program by the Bavarian State Office of highlights the need for continuing, intensive efforts Environmental Protection. It is aimed at inventarizing to enhance public acceptance of bat conservation. It the bat fauna, monitoring, public relations work, also reminds us of how important it is to monitor advising and teaching of bat conservationists and known roosts. Ideally, known roosts should be moni- nature administrators. tored by people who live in the relevant areas. Monitoring within the framework of the bat conser- The effective protection of roosts belongs to what is vation programme includes at least regular annual known about them and how to assess them. An initi- checks of the most important maternity roosts and al emphasis of the bat conservation program was the winter roosts. search of bat colonies in human buildings – this process still continues. At the same time in public, the The present paper describes some of the most impor- nature and other state administrations including the tant results of the Bavarian bat research programme, church offices were sensitized and interested in bat and of relevant bat conservation efforts, with regard 6) to the following species: Greater mouse-eared bat, Wir danken Frau S. Haynes-Huber und Herrn Y. Winter für die Korrektur der englischen Zusammenfassung

BayLfU 156 (2001) 265 The Research Project "Development and Protection of Bat Populations in Bavaria" conservation. As a result there is a high degree in 11 Literature registration of bat colonies in conspicuous buildings like churches or castles; furthermore in many Bavarian districts and greater towns bat conservatio- AGFH (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Fledermausschutz in nists are present. The destruction or disturbance of Hessen) (1994): Die Fledermäuse Hessens. larger colonies or important roosts therefore, one of Geschichte, Vorkommen, Bestand und Schutz. the main reasons for declining of bats, has become an – Remshalden-Buoch. exception. If a colony is damaged mostly it happens ANTONI, W. (1980): Verbreitung und Gefährdung der because of unreliabilities at agreements between Fledermäuse in Bayern. – Unveröff. Bericht i. A. architects and nature conservation administrations d. Bayer. Landesamtes für Umweltschutz. (see chapter 3.1) AUDET, W. (1990): Foraging behaviour and habitat Much lower is the degree of registration of unconspi- use by a gleaning bat, Myotis myotis cuous bat roosts, for example at private houses or in (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). – J. Mammalogy forests. Such roosts are threatened by intended or 71: 420-427. unintended actions. On the one hand this emphasizes CHRISTOPH, L. (1998): Untersuchung und Doku- the necessity of an intensive work of sympathy and mentation eines Fledermausvorkommens publicity for bat conservation and on the other hand (Abendsegler) im Bereich der Wasserburger the high importance of the monitoring of known Innhöhe. – Facharbeit am Gymnasium Wasser- roosts. Ideally known roosts ar looked after by local burg. people. The looking after the most important summer GEIGER, H. (1992): Untersuchungen zur Popu- and winter roosts in the bat conservation program is lationsdichte der Wasserfledermaus (Myotis maintained by the regular yearly monitoring. daubentoni KUHL, 1819) im Mittelfränkischen Some of the most important results of the Bavarian Teichgebiet. – Dipl.-arbeit Univ. Erlangen. bat research program and the main efforts in bat con- GEIGER, H. (1996): Einsatz der Radiotelemetrie bei servation are shown by the following species: Greater Artenschutzbelangen von Fledermäusen am mouse-eared bat, Notch-eared bat, Barbastelle, Beispiel der Großen Hufeisennase (Rhinolo- Particoloured bat and Greater and Lesser horseshoe phus ferrumequinum) in Nordbayern. – Schri- bat. An important part of the bat research program is ftenr. Landschaftspfl. Naturschutz 46: 31-40. the monitoring of winter roosts. For many spicies this GEIGER, H. & M. HAMMER (1993): Wochenstubenfund is the only possibility to examine the population deve- der Großen Hufeisennase (Rhinolophus ferru- lopment. mequinum SCHREBER) in der Oberpfalz. – Unveröff. Bericht i. A. There are two coordination offices for bat conversa- d. Bayer. Landesamtes für Umweltschutz. tion in Bavaria: one at the University of Erlangen- GÜTTINGER, R. (1997): Jagdhabitate des Großen Nürnberg (Northern Bavaria), the other at the Mausohrs (Myotis myotis) in der modernen University of Munich (Southern Bavaria). The location Kulturlandschaft. – Schriftenr. Umwelt Nr. 288, of these coordination offices allows the inclusion of hrsg. vom Schweizer Bundesamt für Umwelt, students and scientists in the bat conservation pro- Wald und Landschaft, Bern, 138 S. gram, for example in dissertations or master`s thesis HAMMER, M. & F. MATT (1996): Artenschutzkonzept for basic research. The universities, too, provide speci- für die Große Hufeisennase (Rhinolophus fer- al methods like radiotracking for conservation pro- rumequinum, Schreber 1774) in Bayern. – grams for single threatened bat species. Unveröff. Bericht i. A. d. Bayer. Landesamtes für Umweltschutz. On the national and international level of bat conser- HAMMER, M., H. GEIGER & F. MATT (1995): vation the agreement for the conservation of bats (in Bestandsentwicklung und aktuelle Situation Germany since January 1994) and the habitats direc- der Großen Hufeisennase (Rhinolophus ferru- tive of the EU are important progresses. Annex I of mequinum) in Bayern. – Tagungsband "Zur the habitat directives contains many habitat types Situation der Hufeisennasen in Europa". Nebra. which are feeding areas of bats too (mainly some HELVERSEN, O. v. (1989): Schutzrelevante Aspekte der types of deciduous forests), and Annex II contains Ökologie einheimischer Fledermäuse. – Schr.- some bat species. Both, habitat and species have to be R. Bayer. Landesamt für Umweltschutz 92 protected strongly and for their preservation conser- (Beiträge zum Artenschutz 8): 7-17. vation sites must be created. The Bavarian bat rese- HELVERSEN, O. v., M. ESCHE, F. KRETZSCHMAR & M. arch program provides an important part of the BOSCHERT (1987): Die Fledermäuse Süd- implementation of the agreement and of the habitats badens. – Mitt. bad. Landesverein Naturkunde directive by focusing ist main work on monitoring of und Naturschutz. N.F. 14: 409-475. summer and winter roosts, the protection of building- HOLZHAIDER, J. (1998): Untersuchungen zur roosting bats and on public relation work. One exam- Fledermausfauna in den bayerischen Alpen. – ple are the proposals of sites for the "Natura 2000" Dipl.-arbeit Univ. München. network. ISSEL, B., W. ISSEL & M. MASTALLER (1977): Zur Verbreitung und Lebensweise der Fledermäuse in Bayern. – Myotis XV: 19-97. KERTH, G. (1998): Sozialverhalten und genetische Populationsstruktur bei der Bechsteinfleder- maus Myotis bechsteini. – Berlin.

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KRAUS, M. & A. GAUCKLER (1977): Zur Verbreitung RICHARZ, K., H. LIMBRUNNER & F. KRONWITTER und Bestandsentwicklung der Großen Hufei- (1989): Nachweise von Sommerkolonien der sennase (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum: Zweifarbfledermaus Vespertilio murinus LIN- Chiroptera) in Bayern. – Myotis 15: 3-17. NAEUS, 1758 in Oberbayern mit einer Über- KRAUS, M. & A. GAUCKLER (1980): Zur Abnahme der sicht aktueller Funde in Südbayern. – Myotis Kleinen Hufeisennase (Rhinolophus hipposid- 27: 61-70. eros) in den Winterquartieren der Frankenalb ROER, H. (1984): Zur Bestandsentwicklung von (Nordbayern) zwischen 1958 und 1980. – Myo- Rhinolophus ferrumequinum Schreber, 1774 tis XVII: 3-12. und Rhinolophus hipposideros, Bechstein 1800 KRUG, B. (1988), Pestizidbelastung einheimischer (Chiroptera) im westlichen Mitteleuropa. – Fledermäuse mit chlorierten Myotis 21-22: 122-130. Kohlenwasserstoffen. – Dipl.-arbeit Univ. RUDOLPH, B.-U. 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WEBER, C. (1988): Untersuchung über die Beziehung ZAHN, A. (1999): Reproductive success, colony size zwischen Testosterongehalt und Swarming- and roost temperature in attic-dwelling bat Verhalten von Fledermäusen vor Höhlen der Myotis myotis. – J. Zool. Lond. 247: 275-280. Fränkischen Schweiz. – Dipl.-arbeit Univ. Frei- ZAHN, A. & B. DIPPEL (1997): Male roosting habits and burg. mating behaviour of Myotis myotis. – J. Zool. WEINER, P. (1998a): Untersuchung der Fledermaus- 243: 659-674. fauna von Herrenchiemsee (Obb.) unter ZAHN, A. & G. SCHLAPP (1995): Bestandsentwicklung besonderer Berücksichtigung der Kleinen Huf- und aktuelle Situation der Kleinen eisennase (Rhinolophus hipposideros). – Dipl.- Hufeisennase (Rhinolophus hipposideros) in arbeit Univ. München. Bayern. – Tagungsband "Zur Situation der WEINER, P. (1998b): Untersuchung der Reaktion der Hufeisennasen in Europa", Nebra: 177-182. Kolonie von Rhinolophus hipposideros auf ZAHN, A., C. CHRISTOPH, L. CHRISTOPH, M. KREDLER, eine provisorische Überdachung des Lichthofes A. REITMEIER, F. REITMEIER, C. SCHACHEN- von Schloß MEIER & T. SCHOTT (2000): Die Nutzung von Herrenchiemsee. – Unveröff. Bericht i. A. d. Regier- Spaltenquartieren an Gebäuden durch ung von Oberbayern. Abendsegler (Nyctalus noctula) in WEISHAAR, M. (1995): Große Hufeisennase (Rhinolo- Südostbayern. – Myotis 37: 61-76. phus ferrumequinum) in Rheinland-Pfalz. – Tagungsband "Zur Situation der Hufeisen- nasen in Europa". Nebra. WOLZ, I. (1992): Zur Ökologie der Bechsteinfleder- maus Myotis bechsteini (Kuhl, 1818) (Mam- malia: Chiroptera). – Diss. Univ. Erlangen, 147 S. ZAHN, A. (1995): Populationsbiologische Untersuch- ungen am Großen Mausohr Myotis myotis. – Diss. Univ. München, 130 S.

Authors' addresses:

Bernd-Ulrich Rudolph Bayerisches Landesamt für Umweltschutz Bürgermeister-Ulrich-Straße 160 D-86179 Augsburg [email protected]

Matthias Hammer Koordinationsstelle für Fledermausschutz Nordbayern Institut für Zoologie II der Universität Erlangen Staudtstraße 5 D-91058 Erlangen [email protected]

Dr. Andreas Zahn Koordinationsstelle für Fledermausschutz Südbayern Zoologisches Institut der Universität München Luisenstr. 14 D-80333 München [email protected]

The present article is based primarily on a manuscript that was produced in August 1999 and expanded in 2000.

268 BayLfU 156 (2001) Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

1.2.2 Research and development ifrons), mew gull (Larus canus), black scoter project on the distribution, (Melanitta nigra), red-throated diver and abundance and migrations of black-throated diver (Gavia stellata, G. arcti- seabirds and waterbirds in ca). Yet another project topic was the relationship between certain bird species' the German North Sea, and diets and the birds' distribution in the development of a concept for Wadden Sea and in offshore areas. Finally, implementation of interna- the project sought to update knowledge of tional nature conservation marine mammals' distributions (cf. Chap- objectives ter 2.5). The new findings produced by the project will make it possible to develop a concept Offshore areas are known to be especially for protected areas in the German North important as feeding grounds for divers, Sea, in keeping with the nature conserva- ducks, seals and porpoises and as moult- tion objectives of the international agreeing areas for seabirds and water birds. Un- ments Germany has signed. til now, little has been known about populations of seabirds and waterbirds, and of sea mammals, in near-coastal areas of the PROJECT OUTLINE. Existing data on German Bight. The R+D project "Inventory the number of birds at sea, and of their of the distribution, abundance and migra- spatial and chronological distributions, tions of seabirds and waterbirds in the from 1990-1996, was analysed. From April German North Sea, and development of a 1997 to September 1998, supplementary concept for implementation of interna- mappings were then carried out in near- tional nature conservation objectives" (the coastal areas of the German Bight, aimed so-called "Boffwatt" project) has now been especially at filling in spatial and chrono- carried out (MITSCHKE et al. 2001) in or- logical gaps in the inventories. Special der to close this gap and develop a suit- attention was given to offshore areas bet- able protection concept for implementing ween the Wadden Sea and the 20 m international nature conservation objec- depth zone / Helgoland Island. Data on tives in the North Sea. The project was car- birds at sea was analysed with regard to ried out on behalf of the Federal Agency three emphases: distribution, abundance for Nature Conservation (BfN) and funded and phenology. The population sizes of by the Federal Ministry for the Environ- birds at sea were calculated for various ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear time frames. Safety (BMU). On the islands of Amrum and Juist, during The project focused especially on the seag- breeding and rearing phases, samples of ulls and terns that breed in the Wadden spitballs and droppings were collected Sea region and possibly hunt for food in from black-headed gull, mew gull, herring neighbouring sea areas. It also sought to gull and lesser black-backed gull (Larus provide new insights into the distribution ridibundus, L. canus, L. argentatus, L. fuscus), and population sizes of birds that rest or in order to analyse these gull species' search for food far from the coastline, in diets. On the island of Juist, diets of sand- waters up to 20 m deep. And a special wich terns were determined by visual ob- emphasis was placed on studying popula- servation. This made it possible to assess tion sizes and concentrations of bird spe- the amounts of food that the various cies for which the Federal Republic of Ger- breeding birds obtained at sea. many has a key responsibility, such as the sandwich tern, common tern and little tern (Sterna sandvicensis, S. hirundo, S. alb-

73 Population and distribution data for sea Unlike the herring gull, the lesser black- mammals in Wadden Sea offshore areas backed gull appears in offshore areas du- were obtained through chance observa- ring its breeding phase. Populations of tions, since it was not possible to observe this species range far into areas with wa- these diving animals systematically. ter depth greater than 20 m. Concentra- tions can be found especially along ship- The data obtained through the project, in ping lanes off the east Friesian coastline combination with Germany's international and along the 10 m depth line off the nature conservation obligations, was used north Friesian islands. Once their offspring to derive emphases for nature conserva- become full-fledged, lesser black-backed tion oriented to the needs of birds and gulls spread quickly over large areas of the mammals. German Bight. They use all offshore areas of the Wadden Sea and congregate espe- The findings led to a concept for protect- cially in the Elbe-Weser estuary, in sea ing offshore areas of the German Wadden areas north-west of Helgoland and off the Sea. Possible negative impacts were taken islands of Amrum and Sylt. into account. On the basis of the various bird species' different habitat and food re- The common tern and arctic tern (Sterna quirements, proposals were derived for hirundo, S. paradisaea) have important protecting and promoting bird and mam- feeding habitats in the Wadden Sea surf mal species that breed in the Wadden Sea zone, as well as in shallow waters of the and search for food in nearby offshore are- Wadden Sea's rivulet system and shallow as. For certain species, resting and winter- waters near the coast. During the breeding areas of international importance ing season, the only birds found in off- were identified, but it has not yet been shore areas are birds in passage. The com- possible to demarcate these areas. mon tern stays in the Wadden Sea area from April to September, or considerably longer than the arctic tern, which does RESULTS OF THE STUDIES. Findings not reach its breeding areas until May and from data research, and from additional leaves them as soon as its young are full- observations, improved our knowledge fledged, beginning in July. At the end of about the distribution and phenology of its breeding period, the common tern many species in offshore areas. The follow- gathers in a few, food-rich zones, and it ing section presents details for particular reaches its maximum concentrations in species: these areas in August.

During its breeding phases, the herring gull seldom moves outside of a 50 km range from the breeding colony. In its rearing phase, its radius of action increases, in keeping with its increased food needs. During this time and the post-breeding period, however, its main range consists of Wadden Sea areas near its breeding site. During the winter, the herring gull can be found throughout the entire North Sea area, and it is highly dependent on human activity (e.g. fishing boats). Overall, herring- gull populations in the North Sea are larger during the winter than during the breeding season.

74 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

The sandwich tern occurs both in the The red-throated diver and black-throat- Wadden Sea and in offshore areas, from ed diver clearly avoid areas near shipping April to October (Fig.1.2.2-1). During the lanes, and they take flight at very large breeding period, it shows special prefer- distances to ships at sea. Observations of ence for areas out to the 20 m depth line, flying divers have identified a main win- near its colonies (Norderoog, Trischen, tering area between the mouth of the Scharhörn, Wangerooge, Juist). During its Elbe and Hever-strom in the German rearing period, when its food require- Bight. No other areas of concentration ments grow, it covers longer distances, have yet been identified. The birds are although it still rarely ranges farther than found in the German Bight only from 25 km away from its nesting site. In con- early October until early May. The largest trast to the common tern and arctic tern, populations are seen from December to it tends not to use very shallow waters for February. Little data is available for areas feeding grounds. During the post-breeding period, once their young are full-fledged, many sandwich terns leave their breeding areas, sometimes travelling up to 250-500 Fig. 1.2.2-1: Distribution of the sandwich tern in the km to food-rich concentration points, North Sea. The figure shows the number of individuals where they reach their maximum num- counted per travelled km of observational patrol. bers in August. Such population shifts (pursuant to GARTHE in lit. 2001). emerge clearly in observation of areas near coasts and far away from coasts.

Important summer moulting populations of the black scoter are found in the north Friesian Wadden Sea. Since large populations concentrate only near shallow areas, rich in clams and mussels and with quiet sea areas, only a few areas of the outer Wadden Sea and its neighbouring offshore areas are suited as rest areas for this species. The populations' high mobility hampers estimates of population sizes and cha- racterisation of regularly used resting areas on the east Friesian coast. Because black scoter populations tend to mass in a few areas, in very dense concentrations, they are particularly sensitive to disturbances and damage such as oil spills. Rela- tively little is known about the populations' behaviour during the winter months. Populations of international importance are seen only off the north Friesian Wad- den Sea, and these populations' distribution and constancy are still unclear. Individuls / travelled km Sandwich tern 0 1991-2000 0.01 - 0.5 April-September ESAS-databank 0.51 - 1 1.01 - 2.5 > 2.5

75 further offshore. During the winter, most Project observations of the sandwich tern's divers stay in offshore areas with water food preferences have confirmed previous depths less than 30 m, especially areas observations, to the effect that sandeels near estuaries of large rivers. The known (Ammodytes species) and herrings (Clupe- resting populations in the German Bight idae) of certain sizes make up the great account for more than 20% of the biogeo- majority of chicks' diet. This dietary spe- graphical population, meaning that Ger- cialisation highlights this species' strong man offshore areas have international dependency on offshore areas of the Wad- importance as wintering areas for divers. den Sea.

During the winter months, the mew gull The harbour seal, a sea mammal that is is found in large areas in the German Bight, characteristic of the Wadden Sea, also uses with concentrations north and east of Hel- offshore areas year round. It shows a goland. Only off the east Friesian coast do marked preference for water depths of up the birds tend to stay within the 20 m to about 20 m, throughout the entire year. depth line. North and west of Helgoland, This is because its diet consists largely of they also venture into deeper waters. The bottom-dwelling fishes. The large fluctua- German Bight is an important wintering tions in numbers of harbour seals that rest area for the mew gull; internationally sig- on Helgoland Island indicate that regular nificant resting populations are found exchanges take place between the ani- there. Additional populations can be found mals' colonies along the North Sea Coast, in river estuaries, Wadden areas and be- including offshore areas out to Helgoland. yond the 20 m depth line. Fewer than 500 grey seals now live in the Analysis of the birds' diets turned up addi- Wadden Sea. Their colonies are found on- tional significant aspects with regard to a ly in the Netherlands, in basking areas protection-area concept for offshore areas. between Vlieland and Terschelling, and in In contrast to the popular view that gulls Schleswig-Holstein, between Sylt and Am- are not selective at all in their choice of rum. Since the early 1990s, a small colony food, the project found differences in gulls' of 10-15 animals has lived on Helgoland's prey and feeding-habitat selections, differ- dune area. It has not yet been determined ences that point to ecological distinctions. whether Wadden Sea grey seals move Lesser black-backed gulls feed primarily around between these three colonies (i.e. on the open sea, and they are largely change their colony membership). without any competitors in such areas within the German Bight. Herring gulls The harbour porpoise inhabits all off- tend to prefer tidal zones of the Wadden shore areas of Schleswig-Holstein's Wad- Sea. Black-headed gulls and mew gulls, den Sea, out to the 20 m depth line. It on the other hand, search for food both in rarely ventures beyond this line, however. tidal zones and on land. Although each The harbour porpoise's yearly activity gull species has its own food preferences, cycle on the west coast is not apparent at different colonies of the same species can sea. Like the harbour seal, it subsists large- have considerably different diets. Such dif- ly on bottom-dwelling fishes. ferences are likely to depend on food availability.

76 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTECTION ing populations of the harbour seal (Phoca CONCEPT FOR IMPLEMENTATION vitulina), grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and OF INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). OBJECTIVES. Via the following international agreements that especially concern To meet its obligations resulting from the North Sea or its bird species, the Fe- these agreements, Germany requires a deral Republic of Germany has committed concept for protection of seabirds, water- itself to protect animals, plants and sea birds and sea mammals within offshore areas. areas of the German Wadden Sea. Such a protection concept should be aimed at l Convention on Wetlands of protecting relevant habitats (i.e. sea areas International Importance especially as in which significant groups or populations Waterfowl Habits (Ramsar Convention), of animals are regularly found) and at ensuring that animals have an adequate l Convention on the Conservation of supply of food. Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention; CMS), These aims are to be achieved by establishing a protection area, at sea, in which l Agreement on the Conservation of birds and sea mammals, and their food African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds supplies, are protected from disturbances (AEWA), and impairments. The EC Bird Directive and the FFH Directive mandate set-asides l Agreement on the Conservation of of such protection areas for certain spe- Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and cies, and several international agreements, North Seas (ASCOBANS), such as CMS, the Ramsar Convention, AEWA and ASCOBANS, provide for estab- l Agreement on the Conservation of lishment of maritime protection areas. The Seals in the Wadden Sea, agreements also propose regulations regarding permitted uses and prohibited l Convention on the Conservation of activities. European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), Since it is not possible to change the boundaries of protection areas at short l EC Bird Directive, notice, it is important, before such boundaries are defined, to assess whether any l Fauna, Flora and Habitats Directive, shifting in population concentrations and feeding grounds is expected. To take l Convention for the Protection of the account of changes as a result of natural Marine Environment of the North-East succession, protection areas should include Atlantic (OSPAR) and all relevant areas. Since not enough data relative to meaningful set-aside of such l Trilateral Governmental Wadden Sea protection areas has yet been gathered, Conference. additional multi-year observations are required and will be carried out within At the eighth "Trilateral Governmental the framework of other projects. The pres- Wadden Sea Conference", objectives for ent research findings do provide a basis, protection within a 3-sea-mile zone were however, for initial considerations relative also defined for the Wadden Sea's offshore to a protection-area concept and further areas. The objectives include ensuring a conservation measures. good supply of food for birds and protect-

77 PROTECTION-AREA CONCEPT.Boun- yet clear, it would make sense to define daries of suitable protection areas in the large protection areas or additions for German North Sea should be oriented to them. populations of selected bird and mammal species, so-called priority species. The crite- To date, conservation efforts for seals have ria for selection of such priority species been limited to keeping disturbances away include species' population and risk situa- from their basking and birthing areas. tion and concentrations of populations in Conservation efforts on behalf of the sand- Europe and German sea areas. In addition, wich tern would also protect the feeding various relevant ecological groups must be grounds of the three relevant sea-mammal protected, such as the Wadden Sea's bree- species and for the connections between ding birds and sea mammals that regular- their Wadden Sea sub-populations. ly use offshore areas (herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, sandwich tern, common All in all, if the species covered by the tern, arctic tern, harbour seal), birds with project are to be effectively protected, a important resting and wintering popula- large complex of areas will have to be set tions in offshore areas (black-throated di- aside. Initial steps in this direction, within ver, red-throated diver, black scoter, her- the framework of expansions of protection ring gull, mew gull) and sea mammals areas, have already been made. This pro- that live either exclusively or predomi- ject's findings have helped prepare the nantly in offshore areas (grey seal, har- way for seaward expansion of the three bour porpoise). German Wadden Sea national parks.

Because relevant populations are spread Apart from set-asides of protection areas, over large areas, and because individual an adequate food supply must be ensured species' preferred areas vary with the food for birds and sea mammals in Wadden supply, set-asides of small protection areas Sea offshore areas. The fishing industry are of little use. Populations of the com- has a strong impact in this area. To pre- mon tern and arctic tern stay within near- vent further unnatural increases in popu- coastal offshore areas during the breeding lations of sea birds (such as herring gulls), period. While they are rearing their young, by-catches must gradually be reduced. herring gulls can be found in areas consid- Efforts must also be made to prevent erably outside of the 20 m depth line, while catching of too many small fish (which are sandwich terns use such areas during bree- an important food source for terns, for ex- ding. On the other hand, near-coastal shal- ample) and overfishing of clams (for exam- low-water areas, with water depth to 20 m, ple, trough shell clams are an important are the most important feeding grounds food source for black scoter). in general. It would thus make far more sense to draw the national park boundaries along the 20 m depth line than it ADDITIONAL MEASURES. Oil pollu- would to draw them at an arbitrary dis- tion at sea is a major threat. Such pollu- tance from the mainland, as was done for tion is caused primarily by illegal dis- the 3-sea-mile zone. charges of oil residues. Measures to reduce this threat, such as free disposal in Ger- As to resting birds, the populations of divers man ports, need to be improved. In addi- and black scoters that congregate densely tion, monitoring of ships needs to be in- in small areas are of particular importance. tensified and the monitoring programme Both tend to rest in waters ranging from using seabirds and shore birds as bioindic- 10-20 m in depth, largely outside of exist- tors needs to be continued. ing protection areas. Since these bird species are strongly in need of protection, and since their spatial distribution is not

78 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

To reduce the risk of oil spills, a better tion. At the same time, causes of spatial safety concept, providing for adequate tug- and chronological dynamics must be ex- boat capacities, must be put in place for plored and understood, if it is to be possi- the German Bight. Furthermore, safety re- ble to predict the future development of quirements and crew training must be im- bird populations. Relevant studies should proved on an international level. In the in- be continued, especially studies on dietary terest of effective protection, the Wadden ecology of the most important sea birds, Sea and its nearby offshore areas should on the interactions between fishing and be designated a "particularly sensitive sea sea birds and on the ways in which the area (PSSA)" pursuant to the guidelines of hydrographical and meteorological regime the International Maritime Organisation controls dynamics of sea-bird populations (IMO). Such designation would make it near the coast. possible to introduce stricter safety requirements (such as compulsory pilots, and an expanded traffic-control and reporting sys- OUTLOOK: THE BALTIC SEA.A fol- tem). These requirements have already low-on project is currently being carried been discussed, in the framework of inter- out in the German Baltic Sea. The aim of national co-operation, with the govern- the R&D project "Seabirds and waterbirds ments of the states bordering the Wadden in the German Baltic Sea and their protec- Sea. tion within the framework of international agreements" is to document findings about Waste pollution is another problem seen the breeding, resting and wintering popu- for sea birds and sea mammals. Diving sea lations of all seabirds and waterbirds in birds are particularly at risk; for example, the German Baltic Sea and to assess the they can become fatally enmeshed in nets birds' requirements for protection under and ropes. international agreements. This includes such actions as inventorying breeding po- Development of the North Sea's offshore pulations on the coasts of Schleswig-Hol- areas for wind-energy purposes must be stein and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania sceptically considered. Before installation and describing the distribution, abun- of any wind turbines is approved, further dance and annual cycles of the Baltic Sea's studies are urgently required of popula- most important seabirds and waterbirds. tions in resting and feeding areas and, In addition, the project will analyse previ- especially, of migratory patterns at sea. ous counts made on land and at sea, and it will carry out counts at sea, in an expansion of the existing "Seabirds at Sea" REQUIREMENTS FOR FURTHER RE- project. SEARCH. Plans are in place for preparation of a "German Bight Sea bird atlas" The project is to be used as a basis for for- (Seevogelatlas Deutsche Bucht) that would mulating a concept for medium-term and describe, in detail, all seabirds and water- long-term inventories of seabirds and wa- birds regularly found in the area. This terbirds in the Baltic. In addition, it will publication would also specify additional, support national implementation of the appropriate recommendations for protec- Agreement on the Conservation of Afri- tion. Since the presence of birds in off- can-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), shore areas can fluctuate strongly, on a the EC Bird Directive and the HELCOM seasonal and yearly basis, usually in con- Convention. To these ends, a relevant pro- nection with changes in availability of tection concept ("Minimum programme food, syste-matic observations of birds' dis- for protection of seabirds and waterbirds tributions and populations at sea play an of German Baltic Sea waters") is to be for- important role in derivation and recom- mulated. mendation of specific measures for protec-

79 1.2.3 Research and monitoring in In Germany, protection of these species the framework of efforts to has high priority in connection with im- protect wetlands limicolae in plementation of AEWA, since Germany Germany – description of lies within their core breeding range, and since most of these bird species are endan- R+D projects of the Federal gered, or critically endangered (facing risk Agency for Nature of extinction), pursuant to the current Red Conservation (BfN) List of Germany's threatened breeding birds (BAUER et al. pub. pend., HAUPT et al. 2000, cf. Tab. 1.2.3-1).

Ruff Among the species listed in Annex II of In central Europe, wetlands limicolae are the Bonn Convention on the Conservation concentrated throughout a broad band of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) along low-lying areas and marshes of the and in the Agreement on the Conserva- Netherlands, Germany and Denmark tion of African-Eurasian Migratory Water- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In Germany, birds (AEWA), and of which breeding po- populations are concentrated in the low- pulations regularly appear in Federal Re- lying north German plain, in the states of public of Germany, the following limico- North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, lae, which breed predominantly in wet grass- Bremen, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein lands, are referred to as "wetlands limico- and, to a lesser extent, Mecklenburg-West lae" (Wiesenlimikolen): northern lapwing Pomerania and Brandenburg (ROSENTHAL (Vanellus vanellus), common snipe (Gallinago et al. 1998, NEHLS et al. 2001, NICOLAI gallinago), black-tailed godwit (Limosa 1993). Other populations, especially of the limosa), western curlew (Numenius arquata), species northern lapwing, common snipe, common redshank (Tringa totanus) and western curlew and corn crake, are also ruff (Philomachus pugnax); as well as the found in southern German river valleys palaearctic oystercatcher (Haematopus and fens (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). ostralegus) and dunlin (Calidris alpina), Black-tailed Godwit which tend to depend more strongly on While the species' original habitats con- near-coastal habitats. Along with the corn sisted of coastal salt meadows, bogs, ripari- crake (Crex crex), which occurs in similar an meadows and steppes, they were able habitats, and a number of songbird spe- to adapt to habitat changes that resulted cies, these birds make up the breeding- as human beings began cultivating the bird community typically found in wet land. By occupying cultural landscapes, grassland areas and low-lying landscapes some species were even able to increase (FLADE 1994, ROSENTHAL et al. 1998). their populations and enlarge their breed-

Tab. 1.2.3-1: Red List status of wetlands limicolae that breed in Germany and are listed in AEWA. (* Corn crake: Species listed in Annex II of the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals).

Red List status (BAUER et al., pub. pend.) Category 1: Critically endangered Dunlin, ruff, common snipe, black-tailed (facing risk of extinction): godwit. Category 2: Endangered: Northern lapwing, western curlew, common redshank, corn crake*

80 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

ing areas (for example, KUSCHERT 1983 lands limicolae in Germany. Beginning in for the Eider lowlands, BAUER & BERT- 1972, nature conservation associations, HOLD 1996, ROSENTHAL et al. 1998, SEITZ ornithological associations and specialised 2001). In the past century, as cultivation, nature conservation authorities began drainage and human-oriented improve- organising initial mappings of meadow- ment of habitat areas intensified, popula- bird populations over larger areas. tions shrank significantly, however, to lev- Examples of such efforts include a grid els that have persisted to the present day mapping of the northern lapwing in (Tab. 1.2.3-2, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, Westphalia, 1972/73, and a mapping of MELTER &WELTZ 2001, NEHLS et al. 2001, meadow birds in Schleswig-Holstein, 1982- SEITZ 2001). This development is alarming 1986 (KUSCHERT 1983, ZIESEMER 1986, especially in that all of the species con- BLÜHDORN 2001). cerned formerly were common and were characteristic of the north-west German Earlier data consists primarily of data for cultural landscape. An overview of the individual areas or populations, covering population changes, and of the current sit- short periods of time. This situation did uation of breeding populations of meadow not change until the mid-1980s, when birds in north-west German Länder, was large-area population inventories were most recently published by NEHLS et al. made in core areas of meadow-bird popu- (2001) (Tab. 1.2.3-2). lations in Lower Saxony (AK FEUCHTWIE- SENSCHUTZ WESTNIEDERSACHSEN 1998, MELTER & WELTZ 2001), in the Eider- INVENTORIES AND MONITORING Treene-Sorge-Niederung region and on the IN THE FRAMEWORK OF Eiderstedt peninsula in Schleswig-Holstein MEADOW-BIRD PROTECTION. (NEHLS 2001a), in the Bremen area (SEITZ Although relatively much is known about 2001) and in intensively monitored pro- the situations of bird populations in individ- tected wetlands areas in North Rhine- ual areas, regions and Länder, it is difficult Westphalia (WEISS et al. 1999). The follow- to obtain a complete overview of popula- ing section summarises the results of these tion trends and current situation of wet- studies.

Tab. 1.2.3- 2: Development of breeding populations of wetlands limicolae in Germany and in north-west German Länder (NEHLS et al. 2001).

Species Schleswig-Holstein Lower Saxony and Bremen North Rhine-Westphalia about 1970 1985-94 about 1970 1998 about 1970 1999 Northern k.A. 16,000 >30,000 25,000-30,000 k.A. 12,000-16,000 lapwing (1985) Ruff 150-300 160 500 10-15 “a few pairs” 0

Common 10,000-15,000 1.400 <6,000 2,000-3,000 400-500 77-84 snipe (1985) Black-tailed 1,500 1.600 >6,000 4,400-4,600 800 248-258 godwit Western 210 250 3,000 1,600-1,800 >750 596-611 curlew Common k.A. 4,500 8,500 5,600-6,000 75-100 49-55 redshank

81 A study carried out between 1987 and In North Rhine-Westphalia, data is avail- 1997, covering a total area of 1,263 km2 in able only for protected wet meadows man- the western part of Lower Saxony, showed aged in keeping with habitats require- that populations of all wetlands limicolae, ments of wetlands limicolae; as a result, it with the exception of the palaearctic oy- is difficult to draw conclusions regarding stercatcher, but including the northern the overall situation. From 1988 to 1998, lapwing, common snipe, black-tailed god- the following occurred: populations of wit, common redshank and western cur- black-tailed godwit and western curlew lew, showed annual decreases. The rates of increased until the mid-1990s, following decline range from 1.9% for the western establishment of protected wet meadow curlew to 11.5% for the common snipe. areas, but then began shrinking in the Another indication that the decreases are second half of the study period. During continuing is the fact that all species – the same period, the breeding population again with the exception of the palaearc- of common snipe shrank by more than tic oystercatcher – disappeared from many 70% (WEISS et al. 1999). of the areas studied, during the same period, and that their populations became con- BLÜHDORN (2001), by preparing a large- centrated in fewer and fewer core areas area grid mapping of northern lapwing (MELTER &WELTZ 2001). populations in North Rhine-Westphalia, via comparison of data from 1999 with In addition, comprehensive surveys carried data from 1972/73 and 1988/90, found out in the Bremen area, since the begin- that total grid areas occupied by northern ning of the 1980s, and covering the north- lapwing had decreased in comparison ern lapwing, common snipe and black- with 1972/73 (1972/73: 63%, 1999: 40% of tailed godwit, showed decreases of over all studied grid areas). In the 1990s, the 60% in each case. During the same period, population stabilised at a lower level. populations of common redshank decreased by 30%. Only the western curlew In interpreting these findings, it must be exhibited a highly positive trend. The de- remembered that most of the surveys creases found continued even after imple- were carried out in the known core areas mentation of comprehensive nature con- for meadow-bird populations. Since com- servation measures beginning in the early prehensive nature conservation measures 1990s (SEITZ 2001). had already been carried out in most of these areas, aimed at improving the condi- Large-area population inventories in the tions for meadow birds (for example, in Eider-Treene-Sorge-Niederung area (low- the Bremen area and in protected mead- lands area) and on the Eiderstedt peninsu- ow areas in North Rhine-Westphalia), it la, covering two important core popula- must be assumed that these areas are tions of wetlands limicolae in Schleswig- highly attractive for the species in ques- Holstein, also found significant population tion, and thus have a certain "attractive reductions, through comparison of find- effect" for new breeding birds (AK FEUCHT- ings of 1997 with surveys carried out in WIESENSCHUTZ WESTNIEDERSACHSEN the 1980s. The reductions were particular- 1998). For example, following diking and ly pronounced for black-tailed godwit and reshaping of the Beltringharder Koog common redshank, while the common snipe (polder, Schleswig-Holstein), black-tailed was found to have stabilised at a lower le- godwits from grassland areas of the neigh- vel. The only species that were able to in- bouring Hattstedter Marsch area moved to crease their populations were the the polder's very wet grasslands (HÖTKER palaearctic oystercatcher and western & KÖLSCH 1993). Since such concentration curlew (NEHLS 2001a). effects are likely to occur in other areas, to varying degrees, stable or even increasing populations in some areas cannot be con-

82 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

sidered an indication of positive trends in l So-called "basic protection" (Grund- relevant metapopulations (IKEMEYER & schutz), as practised in the states of KRÜGER 1999, BOSCHERT 1999a). North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, is a minimum-level measure aimed at preventing further deteriora- PROTECTION MEASURES. Beginning tion of areas, primarily through set- in the 1980s, a number of Länder (German asides of protected areas, bans on fur- states) established conservation programmes ther lowering of groundwater levels aimed especially at protecting habitats and bans on tilling. Affected farmers from further degradation. In these efforts, are paid compensation to cover hard- three main strategies were pursued: ship they incur through any loss of use. On the other hand, no grassland-man- l In "contractual nature conservation" agement restrictions are imposed, with (Vertragsnaturschutz), farmers are en- the result that further intensification, couraged to restrict their uses in keep- in the form of increased fertilisation ing with criteria for meadow-bird pro- and greater livestock densities per unit tection and general extensivation of area, is possible. agricultural use: discontinuation of fertiliser use, limitation of numbers of The manner in which such measures are grazing livestock, delay of mowing un- organised, financed and scientifically sup- til after meadow birds reach the end of ported varies from Land (state) to Land, their breeding season and conversion however. of cultivated land to grassland. Farmers participate in these programmes on a In addition to the conservation efforts of voluntary basis and are financially the Länder, projects for protecting mead- compensated for their losses. One of ow birds have also been carried out on the the main problems with this effort is national level, within the framework of that farmers' acceptance of the pro- "major nature conservation projects" (Na- grammes varies with the strictness of turschutzgroßprojekte), in selected, repre- the usage restrictions and the expected sentative areas. Table 1.2.3-3 provides an loss of usage. For this reason, the overview of these projects (SCHERFOSE et required large-area extensivation pro- al. 2001). grammes can be implemented only with relatively minor restrictions that In light of the fact that most meadow-bird cannot meet nature-conservation and species, as migratory birds, spend the lar- species-protection criteria. gest part of their life cycles in resting and wintering areas in southern and western l In another measure, the public sector Europe and in Africa, conservation efforts purchases core zones of important are increasingly focusing on relevant spe- meadow-bird breeding areas and then cies' entire annual habitats. The state of optimises these areas by means of suit- North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, has able measures (damming of water or been co-operating with the Republic of rewetting, creation of shallow pools Senegal in developing the Djoudj National and marshes, usage extensivation), in Park, an important wintering area of the keeping with the habitat requirements black-tailed godwit in West Africa (WOIKE of meadow birds. To ensure that exten- 2001). sive use continues, as is required, the areas are often then leased to interested farmers.

83 RESEARCH PROJECTS IN THE l Determining the ecological require- FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY ments of the relevant flora and fauna, AIMED AT IDENTIFYING THE REASONS FOR DECLINES IN l Describing the historical changes and MEADOW-BIRD POPULATIONS. determining the reasons for the cur- Clearly, the above-described declines of rent threats, wetlands limicolae populations have gone hand-in-hand with major changes in grass- l Preparing guidelines and protection land use. As a result, most studies of the concepts; assessing natural areas and population decreases have focused prima- specific relevant grassland areas, rily on the factors that influence conditions for reproduction in breeding areas. l Compiling a list of necessary protection For example, two research and develop- and regeneration measures. ment projects, scientifically supported by the German Federal Agency for Nature The reasons for the declines of wetlands Conservation and funded by the Federal limicolae populations, and the threats to Ministry for the Environment, Nature wet grasslands, were analysed, and the re- Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), sulting findings were translated into spe- have sought to identify such factors for cific proposals for protection measures. meadow-breeding bird species and to The following section summarises these develop effective protection proposals on findings and describes the various threats' the basis of the resulting findings. direct and indirect impacts on meadow- breeding bird species. The specific threats The project "Development of biotope- identified included: protection concepts for the Federal Re- public of Germany, for selected biotope l Changes in water cycles, types: wet grasslands", which was carried out from 1991 to 1996 by the University of l Fertilisation, Bremen's Institute for Ecology and Evolu- tionary Biology, was aimed primarily at l Intensification of grassland use, developing supra-regional approaches for a nature conservation concept for wet l Follow-on uses, meadows in the north German low plain, the main distribution area for meadow l Losses and isolation of land areas, birds in Germany (ROSENTHAL et al. 1998). This effort began by compiling a compre- l Disturbances, hensive range of data from the responsible Länder authorities, universities, nature l Dangers during migration and conservation associations and private per- wintering. sons. This data was then analysed, with the help of geographic information and database systems, with regard to the fol- CHANGES IN WATER CYCLES. To lowing aims: prepare the way for more intensive use of wet grasslands, groundwater levels were l Inventorying wet grassland areas in lowered via widening of receiving waters north German lowlands, and installation of effective drainage systems. In river lowlands, rivers were diked, l Classifying the relevant natural areas thereby largely eliminating regular spring and biotopes, flooding regimes in riparian meadows.

84 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Such changes in water cycles profoundly INTENSIFICATION OF GRASSLAND change soil structure, vegetation and food USE. Drainage, along with fertilisation, availability (i.e. availability of prey) for wet- makes it possible to intensify use of grasslands limicolae and their young. When land. While earlier uses normally consist- grasslands are drained, and the soil's sur- ed of twice-yearly mowing, beginning in face is levelled (to eliminate the shallow mid-June, or of low-density livestock graz- basins ponds that hold water for pro- ing, the first mowing of the year (or be- longed periods of time), food-organisms ginning of grazing) may now take place for wetlands limicolae descend into deep- between the beginning and the middle of er soil layers. At the same time, since the May. Rolling and fertilising of grasslands soil's surface hardens, ground-pecking spe- takes place as early as mid-March. Under cies can no longer reach such organisms pressure from tight management sched- (for example, DÜTTMANN & EMMERLING ules, the early beginning of mowing and 2001, STRUWE-JUHL 1995). high-density grazing on rotated grasslands, most meadow birds (especially the corn crake, which breeds relatively late - FERTILISATION. Fertilisation of wet GREEN et al. 1997) are unable to complete grasslands with chemical fertilisers or li- their reproduction cycles prior to the be- quid manure, along with additional en- ginning of human uses. What is more, richment from air-borne nitrogen and nu- intensive usage tends to include harmoni- trient release via mineralisation of organic sation of site management over large material (following land drainage), has the areas, with synchronised mowing or graz- primary effect of changing vegetation ing, leaving meadow birds few options to communities. Increases in available nutri- move to neighbouring sites. ents promote a few fast-growing, tall species of commercially valued grasses, at the expense of the species-rich communities FOLLOW-ON USES. The chain consist- found in nutrient-poor locations. As the ing of drainage, fertilisation and usage numbers of species decrease, the vegeta- intensification ends with tilling and culti- tion becomes denser and more homoge- vation of grasslands, which completely neous. Denser vegetation hampers the destroy habitats. This development is par- movements of wetlands limicolae and the ticularly problematic for wetlands limico- birds' search for food. This applies espe- lae, since farmland does meet the habitat cially to young birds, which are smaller requirements of some birds – such as the and tend to search primarily visually northern lapwing – at the beginning of (GIENAPP 2001, BELTING & BELTING 1999). the breeding period. As a result of fre- In addition, as some studies describe, in- quent ploughing etc. and fast growth of creasing usage intensity shifts the overall vegetation, the birds are unable to repro- food supply in the direction of smaller, duce successfully on such land, however. less useful food organisms (GIENAPP 2001). Farmlands thus become an ecological trap Changes in microclimates, as shadowing – attracting birds for breeding, but then deepens – i.e. the denser vegetation blocks thwarting their reproductive success and out more of the sun – can also have a neg- leaving them unable to contribute to their ative impact on young birds, which are populations. especially in need of warmth. Like follow-on use as farmland, complete discontinuation of usage also leads to habitat losses for typical meadow birds, since most species depend on a minimum

85 level of human use to maintain the open facilities and environmental pollution, and structures of their habitats. On the other direct impairments resulting from distur- hand, land left fallow can, depending on bances and hunting (for example, TUCKER the location, attract other rare and endan- & HEATH 1994, BAUER & BERTHOLD gered bird species that populate reed and 1996). The species especially affected by rush vegetation habitats. such factors include dunlin, ruff and black-tailed godwit, which outside of their breeding periods congregate in just a few LOSSES OF LAND AND ISOLATION. areas. Widespread changes in grassland locations, and the resulting losses of suitable In light of the above-described threats, breeding habitats, shrink remaining areas guidelines were prepared for development to a size below that required for mainte- of protection concepts, guidelines that de- nance of the populations. Remaining pop- scribe the desired overall appearance of ulations also suffer from isolation of bree- the landscape, site and management con- ding habitats (MELTER & WELTZ 2001). ditions, vegetation, flora and fauna, risks and regeneration objectives. These were then used as a basis for preparing propos- ANTHROPOGENIC DISTURBANCES. als for measures for further development Along with site changes, structures and of wet-meadow areas, giving special atten- infrastructure such as roads (with accom- tion to the abiotic and biotic bases needed panying rows of trees), high-voltage power to implement wetlands limicolae protec- lines and – to an increasing degree – wind tion within the meaning of the AEWA: turbines – negatively affect areas' suitability as breeding habitats for meadow birds. l Restoration of high water levels and Such structures' primary effect is to reduce natural water regimes (high water lev- the effective land area available to birds, els in the late winter and early spring, since most species maintain a certain mi- drying of areas at the beginning of the nimum distance to such structures breeding period) via damming or trick- (BLÜHDORN 1998). And construction of ling, and creation of a diverse soil pro- networks of paved roads through large, file, with areas of different wetness lev- contiguous wetlands areas increases fre- els in close proximity to one another. quency of disturbances in breeding areas, by providing access for recreationers. l Extensivation of agricultural use, via reduction of nitrogen inputs (discontinuation of fertilisation), and reduction of RISKS DURING MIGRATION AND nutrient levels via mowing. WINTERING. The aforementioned factors reduce populations primarily by l Extensivation of grazing use, via reduc- reducing reproduction rates below levels tion of livestock populations, changes needed for long-term stabilisation of popu- in grazing practices (stationary graz- lation sizes. Changes in resting areas and ing, with low livestock density, instead winter quarters, on the other hand, red- of rotated grazing), delay in annual uce meadow-bird populations by increas- commencement of grazing and selec- ing bird mortality. The most significant tion of suitable livestock animals for such changes include destruction and im- grazing. pairment of resting and wintering areas via drainage and land-reclamation measures, along with construction of industrial

86 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

l Extensivation of mowing. The first (hunting in wintering areas), as well as – mowing should not take place prior to especially – extremely high breeding loss- the middle of June – under certain cir- es due to predation. cumstances, prior to the beginning of July. Mowing techniques and frequen- A similar result is reached by NEHLS cies should be adapted to requirements (2001b) on the basis of studies in the Alte of meadow-bird protection and to de- Sorge-Schleife nature conservation area. As velopment aims with respect to vegeta- of 1992, and in accordance with a man- tion and invertebrate fauna. agement and development plan, this area was converted to extensive management and rewetted via damming of drainage CONTRIBUTIONS OF PREVIOUS ditches. Following implementation of ma- NATURE CONSERVATION nagement measures, populations of com- PROJECTS TO PROTECTION OF mon redshank and common snipe recov- MEADOW BIRDS. Although many ered and returned to their levels at the measures have been carried out, at major beginning of the 1980s. A considerable financial expense to the Länder and the increase in breeding populations of the Federal Government, to protect and western curlew was also seen. On the restore wet grassland areas for meadow- other hand, breeding populations of the breeding bird species, the populations of northern lapwing remained constant at a most wetlands limicolae continue to low level, and those of the black-tailed decline, even in optimally managed pro- godwit even continued to decrease. What tection areas (WEISS et al. 1999, SEITZ is more, the breeding success of both 2001, SCHERFOSE et al. 2001). Studies of species remained at a very low level even the success of previous protection meas- after the area had been converted. In this ures have been published, for example, for area too, poor reproductive success of wet- protection areas in the Bremen area (SEITZ lands limicolae, presumably, is closely 2001), in the Alte Sorge-Schleife area in related to a high predation rate (NEHLS et Schleswig-Holstein (NEHLS 2001b) and for al. 2001). protected wet-meadow areas in North Rhine-Westphalia (WEISS et al. 1999). The results of measures to data vary consider- IMPACTS OF PREDATION ON RE- ably from case to case. In the main, they PRODUCTIVE SUCCESS OF show that long-term protection of mead- MEADOW BIRDS. Research is especial- ow-bird populations is possible only with ly required regarding the current impacts widespread, lasting measures. For exam- of predation – by crows, birds of prey and ple, in protected wet-meadow areas of the predatory mammals – on the breeding Weser lowlands near Bremen, after protec- success and population development of tion measures were implemented (usage meadow birds. In addition, the question of restrictions and improvements via hydro- whether it is necessary to control popula- logical engineering) populations initially tions of predators, along with possible al- increased in some areas – in part, due to ternatives to such control, must also be population shifts and concentrations – studied. In many areas, decreases in popu- only to decline again as of the mid-1990s. lations of meadow-bird species have oc- In some cases, populations decreased to curred together with increases in popula- levels even lower than those prior to the tions of carrion crows (Corvus corone) and, set-asides. Pursuant to SEITZ (2001), the to a lesser extent, of magpies (Pica pica) reasons for this development may include and some birds of prey. Because of this factors outside of the breeding areas coincidence, a causal connection is often

87 suspected. Some studies on the hatching The studies were carried out in project and breeding success of the northern lap- areas that, as major federal nature conser- wing actually do show that predation has vation projects, have received extensive a negative effect on reproductive success support. In particular, the following five (for example, KÖSTER et al. 2001, SEITZ areas, which differ in their land profiles 2001). On the other hand, KÖSTER et al. and locations within natural areas, were (2001) and HABERER (2001), in their stud- selected, to permit comparisons that could ies of northern lapwings in Schleswig-Hol- support relevant general conclusions: stein, found no direct correlation between breeding populations of carrion crows and l Alte Sorge-Schleife (SH) hatching success of northern lapwings. In light of the fact that most nest losses oc- l Bremer Becken (HB) curred in mainland areas, and not on the islands of Pellworm and Amrum, which l Unteres Odertal National Park (BB) are largely free of predatory mammals, it was suspected that predatory mammals l Murnauer Moos (BY) were responsible for most nest losses (KÖSTER et al. 2001, HABERER 2001). l Schwarzachaue (BY).

The results of yet another research and In the various project areas, studies were development project funded by the Fe- carried out of the breeding populations of deral Ministry for the Environment, Na- all occurring meadow-bird species and of ture Conservation and Nuclear Safety the reproductive success of the wetlands (BMU), and entitled "Assessment of the limicolae northern lapwing, western cur- contribution of national and interna- lew and black-tailed godwit. For the corn tional nature conservation projects in crake, a priority species, more detailed Germany to the protection of highly studies on biology, breeding success and endangered bird species (for example, area use were carried out, by means of corn crake) on extensively managed captures, telemetry and surveys of habitat agricultural land – conflicts of aims and structures (both actual and potential habi- potential solutions", promises to provide tats). This project's new approaches inclu- new insights and approaches in this area. ded surveys of agricultural uses, studies of population dynamics of small mammals This project was carried out from 1997 to (potential prey of predators) and of preda- 2000, with scientific support from the Ger- tory mammals (especially the fox Vulpes man Federal Agency for Nature Conserva- vulpes) and supporting studies of the tion, and under the direction of the Bava- impacts of mowing. rian State Bird Conservation Association (Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern Especially interesting findings with regard e.V. - LBV). The project's aim was to derive to design and management of meadow- requirements, from findings of compre- bird conservation areas resulted from stud- hensive studies of model species – the corn ies of correlations between the population crake and other meadow-breeding bird dynamics of small mammals and predato- species (including northern lapwing) – for ry mammals and the breeding success of "meadow-bird-friendly and corn-crake- meadow birds. Use of new types of tools friendly" management of wet meadows. In yielded indications as to the real culprits a second step, these measures will then be behind nest losses. So-called "thermolog- cross-checked against other aims of nature gers", small thermometers with data-stor- conservation projects (management and age units, were hidden in the nests of development planning) (BOYE 1998). northern lapwings. By continually record-

88 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

ing nest temperatures, these devices pro- Findings to date clearly show that breed- vided data on the presence and absence ing failures are the main reason for de- of breeding parent birds and on the times clines in meadow-bird populations, which at which nest losses occurred. In one study are continuing despite extensive conserva- area in the Unteres Odertal area, it was tion efforts. Another research and develop- found that over 60% of all nest losses oc- ment project, initiated by the Bird Conser- curred during the night. From these find- vation Support Association in the Bremer ings, as well as from additional observa- Becken area (Förderverein für Vogelschutz tions of the activity of possible predators, im Bremer Becken e.V.), will build on the it was concluded that nocturnally active above-described research projects and also mammals, primarily foxes, accounted for a seek to identify the factors that influence significant percentage of nest losses of the breeding success of meadow birds. northern lapwings in the Unteres Odertal Another, ongoing research project, enti- area (BELLEBAUM 2000, 2001). This result tled "Assessment of the environmental fac- was also confirmed in parallel studies car- tors affecting the breeding success of ried out in the Bremer Becken (SCHOPEN- meadow birds", began by outlining and HORST & EICKHORST in SEITZ 2001). identify the relevant problem areas by surveying the relevant literature and holding It is presumed that foxes and other preda- an Internet-based experts' discussion. The tory mammals appear as predators in mea- resulting field studies are taking place in dow-bird breeding areas only when they various, well-studied wet-meadow areas in find an adequate and continuing supply of the Bremen area. Instead of concentrating small mammals, their main prey, in such on highly endangered species whose po- areas. The natural floods occurring in pulations are at risk (black-tailed godwit, most wet-meadow landscapes covered the ruff and common snipe), they are attempt- areas for prolonged periods during the ing to answer their questions by studying winter months, destroying the small-mam- more common bird species of the same mal populations living in them. As a result, ecological communities. These species will such areas were virtually free of small mam- then play a representative role in the mals in the spring – and thus had little effort to identify the factors that influence attractiveness for foxes as feeding grounds. meadow birds' reproductive success. As a result, meadow-breeding birds were able to raise their young without losses. It is unclear why predators that have Since such flooding does not regularly oc- always been a natural part of meadow cur in modern cultural landscapes, such birds' environment, and whose presence landscapes support small-mammal popula- has led to the development of effective tions year-round, also in meadow-bird habi- defence strategies (camouflaging of nest tats, that can be used by foxes. As a result, sites, breeding in colonies and joint ward- the nests and young of meadow birds being-off of enemies), are now having such a come a welcome dietary supplement for major impact on the birds' reproductive foxes that hunt primarily for mice in the success. This is the context for the follow- areas. ing questions being posed by a planned research and development project: One important resulting consequence for meadow-bird protection is that in conser- l What impact does predation have on vation areas it is important to restore the settlement of meadow birds, and on natural, large-area flood regimes, in order the birds' hatching and rearing success, to create sufficiently large breeding areas and what factors favour or limit the that are (largely) free of predators (BOYE activity density of predators? What 1998). predators are behind the losses?

89 l What conclusions can be drawn about Another new aspect consists of compara- fitness, nesting strategies and behav- tive studies of the status of wetlands limi- iour of ground breeders with respect to colae habitats in the birds' original arctic strategies for avoiding and defending breeding areas with the status of habitats against enemies? in central European cultural landscapes. Such studies focus on the following ques- High predation rates are not the only fac- tions: tor observed to be behind breeding failures. A frequent observation in recent l How do the living conditions of wading years, in some wet-meadow areas, is that birds, in the birds' original breeding pairs either fail to reach the breeding areas, compare with conditions in cul- stage or abandon breeding at an early tural-landscape biotopes, and what con- stage of their reproductive cycle. The rea- clusions can be drawn with respect to sons for such failures to nest are largely environmental factors and derivation unclear: of conservation measures?

l Why do birds show tentative or absent nesting behaviour, frequently fail to In all likelihood, to answer these ques- breed at all, abandon their nests and tions, it will be necessary to consider the neglect their young? interactions between various factors such as physical constitution, settlement/nesting Furthermore, it is also unclear how stress behaviour, breeding density, habitat struc- factors outside breeding areas influence ture, presence of additional disturbances population development of meadow birds. and dynamics of predator populations. Such factors include direct pressure in resting and wintering areas (hunting) as well as indirect impacts of stress on non-killed birds:

l Do stressed birds who return to breeding areas show constitutional changes? What disturbance and stress factors occur in resting and wintering areas, and how do such factors affect the birds' reproductive performance?

Tab. 1.2.3-3: Overview of selected meadow-bird breeding areas protected within the framework of major federal nature conservation projects. In each case, the figures include the breeding population in 2000 and population development (qualitative assessment) during the period 1991-2000 (pursuant to data in SCHERFOSE et al. 2001).

90 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1 lation Trend Population Trend vation projectvation (Bp)2000 1991-2000 (Bp)2000 1991-2000 Area (ha) Black-tailed godwit curlew Western Core area Nature Popuconser- 2001 1983 1995 1993 1996 1997 1998 2000 2003 2006 2003 2006

Continuation Tab. 1.2.3-3 Completed Completed projects Haseldorfer Marsch*Hohe Rhön/Lange Rhön SH BY Alte Sorge-Schleife 1979- 1981- 1.915 WümmewiesenBorgfelder 3.265 HB SH 1985-Ochsenmoor 1984- 677Regentalaue 500 2.056 3.292 Flumm/Fehntjer Tief NIOngoing projects 4 1987-Meerbruch/Steinhuder Meer NI NI 677 BY 1989- 1989- 1.100 660 1989-Fischerhuder Wümmewiesen 1.316 1.050 1.776Drömling 15 5 Neg. OdertalUnteres 1.029 NIMurnauer Moos 1.316 1.020 1992- 194 2001 Hammeniederung** 21 Neg. 780 BB ST 104 Neg. 1992- 1992- BY* 6Data is based on a sub-area of 335 ha, **Data is based 10.878on a sub-area NIof 578 ha with meadow-bird concentrations; 9.623 1992-*** 8Data is based on a total area of 4,400 ha 1995- 3 6.939 2.715 Neg. 0 Stab. 10.100 4.433 Stab. 29 Stab. 26 2.355 6 1 Stab. 545 18 8 0 Stab. Pos. Neg. Neg. Stab. Neg. 6 3 Neg. 23 Neg. Stab. Stab.

91 Continuation Tab. 1.2.3-3 Trend 67 Stab. Trend Trend Population Common redshank Corn crake Northern lapwing (Bp)2000 1991-2000 (Bp)2000 1991-2000 (Bp)2000 1991-2000 Population Trend Population 2001 2001 1983 1995 1993 1996 1997 1998 2000 2003 2006 2003 2006 Completed Completed projects Haseldorfer Marsch*Hohe Rhön/Lange Rhön SH Alte Sorge-Schleife BY 1979- 1981- WümmewiesenBorgfelder 29 HBOchsenmoor SH 1985- 1984-Regentalaue 12 7 Flumm/Fehntjer Tief Stab.Ongoing NIprojects Meerbruch/Steinhuder Meer 1987- NI NI BY 0 Stab. 1989- 1989-Fischerhuder Wümmewiesen 1989- NI 0 Stab. 1992- 3Drömling 27 16 0 OdertalUnteres 6 Neg.Murnauer Moos Stab. Stab.Hammeniederung** Pos. Pos. 80 BB ST 1992- Neg. 1992- 8 Pos. BY* Data is based on a sub-area of 335 ha, **Data is based on a sub-area of 578 ha with meadow-bird concentrations; NI 1 1992-*** Data is based on a total area of 134,400 ha 37 1995- 11 4 11 29 Stab. 0 Pos. Stab. Stab. Neg. Pos. Stab. Pos. 34 Pos. Neg. 102 50 31 195 13 11*** 35 Neg. Stab. Neg. Neg. Stab. Pos. Stab. 103 Stab. 0 Pos. Neg.

92 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Description of the R+D project protection of the corn crake and other "Assessment of the contribution of meadow-bird species. Agricultural uses in national and international nature the project area, and the area's structure, conservation projects in Germany to were surveyed, and relevant agro-economic factors and developments were identi- the protection of highly endangered fied. This provided a basis for calculating bird species on extensively used the cost of meadow-bird protection, espe- agricultural land" (MAMMEN et al., in cially protection of the corn crake, and, preparation) with regard to management and development plans (Pflege- und Entwicklungs- pläne - PEPL), for preparing recommendations for efficient meadow-bird protection AIMS AND EXTENT OF THE – again, especially for the corn crake. STUDY. The research and development project "Assessment of the contribution Important biological and ecological factors of national and international nature affecting meadow birds, especially the conservation projects in Germany to the corn crake, were identified by mapping protection of highly endangered bird breeding bird areas (covering all species), species (for example, corn crake) on ex- monitoring breeding success (northern tensively used agricultural land – con- lapwing, western curlew, black-tailed god- flicts of aims and potential solutions" wit), capturing and telemetering corn was submitted by the Bavarian State Bird crakes and surveying the corn crake's habi- Conservation Association (Landesbund für tats, both actual and potential. Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. – LBV). It ran for a period of four years, from 1997 to To identify threats to relevant species in 2000, and was funded by the Federal Mini- the project areas, the project surveyed stry for the Environment, Nature Conser- land uses (agriculture), studied small mam- vation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and scien- mals (potential prey of predators) and tifically supported by the German Federal foxes (density of predators) and monitored Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN). Its the impacts of mowing. aim was to help answer autecological questions regarding the corn crake, in sev- This data provided a basis for conclusions eral different areas of Germany, and regar- regarding the behaviour of, and threats ding certain targeted nature conservation to, meadow birds, especially the corn measures. The selected areas are now be- crake, and regarding deficits in protection ing supported under the federal program- of areas and species and the reasons for me "Set-aside and protection of valuable such deficits. natural and landscape areas of national, representative importance" (major nature Along with these studies, an agricultural- conservation projects). The following areas development forecast for the various rele- were included in this project: vant natural areas was prepared, on the Alte Sorge-Niederung (SH), Bremer Becken basis of agricultural development to date (HB), Unteres Odertal National Park (BB), (and with respect to the various specific Murnauer Moos (BY) and Schwarzachaue project areas) and relevant agro-economic (BY). aspects. The next step was to consider the relevant species' habitat requirements and The project's emphases included compara- threats in light of expected future agricul- tive analysis of corn-crake populations, tural development and to define appropri- which can fluctuate widely in size from ate target uses. Proposals for achieving year to year, study of chronological and these target uses, via appropriate usage of spatial dynamics of habitat requirements grasslands within the agricultural frame- and review of possible conflicts of aims in work, were then prepared. Finally, cost

93 estimates for relevant implementation RESULTS. were prepared.

Following subsequent review of the man- POPULATION-ECOLOGICAL agement and development plans for the ASPECTS. The project studied the corn various project areas, deficits in current crake's preferred habitats, periodical popu- nature conservation management were lation fluctuations, spatial relationships identified and relevant recommendations between calling and breeding sites and for the future were formulated. the birds' behaviour in connection with mowing of grassland areas. Any measures for protection in connection with mowing THE SITUATION OF THE CORN regimes must be based on knowledge of CRAKE. The corn crake, a meadow-bird the areas the birds require and use and of species neglected by nature conservation the corn crake's species-specific behaviour. to date, does not require open, short-grass breeding sites – unlike the northern lap- The vegetation structures preferred by the wing and black-tailed godwit, for example. birds varied throughout the individual It requires taller vegetation structures that project areas. In both the Unteres Odertal provide adequate cover during the breed- and Alte Sorge-Schleife areas, calling corn ing and moulting periods. Pursuant to crakes were found primarily in sweet SCHÄFFER (1999 in MAMMEN et al. in pre- grasses. In the Murnauer Moos area, by paration), the corn crake's habitat must contrast, calling sites were found primarily have the following structural characteris- in tall-sedge and reed communities / sour tics: the vegetation must have a minimum grasses. In early May, the vegetation height height of 20 cm (optimal: 50-70 cm); the was over 30 cm in most of the areas. The vegetation density (expressed as a vertical birds showed a preference for extensively degree of coverage) must be at least 40%; used meadows; they seldom used fallow and the resistance to spatial movement areas and extensively used pastures. In the must be low, less than 15 newtons. The Murnauer Moos area, corn crakes bred corn crake's breeding period begins late in predominantly in non-fertilised wet mead- the year. On the average, egg-laying com- ows. mences between early and mid-May. In some areas, the bird breeds twice or pro- Radii of action were determined during duces a second batch of eggs if the first calling and breeding periods via telemetry batch is lost. The breeding period, contin- of adult birds. The calling sites of males uing until the last young have become were often located in the immediate vicin- full-fledged, may thus reach into mid-Sep- ity of nests and fertile females. In the Un- tember. Newly hatched corn crakes leave teres Odertal area, one female's area of the immediate nest environment, in the movement, during breeding and rearing, company of their mother, within one to and until moulting, was found to be 11.4 two days after hatching. Young birds' ra- ha. The maximum distance between suc- dius of action increases with age. Up to an cessive bearings (instances of homing) age of three weeks, the young require sev- never exceeded 500 m. eral hours to cover a distance of 100-200 m. They become full-fledged at an age of Via banding, the birds were shown to 35 days. The radius of action of corn-crake have a supra-regionally constant rate of families, and the mobility of young corn return to their chosen breeding sites. crakes, depend on habitat structure and food abundance; relevant correlations can be established that can be applied to corn- crake populations in general.

94 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

BIOCOENOTIC AND LANDSCAPE- to the adult birds' breeding instincts and ECOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS. to the strength of their ties to their areas. Mowing beginning in July poses a smaller risk for most other meadow-bird species, The birds' choices of new cover include such as northern lapwing, western curlew, mown grass, -vegetation along the periph- common redshank and black-tailed god- ery of neighbouring ditches, reedy or wit, than it does for the corn crake. The bushy areas and unmown neighbouring reason for this is that such other birds re- meadows or tall-perennial communities. quire different habitat structures, and they Some of the radio-tagged corn crakes (six breed earlier than the corn crake. of 13) left the study area following the mowing. Other individuals remained in Potential destruction of breeding sites was areas immediately adjacent to, or in the statistically studied in the Unteres Odertal vicinity of, their old habitats. region, for a total of 126 corn-crake areas (callers in mid-May). It was found that Of the 59 young birds documented in mowing as of 15 June would destroy 22% 1999 in the Unteres Odertal area, nine of the birds' territories. Mowing as of 30 were observed in the vicinity of their June would destroy 47% of such territories, nests, 41 made a successful escape during and mowing as of 15 July would destroy mowing, six were killed during mowing 56%. In any given season, the first young and three were killed by predators follow- corn crakes do not become full-fledged ing mowing. As a result, the losses that before the middle to end of July, a time can be directly and indirectly ascribed to when many other meadow birds have mowing were > 15%. already completed their breeding cycles. By contrast, agriculture played only a Via regular monitoring, and telemetric small role in the northern lapwing's loss- studies, corn crakes' behaviour upon mow- es. In the Alte Sorge-Schleife area, the ing was observed. A total of 17 adult birds black-tailed godwit suffered a very high and 31 young birds were observed in the loss rate, 72%. Of these losses, 32% were Unteres Odertal area. Of these, 59% of the due to agriculture, 25% were due to pre- adult birds, and 42% of the young birds, dation and 43% were due to nest aban- did not leave the meadow until the last donment. five swaths were being mown (an area no wider than 15 m). Seven young birds (23%) Of 135 losses of marked nests, of various remained in the meadow until the last wetlands limicolae, in the "Borgfelder two swaths were being mown. The per- Wümmewiesen" nature conservation area, centages of killed adult and young birds only one nest was lost as a result of agri- were not determined. culture (trampling by livestock). The overall loss rate was high, however, and here, A total of 58% of the observed young birds, as in the Unteres Odertal area, it was due and 50% of the adult birds, fled directly in almost completely to predation. In 70% front of the mower (at a distance of less and 87% of cases, respectively, nests were than five meters), while an additional 25% robbed at night and/or at dusk, a fact that and 31%, respectively, fled from the mead- points to predatory mammals. And even ow when the mower had closed to within daytime losses are not necessarily caused no more than ten meters. The corn crakes' by birds (such as carrion crows), since point of flight was not found to depend some predatory mammals are active dur- on the mowing method. Telemetry of indi- ing the day. Foxes top the list of potential viduals revealed that the birds all reacted predators, which also includes the stone early to the mowing noises but flew from martin, ermine and European polecat. Be- the meadow at very different times. This cause the Wümmewiesen area is subject flight behaviour is presumed to be linked to high water levels and winter flooding,

95 its populations of small mammals are rela- breeds of cattle (milk and meat). Keeping tively small in the spring and early sum- of such livestock produces a mosaic of mer (during the breeding period of mead- grasslands that serve both as pastures and ow birds), with the result that limited as meadows (hay as winter fodder). Tradi- numbers of such mammals are available tionally, wet meadows were mowed only as food for predators. late in the year, because only then did the meadows permit satisfactory passage of From 1992 to 2000, according to studies of mowing vehicles. In addition, traditional hatching success in the Wümmewiesen wet-meadow management normally did area, and estimates of resulting breeding not call for mowing until after 1 Septem- success, only the western curlew was able ber – especially in southern Germany. to produce enough young to maintain its population. The reproduction rates for the Modern uses, along with increasing spe- black-tailed godwit, common redshank and cialisation of agricultural operations, have northern lapwing were far below these reduced the need for grasslands – especial- birds' population-maintenance levels. ly wet grasslands. As the economic, agropolitical and legal framework contin- Water levels in breeding areas are of less- ues to develop, on the global, EU, national er direct importance for the corn crake. and Länder levels, some areas are showing Nonetheless, this species tends to choose a trend toward extensivation of their natu- areas with high water levels. In the Wüm- ral regional basis and agriculture struc- mewiesen area, most meadow birds tures (sizes of farms, production orienta- showed a preference for areas that were tion, transfer of farms from one genera- flooded in the winter. For limicolae and tion to the next). waterbirds, wetness and moisture play an important role in the search for food. Fur- The aim is now to reshape agricultural thermore, intensity of agriculture use in usage is a way that protects meadow birds any given area depends on the area's wa- and improves their habitats to an extent ter cycles. that supports viable populations, while still remaining economically acceptable to farmers. NEW AGRO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS IN PROTECTION OF MEADOW In one approach, the past and expected BIRDS AND CORN CRAKES. First, future agricultural structure and develop- current trends in agricultural usage were ment are determined for the natural areas described, to provide a basis for identify- relevant to each project area, in order to ing relevant agro-economic aspects. This forecast possible development until 2008. work revealed that the survival of impor- Such forecasts provide possible basic sce- tant meadow-breeder populations is relat- narios for agricultural uses. Various target ed to regional development of agricultur- uses are then defined that are in keeping al-usage systems. These systems, in con- with principles of bird conservation and trast to those in other areas within the also acceptable for the agriculture sector. conservation areas considered, are still rel- The costs resulting from implementation atively extensive. Development of agricul- of the measures for protection of meadow tural-usage systems in these areas will birds are then calculated. In each case, the remain a decisive factor in the survival of costs are based on the loss incurred by the important meadow-breeder populations. farmer, as a result of the measure.

One form of agricultural usage that is favourable to populations and breeding success of most meadow birds and of the corn crake is keeping of dual-purpose

96 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Depending on the project area in question, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NATURE the possible solutions include a grassland CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT IN bonus, keeping of calving cows / extensive MEADOW-BIRD PROTECTION. The management of cattle and management following recommendations for nature of traditional wet meadows (in northern conservation management within mead- Germany). In all areas, it is important to ow-bird protection can be drawn from the monitor the success of, and compliance R+D project: with, protection measures. Projects must also be supported by personal representa- Since many meadow-bird species' natural tives, in the various areas, who assist par- habitats, such as sedge bogs and natural / ticipating farmers and help review compli- dynamic riparian meadows, no longer ex- ance with requirements as necessary. Re- ist in Germany, the birds must depend on levant personnel costs can be covered by secondary habitats, such as extensively means of more efficiently targeted protec- used agricultural land. Nature conservation-area management (for example, re- tion efforts must now focus on these areas. strictions only on areas actually used by meadow birds). At the same time, protection efforts must be oriented to the specific requirements of each priority species. Since different MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT species have different requirements, for PLANS (PEPL). The management and effective protection management the rele- development plans (Pflege- und Entwick- vant species' habitats must be understood lungspläne – PEPL) currently in place for as precisely as possible. the project areas were reviewed as to their aims and implementation status with re- This need to understand habitat require- gard to meadow birds, especially the corn ments holds especially for the corn crake, crake. While PEPL are in place for all rele- since the breeding period of this late-arriv- vant areas, the plans differ in terms of ing species can last into September. Im- their objectives and implementation sta- portant aspects to consider include the tus. Not all of the PEPL list meadow birds time for mowing, the water cycle and suit- as priority species. As a result, it is neces- able control of visitors. Measures to reduce sary to consider proposed measures and predation, on the other hand, do not their execution and to identify any deficits seem effective. An especially important with regard to meadow-bird conservation. aspect is that on-location support must be In particular, the different habitat require- provided for each protected area. Such ments of typical wetlands limicolae, such support should be provided, on a long- as the northern lapwing and black-tailed term basis, by the same person(s) who are godwit, have to be compared with require- responsible for inventorying the popula- ments of the corn crake. This makes it pos- tions, for monitoring, for definition of rel- sible to identify any resulting nature con- evant areas, for determination of mowing servation conflicts are identified, and to times and for reviewing compliance with propose possible improvements in imple- protection measures and usage re- mentation of suitable measures. strictions. Only when a responsible support person is permanently on location The findings resulting from such efforts, can measures be flexibly balanced in the various project areas, are being between the needs of nature conservation used to produce recommendations for and those of farmers – with regard to cri- meadow-bird protection as part of nature teria such as the size of areas concerned, conservation management in general. mowing times and grazing periods.

97 Other options include the following agri- 1.2.4 Monitoring and research into cultural strategies: instead of imposing bird migration usage restrictions, with payment of perti- nent compensation, use of flexibly managed contract areas and tendering for nature conservation services can be pro- The Mettnau-Reit-Illmitz program- posed. Yet another means of involving me (MRI) as an example of a long- farmers is to have the nature conservation term research programme for moni- sector take a stake in resources for agricul- toring development of populations tural production – for example, by pur- of common songbird species chasing free-movement stalls and straw supply and then leasing these stalls to farmers so that they do not have to bear To be effective, nature conservation must the financial risk. This approach would be based on the best-possible understand- safeguard use of straw for the near future. ing of the current situation of the popula- The meadow bonuses would be corre- tions to be protected – and of their long- spondingly reduced. term trends. Quantitative inventories and monitoring of bird populations have tradi- For the corn crake, a key aspect is that tionally played a special role in environ- mowing be bird-friendly. Fields should not mental monitoring – because birds func- be mown from the outside in; the turning tion as environmental indicators, play in- zone should not enclose the entire area; tegrative roles within ecosystems, are rela- and mowing should not begin too early tively easy to inventory – and, not least, and take place too quickly. Furthermore, because they are "popular". A number of areas of refuge should be provided: ditch- standardised methods are available for es, unmown neighbouring fields or left- determining sizes of populations of breed- over strips. Such measures are especially ing and resting birds on selected test important, when it is not possible to pro- areas, including territorial mapping, tran- tect known populations in fields from sect counts and point-stop counts (BIBBY mowing. et al. 1995, DO-G 1995, FLADE 1994). On the other hand, it is considerably more difficult to obtain meaningful data for large areas and prolonged periods of time. The published semi-quantitative and quantitative grid maps prepared for many regions and German Länder have the drawback of really being only "snapshots" in time. They are ill-suited as instruments for long-term monitoring, because their use in such monitoring would require their being repeated at regular intervals, over large areas – a time-consuming, organisationally complicated procedure.

Most data series that show bird-population trends over long periods of time and large areas thus cover only large birds, which are relatively easy to survey and which

98 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

occur in low densities, or very rare species programme, of the Radolfzell bird station, confined to scattered, isolated habitat covering a broad variety of questions". The types (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). programme was oriented to the following problem areas (BERTHOLD et al. 1991): And yet long-term, standardised surveys of migrating birds can yield meaningful data on large-area population trends for com- l Demography: Study of the population mon small bird species that are normally dynamics of common songbird species, difficult to inventory. One successful me- with regard to short-term and medium- thod of conducting such surveys is regular term fluctuations, and to long-term po- migration monitoring, i.e. direct observa- pulation trends. Also: study of age-spe- tion of migrating birds at prominent points cific and sex-specific differences in mi- Barred Warbler in the landscape. This procedure has been gratory and resting behaviour, habitat practised since 1970 at the Randecker Maar selection and diet. area in Baden-Württemberg (GATTER 2000). Another commonly used technique is stan- l Migration research: Study of the spa- dardised captures of migrating and resting tial and chronological course of migra- birds at banding stations. This method is tion; study of migration phenology and based on the assumption that birds pass- migration patterns. Study of passage ing through any given location represent and resting strategies as a function of a random sample of the breeding popula- age, sex, origin and climatic and local tion for a larger region. The areas from factors. Physiological mechanisms for which the migrating birds originate can migration control and fat deposition in be roughly determined through capture of connection with moulting and energy individuals banded in their breeding areas, management. along with biometry of population-specific differences in captured birds. For such sur- l Biorhythms: Study of activity patterns veys, scientifically conducted bird banding of resting birds in correlation with time is an indispensable tool for basic conserva- of day, and study of trends in chrono- tion research. In addition to revealing po- logical precision of migration from pulation changes, migration routes and year to year. winter quarters of migrating birds, it helps illuminate key demographic parameters l Ecosystem research: Study of (reproduction rates, mortality, entry into resources distribution in resting com- and departure from relevant areas). These munities, and of formation of habitat parameters must be known before the and diet preferences; study of competi- causes of population changes can be tion. Determination of the capacity of analysed and proposals for nature conser- resting sites and their optimal habitats. vation measures can be developed (for example, BAIRLEIN 2000, BAIRLEIN et al. l Methods research: Study of methods 2000). for determining species, age, and sex, for obtaining biometric data and for The MRI programme, which is named analysing and drawing conclusions after the capture stations that originally from capture data. participated in the project, Mettnau am Bodensee, Reit bei Hamburg and Illmitz am Neusiedlersee (Austria) (Figure 1.2.4-1), was set up as a "longterm bird-capture

99 The programme was initiated in 1974 by survey of previous research, of the status the Radolfzell Bird Station, in co-operation of central European bird populations and with the Helgoland Bird Station, the Ill- the threats they face. It also continued the mitz Biological Station and the Hamburg capture programme at the bird stations. Bird Conservation Association (Bund für The results of this project were sum- Vogelschutz; now the German Nature Con- marised in the overview volume "Die servation Association - NABU). It initially Brutvögel Mitteleuropas – Bestand und ran from 1974 to 1983. After a five-year in- Gefährdung" ("The breeding birds of cen- terruption, it was then continued at the tral Europe – populations and threats") Illmitz and Reit stations from 1989 to 1993. (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). The Mettnau station has worked continuously on the programme since the programme's inception. In 1994, the Reit sta- METHODS. Each year, from 30 June to 6 tion, near Hamburg, was redesigned and November, migrating small birds in the equipped with new capture systems. In various areas were captured in nylon nets the programme, the Illmitz station was (so-called "Japanese nets"), using carefully then supplanted by a new capture station standardised methods. The number of nets set up at Galenbeck Lake in Mecklenburg- used, and their arrangement, remained West Pomerania, also in co-operation with unchanged from year to year. The capture the Rybatchij Biological Station in the Ku- stations chosen for the project were locat- rische Nehrung area (Russia). From 1994 ed in protected areas in largely stable to 1996, captures were continued in the phases of succession. This ensured that framework of a scientific network, funded any changes in capture statistics would by the European Science Foundation, enti- not be influenced by factors within the tled "Spatio-Temporal Course, Ecology and study areas themselves. The nets' walls Energetics of West-Palaearctic-African Song- were checked on an hourly basis through- bird Migration" (Direction: Prof. Franz Bair- out the entire daytime period (from before lein). A total of 50 capture stations, from sunrise until shortly after sunset). Cap- 18 different countries along the entire mi- tured birds were extricated from the mesh gration route of West-Palaearctic song- nets, and then identified, as quickly as birds, from Europe to West Africa, partici- possible, as to species, age and sex. The pated in this project (BAIRLEIN 1997, birds were also weighed and measured, 1998). and their fat reserves and moult status were noted. Each was then banded with a The MRI programme became possible sole- numbered metal band from the relevant ly through the participation of over 1,000 bird station and released unharmed. volunteer staff in the various banding stations. In the course of the project, these The resulting data supported conclusions volunteers were trained by the stations' relative to migration phenology, the age technical staff or by other, experienced vo- structures of the migrating populations lunteer personnel. Financial support was and, via comparison of capture statistics provided by the Deutsche Forschungsge- from successive years, population trends meinschaft, the Max Planck Society and for the migrating species. In addition, it the Federal Ministry for the Environment, permitted analysis, for repeatedly captured Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety individuals, of the time the birds spent in (BMU). In a second phase, lasting from specific areas and of changes in the birds' 1989 to 1993, the programme led to a re- weight and fat reserves (for example, search project aimed at providing an over- KAISER 1996). This, in turn, made it possi- view, via population inventories during ble to assess the areas' qualitative suitabili- breeding periods and a comprehensive ty as resting habitats.

100 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

RESULTS. The results of the MRI pro- The reasons behind the continuing popu- gramme were summarised and extensively lation declines include habitat destruction discussed in various publications (overview, and change, hunting by humans, increas- for example, in BERTHOLD et al. 1986, ing stresses and disturbances in areas with 1991, BÖHNING-GAESE 1992). Most recent- high (human) population densities and ly, in 1999, they were presented in a final pollution with biocides and other environ- report (BERTHOLD et al. 1999). All in all, a mental toxins (for example, BAUER & total of about 300,000 initial bird captures, BERTHOLD 1996, BERTHOLD 2000). The representing a total of 37 selected bird spe- population decreases were particularly cies – all songbirds, except for the wry- pronounced for migratory birds – and neck – were evaluated. Table 1 shows the especially birds that migrate over long dis- development in the capture statistics for tances – since such species are subject to the studied species, as a trend in the lin- negative trends in both their breeding ear regression of the capture statistics areas and their resting and wintering after logarithmic transformation. In gener- areas. al, negative population trends were found for most of the bird species studied. For Recently, discussion has been increasing example, from 1974 to 1993, 20 of the 35 regarding the ways in which lasting cli- bird species studied showed significant mate change could affect bird species' negative population trends at at least one population trends (for example, of the participating stations. A total of 11 BERTHOLD 1998, BERTHOLD et al. 1998, species were found to have more or less BERTHOLD 2000). It is expected that cli- stable populations, and four species mate warming would favour stationary showed positive population trends. and partly migratory birds, since such Remarkably, in spite of the large distances birds would benefit from lower winter between the stations, the stations contra- mortality, earlier returns to their breeding dicted each other regarding the popula- areas, earlier commencement of breeding tion trends in only four cases. It thus must and, possibly, increases in environmental be assumed that the banding stations' fall biomass, with accompanying increases in capture statistics accurately reflect devel- their food supply. Long-distance migrants, opments, in central Europe, in populations which would then, effectively, be later in of the bird species studied. As expected, their return to breeding areas, and whose the total capture statistics for all species, migration behaviour seems less flexible, at the various stations, also showed a neg- would face increasing competition for ative development that paralleled the neg- available resources. Furthermore, migrato- ative trends for the individual species. ry birds in general are more strongly affected by negative impacts of climate In a detailed analysis of capture data col- change in their wintering areas, as the lected by the Mettnau station from 1972 examples of the whitethroat, spotted fly- to 1996, BERTHOLD et al. (1998) showed catcher and common redstart clearly that long-distance migrants, i.e. species show. All three species are long-distance that winter predominantly in sub-Saharan migrants that winter in sub-Saharan Africa, suffered particularly marked popu- Africa. They have suffered considerable lation decreases (Tab. 1.2.4-1, see also stud- population declines as a result of persist- ies of Muscicapidae species, Chapter 3). ent droughts in Sahel zone (for example, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996).

101 Tab. 1.2.4-1: Population changes for 35 bird species decrease; p <0.05; +: positive trend; +++ significant captured within the framework of the Mettnau-Reit- increase p <0.05; migration-behaviour data pursuant Illmitz programme, from 1974 to 1993 (pursuant to to BERTHOLD 1998, L: long-distance migrants, M: BERTHOLD et al. 1999; -: negative trend; ---: significant medium-distance migrants, S: non-migrants)

Species Mig- Mettnau Reit Illmitz ration Acrocephalus Marsh warbler L ------Negative everywhere palustris Saxicola rubetra Whinchat L ------Negative everywhere Acrocephalus Great reed warbler L ------Predominantly negative arundinaceus Acrocephalus Aquatic warbler L ------Predominantly negative paludicola Acrocephalus Sedge warbler L ------Predominantly negative schoenobaenus Lanius collurio Red-backed shrike L ------Predominantly negative Luscinia svecica Bluethroat L - - - + - - - Predominantly negative Muscicapa striata Spotted flycatcher L ------+++ Predominantly negative (counter-trends) Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common redstart L ------Predominantly negative Phylloscopus trochilus Willow warbler L ------Predominantly negative Sylvia curruca Lesser whitethroat L ------+ Predominantly negative Turdus philomelos Song thrush M + ------Predominantly negative Ficedula hypoleuca Pied flycatcher L - - - - +++ Negative (counter-trends) Jynx torquilla Northern wryneck L - - - + - Negative Locustella luscinioides Savi´s warbler L - - - + + Negative Locustella naevia Grasshopper warbler L - - - + - Negative Parus caeruleus Blue tit S - - - + +++ Negative (counter-trends) Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood warbler L - - - + +++ Negative (counter-trends) Prunella modularis Dunnock M + - - - - Negativ Sylvia communis Whitethroat L - - - - - Negativ Acrocephalus scirpaceus Red warbler L - + - Stable Emberiza schoeniclus Red bunting M - + - Stable Erithacus rubecula European robin M + + + Stable Hippolais icterina Icterine warbler L - - + Stable Phylloscopus collybita Chiff-chaff M - + - Stable Pyrrhula pyrrhula Northern bullfinch S - Stable Regulus ignicapillus Firecrest M - + - Stable

Regulus regulus Goldcrest S + + + Stable

Sylvia borin Garden warbler L - - - Stable Troglodytes troglodytes Wren S - - - Stable Turdus merula Blackbird S - - + Stable Carduelis carduelis Eurasian goldfinch M - - +++ Positive Lusciania megarhynchos Nightingale L +++ + - Positive Phoenicurus ochruros Black redstart M + +++ - Positive Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap M +++ + + Positive Total number of capt. ------Predominantly negative

102 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

As such relationships show, protection of ters must be understood before a species' migratory species, if it is to be effective, population trends can be assessed and the must cover species' complete annual habi- reasons for its population changes analy- tats – i.e. all of the areas the species use sed. For example, this information is need- throughout their entire life cycles, for ed in order to determine whether a bird breeding, resting and wintering. Conse- species' population decrease is occurring quently, there is a need for international because conditions in its breeding areas co-operation in scientific study of threats no longer support adequate reproduction to species and in implementation of find- or because too much of the population is ings in the form of effective nature conser- being killed in its resting and winter habi- vation measures. tats. The three German bird stations' project "Integrated monitoring of songbird populations" is aimed at obtaining data need- INTEGRATED MONITORING OF ed for study of the population dynamics of SONGBIRD POPULATIONS. The de- common songbirds. This is to be accom- velopment of a bird species' population in plished via a standardised capture program- a given reference area depends on the spe- me – i.e. a programme that permits com- cies' reproduction and mortality rates, as parison of data for different years and stu- well as on the numbers of individuals that dy areas. An overview of the project's oth- enter and leave the area (for example, BAIR- er aims and methods, and of its organisa- LEIN 1996). These demographic parame- tion, is provided by BAIRLEIN et al. (2000).

Fig. 1.2.4-1: Central European locations of banding stations of the Mettnau-Reit-Illmitz programme.

103 Measurement of the reproduction success stations, however. In 1999, the project's of songbirds is hampered by considerable first year following a two-year pilot phase, difficulties not encountered, for example, a total of 26 banders (groups) participated in programmes for monitoring breeding in the field work. success of coastal birds (EXO et al. 1996) or development of populations of birds of prey and of owls (for example, STUBBE et al. 1996, MAMMEN & STUBBE 2000). For most songbird species, which hide in dense vegetation as they breed, the standard method of locating and regularly monitoring nests is highly time-consuming and can significantly disrupt the breeding process. The relative percentage of young birds captured at the end of the breeding period, as long as capture methods remain the same, may be considered an indirect measure of reproduction success. In addition, banding and monitoring of individuals via capture-recapture can produce data on population sizes, mortality, causes of mortality and migratory movements.

The most important prerequisites for data comparability are that the amount of time invested in captures, in all study areas, remain constant and that captures always be carried out at the same sites. In addition, bird stations' specified methods must be painstakingly applied and all capture activities must be carefully recorded. Most of the sampling areas established to date consist solely of the habitats "field hedges" and "reed beds". Nonetheless, in the long term, the method can provide significant data relative to basic demographic parameters for a number of bird species, data that can enable important insights into population dynamics and mechanisms of population changes. Ideally, the programme should be continued on a long-term basis, and additional sampling areas, with different habitats, should be included. The programme's ultimate success will depend primarily on the commitment of volunteer bird-banders in the bird

104 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

1.2.5 Description of EU-Life projects involving efforts to protect the Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris)

Introduction

Eurasian Bittern BIOLOGY OF THE EURASIAN BIT- THREATS TO THE BITTERN. At the TERN.The Eurasian bittern is found in end of the 19th century, bittern popula- large reedbeds. FLADE (1994) terms it a tions, which were probably still quite large lead species of reedbeds. at the time, began to shrink (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). Whereas in the 19th In order to be suitable as nesting areas for century hunting was seen as the main fac- bitterns, reedbeds must meet certain crite- tor behind the bird's decline, by the begin- ria. According to BAUER & GLUTZ OF ning of the 20th century habitat loss BLOTZHEIM (1969), reedbeds chosen by became its main threat. bitterns are at least 2 ha in area and consist primarily of common reed (Phragmites The most recent estimate of the size of australis) or lesser reed mace (Typha spec.). Germany's bittern population, dating from 1999, placed the population at 360-620 Bitterns choose reedbeds that are two to pairs. The Red List of Germany's endan- several years old, are of even height and gered breeding birds lists the bittern as fa- contain few bent stems (BLAB 1993). In cing extinction (BAUER et al., pub. pend.). addition, stems must not be too densely placed to hinder easy movement within Extensive development and drainage have the reedbed, either on the bottom or bet- destroyed many of the reedbeds occupied ween stems (climbing). Ideally, the reed- by bitterns. Overly intensive mowing of beds surround a small reed-free area in reedbeds has reduced the available area which the bittern can hunt for prey while for the birds. still having adequate cover (SCHLUMPRECHT 1999). Eutrophication of water bodies damages common reeds and leads to their displace- Normally, this very secretive species can ment. Under its influence, common reeds be observed only during its migrations. grow more vigorously, initially, but then During the breeding season, only the tend to develop weaker stems. As a result, bird's characteristic calls, which are heard lesser reed mace begins to take the place primarily at dusk, give an indication of its of common reeds and ultimately displaces presence. The bittern's booming calls are them. Because of the manner in which also responsible for its common German the bittern moves within reedbeds – by epithet, "Moorochse" ("bog ox"). grasping stems – it tends not to settle in reedbeds consisting of lesser reed mace. In addition to losing habitats, bittern populations suffer from anthropogenic dis-

105 Tab. 1.2.5-1: EU-Life projects that benefit the Eurasian bittern in Germany (From: EUROPEAN COMMISSION 2001b).

Title Area Co-ordination / Land (state) Time Total volume Funding per- frame in centage provided by the EU (%) Conservation and resto- Trebeltalmoor – State Environmental, Nature June 94 to 5,271,333 75 ration of the Trebeltal- North-east Conservation and Geological June 98 moor (Trebeltal fen) area West Pomerania Agency (LUNG), Mecklenburg- in Mecklenburg-West West Pomerania Pomerania, including preparatory studies for the Recknitztalmoor area (Recknitztal bog) Restoration of the Reck- Recknitztal State Environmental, Nature July 98 to 2,465,084 60 nitztalmoor area (Reck- Conservation and Geological Apr. 01 nitztal fen, an EU special Agency (LUNG), Mecklenburg- protection area for birds) West Pomerania Restoration of the Schaale- Elbe Nature Park Elbe Nature Park, Mecklenburg- Apr. 99 to 2,159,696,91 50 Sude river landscape West Pomerania July 03

Wetland habitat manage- Schaalsee Biosphere Office for the Schaalsee Bio- Jan. 98 to 663, 065,71 50 ment in the Schaalsee Reserve sphere Reserve, Mecklenburg- July 02 Nature Park West Pomerania

Fens and bitterns on the Obere Havel Nature Müritz National Park Autho- Sept. 98 to 1,062,317,57 50 upper Havel River Park Müritz rity, Mecklenburg-West Dec. 02 Pomerania

Restoration of the "Galen- Nahe Ueckermünde Ueckermünde State Environ- May 01 to 5,780,907 70 becker See" natural area mental Office Umweltamt, May 05 for priority species Mecklenburg-West Pomerania

Bittern conservation in Schorfheide-Chorin Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Oct. 99 to 1,526,743,63 50 the Schorfheide-Chorin Reserve, Brandenburg Oct. 03 EU special protection area for birds

Regeneration of the Ram- Brandenburgische Elb- Brandenburgische Elbtalaue Aug. 99 to 1,286,512,63 50 bow fen (Rambower talaue Biosphere Biosphere Reserve, Aug 03 Moor) in order to protect Reserve Brandenburg the bittern Doberschützer Wasser Doberschützer Was- Saxony State Ministry for En- Sept. 94 to 1,220,000 75 nature conservation ser/ Saxony vironmental and State Deve- Oct. 97 project lopment, Saxony Bitterns and pond ma- Upper Palatinate LBV Bayern LV Oberpfalz Apr. 97 to 536,756,79 50 nagement – interaction (Bavarian bird conservation Sept. 01 and coexistence association, Upper Palatinate chapter), Bavaria

106 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

turbances that cause breeding birds to as priority species (EUROPEAN COMMIS- abandon their nests. SION, 2001a, Ornis Committee from 28/4/93, amended on 26/4/96 and For these reasons, it is necessary – also 20/05/97). within the meaning of Article III (2) AEWA – to protect and restore the bird's remain- The present article provides an overview ing habitats. Such efforts should also assist of the ten EU-Life projects carried out in the bird in settling in existing potential Germany to protect, create or improve ha- habitats. bitats of the Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris). Some of the projects also have (or have had) other aims in addition to cre- INFORMATION ABOUT LIFE. In 1992, ation of new reedbed areas for the bittern. the "EU Life" instrument was created, in connection with the European Bird Direc- Since the bittern is a priority species with- tive (79/409/EEC) and the Fauna, Flora and in the meaning of the EU-Life Regulation, Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). It supports four of the projects received funding levels projects in three major areas of action: En- of over 50% of eligible costs (to defray the vironment (technical environmental pro- costs borne by the relevant Länder). Table tection measures), Third Countries (meas- 1.2.5-1 provides an overview of EU-Life ures in non-EU countries) and Nature (na- projects carried out in Germany. ture conservation measures).

Life III, the third phase of this programme DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECTS. (Regulation (EC) No 1655/2000), which is The projects described here are being, or scheduled to run for four years, has been were, carried out in the German Länder of in progress since 2000. Bavaria, Saxony, Brandenburg and Meck- lenburg-West Pomerania. Life Nature is used only to promote species / biotope conservation measures that sup- In all of the projects, protection and res- port implementation of the European Bird toration measures were oriented to area Directive and the Fauna, Flora and Habi- protection. This means that some projects tats Directive. As a rule, projects receive benefited a range of different species. In funding ranging from 50% of eligible costs such projects, the bittern was / is one of to a maximum of 75% in cases involving several key species. protection of priority natural habitats (within the meaning of the Life Regula- To counter the above-described threats to tion). In projects in Germany, the remain- the bittern, habitat-conservation measures ing funding is normally provided by the have been carried out in project areas that relevant state (Land). In some projects, are important for the bird's population in nature conservation associations pay a Germany. share of the costs. In the main, these measures included Of the bird species found in Germany, the analysis of the reasons for the population aquatic warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola), declines in the project areas, and of the red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis), corn current condition of the areas' bittern crake (Crex crex), great bustard (Otis tarda) populations. Resulting actions included and the Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris) installation of new reed areas and raising have been listed by the EU-Life Regulation of water levels. These efforts were then followed by establishment of management plans that would permit the biotopes to be properly managed in the future. In 1) l´instrument financier européen por l´environnement addition, agreements were reached with

107 the affected users in order to protect the The project area is divided into two sub- areas in the long term. Later, efforts were areas (MEERGANS 2000). In the south-west made to purchase the relevant areas, to part of the area, current use is to be con- facilitate carrying out planned measures. tinued even after the project has been completed. The north-eastern part is to be completely rewetted, however, in order to PROJECTS IN THE STATE OF MECK- restart fen formation and attract priority LENBURG-WEST POMERANIA. A to- species to the area again. tal of six EU-Life projects with relevance to the bittern have been / are being carried All of the Recknitz within the project area out in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. is to be restored to a natural state. To this end, old oxbows are being reconnected to In the EU-Life project "Conservation and the Recknitz, and the river's artificial restoration of the Trebeltal fen area in course since the 1960s is to be closed off Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, includ- at the transition point(s) on one or both ing preparatory studies for the Reck- side(s). In the section that is to be rewet- nitztal fen area", fen-conservation meas- ted, the height of the existing dam will be ures were carried out in an effort to re- increased, in order to keep the water in store habitats of priority species (RUNZE the valley. 2000). The farmers affected by these measures To regenerate the fen in the river valley, it will be compensated financially or with was necessary to stop the continuing drai- substitute fields. nage from the Trebeltal fen (Trebeltalmoor) and to restore natural hydrological condi- The EU-Life project "Restoration of the tions. This made it possible to promote Schaale-Sude river landscape", being car- peat-forming reedbeds, consisting of com- ried out in the Mecklenburgisches Elbetal mon reeds and sedges, as habitats for pri- nature park, is aimed at restructuring a ority species. Development of wet mead- polder through which the Schaale and the ows on the valley slopes is to be initiated Sude flow. This will restore the area's natu- by raising summer groundwater levels. ral flood and overflow regime. Pursuant to LANGE (2000), the restructuring is expect- The measures included dismantling the ed to permit typical riparian grassland three bucket elevators in the area and in- complexes and reedbeds to develop in the stalling a small supportive dam to control lowland area. run-off from the valley fen. The old meandering watercourse was restored over a 12 The measures include reconnection of km section. oxbows, and thus restoration of a freely meandering river above the polder itself. Overall, 1000 hectares of land within the An oxbow located within the polder is to project area in the Trebeltal were rewet- be reconnected to the Schaale. In addi- ted. tion, a summer dike in the polder area is to be removed. The EU-Life project "Restoration of the Recknitztal fen area (EU special protec- The reedbed is expected to increase its tion area for birds)", which is currently in size by 86%, thereby permitting the bit- progress, is building on the previous tern, which was last seen in the area in project in the Trebeltal. This project's pri- 1996, to return to the area. mary aim is to stop the drainage from the Recknitz river-valley fen.

108 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

In area covered by the EU-Life project The EU-Life project will stop the continu- "Wetland habitat management in the ing drainage from the area and initiate Schaalsee Nature Park", drainage – controlled rewetting, in order to restore which has continued from the Middle the body of the fen until regeneration of Ages to the present – is to be at least par- peat-forming vegetation can take place. In tially stopped (GEBHARD 2000). Analysis of addition, the old Havelbach watercourse is historical maps revealed that systematic to be restored to its original condition. drainage has changed the area profound- The reedbeds are to be expanded by about ly. Restoration of natural hydrological con- 13 hectares, in order to provide more ditions will regenerate the remaining fens habitat area for bitterns. and save them from complete destruction. In parts of the project area, the water le- The EU-Life project "Remediation of the vel is to be raised, via measures such as Galenbecker See natural area, for priori- dismantling of a bucket elevator and clo- ty species", which began in May, is aimed sure of ditches. The water level is expected at ecological restoration of the Galen- to rise by 30 to 50 cm, thereby affecting becker See (Galenbeck lake) natural area, 156 hectares of grassland and 35 hectares in order to stop artificially accelerated ter- of forest. This rewetting is expected to im- restrialisation of the lake and stabilise the prove the conditions for priority species lake's water regime, which is seriously dis- such as the bittern and the corn crake. turbed (SCHIEFELBEIN in lit. 2001). This effort is expected to considerably expand When the measures are completed, the natural habitats in the area and promote project area is to be set aside as a nature populations of priority bird species, such conservation area, in the interest of its as the bittern. long-term protection. The main measure is to construct a dam The EU-Life project "Fens and bitterns on 6.9 km in length to prevent drainage and the upper Havel River", like efforts in the to separate the project area from the Schaalsee area, is aimed at reversing ex- neighbouring cultivated grassland. Within tensive anthropogenic changes of the past the restoration area, incoming water is to 200 years (SPICHER 2000). Around 1800, in be retained to a target level of 9 m HN the Zotzen Lake (Zotzensee) lowlands area, (normal high water level), or about one the then existing Havelbach (brook) was meter above the current level. This will replaced with the Havel Canal (Müritz- create a large shallow-water area, border- Havel waterway). This reduced the water ing the lake, that could serve as a site for level in Zotzen Lake and caused drainage water reedbeds. of the entire lowlands area. To slow terrestrialisation of the lake, it is In 1970, measures to "improve" the low- imperative to reduce the amount of nu- lands began, launching a process that trients flowing into the lake. For this rea- eliminated some 18% of the fen area over son, in the main riverbed a filter area, the next 30 years. Zotzen Lake, a mesotro- with extensive reedbeds, is to be estab- phic lake 15 years ago, is now in a state lished for nutrient elimination. At the ranging from eutrophy to hypertrophy. same time, selective fishing of predatory fish is to be discontinued. This will reduce the numbers of non-predatory/coarse fish, thereby increasing the population of filter- ers among the plankton, which will improve the water quality. The aim is to

109 form a macrophyte-rich clear-water lake formed landscape have been dried; a that offers visual hunters such as the nor- total of 300 hectares have been dried thern pike (Esox lucius) and the bittern a since the 1980s alone. In addition, good food supply and that can function as water levels have dropped continually a water reservoir for the neighbouring in other habitats. fen. 2. As in the other project areas, eutrophi- Parts of the land within the project area cation has seriously weakened and (about 565 hectares) are to be purchased shrunk reedbeds. and transferred to state ownership. Users who need to leave the project early will be 3. Disturbance of reedbed-dwelling compensated. species, by swimmers, motorboats and fishermen, has caused birds to abandon Public-information efforts play an impor- their breeding areas. Numerous piers, tant role in the success of such restoration many of them illegal, have fragmented measures. For this reason, plans call for the reedbeds, rendering them unsuit- regular provision of information to the able for bitterns. press, a documentary film on the project, preparation of flyers, an exhibition, excur- The primary aims of the EU-Life project to sions and seminars and a popular-scientif- protect the bittern can be derived from ic brochure. In preparation for the project, this threat analysis. These aims include two major informational events will be protecting and enlarging the reedbeds held, and exploratory discussions will be and reducing the anthropogenic distur- conducted with potentially affected citi- bances within the reedbeds. zens. Buffer zones are to be established around the lakes in order to improve their water EU-LIFE PROJECTS IN THE STATE and habitat quality. These measures are to OF BRANDENBURG. The EU-Life proj- be supported by contractual nature con- ect "Bittern conservation in the SPA servation in the area. To improve and ma- Schorfheide-Chorin", which covers the nage the reeds, and to promote their growth, largest area of all of the projects, compris- a small reedbed area will be mown. The es 10 of the water bodies protected by the cut reed will then be sold in the region. European Bird Directive (KÖRNER & MÄDEL 1999). Removal of 30 illegal piers will end the fragmentation of the reedbeds. This meas- The areas falling within this EU-Life proj- ure is of great importance for the bittern ect harbour about 4% of the total bittern and for other reedbed-dwelling species. population in Germany. To this end, purchase of some 275 hectares of land is planned. In addition, Prior to the beginning of the project, the water-damming rights will be obtained, reasons for the decline of bittern popula- and water-damming levels will be legally tions in the project area were analysed. established, to safeguard the conservation Three different factors, which have a efforts in the long term. cumulative effect, were identified:

1. Since the beginning of the 20th century, some 1,000 hectares of former lake shorelines and fen lakes in the glacially

110 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

A mobile exhibition and extensive infor- Restoration of the springs and their natu- mational events in the area will help the ral runoff will return water to the fen, project gain public acceptance. thereby stopping terrestrialisation of the fen. In addition, the surrounding cabbage- The above-described measures will regen- thistle meadows will be extensively man- erate 100 hectares of former reedbeds and aged, in order to provide a buffer zone. rewet drained fens and fen lakes over an area of 300 hectares. A key aim is for water to remain in the fen for longer periods of time, so that the The bittern population is expected to living peat will not dry out during periods increase by 10 to 15% within four years. of little rainfall. To achieve this aim, continuing drainage of the fen via the Naus- The EU-Life project "Regeneration of the dorfer Canal and other drainage ditches Rambow fen in order to protect the bit- must be stopped. In the long term, the tern" will aim to implement planned peat layer is to be regenerated. The Ram- measures with the public's participation bower See, which in the past 50 years has (FILODA in lit. 2001). shrunk to a fifth of its former size, will thus contain large reedbed areas that will Before the project began, it was expected provide bittern habitats. that the public would be highly sceptical of the planned measures, and thus an To make these measures possible, project effort was made to generate support, via funds have to be used for purchasing sur- presentations at numerous village festivals, rounding areas. The planned measures meetings and community council meet- will also regenerate the reedbeds and ings. enable them to increase in size again, so that significant numbers of bitterns can For the project to be possible, it was neces- again breed in the area. sary to involve the affected parties that managed the relevant areas. The project group "Regional Interests" was founded, PROJECT IN THE STATE OF BA- including the surrounding area's users, cit- VARIA. The EU-Life project "Promoting izens and communities as well as repre- bittern populations in pond areas of sentatives of the Life project. Bavaria" (LANZ 2000) is focused on a much smaller number of pond/lake areas The project area comprises the Rambower – only two – than the Schorfheide-Chorin See (lake), along with the springs that feed project. The two areas in question, which it, as well as part of the Nausdorfer Canal, are close to each other, are the Charlotten- which empties into the Rudower See hofer Weihergebiet nature conservation (lake), which is heavily used for recreation- area, which is part of the Oberpfälzer al purposes. Teichgebiete area, and the Hirtlohweiher nature conservation area. The Oberpfälzer Because the fen is spring-fed, and thus has Teichgebiet area, near Schwandorf, is one stable temperatures even in the winter of southern Germany's last remaining (low probability of freezing), it is an pond areas to harbour more than one pair important wintering area for bitterns in of bitterns. Germany. Purchase of ponds is an important instrument for protecting land in the project area. Alternative approaches include leas-

111 ing areas or reaching special usage agree- commencement of measures), the biotopes ments. Because their earnings increased in the project area were mapped, and during the project period, the pond users existing vegetation communities involved had little incentive to sell the ponds or in reedbed production were described. even to lease them or accept usage restric- Furthermore, notes were made of existing tions. For this reason, the project period uses of the relevant water bodies, and had to be extended by 1,5 years. water bodies in which bitterns had been sighted in the past 15 years were studied. Initially, a so-called "consent agreement" (Gestattungsvertrag), with a term of 15 The analysis found bittern populations in years, was reached with the responsible fo- a total of 26 ponds. After much study, in rest authority. The agreement covers only some cases lasting several years, these two ponds, with a total area of 30 populations were divided into four differ- hectares. Via a management plan, ma- ent categories, in keeping with the abun- nagement of the ponds, and establishment dance and regularity of occurrence. of water conditions favourable to reedbed formation, are being controlled. In addi- 70% of the ponds with regularly occurring tion, development of the existing reed belt bittern populations were covered to a is being promoted via planning and seed- degree of at least 50% with common reed ing. As the project continued, another (Phragmites australis). The ponds ranged in large pond, with an area of 28 hectares, size from 5.5 hectares to 21 hectares. was added to the EU-Life project via a usage agreement with a pond user. The In the ponds harbouring breeding bittern reedbed area in this pond will be able to populations over several years, common grow over the next ten years, via extensi- reed was always the dominant plant vation of usage and supporting measures. species. In only about 30% of pond areas The affected pond user is being compen- were other plants, such as lesser reed sated, from project funds, for a ten-year mace (Typha spec.) or rushes (Juncus spec.), period. nearly as well-represented as common reed.

PROJECT IN THE STATE OF SAXO- About 90% of the regularly occupied NY. Like the area covered by the Bavarian ponds were completely, or almost com- project for promoting the bittern popula- pletely, surrounded by a strip of forest at tion, the project area for the EU-Life proj- least 20 m wide (usually beech forest). In ect "Doberschützer Wasser nature con- cases where this surrounding forest strip servation project" includes a number of was narrower, fewer bitterns were found different – although small – water bodies in the relevant ponds. The ponds were (SCHLUMPRECHT 1999). either poorly accessible or legally protected. Ponds that were more easily accessible Before the project measures were actually or not legally protected were not regularly commenced, a comprehensive analysis of occupied. the bittern's biological requirements was carried out. Information was compiled, via On the basis of the habitat analysis and extensive research in the literature and their bittern occupancy, a general aim was discussions with experts, regarding the formulated: to increase the bittern popula- bird's habitats (structure), population ecol- tion in the relevant pond area to such an ogy, diet and feeding habits and sensitivity extent that each pond would be occupied to disturbances. In addition (also prior to by at least one breeding pair.

112 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

This, in turn, led to the following develop- Once shallow-water zones had been re- ment aims: creation of new reedbeds or stored over an area of three hectares, with enlargement of existing ones, reduction of initial growth of common reed, the zones reedbeds consisting of lesser reed mace, were occupied by a number of different rewetting of dried-out ponds and reed- amphibian species, some of them rare, beds, management of reedbeds, establish- and a potential breeding habitat for the ment of natural water regimes, linking of bittern was created. the wetland areas within a network – for example, by means of strips of wet forest – At the project's conclusion, it was shown and adaptation of management to the bit- that the completed measures had created tern's requirements. suitable bittern habitats. In 1997, a calling male was found at each of four different Efforts to spark reedbed growth began ponds. In 1998, a calling male was found with planting of balls and pallets of com- at another pond. All in all, from 1998 to mon reed. To reduce the lesser reed mace, 2001, a total of six calling males, at differ- their beds were mowed twice yearly – ent ponds, were found. In 2001, a total of once in the winter, over ice, and once in five breeding females were found in one the spring, below the water's surface. pond, while only two calling males were Attempts to dig out lesser reed mace rhi- found (Grüne Liga Sachsen, pursuant to zomes proved to be very time-consuming. data of Saxony's Neschwitz bird station, in Furthermore, this required the ponds to lit. 2002). be drained, an unjustifiable measure given the prevailing, often serious water shortages at the time. In addition, measures were undertaken to restore natural water regimes.

Tab. 1.2.5-2: Overview of measures completed or planned in the projects.

Project Aim Measures

Conservation and restoration Stopping the continuing out- Dismantling of bucket elevator of the Trebeltal fen in Mecklen- flow of water, restoration of a systems, installation of a sup- burg-West Pomerania, inclu- natural water regime, forma- portive dam, public-awareness ding preparatory studies for tion of wet meadows, raising of measures efforts in the Recknitztal fen summer groundwater levels area Restoration of the Recknitztal Stopping drainage, rewetting Restoration of the Recknitz to a fen (EU special protection area part of the area natural state, including connec- for birds) to a natural condi- ting old oxbows, closure of the tion, Mecklenburg-West man-made canal on one side, Pomerania damming of water, public-awareness measures Restoration of the Schaale-Sude Establishment of natural flood Connection of old oxbows, con- Continuation river landscape, Mecklenburg- and overflow regimes struction of a summer dike, Tab. 1.2.5-2 West Pomerania public-awareness measures

113 Continuation Tab. 1.2.5-2: Overview of measures completed or planned in the projects.

Project Aim Measures

Wetland habitat management Stopping drainage, restoration Dismantling of a bucket eleva- in the Schaalsee Nature Park, of natural water regimes tor system, closure of ditches, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania placement of the area under protection, public-awareness measures Fens and bitterns on the upper Stopping continuing drainage, Raising of the high water level Havel River, Mecklenburg-West controlled rewetting at one dam, removal of two pol- Pomerania ders, dismantling of bucket elevator systems, closure of ditches, removal of dams, reversal of engineering measures along the Havel, public-awareness measures Remediation of the Galen- Slowing terrestrialisation in the Construction of a dam nearly becker See natural area, for area 7 km in length dam, raising of priority species, Mecklenburg- the water level, land purchases, West Pomerania public-awareness measures

Bittern conservation in the SPA Protection and enlargement of Establishment of buffer zones, Schorfheide-Chorin (EU special reedbeds, reduction of anthro- contractual nature conservation, protection area for birds), po-genic disturbances mowing of reedbeds, over small Brandenburg areas, to encourage growth, removal of illegal piers, public- awareness measures Regeneration of the Rambower Stopping of continuing Public-awareness measures, res- fen in order to protect the bit- drainage toration of springs and their tern, Brandenburg run-off, damming of water at fen run-off points Doberschützer Wasser nature Expansion of reed areas, resto- Initial planting of reedbeds, mo- conservation project, Saxony ration of natural water cycles wing and uprooting of lesser reed mace beds, restoration of a section of the Doberschützer Wasser to a natural state, installation of several riverbed glides to raise water levels and reduce the flow speed, filling-in of a ditch, shifting of the location of inflow into a ditch, linking of wetland areas with each other, via strips of wet forest, public-awareness measures Bitterns and pond manage- Enlarging reedbeds Consent agreement with forest ment – interaction and coexi- authorities, usage agreements, stence, Bavaria planting and sowing of common reed, public-awareness measures

114 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

1.3 NETWORK OF PROTECTED AREAS

This chapter discusses area protection, drawing on examples of protected areas in the internationally important coastal and Wadden Sea regions, which have long been the focus of particularly intensive conservation measures and efforts. Little Terns the North Sea coast at the beginning of the 20th century. Individuals sometimes appear there during the breeding season, however (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). 1.3.1 Tern protection on the coast Apart from the main, coastal tern populations, a few, highly scattered tern populations are found in inland areas, including The great majority of German tern popula- populations of the common tern (1,450- tions breed on the North Sea and Baltic 1,650 breeding pairs; BECKER & SUDMANN Sea coasts. As a result, efforts to protect 1998, ZINTL 1998) and the little tern (about terns in Germany concentrate primarily nine breeding pairs; UHLIG et al. 1998). on coastal areas. The most common spe- The black tern is found only in inland cies are the sandwich tern, arctic tern and areas (NIEHUES & SCHWÖPPE 2001). the common tern (Sterna sandvicensis, S. paradisaea, S. hirundo). In 1999, the population of the sandwich tern on the Ger- HISTORY OF SEABIRD CONSERVA- man North Sea coast was 8,858 breeding TION. The beginnings of seabird conser- pairs, while that of the arctic tern was vation date from the 19th century. A first 5,771 and the common tern population ordinance for protection of seabirds on amounted to 6,375 breeding pairs. Only the Island of Borkum was issued in the 697 breeding pairs of the little tern (Sterna 1860s. The ordinance was ignored and albifrons), and only 29 breeding pairs of thus was ineffective, however. In 1875, the gull-billed tern (Sterna nilotica), have seabird colonies were placed under protec- been counted on the North Sea coast tion, for the first time, on the islands of (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). Another Borkum and Langeoog. It was thought tern species that is found, sporadically, on that herring gull excrement would have a the Baltic Sea coast is the Caspian tern fertilising effect and boost plant growth on (Sterna caspia), of which one to three bree- the dunes and stabilise the land (SCHULZ ding pairs are seen (KÖPPEN 2000, 2001). 1947). In 1999, the total numbers of terns breeding regularly on the Baltic Sea coast were At the turn of the century, bird conserva- as follows: 692 pairs of the sandwich tern, tionists, both individually and in associa- 105 of the arctic tern, 1,148 of the com- tions, began striving to purchase or lease mon tern and 212 of the little tern (KNIEF breeding islands and to push for improve- et al. 2001, KÖPPEN 2001). The roseate ments in bird-conservation laws, which at tern (Sterna dougallii) disappeared from that time did not protect seabirds. In 1907,

115 bird conservationists leased a first group After World War I, the list of seabird sanc- of areas, the Memmert, Itzerodt and Sylt tuaries was expanded as follows: 1926, Ellenbogen areas, and installed guards to Wangerooge and Schleimünde, 1927, Grü- protect breeding birds from egg thieves ne Insel, 1928, Hamburger Hallig, 1938, and "bird murderers". At the same time, Scharhörn and 1941, Amrum-Nordspitze. the "Verein Jordsand zur Begründung von On Grüne Insel, protection had to be sus- Vogelfreistätten an den deutschen Küsten" pended in 1939, and Trischen had to be (Jordsand association for establishment of abandoned in 1943 due to damage caused bird sanctuaries on German coasts) was by storm flooding. Other islands were then founded. It then leased Jordsand, one of established as bird conservation areas, the Hallig islands east of the island of Sylt. without arrangements' being made for management by an association or other By World War I, additional sanctuaries had organisation. At the same time, rich bird been added, including Trischen (1908), life developed on many islands whose Norderoog and the Werderinseln auf dem owners protected gull colonies in order to Bock (1909), Langenwerder bei Poel and harvest their eggs. Species such as the Hiddensee (1910), Mellum (1912) and Nor- common tern and arctic tern were able to derney (1913). Such efforts of bird conser- thrive on such islands. This group of sea- vationists and their groups were backed birdprotection areas included Süderoog, up by legal protection beginning in 1921, Graswarder near Heiligenhafen, Möwen- when Prussian hunting laws were amend- berg near Schleswig and Lemkenhafen on ed to extend the off-season for seabirds to Fehmarn. the period from March to August (SCHULZ 1947). After World War II: in 1964, the (former) GDR's Hiddensee bird station founded a Nature conservation in general had its "Central Agency for Seabird Protection, legal origins in the Reich constitution of Hiddensee", aimed at co-ordinating protec- 1919, which specified that the state was tion of bird sanctuaries and organising responsible for protecting and managing practical protection measures. Efforts con- landscapes and natural monuments. Nu- centrated on protecting the areas against merous ordinances and decrees then im- all disturbances, especially those caused by proved protection for nature and thus for human beings (NEHLS 1969). At the same seabirds. time, the protected areas were made available for research purposes. In 1964, the Only the practical efforts of private organi- former GDR's seven most important sea- sations ensured that the seabird sanctuar- bird sanctuaries (Walfisch, Langenwerder, ies were truly protected, however. The Barther Oie and Kirr, Fährinsel, Heuwiese, nature conservation and bird conservation Liebitz and Beuchel) harboured two pairs associations that began working in the of Caspian terns, 846 pairs of common early 20th century to protect certain areas terns, 165 pairs of arctic terns, 118 pairs of – and that have continued their efforts to little terns and 404 pairs of sandwich the present day – include the "Verein Jord- terns (SCHILDMACHER 1965). The main sand", the "Bund für Vogelschutz" (BfV, concern of the "GDR Commission for Coas- Bird Conservation Association; now the tal Bird Conservation" as of the mid-1970s German Nature Conservation Association was to protect coastal-bird habitats over (Naturschutzbund Germany NABU)), the large areas, and not solely in protected "Hamburg Ornithological Association" and areas (KÖPPEN 1998). the "Mellum Council" (SCHULZ 1947).

116 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

As in the past, the real basis for coastal tion (Schutzstation Wattenmeer), NABU). A bird protection in Mecklenburg-West Po- national-park service, composed of full- merania consists of protected areas man- time employees of the national park's ad- aged and supported by volunteers. In 1990, ministration, has also been in operation the "Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft" since 1996. Joint efforts are being made to National Park was established, and in 1994 protect the conservation-area system effec- the "Coastal Bird Conservation Working tively (SCHERER 1998). Group of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania" (AG Küstenvogelschutz Mecklenburg-Vor- The "Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer" na- pommern) was established within the State tional park, which was founded a year Office for the Environment and Nature later, comprises an area of 280,000 hec- (LAUN). It now provides advising and co- tares. In contrast to the Schleswig-Holstei- ordination in all aspects of coastal bird nisches Wattenmeer park, it also includes protection. Currently, a total of 29 protect- all strips of land in front of the area's ed areas in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania dikes and the local islands, with the excep- are being managed by volunteers (KÖPPEN tion of settled areas. The national park has 1998). been divided into "quiet" (Ruhe) zones, intermediate zones and recreational zones, Most of the nature conservation areas on and the seabird sanctuaries within the Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea coast con- quiet zones are largely protected against tinue to be managed by nature conserva- disturbances. The most important tern tion associations. The State Bird Station in conservation areas continue to be man- the State Authority for Nature Conserva- aged by the same nature-conservation and tion and Landscape Management in Schles- bird-conservation associations that man- wig-Holstein (LANU) co-ordinates nature- aged the areas before the national park conservation and bird-conservation efforts. was established: the "Mellumrat", "NABU Niedersachsen" and BUND (Bund für Um- Since the 1980s, most of the bird sanctuar- welt und Naturschutz Deutschland - Ger- ies in the North Sea have been integrated man Association for Environmental and within one of the three German Wadden Nature Protection). In addition, a national- Sea national parks, and thus fall under the park service has been established to man- protection regulations defined for the va- age those areas that are not yet covered rious national parks (cf. Chapter 1.3.2). by private organisations (ZANDER 1998). The "Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer" Joint efforts are thus being made to pro- national park was established in 1985 and vide terns with the most comprehensive now comprises an area of 441,500 hectares. and strictest protection possible (MU While the protected does not include the NIEDERSACHSEN 2001). state's islands and most of the Hallig islands, it does include the area's sand banks The "Hamburgisches Wattenmeer" nation- and uninhabited Hallig islands. The park al park, which was established in 1990, is is divided into two zones, of which zone I, located between the other two Wadden the core zone, is a usage-free area that co- Sea national parks. Comprising an area of vers about one-third of the entire area 17,750 hectares, it is located between the (LANDESAMT SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEINIS- estuaries of the Elbe and Weser rivers. It CHES WATTENMEER 2001). As was the contains the Scharhörn bird sanctuary, case prior to the national park's founding, which is managed by the Jordsand associa- the area is managed primarily by local tion. It also includes Nigehörn, a man- nature conservation associations (Jordsand made bird-protection island that will take Association, Wadden Sea Conservation Sta- the place of the Scharhörn sanctuary in

117 the long term, when Scharhörn is reclaimed Until the 1980s, measures to reduce gull by the sea (JANKE 2000, see below). populations, in tern-conservation areas, were carried out in both the North Sea and Baltic Sea. These measures, which in- MEASURES TO PROTECT TERNS. cluded collection, piercing and exchange Establishment of large (more or less) proof eggs, and even killing of brooding birds tected areas, covering extensive sections of and young birds, were directed especially coastal areas, has created a large, dense against herring gulls and mew gulls (for network in which terns are to be protect- example, NEHLS 1969, SCHULZ 1947). ed against disturbances. A key element of Protection of large areas also plays an the protection is that the areas are closed important role in tern conservation. As a to visitors during the breeding season. Clo- group, terns tend to establish their breed- sure is enforced by numerous bird rangers ing sites in habitats in relatively early throughout the entire breeding season – phases of succession. Coastline-protection and often even throughout the entire measures have greatly restricted the pow- year. erful dynamics to which habitats in the North Sea and Baltic Sea were formerly Special concepts for routing paths are subject, however. One of the explicit pro- applied, especially on the larger islands tection aims established for the national and on the mainland, to prevent human parks is that natural and geological disturbance in areas with near-term poten- processes should take place unchecked in tial as breeding areas. In St. Peter-Böhl, them. In these parks, which cover nearly Morsum-Odde/Sylt and Kalfamer on Juist, all of the Wadden Sea, new (protected) for example, suitable areas are closed for habitats (islands, sand bars) that are suit- the duration of the breeding season, to able for terns are constantly being formed. permit breeding by little terns (POTEL et Turminsel island in the Großer Knecht- al. 1998). Public-awareness measures, sand area in the Niedersächsisches Wat- aimed at fostering acceptance of the tenmeer national park, for example, was measures, play an especially important an important breeding area for the com- role. mon tern and the sandwich tern in the 1960s and (especially) the 1970s. In the Especially on the Hallig islands and the 1970s, up to 2,621 (1971) sandwich tern small islands, on which no predatory mam- pairs bred there. Beginning in 1975, mals naturally occur (such as rats, foxes, Turminsel island in the Großer Knecht martins), measures are carried out to re- sand area began to shrink as erosion on duce or eliminate such predators in pro- its southern and western periphery inten- tected areas. In addition to such measures sified. Within ten years, the island consist- as placement of poison bait and hunting ed of only a few remnants; within another of foxes, breeding sites are enclosed with four years, Turminsel island had complete- electric fences, for their own protection ly disappeared (WIETFELD 1998). The against predators. At Lensterstrand (Baltic island's terns had to find new breeding Sea coast of SH), sections of swimming sites. Protection in large national parks beaches are fenced off, for protection of plays a key role in compensating for such little terns, and the fences are electrified processes: by protecting potential future to ward off predators (especially foxes) breeding areas for terns and by closing (BEHMANN 1998). areas to visitors as necessary.

118 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

In the Hamburgischer Nationalpark, an entire island (Nigehörn) was created so that terns on the neighbouring island of Scharhörn would have breeding areas to take the place of those on Scharhörn, which is constantly being eroded by the sea. Since Scharhörn is moving, as a result, toward the Elbe river estuary, its seabirds' breeding sites cannot be protected in the long term. In 1989, therefore, a hydraulic dredge was used to throw up a ring of sand on the southern side of the tongue- Arctic Terns shaped Scharhörnplate. The new island ever, when a barrier of loose stones was was stabilised with sand fences and artifi- piled up and additional annual shoreline- cial dunes in its interior, and it now meas- protection measures along the sedimenta- ures some 500 m in diameter. In addition, tion fields began to be carried out. The dune plants were planted and sown, as a island's size at the time was 7.8 hectares. another measure to help stabilise the new land. Since then, Nigehörn has developed Since the early 1980s, youth workcamps successfully as a bird protection island have been held on Norderoog each sum- (JANKE 2000). Off the coast of Lower mer, following the end of the breeding Saxony, the island Minsener Oldeoog was season. These camps give young people a artificially enlarged, via hydraulic dredg- chance to help save this Hallig island, by ing, and then it was immediately occupied working to protect its shoreline, and to by terns (BECKER & ERDELEN 1987). experience and learn about the Wadden Sea in the process. This programme has Public-awareness measures will play a key been able to stop the shrinkage of the role in the long-term success of all of these island, and some land growth has even conservation measures. Especially in areas taken place. The island's current size is 10 not easily watched or not always guarded hectares (SCHNEIDER 1997). by bird rangers, people – whether tourists or local residents – need to be informed The Norderoog bird sanctuary has one of about the species being protected, along the most important sandwich-tern popula- with the measures being carried out and tions on the entire North Sea coast. Begin- the reasons for them. This is important in ning in 1913, the terns were protected via order to foster acceptance for the meas- efforts to combat the herring gull, which ures. had taken over more and more of the area and which robbed the terns of eggs and young. The anti-gull measures included NORDEROOG, A HALLIG ISLAND "sharp" egg collection. Such measures are FOR BIRD PROTECTION. Norderoog, no longer carried out today. one of the Hallig islands, was purchased in 1909 by the "Jordsand Association", and Today, this bird protection area lies within the association has managed it continually zone I (quiet zone) of the Schleswig-Hol- since then. Only about 10 hectares are left stein National Park. of the island, which measured 18 hectares at the beginning of the 20th century The following Table (Tab. 1.3.1-1) shows (1909). During the 1920s, sedimentation how populations of various tern species fields were constructed in the western part have developed over time. of the island, in an attempt to combat North Sea erosion. The shrinkage of the island was not stopped until 1977, how-

119 Tab. 1.3.1-1: Development of tern populations on Norderoog, from 1909-2000 (JORDSAND Association in lit. 2001) Legend: BSS = sandwich tern, LSS = gull-billed tern, FSS = common tern, KSS = arctic tern, ZSS = little tern.

Year BSS LSS FSS KSS ZSS Year BSS LSS FSS KSS ZSS 1909 2.300 - 450 70 1957 2.600 - 337 1.244 - 1910 3.100 - 425 70 1958 2.400 - 220 800 - 1911 200 - 570 75 1959 3.000 - 500 1.300 - 1912 2.000 - 950 112 1960 2.500 - 500 1.800 - 1913 1.800 - 850 67 1961 2.000-2.200 - 600 1.500 - 1914 4.200 - 1.000 28 1962 1.800-2.200 - 600 300-400 - 1919 820 - 2.504 ? 1963 850 - 240 600 - 1920 1.450 - 2.000 70 1964 1.100 - 300 1.200 - 1921 ? - increased ? 1965 400-410 - 220-260 640-680 - 1922 1.800 - 2.750 72 1966 310 - 70 900 - 1923 1.100 - 2.400 70 1967 610 - 50 800 - 1924 1.650 - 2.500 50 1968 500-600 - 50-80 1.400-1.470 - 1925 3.000 - 3.000 70 1969 830 - 200 1.000 - 1926 3.767 - 3.461 50 1970 530 - 1.200 - 1927 3.764 - 2.807 58 1971 830 - 170 1.000 - 1928 4.600 - 3.000 40 1972 790 - 180 900 - 1929 3.458 - 2.218 49 1973 800 - 220 1.100 - 1930 4.251 - 2.618 34 1974 710 - 180 1.000 - 1931 4.000 1 4.000-5.000 45 1975 1.200 - 110 800 - 1932 3.700 1 3.100 14 1976 1.400 - 180-220 1.000-1.100 - 1933 3.954 1 2.783 25 1977 1.650 - 300 1.000 - 1934 2.900 1 1.500-1.600 8 1978 1.050 - 200 1.000 - 1935 3.000 1 2.700 19 1979 1.600 - 400 1.400 - 1936 3.128 1 2.414 27 1980 1.550 - 500 1.400 - 1937 3.481 - 2.862 25 1981 1.550 - 360 1.100 - 1938 2.464 - 2.595 4 1982 1.200 - 260 1.050 - 1939 3.752 - 3.078 23 1983 1.650 - 260 960 - 1940 3.917 1 2.705 22 1984 1.700 - 250 640 - 1941 3.199 - 2.714 2 1985 1.350 - 200 910 - 1942 2.612 - 2.696 - 1986 1.950 - 230 750 - 1943 4.215 - 2.927 - 1987 2.300 - 130 750 - 1944 3.355 - 2.320 - 1988 2.900 - 140 780 4 1945 3.106 - 2.948 4 1989 3.720 - 130 780 - 1946 1.432 - 37 - 1990 4.100 - 150 650 - 1947 576 - 911 3 1991 4.700 1 100 340 - 1948 2.600 - 1.250 - 1992 3.900 - 170 620 - 1949 3.000 - 1.300 - 1993 3.250 - 90 380 - 1950 2.500 - 1.500 - 1994 2.600 - 49 352 - 1951 2.650 - 2.000 - 1995 2.500 - 35 190 - 1952 2.400 - 700 2.000 - 1996 2.600 - 63 168 - 1953 2.520 - 772 1.990 - 1997 2.900 - 60 135 - 1954 2.380 - 730 2.010 - 1998 2.800 - 65 110 - 1955 670 - 700 2.500 - 1999 3.500 - 70 100 - 1956 1.750 - 730 2.030 - 2000 2.650 - 27 61 -

120 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

POPULATION TRENDS. the mid-1950s, the bird could be found on various north-Frisian islands. Since the early 1970s, these populations have shifted to the mainland; between 40 and 65 pairs CASPIAN TERN (STERNA CASPIA). can be found in the Eiderstedt area, and The Caspian tern has not been seen on 49 pairs (1988) have been counted in the the German North Sea coast for over 80 Meldorfer Bight area. Since 1953, one to years. In 1819, the most important popula- four pairs of gull-billed terns have been tions of this species, amounting to a total seen every year on the lower Elbe river. of 250-300 breeding pairs, were found on Individual pairs can also be found from the island of Sylt (STRIBERNY 2000). time to time on the coast south-west of Cuxhaven (1985) and in the Leybucht Since the 1950s, one to two breeding pairs (1990) area (BEHM-BERKELMANN & HECK- of this species have bred sporadically on ENROTH 1991). No breeding gull-billed Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea terns have been seen in Lower Saxony's coast, in the Heuwiese nature conserva- part of the North Sea since the 1990s. tion area near Rügen (SIEFKE 1993). In Today, most of the bird's breeding popula- 1999, two pairs of Caspian terns bred in tion is concentrated on the Elbe estuary the Heuwiese area and one pair bred in (41 BP 1996) (within a colony of common the Beuchel nature conservation area, on terns), on the coast of Dithmarschen and, Rügen (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000, cf. Tab. in small groups, on Schleswig-Holstein's 1.3.1-2). North Sea coast (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). In 1999, only 29 pairs were still breeding on the North Sea coast (see Tab. 1.3.1-2). GULL-BILLED TERN (STERNA NI- In Baltic Sea areas, the species has not LOTICA). The breeding population of been seen since the 19th century the gull-billed tern on the North Sea coast (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). fluctuates widely. From the early 1930s to

Fig. 1.3.1-1: Breeding population of gull-billed terns on the German North Sea coast, from 1982-1999 (pursuant to HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000 and RASMUSSEN et al. 2000).

Gull-bill terns (in BP) on the North Sea 80 70 60 North Sea Schleswig- 50 Holstein

40 Lower Saxony 30 Estuaries 20 (Elbe + Wasser) 10 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998

121 Figure 1.3.1-1 shows trends in gull-billed tury, up to 6,000 pairs of sandwich terns tern populations in the German North were counted in it. Since then, the popula- Sea. tion has been decreasing, with wide fluctuations; from the mid-1960s to the mid- 1980s, it comprised 3,000 breeding pairs SANDWICH TERN (STERNA SAND- (THIESSEN 1986). Today, Schleswig-Hol- VICENSIS). On Germany's North Sea stein's population ranges between 6,000 coast in 1999, a total of 2,598 pairs of sand- and 7,000 breeding pairs, on Trischen and wich terns bred in Lower Saxony and Ham- Norderoog (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000, burg, and 6,260 pairs bred in Schleswig- SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). No other Holstein (see Fig. 1.3.1-2). In contrast to populations are currently known. the case for the common tern and arctic tern, the sandwich tern population is The sandwich tern has bred only sporadi- spread among just a few breeding areas, cally on Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea each with large colonies (SÜDBECK & coast. It has bred occasionally in Schlei- HÄLTERLEIN 2001). Sandwich tern popula- münde since 1820 and occasionally in tions fluctuate widely from region to Graswarder, as of somewhat later. Begin- region, but the species' total population ning in the mid-1960s, and especially since remains relatively stable (see Fig. 1.3.1-2). the end of the 1970s, it began returning regularly to some protected areas (KNIEF In the 1960s, the breeding population on et al. 1997). In the 1980s, a total of 17-62 Lower Saxony's North Sea coast collapsed. pairs (1983/1979) were counted in Schlei- The reasons for this development, as for münde. Since the 1980s, up to 142 pairs of problems encountered by other tern sandwich terns have also bred on Gras- species, have to do with pollution, espe- warder (1983; THIESSEN 1986). In the early cially pollution reaching the sea from the 1990s, the population on Schleswig-Hol- Netherlands (BECKER & ERDELEN 1987). steins east coast collapsed completely. As The breeding population recovered by the of 1999, only two breeding pairs were left end of the 1960s. In 1978, it reached a in the Schwansener See nature conserva- new maximum of 5,725 pairs on Lower tion area (KNIEF et al. 2001). Saxony's coast. The breeding sites in Lower Saxony shifted from the Ems to the Jade Currently, the sandwich tern is regularly and Weser estuary (Minsener Oog, found in two areas in Mecklenburg-West Scharhörn) (BEHM-BERKELMANN & Pomerania (Langenwerder, Heuwiese). HECKENROTH 1991). A large colony was Since the early 1990s, its population has present on Memmert in the mid-1990s fluctuated around a constant total level of (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). Currently, over between 1,050 and 1,200 pairs (SIEFKE 2,000 pairs are breeding on Juist (1999; 1993). A present, the population is some- SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). what smaller, at about 670 to 780 pairs (KÖPPEN 2000, 2001). The two most important colonies on Schles- wig-Holstein's North Sea coast are located on Norderoog and Trischen. The colony on Norderoog has been known since the early 19th century. Early in the 20th cen- Fig. 1.3.1-2: Population changes for the most common tern species (in breeding pairs) over the past 20 years on the North Sea (red bars) and Baltic Sea (blue bars). Solid circles = population in Schleswig-Holstein, outline circles = population in Lower Saxony and Mecklen- burg-West Pomerania, triangles = population of estuaries (Elbe +Weser) (pursuant to HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000).

122 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Sandwich terns on the North Sea Sandwich terns on the Baltic Sea North Sea 12,000 1,400 Schleswig- 10,000 1,200 Holstein 1,000 8,000 Lower Saxony 800 6,000 600 Estuaries (Elbe + 4,000 400 Wasser) 2,000 200 0 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998

Common terns on the North Sea Common terns on the Baltic Sea 12,000 12,000

10,000 10,000

8,000 8,000

6,000 6,000

4,000 4,000

2,000 2,000

0 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998

Arctic terns on the North Sea Arctic terns on the Baltic Sea 9,000 600 8,000 500 7,000 6,000 400 5,000 300 4,000 3,000 200 2,000 100 1,000 0 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998

Little terns on the North Sea Little terns on the Baltic Sea 900 250 800 700 200 600 150 500 400 100 300 200 50 100 0 0 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998

123 COMMON TERN (STERNA HIRUN- of the 1990s, some 3,800-4,400 pairs were DO). In 1995, 7,557 pairs, or more than counted (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001, 10% of the north-west European common SÜDBECK et al. 1998). tern population, which is estimated at 74,000 pairs, bred on Germany's coasts. As In the first half of the 20th century, Tri- of 1999, the population had declined to schen, in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea 6,375 pairs (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). area, harboured 8,000 pairs of common Some 85-90% of these common terns breed terns – far and away Germany's largest in the Wadden Sea, while the remaining colony. In this area, as in Lower Saxony, 10-15% breed in the Baltic Sea area. The populations recovered after the turn of species' range in Germany is concentrated the century, especially within the protect- in the Unterelbe and Außenelbe areas ed areas. The recovery continued until the (especially Neufeld, Scharhörn) and in the 1940s, when the populations began declin- Außenjade area (Minsener Oog). Some 60% ing again. By the 1950s, the population of the total German common tern popula- had sunk to about 4,000 pairs; in the tion breeds in these areas (see Tab. 1.3.1- 1960s, the Wadden Sea population shrank 2). The main concentrations on the Baltic to fewer than 1,000 pairs. In the 1970s, Sea coast are in Mecklenburg-West Pome- and especially in the 1980s, the species rania. There, the common tern breeds recovered somewhat, reaching a maxi- almost solely on "bird islands", such as mum population of 3,563 pairs in 1988. Böhmke, Werder, Kirr, Neuer Bessin / Hid- After 1990, a decline began again in Schles- densee (see Tab. 1.3.1-2). Because common wig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area. In 1999, a terns are difficult to differentiate from arc- total of 2,435 pairs were counted there tic terns, precise population-trend data did (SÜDBECK et al. 1998, SÜDBECK & not become available in about 1950. All in HÄLTERLEIN 2001). all, the population of "red-footed" terns decreased by about 25% from 1939 to Populations of the bird on Schleswig-Hol- 1995, and the decrease in North Sea areas, stein's Baltic Sea coast have fluctuated wide- at 28%, is higher than that on the Baltic ly, and major shifts in its breeding areas Sea, 20% (SÜDBECK et al. 1998). have occurred. Until the 1980s, it bred only on Oehe-Schleimünde and Graswarder. In the early 20th century, intensive pressure After the Second World War, common from egg-gatherers, hunters and feather- tern populations on Oehe-Schleimünde collectors drastically reduced common tern decreased sharply (from about 300 pairs in populations on Lower Saxony's and Ham- the 1930s to about a quarter of this level burg's North Sea coasts. Once protected in the 1950s). The population then disap- areas were established, the populations peared entirely in the mid-1980s. On Gras- recovered, reaching a level of 8,000-10,000 warder, which never harboured more than pairs by the 1920s. During World War II, 60 breeding pairs, the population is cur- food shortages increased the hunting rate, rently fluctuating around a level of about and the population dropped to 3,000- 50 breeding pairs (SÜDBECK et al. 1998). 4,000 pairs. By the end of the 1950s, it Currently, 105 pairs of common terns are was back up to 7,000-8,000 pairs, however. breeding in the Schwansener See area. An In the 1960s, pollution in the Wadden Sea additional 84 pairs are spread, in small area again reduced the population, to groups, among several protected areas. 2,192 pairs (1968). From that point on, it The bird no longer comes to Graswarder gradually recovered, and around 1980 it (KNIEF et al. 2001). registered a sizeable increase, reaching a maximum of 8,500 pairs in 1981. Since then, the population has dropped again – in a process that began gradually and has accelerated in the recent past. At the end

124 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Large common tern populations can be recovered, in a process that continued found on Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's until the 1980s, and reached a maximum Baltic Sea coast. The development there of 1,500 pairs. It then gradually declined paralleled that on the North Sea: in the again, however. Since the early 1990s, the late 1960s, the species reached a popula- population has been growing again, and it tion minimum there of about 500 breed- has returned to its level of the 1980s. A ing pairs. This was followed by a gradual total of 1,118 pairs were counted in 1999 recovery, to a maximum of about 2,100 (SÜDBECK et al. 1998, SÜDBECK & pairs in 1986. The increases were especial- HÄLTERLEIN 2001). ly pronounced in the Oder region and on Usedom. The population has been decreas- In Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea areas, ing again since the early 1990s, and it the arctic tern breeds primarily on the now numbers at least 800-900 pairs Hallig islands, especially Norderoog (cf. (SÜDBECK et al. 1998, KÖPPEN 2001). Tab. 1.3.1-1). Population trends in Schles- wig-Holstein have been similar to those on Lower Saxony's coast, except that the po- ARCTIC TERN (STERNA PARADIS- pulation decreases of the 1960s were not AEA). In 1995, 7,329 pairs of arctic terns as sharp (SÜDBECK et al. 1998). In 1999, bred on German coasts. Of these, some the breeding population on Schleswig- 75% were found on Schleswig-Holstein's Holstein's North Sea coast comprised 4,652 North Sea coast. About 20% of the popula- pairs (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). tion bred in Lower Saxony and about 5% was found in Baltic Sea coast areas. From On Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea coast, that year until 1999, the population dropped the arctic tern population declined until sharply, to about 5,859 pairs (KÖPPEN the 1960s, after which it recovered until 2000, KNIEF et al. 2001, SÜDBECK & HÄL- about 1980. In the 1980s, it fluctuated TERLEIN 2001, cf. Tab. 1.3.1-2). The arctic widely, ranging between 250 and 350 tern populations are concentrated on the pairs. Since the late 1980s, it has been in a north Frisian Hallig islands. Somewhat fur- sharp decline that has continued to the ther south, the bird breeds primarily with- present (43 breeding pairs; SÜDBECK et al. in large colonies of common terns. On the 1998, HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). Significant Baltic Sea, the species is found almost sole- growth was registered only on Graswar- ly in an area ranging eastward, from west- der: from about 50 pairs in the mid-1950s ern coastal sections, to the Wismarer to over 300 pairs in the early 1970s. The Bight. The species' colonies in the area are population then decreased to about 100 small and confined almost exclusively to pairs, in the late 1980s, and it is still drop- protected areas (SÜDBECK et al. 1998) (cf. ping. Currently (1999), some 25 pairs are Tab. 1.3.1-2). breeding on Graswarder. In Oehe-Schlei- münde, the population dropped from As was the case for the common tern, the about 400 pairs, in the 1930s and 1940s, arctic tern's populations on Lower Saxony's to fewer than 100 pairs in the mid-1960s. North Sea coast recovered during the 1950s, Following a recovery in the 1970s and following hunting etc. at the beginning of 1980s, the population collapsed again, in the last century and during the war years. a decline that still continues. In 1999, five In the mid-1950s, the breeding population pairs were still breeding there (KNIEF et in these areas was about 1,000 pairs. Follow- al. 2001). ing slight population growth in the early 1960s, the population dropped to about On Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic 400 breeding pairs as a result of discharges Sea coast, the arctic tern population has of chemical pollutants into the Dutch part decreased slowly, but continually, since of the North Sea coast. From that point the 1980s: from 150 breeding pairs to the on, Lower Saxony's arctic tern population current level of 62 pairs, of which 60 on

125 are found on Langenwerder (HÄLTERLEIN slightly. The species' maximum breeding et al. 2000, KÖPPEN 2001). population reached 595 breeding pairs in 1952. The population then decreased continually, until 1968, when it reached a level LITTLE TERN (STERNA ALBI- of 241 pairs. Until 1975, it fluctuated around FRONS). In the 19th century, the little a level of 250 pairs, and then increased tern was a common bird species, especial- again until 1982, to a level of 454 pairs. Of ly on the islands. It is a pioneer occupant this number, a total of 230 pairs bred on of the temporary beach habitats that form newly formed sand areas on the island Min- within the sea's dynamic coastal system and sener Oldeoog. By 1987, the population had then disappear again through natural suc- decreased again, to 159, but then doubled cession. The little tern populations in Lower by 1995, to 329 pairs (FLORE 1998). In 1996, Saxony's Wadden Sea area have decreased a total of 333 pairs were counted there

Tab. 1.3.1-2: Current tern populations, broken down by individual breeding populations (North Sea: 1999 (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001), Baltic Sea Schleswig- Holstein: 1999 (KNIEF et al. 2001), Baltic Sea Mecklen- burg-West Pomerania: 1999 (KÖPPEN 2001)). LSS = gull-billed tern; BSS = sandwich tern; FSS = common tern; KSS = arctic tern; RSS = red-footed terns (common tern/ and arctic tern); ZSS = little tern

Area LSS BSS FSS KSS RSS ZSS North Sea coast Schleswig-Holstein Untereider 59 Meldorfer Speicherköge 2 Feuchtgebiete Eiderstedt 6 Rickelsbüller Koog 56 177 Fahretofter Westerkoog 21 5 1 Hauke-Haien-Koog 11 6 Ockholmer Westerkoog 9 1 1 Beltringharder Koog 6 24 Amrum 29 5 40 Föhr 61 161 57 Hallig Langeness 317? 192? 27 24 Hallig Oland 119 Hallig Gröde 4 297 3 Hallig Habel 90 Hallig Nordstrandischmoor ? 429 12 Hallig Hooge 179 209 6 Hallig Norderoog 3,500 70 100 Hallig Süderoog 180 929 Hallig Südfall 16 318 13 Pellworm 31 Sylt 1 288 133 Trischen 2,760 330 83 11 Außensände Nordfriesland 25? 75 42 Vorländer Dithmarschen 14 1,011 524 Vorländer Eiderstedt 36 172 29 90 Vorländer Nordfriesland 4 7 147 SH - total 14 6,260 2,345 4,147 327 433

126 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Area LSS BSS FSS KSS RSS ZSS Lower Saxony / Hamburg Rysumer Nacken 5 4 Leybucht 27 92 2 Borkum 114 40 73 Lütje Hörn 23 Memmert 60 16 11 Juist 2,176 32 70 30 13 Norderney 18 19 Baltrum 179 16 32 Langeoog 7 4 27 Spiekeroog 74 35 7 32 Wangerooge 397 19 19 12 25 Minsener Oog 25 2,264 469 19 Mellum 7 Jadebusen 273 Neuwerk 200 180 15 Scharhörn 650 50 8 Nigehörn 150 45 3 Hullen 11 1 Nordkehdingen 9 Allwördener Außendeich 11 Lower Saxony - total 2,598 4,098 1,091 49 264 Baltic Sea coast Schleswig-Holstein Oehe-Schleimünde 5 2 Möwenberg Schleswig 36 Schwansener See 2 105 7 46 Aschau 4 Bottsand 4 7 Strandseelandschaft / Schmoel 2 Sehlendorfer Binnensee 4 6 Graswarder 25 2 Krummsteert 1 2 1 Wallnau 18 4 Grüner Brink 20 Laboe Kiesbank 2 Lipper Strand 1 Fastensee/Fehmarn 10 Lensterstrand 41 Schleswig Holstein - total 2 184 43 128 Mecklenburg-West Pomerania NSG Langenwerder 60 10 NSG H.I. Wustrow 1 1 Insel Kirr 330 Barther Oie 500 160 1? Neuer Bessin 3 21 73 Heuwiese 2 150 Liebitz 6 Beuchel 185 4 Insel Tollow 3 Gustower Werder 151 Werderinseln Riems 9 Böhmke u. Werder 130 Mecklenburg-West Pomerania - total 690 964 62 84

127 (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). The population By about 1975, it had decreased again, to in 1999, at 264 pairs, was slightly smaller 100 pairs. The population then grew (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). A large ma- again, until the mid-1980s, to a level of jority of little terns, 87%, breeds on the is- about 120 pairs, and has fluctuated since lands, primarily in naturally formed habi- then around this level (THIESSEN 1986). tats. Only about 3% breed on the mainland, Currently, some 128 pairs (1999) are Red Knots and some 10% breed on the Elbe and in breeding in this area, almost solely in pro- Hamburg, especially on naturally flooded tected areas. Except for a few scattered fields (FLORE 1998, see Tab. 1.3.1-2). pairs, the Schwansener See nature conservation area and the Lensterstrand area harbour the entire breeding population of the little tern in this region (KNIEF et al. 2001).

On Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea coast, the little tern's breeding population, comprising about 60-80 pairs, is found almost exclusively in two protected areas (Langenwerder, Neuer Bessin). Apart from this group, only isolated breeding pairs are seen (SIEFKE 1993). Currently, some 84 pairs are breeding in this area National Park Observer (KÖPPEN 2001). The size of the little tern population on Schleswig-Holstein's North Sea coast is esti- Any long-term protection for the little tern mated to have been about 500-1,000 pairs will have to include protection of suitable in the 20th century prior to the World nesting sites for the bird, since the little War II (THIESSEN 1986). Of this popula- tern is highly sensitive to disturbances at tion, a colony of 300 (1917) to 600 (1914) its breeding sites. In addition, it tends to pairs – far and away the largest – bred on prefer habitats that are no older than five Trischen. In the 1950s, the population on to ten years old – habitats which thus Trischen declined rapidly; by the end of must constantly be reformed (FLORE 1998). that decade it numbered only 10-20 pairs. This requirement is also based on the On the whole, the little tern population species' classification, in the AEWA action on Schleswig-Holstein's west coast decreased planning, as a species of column 1, 3b. as of the late 1950s and in the 1960s. In 1976, the population numbered 226-240 pairs. By the mid-1980s, the population was back up, comprising 310-340 breeding 1.3.2 The Wadden Sea national pairs (THIESSEN 1986). Recovery continued parks on the German North until the mid-1990s, reaching 436 pairs Sea coast (1995). The current level is 363-433 pairs (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000, SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001) (cf. Fig. 1.3.1-2). The Dutch-German-Danish Wadden Sea, In Oehe-Schleimünde, on Schleswig-Hol- including its barrier islands and bordering stein's Baltic Sea coast, this species was do- estuaries, extends along the North Sea cumented as a breeding bird as early as coast, from Den Helder in the Netherlands 1820. The total population in the 1950s is to Esbjerg in Denmark. estimated to have numbered some 100 breeding pairs. In the 1960s and early The Wadden Sea is an extremely dynamic 1970s, the population recovered slightly. habitat, shaped by tidal rhythms. It com-

128 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

prises sandy, muddy and mixed-soil wad- In addition, the Wadden Sea is a resting den areas that are regularly flooded and and moulting area for a number of Arctic drained by tides; extensive networks of limicolae and geese that come to it to tidal channels; and bordering sand bars, build up body reserves for migrations bet- beaches and seagrass meadows, all with ween winter quarters on the coasts of west their typical communities. On its seaward and south Africa and their Arctic breeding side, the Wadden Sea gradually gives way areas along the coasts of north-east to offshore areas of the North Sea. Canada, Greenland and Siberia (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000, Tab. 1.3.2-2). Because it receives a rich inflow of nutrients from rivers that empty into it, the Wadden Sea is a very productive habitat, with a relatively short food chain between PROTECTION FOR THE WADDEN food producers and the consumers that SEA. depend on them. An abundance of nutrients, a vast expanse and close interrelationships between different, merging habitats make the Wadden Sea an extremely INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION important habitat for a great many differ- IN RESEARCH AND EFFORTS TO ent organisms. For example, the Wadden PROTECT THE WADDEN SEA. Be- Sea provides food for many bird species cause the Wadden Sea crosses boundaries, that breed in its bordering seagrass mead- because its animal species undertake ex- ows, dunes and sand bars. Of the 31 bird tensive migrations and because the North species that breed in the Wadden Sea, a Sea's international waters are closely total of six species – the white spoonbill linked with the water systems of the hin- (Platalea leucorodia), pied avocet (Recurvir- terlands in the area, international co-oper- ostra avosetta), kentish plover (Charadrius ation is a necessary part of all efforts to alexandrinus), gull-billed tern (Sterna niloti- protect and study the Wadden Sea. The ca), sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis) and three countries bordering the Wadden little tern (Sterna albifrons) – are each rep- Sea, the Netherlands, Germany and Den- resented in the Wadden Sea with over mark, have reached agreement on a joint one-fourth of their total north-west trilateral policy to protect the Wadden European populations (RASMUSSEN et al. Sea. This policy was initiated in 1982 via 2000, Tab. 1.3.2-1). Seven other species – the "Joint Declaration on the Protection of the common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), the Wadden Sea" and then expanded and palaearctic oystercatcher (Haematopus specified at three government conferences: ostralegus), common redshank (Tringa 1991 (Esbjerg, Denmark), 1994 totanus), black-headed gull (Larus ridibun- (Leeuwarden, Netherlands) and 1997 dus), lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), (Stade, Germany). These trilateral efforts to herring gull (Larus argentatus) and com- protect the Wadden Sea are based on the mon tern (Sterna hirundo) – each have 5 to following core aspects: 25% of their north-west European populations in the Wadden Sea, meaning that Wadden Sea is a significant area for them (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000, Tab. 1.3.2-1).

Date established Area (hectares) Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park 1 October 1985 441,500 Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park 1 January 1986 280,000 Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park 9 April 1990 17,750

129 Tab.1.3.2-1: Populations of typical breeding bird spe- International importance: cies in the area subject to the 1996 Trilateral Wadden +++ = over 25% of the north-west European popula- Sea agreement, in comparison with population esti- tion breeds in the Wadden Sea. mates for Germany and north-west Europe, and with ++ = 5-25% of the north-west European population classification of species' international importance breeds in the Wadden Sea. (pursuant to RASMUSSEN et al. 2000; figures are num- + = 1-5% of the north-west European population bers of breeding pairs). breeds in the Wadden Sea. North-west Europe: Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, - = less than 1% of the north-west European Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, population breeds in the Wadden Sea. Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia (Region of the Bothnian Gulf and Königsberg), Sweden, Switzerland, UK.

Species Scientific name Germany NW Europe Wadden Sea Importance % Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 14,473 85.000 838 + 1 White spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 11 845 592 +++ 70 Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna 3,840-4,270 100,000 4,982 ++ 5 Common eider Somateria mollissima 1,305 1,000,000 11,534 + 1 Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator 590 330,000 41 - 0 Hen harrier Circus cyaneus 63 8,900 142 + 2 Palaearctic oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus 40,000 235,000 46,360 ++ 20 Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 6,000 18,900 10,617 +++ 56 Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 1,200 93,000 1,367 + 1 Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus 400 2,000 521 +++ 26 Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus 80,000-100,000 830,000 11,336 + 1 Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii 30 1,000 39 + 4 Ruff Philomachus pugnax 120-150 79,000 82 - 0 Common snipe Gallinago gallinago ? 72,000 645 - 1 Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa 7,000-8,000 123,000 2,956 + 2 Western curlew Numenius arquata 4,000-5,000 133,000 632 - 0 Common redshank Tringa totanus totanus 10,000-12,000 59,000 12,835 ++ 22 Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres 3 18,000 2 - 0 Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus 20 327 5 + 2 Little gull Larus minutus 0-2 12,000 2 - 0 Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus 200,000-250,000 1,700,000 133,182 ++ 8 Mew gull Larus canus 15,000 475,000 10,442 + 2 Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus 16,000 215,000 37,294 ++ 17 Herring gull Larus argentatus 45,000 685,000 77,250 ++ 11 Greater black-backed gull Larus marinus 11 107,000 15 - 0 Gull-billed tern Sterna nilotica 70 86 86 +++ 100 Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis 11,000 63,000 17,285 +++ 27 Common tern Sterna hirundo hirundo 12,000 113,000 13,476 ++ 12 Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea 6,300 449,000 8,955 + 2 Little tern Sterna albifrons 800 3,400 983 +++ 29 Short-eared owl Asio flammeus 200-500 ? 114 -

130 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

l Common Principles The TMAP Manual, containing detailed descriptions of relevant methods and of l Common Targets requirements for data management (CWSS 2001), is now in place. Monitoring projects l Trilateral Co-operation Area are now underway in many different areas. In addition to watching bird and seal pop- l Trilateral Wadden Sea Plan ulations, monitoring projects are keeping track of breeding rates for coastal birds l Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment (THYEN et al. 1998), pollutants in bird Program eggs and (BECKER et al. 1998) and pollutants in the water and in sediments. The "Trilateral Monitoring and Assess- ment Program (TMAP)" is an important TMAP results are published annually in a instrument for monitoring the condition special series, "Wadden Sea Ecosystem". of the Wadden Sea ecosystem. Established in 1994, on the basis of existing national monitoring programmes, it provides for PROTECTION STATUS IN GER- co-ordinated monitoring and recording of MANY. Each of the three German Länder environmental parameters used to de- (states) bordering the Wadden Sea, Lower scribe the status of the Wadden Sea. The Saxony, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, first internationally co-ordinated monitor- has established a Wadden Sea national ing projects focussed on populations of park. breeding and resting birds and populations of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). Du- Schleswig-Holstein's national park, Schles- ring a test phase, a joint methods guide wig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park was developed, to ensure the comparabili- (Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer), ty of data collected throughout the Wad- was set aside on 1 October 1985. Lower den Sea (MARENCIC et al. 1996). Saxony established its own park, Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park (Nieder- sächsisches Wattenmeer), a short time la-

Tab. 1.3.2-2: Overview of development and size of resting populations of 48 wadden and water fowl in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, from 1988 to 1999 and in comparison to the size of the relevant entire populations (pursuant to GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). Continuation

Species Scientific name Change, 1988- Maximum number, Populations Importance % 91 to 1996-99 1988-1999 size Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus 31 570 150,000 - 0,4 Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 70 3,700 120,000 + 3,1 Grey heron Ardea cinerea 2 510 450,000 - 0,1 Mute swan Cygnus olor 38 690 210,000 - 0,3 Greylag goose Anser anser 64 7,200 120,000 ++ 6,0 Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis 24 102,000 267,000 +++ 38,2 Brent goose Branta bernicla -27 133,000 250,000 +++ 53,2 Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna -31 211,000 300,000 +++ 70,3

131 Change, 1988-91 to 1996-99: Change in the middle International importance: index value between the first and the last third of the +++ = over 25% of the total population rests in the study period (value > 15 defined as increase; < 15 defi- Wadden Sea. ned as decrease). Figures for size of total population ++ = 5-25% of the total population rests in the pursuant to ROSE & SCOTT (1997) (in some cases, Wadden Sea. values consist of summed figures for several popula- + = 1-5% of the total population rests in the tions in passage). Wadden Sea. - = less than 1% of the total population rests in the Wadden Sea.

Species Scientific name Change, 1988- Maximum number, Population Importance % 91 to 1996-99 1988-1999 size European wigeon Anas penelope -20 160,000 1,250,000 ++ 12,8 Gadwall Anas strepera 48 940 25,000 + 3,8 Green-winged teal Anas crecca -22 19,400 400,000 + 4,9 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos -42 33,300 5,000,000 - 0,7 Northern pintail Anas acuta -23 10,400 60,000 ++ 17,3 Garganey Anas querquedula 61 170 2,000,000 - 0,0 Northern shoveller Anas clypeata 0 3,600 40,000 ++ 9,0 Common pochard Aythya ferina 39 2,500 350,000 - 0,7 Tufted duck Aythya fuligula 39 1,700 750,000 - 0,2 Common eider Somateria mollissima -22 215,000 1,500,000 ++ 14,3 Common goldeney Bucephala clangula 32 1,800 300,000 - 0,6 Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator 45 450 100,000 - 0,5 Black coot Fulica atra 12 4,300 1,500,000 - 0,3 Palaearctic oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus -25 163,000 874,000 ++ 18,6 Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta -18 8,500 67,000 ++ 12,7 Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 24 14,900 242,500 ++ 6,1 Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus 26 1,040 67,000 + 1,6 European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria -15 46,800 1,800,000 + 2,6 Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola -11 49,200 168,000 +++ 29,3 Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus 13 16,900 7,000,000 - 0,2 Red knot Calidris canutus -35 296,000 861,000 +++ 34,4 Sanderling Calidris alba 5 27,500 123,000 ++ 22,4 Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 5 19,400 436,000 + 4,4 Dunlin Calidris alpina -13 502,000 1,394,000 +++ 36,0 Ruff Philomachus pugnax -3 12,800 1,000,000 + 1,3 Common snipe Gallinago gallinago -34 2,142 20,000,000 - 0,0 Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa 21 1,466 350,000 - 0,4 Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica -20 158,000 815,000 ++ 19,4 Western curlew Numenius arquata -1 61,200 348,000 ++ 17,6 Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus 29 12,400 50,000 ++ 24,8 Common redshank Tringa totanus -7 12,500 286,000 + 4,4 Common greenshank Tringa nebularia 16 4,596 50,000 ++ 9,2 Common sandpiper Tringa hypoleuca 40 460 1,000,000 - 0,0 Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres -1 3,400 99,000 + 3,4 Little gull Larus minutus 64 840 75,000 + 1,1 Black-headed gull Larus ridibundus 5 79,600 5,000,000 + 1,6 Mew gull Larus canus 6 41,600 1,600,000 + 2,6 Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus 68 3,700 700,000 - 0,5 Herring gull Larus argentatus 6 56,700 1,400,000 + 4,1 Greater black-backed gull Larus marinus -4 3,100 480,000 - 0,6

132 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

ter, on 1 January 1986. Finally, Hamburg dedicated its national park, Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park (Hamburgi- sches Wattenmeer), on 9 April 1990.

The primary protection aim in the national parks is to permit natural processes in the Wadden Sea to take place largely undisturbed by human beings. In addition to protecting such processes, the national parks also seek to enable visitors to experience, understand and share nature in the Barnacle Goose Wadden Sea (see Chapter 2.3.3.2 regard- sometimes very emotional discussion – ing the protection aims of national parks). about the national park's future. In numerous open and closed meetings, the responsible bodies discussed their posi- ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH AS A SCI- tions and worked to find solutions. ENTIFIC BASIS FOR THE PROTEC- TION CONCEPTS OF THE WADDEN UNESCO then recognised the research SEA NATIONAL PARKS. In 1989, project, on the strength of its approach, as shortly after the founding of the a pioneering pilot project in the frame- Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony Wad- work of the "Man and Biosphere (MAB)" den Sea national parks, interdisciplinary programme. research projects entitled "Wadden Sea ecosystem research" began in both Länder, The research projects currently underway with joint federal/Länder financing. While in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea park these projects were aimed at providing a include studies of breeding and resting scientific basis for protection of the Wad- birds, sea ducks, seals, fish, North Sea den Sea, both had a practical approach, shrimp, sea grass and macroalgae, mus- including analysis of human impacts on sels, tidal zones, foreland areas and socio- the ecosystem and preparation of specific economics. Findings from research and proposals for protection of the Wadden monitoring projects also enter into the Sea. TMAP. Similar research projects are also being carried out in Lower Saxony and The projects, part of a networked effort Hamburg. initiated by the Regional Office for the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park, explicitly considered human beings PROTECTION ZONES. A key feature of as key factors influencing the area. By the national parks is a differentiated pro- gathering socio-economic data and tection concept that provides for zones analysing the region's population and eco- with different protection emphases. Areas nomic structures, the projects were able to designated as zone I have top protection identify usage conflicts and prepare suit- priority, while uses by humans are permit- able proposals for solutions. The results ted, subject to restrictions, in zones II and entered into a project report (STOCK et al. III. 1996) that broke new ground in combin- ing scientific findings with proposals for The zonation system take into account nature conservation and regional develop- both the abundance and sensitivity of the ment. The report sparked discussion – natural resources in question as well as

133 the economic and social requirements of The national park centres also serve as sta- residents in the area. The Schleswig-Hol- tions for the national park service, which stein Wadden Sea National Park is divided was established in 1996. The primary duty into two zones: zone I, the core zone in of the national park service's full-time staff which uses are prohibited, takes up about is to inform the local residents and visitors one-third of the area (LANDESAMT SCHLES- to the area; they provide a personal link WIG-HOLSTEINISCHES WATTENMEER 2001). between the national park's administration and the public. Non-government / The Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National non-official associations and groups devot- Park is divided into quiet (I), intermediate ed to nature conservation and environ- (II) and recreation zones (III) (MU NIEDER- mental education in the Wadden Sea area SACHSEN 2001). have traditionally carried out many of the public-awareness measures in the national Like the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea park (cf. Chap. 1.3.1). These organisations' National Park, the Hamburg Wadden Sea staff and civilian-service personnel (service National Park is divided into two zones, carried out by young men as alternative to known as "quiet" (I) and "recreation" (II) military service) manage numerous zones. exhibits and information centres, offer a broad range of nature walks, lectures and workshops – and thus play an important PUBLIC-AWARENESS MEASURES. role in efforts to enhance public aware- Efforts to enhance public awareness play a ness about the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden central role in the national parks' protec- Sea National Park. tion concepts. Such efforts include providing information to the many visitors and Similarly, public-awareness measures in tourists who come to the Wadden Sea the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National each year and, especially, making the lo- Park revolve around a total of twelve "na- cal population aware of the need for con- tional park houses" and three national servation – in order to foster their under- park centres. Most of these facilities are standing for the national parks' purposes co-operated by non-official nature conser- and for the need to restrict uses. Efforts vation and environmental protection are made to defuse usage conflicts before groups. The groups' main tasks include the fact, by promoting objective discus- holding exhibits and carrying out nature- sion, in order to enhance acceptance for oriented information events and tours. A the national parks. special emphasis is placed on involving schools and other educational institutions Public-awareness efforts in the Schleswig- in public-awareness measures for the Holstein Wadden Sea National Park re- national park. volve around the national park centres operated by the national park authority's staff and the "Multimar Wattforum", in Tönning, which opened in 1999 within the "EXPO 2000" framework. With a wide range of exhibits and informational events, held throughout the year, the Multimar Wattforum seeks to communicate, to visitors as well as the local population, the aims and purposes of the national park concept and findings from scientific research on the Wadden Sea ecosystem.

134 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Public-awareness measures for the Ham- 1.3.3 Basis for scientific assessment burg Wadden Sea National Park, the of Germany's SPAs under the smallest of Germany's three Wadden Sea EC Bird Directive national parks, are carried out in an information centre on the island of Neuwerk that is operated in co-operation with the Jordsand association. The EC Bird Directive obligates the Federal Republic of Germany to take special meas- In all three of the national parks, public- ures to protect habitats of the Directive's awareness measures include publication of Annex I species that are found in Germa- pamphlets and brochures, installation of ny (78 species) as well as habitats of mi- informative signs and markers, laying out gratory bird species that are not listed in of nature trails in heavily frequented areas Annex I and that regularly occur in Ger- and marking of sensitive breeding and res- many (186 species). Furthermore, protecting areas that are closed to visitors (as tion for migratory birds must emphasise well as providing relevant information). protection of wetlands, especially internationally important wetlands. Although the Wadden Sea national parks and the ten other German national parks The R+D project "Analysis of populations, are federally organised, EUROPARC Ger- occurring in Germany, of species listed in many, their parent organisation, works to Annex I EC Bird Directive and of popula- standardise the appearance of markers, in- tions of migratory bird species regularly formative signs, logos, etc. in Germany's occurring in Germany; assessment of areas national parks. The idea behind this effort set aside for protection of such species" is that an easily recognised and familiar has been underway since 2000. The aim of "corporate identity" can help enhance this R+D project is to enhance knowledge awareness and acceptance of the national about populations, distribution and con- park concept. servation status of Annex I species and of migratory bird species regularly occurring in Germany. The resulting findings will improve our picture of implementation of the EC Bird Directive in Germany.

In a first step, the current situation of all relevant bird species in Germany was determined with regard to population, distribution, conservation status and any range changes. This review took account of the fact that many species – 202 in all – appear both as breeding birds and as passage migrants or wintering birds.

135 The study is also sifting through past re- CURRENT POPULATION CONCEN- search, in an effort that includes a com- TRATIONS IN GERMANY'S NINE prehensive, nation-wide review of the rele- MAJOR LANDSCAPE AREAS. Ger- vant literature. All data items regarding many can be divided into nine different populations of species are referenced and major landscape areas, each with specific thus remain easily identifiable as to ori- basic ecological conditions, and each with gin. different avifauna. These areas include the North Sea coast, Baltic Sea coast, north- west German lowlands, north-east German BREEDING BIRDS. The most current lowlands, west-German uplands, east-Ger- published overview of bird distribution man uplands, south-west-German uplands and abundance is the Atlas der Brutvögel and cuesta landscape, Alpine foreland and Deutschlands (Atlas of German Breeding the Alps (cf. SSYMANK et al. 1998). Birds; RHEINWALD 1993). This atlas covers the 1980s, with an emphasis on 1985. More The locations in which guest-bird popula- recent distribution atlases have also been tions are concentrated are being deter- published with regional coverage (usually mined for Germany's nine major land- on a Länder level). All of the distribution scape areas and then represented as grid figures consist of grid representations of areas or regions. This is being carried out varying degrees of fineness. in accordance with defined criteria, and in terms of percentages of total numbers of The R+D project is drawing on the avail- passing migrants and resting individuals. able literature in an attempt to produce a The available data on breeding birds does national overview map for each popula- not permit any correlations with major tion, using grids with quadrants finer than landscape areas. For such birds, therefore, 25 x 25 km. For species with more pro- the political boundaries of the Länder are nounced changes in abundance or distri- used as a reference base. bution, recent reference material will be used to provide the best-possible represen- tation of recent developments. DETERMINATION OF THE CON- SERVATION STATUS OF RELEVANT BREEDING BIRDS. The conservation PASSAGE MIGRANTS AND WINTER status of relevant breeding birds is deter- GUESTS. Only two of the available mined primarily on the basis of the rele- atlases cover passage migrants and winter vant Red Lists; in addition, regional avifau- guests: a work from the Rhineland (WINK na data is used to analyse the status of rel- 1990) and one from Baden-Württemberg evant population concentrations. (BAUER et al. 1995). For the greater part of Germany, therefore, the relevant literature is being reviewed.

136 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

ASSESSMENT OF NATIONAL POPU- ASSESSMENT OF DESIGNATED LATIONS. Populations in German breed- PROTECTION AREAS. Designation of ing areas, as well as populations of birds special protection areas within the frame- that pass through or winter in Germany, work of the EC Bird Directive, like assess- are assessed in comparison with the rele- ment of such designation in Germany, is vant European populations and total po- the responsibility of the Länder. To deter- pulations. Such review takes account of mine the "most suitable territories in num- species' geographic restrictions, rareness, ber and size" pursuant to Art. 4 (1) of the sensitivity to certain risk factors and de- EC Bird Directive, criteria should be used pendence on specific habitat characteris- that reflect the following: tics (TUCKER & HEATH 1994). l Size and distribution of populations and the relevant trends, COMPARISON OF POPULATIONS WITH DESIGNATED PROTECTION l Biological characteristics of species and AREAS. The designated protection areas populations, are overlaid over the same grid used for the bird data. For each bird species, this l Distribution of protection areas with technique quickly reveals potential correla- respect to locations of populations, tions, by showing when populations and protection areas lie within the same grid l Size, biotopes and conservation status sectors. On the other hand, it is unfortu- of habitats in the protection areas. nately not possible to determine whether the bird populations documented in the It must also be remembered that the literature actually occur within the rele- Länder have often had to orient their vant protection areas. Nonetheless, this practice to areas' existing protection status method also immediately reveals discrep- or to relevant ownership relationships. ancies between grid locations of popula- Furthermore, it would be useful to com- tion-concentration areas and protection pare area sizes and relevant applied crite- areas. ria with those of other EU countries, to obtain an international perspective on des- In a further step, the potential correla- ignated national protection areas. The R+D tions are reviewed in the light of actual project's findings are expected to provide circumstances. To this end, the survey- a basis on which the Länder can assess form data on populations, abundance and their bird populations and designated pro- conservation status of the relevant bird tection areas within a European frame- species is assessed. Any relevant informa- work. tion about area boundaries and biotope types is also taken into account.

137 1.4 CONTRIBUTIONS BY NON- contributed substantially to the protection GOVERNMENTAL ORGA- of migratory species of wild animals and NISATIONS (NGOS) their habitats, both in Europe and world- wide. The European Natural Heritage Fund (EURONATUR) publicises and supports this central concern and has committed itself Along with the Federal Government and to supporting implementation of this con- the Länder, many non-governmental orga- vention. With this in mind, in 1996 nisations support and contribute to imple- EURONATUR awarded its environmental mentation of the CMS. The following sec- prize to Arnulf Müller-Helmbrecht, CMS tion presents a selection of efforts to pro- Secretary General, for his outstanding tect migratory animal species, including efforts on behalf of the convention. activities by the European Natural Heri- tage Fund (EURONATUR), the German Na- ture Conservation Association (NABU), the EURONATUR'S CONTRIBUTIONS Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society TO CMS IMPLEMENTATION. (WDCS), the German Hunting Association EURONATUR was set up in 1987. Under (Deutscher Jagdschutz-Verband – DJV) and the motto "nature knows no borders", it the Umbrella Association of German Avi- works on behalf of international nature faunists (Dachverband Deutscher Avifau- conservation and trans-boundary co-operation with partner organisations in project areas, efforts that benefit many CMS Annex I species. One example of successful international co-operation was the creation of the Prespa national park in Albania in May 2000, an Albanian-German

Lake Prespa: Lake Prespa – an nisten – DDA). The relevant sections were nature conservation project in which the important habitat for prepared for this publication by the associ- CMS Secretariat played a decisive role. The waterbirds, and a suc- ations themselves, and they are presented project protects migratory animal species, cessful international in their original versions as submitted. such as waterbirds and bats, in many dif- conservation project ferent ways.

On the west Saharan Atlantic coast, near Cap Blanc, EURONATUR is working to protect the world's largest colony of the Medi- 1.4.1 EURONATUR terranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which is in danger of extinction. Its food supply is threatened by the exploitative fishing methods of interna- INTRODUCTION. Over the past 30 years, tional fishing fleets – methods that are the Bonn Convention on the Conservation allowed to continue, since the coastal sec- of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), tion in question is still "no-man's land", along with its subordinate agreements, has politically speaking. EURONATUR has

138 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

appealed to international monitoring bod- gali Prespa, in Albania, Macedonia and ies and supported the necessary prepara- Greece. EURONATUR has helped bring tions for an international protection area. about this expansion, in co-operation with Thanks to the commitment of our Spanish the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische partners, the nature conservation organi- Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) and local partners. sations Isifer and Fundación CBD-Hábitat, The world's last remaining breeding colo- an action plan was developed, within the nies of the hermit ibis (Geronticus eremita), CMS framework, for protecting the monk located on Morocco's Atlantic coast, are in seals at Cap Blanc. Morocco has agreed to danger of extinction. For five years, protect the sea region off the coast and to EURONATUR has been supporting efforts act against illegal activities of large fishing to guard and monitor these colonies. fleets, while Mauritania is monitoring the Ferruginous Duck: land areas of the coast. Local representa- To help protect the ferruginous duck The ferruginous duck tives of our Spanish and North-African (Aythya nyroca) in its main areas of concen- – its survival depends partners in nature conservation are con- tration in central Europe, Hungary and on national and inter- tinually monitoring and protecting the Croatia, EURONATUR is working to protect national conservation colony, which currently comprises 100 ani- extensively managed carp ponds that now efforts mals (and is slowly growing). As a result of serve as breeding sites for some 90% of the strong population growth in the area, remaining ferruginous duck population. local fishing families have greatly intensi- Land purchases and land-restoration meas- fied their fishing in recent years – also in ures, in a variety of European regions in waters near the seals' caves. These families Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Spain, are are being integrated within the protection helping to protect habitats of the great concept. In training courses – for example, bustard (Otis tarda). covering more efficient fishing methods – the fishermen are agreeing to refrain from fishing near the seals' caves. The EURONATUR'S CONTRIBUTIONS monk seals profit as conditions for the TO THE REGIONAL AGREEMENTS: local residents improve – for example, on AGREEMENT ON THE CONSERVA- the island of Alonnisos, in the Northern TION OF BATS IN EUROPE (EURO- Sporades, the Greek national marine park. BATS). To help protect bats, EURONATUR Fishermen there have agreed to protect is co-operating with German, Polish and the monk seals, and have received exclu- Czech partners in a trans-boundary proj- sive fishing rights in the waters of the ect. The participants include the Federal Sporades islands in return. Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), Migratory birds face a wide variety of the Polish nature conservation organisa- threats. EURONATUR thus works to protect tion "pro Natura", located in Breslau, the important resting places of migratory regional museum for cultural history in birds, along the various flyways. In co- Ceska Lipa (Czech Republic), the Zippels- operation with the German Nature Con- förde nature conservation station in Bran- servation Association (NABU), it is carrying denburg, the Brandenburg chapter of the out an international campaign to promote German Nature Conservation Association bird-safe power lines. Each year, thousands and the bat-banding centre in Dresden. of birds are electrocuted by power transmission installations. The objects under protection consist of old bunker systems that are part of the so- The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) called "east wall". These bunkers, which and the eastern white pelican (Pelecanus harbour up to 30,000 bats, of 12 different onocrotalus) are both profiting from trans- species, are the largest winter roost for boundary expansion of existing protection bats in northern Europe. They are located areas at Lake Mikri Prespa and Lake Me- under and around the Polish community

139 The two best-conserved riparian areas in the Danube region are of central importance: along the Save river, a total of 112,000 hectares of lands subject to natural flooding regimes have been mapped out as retention areas, in the context of an environmental report prepared for the World Bank by EURONATUR, in co-operation with Croatia's water resources management sector. The areas in question provide natural flood protection to the Drau: region. They consist of an extensive mosa- Drau, the lifeline – of Nietoporek (English: "bat village"). In ic of riparian forests, extensively grazed with its riparian mea- addition, on both sides of the German- pastures and ponds, and are home to dows, it is an indispen- Polish border (in Brandenburg, Saxony 80,000 migrating waterbirds, up to 5,000 sable resting area for and Mecklenburg, and from Stettin into ferruginous ducks and 50 white-tailed sea migratory waterbirds the Czech Republic), a total of 230 suitable eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). objects have been identified. Banding programmes have revealed that many of the A total of five countries are participating bats come from communities up to 260 in the project, the largest EURONATUR- Photos: km away, in Mecklenburg and Saxony, and supported project for protecting wetlands EURONATUR/ from areas even further east, to winter in in central Europe along the Mur, Drau Schneider-Jacoby these objects. and Danube rivers. In the border regions connecting Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hun- Following inspection and inventory of the gary and Yugoslavia, EURONATUR has pre- objects, eleven of the objects have been pared a concept for 200,000-hectare bios- structurally stabilised, with funding from phere reserve known as "European Life the German Federal Ministry for the En- Line Drava-Mura". Some 80% of the lands vironment, Nature Conservation and Nu- required for this reserve are already under clear Safety (BMU). Plans have been pre- protection or are slated for protective set- pared for necessary modifications and ren- aside. This riparian area is also of out- ovation of an additional 80 or so key ob- standing importance for migratory water- jects. Supporting scientific studies, involv- birds. On the basis of counts in Slovenia, ing bat captures and marking, winter Croatia and Hungary, it is estimated that counts, automatic registration of bats' an- 250,000 to 500,000 waterbirds use the nual and daily activities and study of mi- area, especially for resting along rivers croclimatic parameters in subterranean during cold winters. objects, have provided important findings about bats' migratory behaviour. To help support fulfilment of Germany's obligations under the AEWA action plan, EURONATUR has prepared a protection AGREEMENT ON THE CONSERVA- concept for the red-crested pochard (Netta TION OF AFRICAN-EURASIAN MI- rufina) and the ferruginous duck, and it GRATORY WATERBIRDS (AEWA). has collaborated in preparation of the Conservation of large intact wetlands plays European species action plans for the red- an especially important role in protection crested pochard, the ferruginous duck and of waterbird populations in Africa and Eu- the white-tailed sea eagle. With its experi- rasia. EURONATUR is helping to protect large ence gained in Germany and in interna- suitable wetlands in areas such as the Volga tional project areas, EURONATUR has been Delta, the Ohrid and Prespa lakes between able to contribute effectively to implemen- Greece, Macedonia and Albania and the ex- tation of the most important AEWA aims. tensive Narev lowlands in north-east Poland.

140 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Further information about EURONATUR's jan, it supports development of member- work and about the project areas is avail- ship-based NGO's and prepares guidelines able from the following address: for set-aside of biosphere reserves. Central Asia is an extremely important hub for bird migration from Siberia to southern European Nature Heritage Fund areas and for movements of migratory (EURONATUR) mammals such as the highly endangered Stiftung Europäisches Naturerbe Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica). In keeping Konstanzer Str. 22 with the Bonn Convention on the Conser- D – 78315 Radolfzell vation of Migratory Species of Wild Ani- Tel. ++49 (0)7732 / 92 72-0 mals (CMS), NABU works to protect resting Fax ++49 (0)7732 / 92 72-22 and wintering areas for migratory animal www.euronatur.org species. In close co-operation with BirdLife e-mail: [email protected] International, NABU uses and supports CMS instruments in efforts that include preparing action plans for globally endangered bird species such as the aquatic war- 1.4.2 NABU (German Nature bler (Acrocephalus paludicola). State chap- Conservation Association) ters of NABU also maintain many bilateral partner-ships with nature conservation and environmental protection organisations in other countries. The German Nature Conservation Associ- ation (Naturschutzbund Deutschland - For many years, NABU has worked to pro- NABU), founded in 1899 as the "Associa- tect the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), the tion for Bird Conservation", is one of Ger- animal represented in the association's many's oldest and largest conservation coat of arms. These efforts recently led to organisations. In co-operation with its Ba- a "Programme for the future of the white varian partner, the State Bird Conservation stork" (Zukunftsprogramm Weißstorch). Association (Landesbund für Vogelschutz - This programme represents the first LBV), it represents over 350,000 members. detailed, complete-coverage action plan Its central concern is comprehensive envi- ever established to protect a bird species ronmental protection and conservation, in Germany. with special emphasis on nature conservation and species protection, public aware- Since 2001, NABU has been carrying out ness and environmental education. NABU two projects in preparation for the 7th functions on a scientific basis. To support Conference of the Parties to the Bonn Con- such activities, it has established spe- vention on the Conservation of Migratory cialised national committees and working Species of Wild Animals (CMS). These proj- groups, consisting of many co-operating ects are described below. experts who work on a volunteer basis.

As the German partner of BirdLife Interna- THE PROJECT "STUDIES OF ELEC- tional, NABU also works internationally. TROCUTION OF LARGE BIRDS IN One of the main emphases of its work is CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE, protection of migratory animal species. AND DEVELOPMENT OF POTEN- NABU's efforts in this area include estab- TIAL SOLUTIONS".Over the past ten lishment of migratory-bird camps, on Mal- years, above-ground networks of outdoor ta and Calabria, to combat illegal bird power lines have grown increasingly dense. hunting, in close co-operation with local This trend has been particularly pronounced authorities. In central Asia (for example, in central and eastern European countries, on Lake Tengiz, Kazakhstan) and Azerbai- and the numbers of inadequately insulat-

141 ed and non-insulated power-line masts CMS Secretariat has long urged its mem- have increased considerably. Such masts ber countries to build only bird-safe power are a major threat for large birds such as masts and to add protection to dangerous storks and raptors and even for species as masts). And yet many species have their small as starlings (Sturnus Vulgaris). Al- main ranges or important populations in though birds die through direct collisions central and eastern European countries. with electrical power lines, birds with Most significantly, many migration routes large wingspans are often electrocuted as of Eurasian migratory birds are concen- they land on, or take off from, power trated in central and eastern European masts with lacking or inadequate insula- regions. These countries thus have special tion. What is more, perching birds, simply responsibility with regard to pan-European by stretching their wings, can cause dead- species-protection efforts. ly short circuits or – where conducting masts are involved – lethal ground cir- NABU's project, which has been funded by cuits. the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety World-wide, electrocution is now one of (BMU), has now presented findings from the most frequent causes of death for mi- years of research in 21 different countries. gratory birds. It threatens ecosystem "flag- The project's extensive data documents a ship species" such as the white stork and situation that is especially alarming in black stork (Ciconia ciconia, C. nigra), lesser eastern Europe. High-voltage and medium- spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), greater voltage power masts of bird-endangering spotted eagle (Aquila clanga), osprey designs are especially widespread in Po- (Pandion haliaetus) and steppe eagle (Aqui- land, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Hun- la nipalensis). What is more, burning birds gary and Slovakia. At the same time, posi- that fall to the ground sometimes even tive examples exist to show that installa- cause forest fires. This fact adds an eco- tion of bird-safe systems is already feasible nomic aspect to the problem's ecological today. aspects. Within the NABU project framework, and NABU's national working group on avian under the scientific direction of Dr. Dieter electrocution has been studying this prob- Haas, specific guidelines were developed lem intensively since the early 1970s. In for effectively reducing the enormous risks many Länder, the situation has been con- with the help of perch-guards and design siderably improved through co-operation modifications. The guidelines are oriented with power utilities, but problems still re- both to EU countries and central and east- main in Germany, even though the threat ern European countries, and they have led can often be eliminated by means of sim- to specific proposals for resolutions to be ple, low-cost measures. One result of taken at the 7th Conference of the Parties NABU's efforts has been that the amended on the Bonn Convention on the Conserva- version of the Federal Nature Conservation tion of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Act (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz) now con- (CMS). In the coming years, efforts will tains new (and unprecedented) require- have to concentrate on implementing ments for protection of birds from interac- these guidelines in as many countries as tion with outdoor power lines. possible. The aims include: 1. Establishing binding design regulations, for new sys- Most central and eastern European coun- tems, that minimise the risks for birds, tries still lack regulations requiring new and 2. Moving forward with efforts to dis- masts to be bird-safe and existing, poten- arm "killer masts". tially dangerous masts and lines to be suitably retrofitted (Germany has had a relevant DIN/VDE regulation since 1985; the

142 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

THE "STORK MIGRATION" CO- network) weather OPERATION PROJECT. The white programme. NABU stork is considered a key species that can uses such efforts, provide indications about the current envi- which mainly have ronmental situation and quality of natural a publicity effect, to habitats. In addition, it has a popularity call national atten- unlike that of any other bird; it is widely tion to the global seen as a symbol of good fortune and mo- importance of sus- biliser of goodwill. Consequently, efforts to tainably managing protect the stork have wide-ranging posi- environmental and tive effects – not solely from a scientific natural resources. perspective – and they generally meet Nonetheless, "Stork with a receptive, co-operative public. Migration" yielded White Stork specific new findings about the storks' By migrating over long distances between migratory routes, findings that provide a Germany and their winter habitats in east- basis for trans-boundary conservation ern and southern Africa, storks are ex- measures along the flyways between posed to a wealth of civilisation-related Germany and the birds' African winter dangers (dangerous electrical power lines homes. and masts, hunting, poisoning, loss of resting areas, etc.). Efforts to defuse such dan- The "Stork Migration" project, in which gers and to support populations in their NABU is functioning and co-operating as a breeding, resting and wintering areas can national partner of BirdLife International, often accomplish much with little – much complements NABU's continuing efforts to not only for the stork, but also for many protect species in its own country. To date, other migratory species. NABU, its state associations and local groups have purchased, leased or contractually In 2001, the multimedia project "Stork secured over 5,000 protection areas. The Migration" was launched to promote NABU foundation "National Natural Heri- trans-boundary measures to protect migra- tage" ("Nationales Naturerbe"), established tory birds. The project, with which NABU in 1999, works to acquire land on which wishes to highlight Germany's global re- management and uses can be discontin- sponsibility for protection of migratory ued, to permit nature to develop in accor- animal species, is part of the biodiversity dance with its own laws. campaign "Life needs diversity" ("Leben braucht Vielfalt"). The partners in the effort include the German Federal Agency November 2001 for Nature Conservation and meteomedia Dr. Markus Nipkow, Officer for AG (Jörg Kachelmann). Ornithology and Bird Conservation

In summer 2001, six adult storks from the Elbe region were fitted with satellite trans- Contact: mitters and then telemetrically tracked on NABU - Head Office their east-African migratory route. Their BirdLife Partner in Germany progress, and their positions at all times, 53223 Bonn were shown continuously in the Internet Germany (www.storchenzug.de). Another highlight E-mail: [email protected] was scheduled for their return flight from Internet: www.NABU.de their winter quarters: for a period of several weeks, the storks' migration was presented live to the German TV audience in the "Wetter im Ersten" (ARD broadcasting

143 1.4.3 WDCS (Whale and Dolphin north-eastern Scotland, while also roaming Conservation Society) over large distances. The project, a long- term research project carried out in co- operation with the University of Aberdeen, is gathering important data for the estab- "The global voice for protection of lishment of a dolphin-conservation area whales, dolphins and their habitats" (Special Area of Conservation).

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation So- Another cetacean species, the harbour ciety (WDCS) is an internationally active, porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), suffers espe- non-profit organisation devoted solely to cially greatly under the impacts of fishing. the protection of whales and dolphins and This species is also listed in Annex II of their habitats. Founded in 1987 in Bath, the CMS, and it is also at home in German England, the WDCS opened an office in waters. WDCS is working to eliminate por- Germany in March 1999 (it also has offices poise by-catches (porpoises that die in fish- in Australia and the U.S.). Since the early ing nets) completely. 1990s, the WDCS has initiated and supported some 100 projects, world-wide, Habitat pollution is a threat that does not aimed at protecting these fascinating sea stop at national boundaries; it threatens mammals and their habitats. migratory whale and dolphin species world-wide. Killer whales (Orcinus orca) off The WDCS has years of experience within the west coasts of Canada and the U.S. are the framework of the Bonn Convention on among the most extensively studied the Conservation of Migratory Species of whales. Since they are at the upper end of Wild Animals (CMS) and its regional agree- the food chain, their bodies accumulate ments on the Conservation of Small Ceta- particularly high concentrations of pollu- ceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCO- tants that greatly impair their health. By BANS) and on Conservation of Small Ceta- supporting local research projects relative ceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea to protection of this population, the WDCS and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAnS). is helping to collect information needed This experience plays a useful role in the for specific management plans in this WDCS' representative roles – for example, region. Similar initiatives are taking place in the ASCOBANS advisory committee – in many other parts of the earth, includ- and in its efforts to provide and prepare ing efforts to protect freshwater dolphin essential information about the global and species in Asia. For example, the habitat regional dangers to which whales and dol- of the Ganges river dolphin (Platanista phins are exposed, including fishing, noise gangetica), also known as the "susu", is pollution and chemical sea pollution, gravely threatened by numerous human hunting and other direct killing, habitat activities, including chemical pollution, destruction and global warming. fishing and – above all – construction of dams and power stations. Annex II of the CMS includes the North Sea and Baltic Sea populations of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). In one of its many projects, the WDCS is working to protect the last resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea – a group of about 130 animals that live predominantly in Moray Firth, a sea arm in

144 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

In addition to supporting scientific re- 1.4.4 DJV (German Hunting search at relevant locations, and lobbying Association) for improved laws to protect cetaceans, the WDCS also is active in the area of environmental education. Co-operation with local residents in project areas always Position of the DJV regarding use of plays a key role – local populations must migratory bird game species help formulate and support efforts to protect whales and dolphins, if projects are to be successful and an effective global network for protection of these wonderful PRELIMINARY REMARK. The great animals is to be built. majority of small game species subject to German hunting law, i.e. all waterbirds In one example of WDCS' education proj- and the Eurasian woodcock, are migratory ects, in early summer 2001, life-size, inflat- birds. For climatic reasons, the breeding able whale and dolphin models, the and wintering areas of these birds are "whales and dolphins on tour", were taken often widely separated. For this reason, on a six-week tour of northern Germany. such species carry out more or less exten- In addition to presenting specific details, sive migrations, every spring and fall. such as how beached small whales are res- Stationary birds, on the other hand, spend cued, the mobile exhibition gave children, the entire year within relatively small adolescents and many adults a look at the areas. This is the only respect in which the world of whales and dolphins – a world two categories of game birds differ. full of fascinating surprises and wonders and, unfortunately, full of dangers. RESEARCH FINDINGS. Over the past The many threats to cetaceans are a key two decades, research into population dy- reason why the Bonn Convention on the namics and ecological aspects of hunting Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild has made significant progress, especially Animals (CMS) is so indispensable. The with regard to migratory birds. Research, WDCS will thus continue to work within now world-wide, of the International Wa- the CMS framework and to strive for estab- terbird Research Bureau (IWRB), known lishment of additional regional agree- since 1996 as Wetlands International (WI), ments to protect migratory whale and dol- and special internationally co-ordinated phin species. research projects have increased our knowledge about the impacts of hunting (summary in KALCHREUTER 2000). For further information: WDCS l In general, any vital animal population Goerdelerstraße 41 can be used for hunting, to a certain D – 82002 Unterhaching degree, without any risk of impairing Tel. 089 6100 2393 or endangering the population. In this Fax. 089 6100 2394 regard, there is no difference between E-mail: [email protected], non-migratory deer and the migratory Internet: www.wdcs-de.org green-winged teal. International: www.wdcs.org

145 l The extensive habitats of migratory The international waterbird counts ana- birds call for large-scale surveys, such lysed since 1967 present the following pic- as those carried out for decades by the ture (the most recent population figures IWRB/WI. Studies that are solely natio- and relevant trend graphs in DELANY et nal or even local can lead to grotesque al. 1999 and KALCHREUTER 2000): misassessments of populations' situations. The main breeding areas of near- l Populations of most of the 17 duck spe- ly all of our waterbirds and woodcocks, cies that regularly occur in our coun- for climatic and other ecological rea- try, and of the six goose species found sons, lie in eastern Europe and west here (which breed primarily in the Siberia. Arctic), have increased – significantly, in some cases. The total number of During breeding periods, wading birds waterbirds in the west Palaearctic and waterbirds are distributed over exten- migratory region, which is relevant for sive, usually inaccessible areas, and thus Germany, has about doubled since the they are virtually impossible to count. The mid-1970s. WI counts thus take place in mid-winter, when birds gather at west and south Euro- l Similar conclusions can be drawn with pean and African water bodies for the regard to German breeding popula- winter. Consequently, it would be infeasi- tions. The garganey and the ferrugi- ble to make fall bag limits dependent on nous duck have decreased in numbers, results of inventories during breeding sea- while populations of the gadwall, red- sons, as is occasionally proposed. Even the crested pochard and tufted duck have highly sophisticated waterfowl manage- grown significantly. Over the past cen- ment methods used in North America no tury, the tufted duck, common pochard longer include such counts, which former- and common goldeneye have continu- ly were carried out at great expense. Such ously expanded their breeding areas counts were discontinued when it was into western Europe. realised that populations are limited by factors other than current forms of hunt- l The primary factor driving this deve- ing. lopment of resting and breeding populations of ducks was a greater supply of Depending on their breeding success food in moderately eutrophicated water (which usually depends on climate), popu- bodies, i.e. water bodies containing lations of migratory birds that pass organic pollutants. through our country can fluctuate significantly from year to year. Long-term trends l Wild geese have also been finding thus can be recognised only through study increasingly better grazing conditions of periods of at least ten years. as a result of fertilisation of agricultural land they use in winter. The positive population development also resulted from high breeding success during a number of climatically favourable springs in the Arctic – success that, probably, was also due to global warming in general.

146 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Hunting in Germany has never had a no- its fall population within its west ticeable effect on populations of water- Palaearctic migratory range, pursuant birds, and this is not surprising, given the to the most recent figures presented by relatively low intensity of hunting in this ROSE & SCOTT (1997), is on the order of country. Waterbirds have thrived regard- over 15 million woodcocks. Of this less of what hunting provisions have been number, some 25% are bagged in in place. Europe, while fewer than 0.01% are bagged in Germany. As a result, the l The most marked increases in duck woodcock occupies all suitable habitats populations, especially in populations in Germany, which is located at the of "rare species" such as the northern edge of its east-European / west- shoveller and the gadwall, occurred at Siberian breeding range. Fluctuations Barnacle Goose a time when nearly all of the species in numbers of bagged birds result pri- were still hunted in Germany (prior to marily from fluctuations in the bird's 1977). breeding success in the eastern part of its range. l Increases in populations of the white- fronted goose and bean goose, which are hunted throughout their entire SUSTAINABLE USE. Hunting of migra- west Palaearctic range, were similar in tory bird species produces prized game. extent to those of the brent goose and The total value of birds bagged each year barnacle goose, which are protected. is estimated at over four million DM (DJV The same phenomenon also occurred 2001). According to the latest results of with nearctic goose species, even though hunting-oriented ecological research, bag hunting intensity in North America is rates are within a tolerable range, as is considerably higher than in Germany. confirmed by population developments for The question of whether, and to what the various relevant species. Hunting of extent, increases in white-fronted goose migratory birds must thus be considered a populations in western Europe are due sustainable use of renewable resources. It to migratory shifts from east to west is conforms to the EC Bird Directive, the irrelevant in this context. The North Ramsar Convention, the Bern Convention, American white-fronted goose popula- the Agreement on the Conservation of tion has increased its numbers, in spite African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds of intensive hunting and without addi- (AEWA) (under the CMS) and the IUCN res- tional migratory influx, to an extent olution on sustainable use of natural comparable to the growth in the west assets (IUCN 2000). Palaearctic white-fronted goose population. Bonn, February 2001 l Conversely, the 1977 ban on hunting during the mating season did not DJV Board increase numbers of the Eurasian woodcock to the extent expected by bird conservationists. Because it is highly secretive, this species is unknown to most nature lovers. It is thus considered rare or even endangered. In reality,

147 1.4.5. DDA (Umbrella Organisation long-term projects seamlessly to the east of German Avifaunists) (also because these projects fit well with a number of programmes already in place there). Currently, the DDA represents 44 organisations, with a combined total MONITORING AND RESEARCH FOR membership of about 9,000 people. BIRD CONSERVATION. The Dachver- band Deutscher Avifaunisten e. V. (DDA) / As the DDA's own tasks became more and Umbrella Organisation of German Avifau- more complex, it became even clearer nists was founded over 30 years ago – on that responsible, forward-looking nature 11 January 1970 – in order to consolidate conservation and bird protection requires and represent the interests of Germany's a solid scientific basis that covers the over- field ornithologists and birdwatchers, in- all habitats of the individual species con- cluding their formal and informal working cerned. Where migratory species are con- groups and associations. The need for a cerned, such a basis must have a national national umbrella organisation became es- or even international perspective. In the pecially pressing in the post-war period, as late 1970s, the DDA and its member asso- more and more non-governmental organi- ciations thus took the logical step of en- sations (NGOs) for ornithology were estab- gaging in international co-operation, espe- lished at the Länder level (mirroring the cially by providing scientific support with- fact that Germany's Länder are responsible in the framework of international conven- for nature conservation enforcement and tions and directives (Ramsar Convention, practice, in keeping with Germany's feder- CMS, Bern Convention and EC Bird al structure). These organisations, which Directive). still collect the majority of all ornithological data, in co-operation with state bird stations (Satellite Vogelschutzwarten) and THE DDA'S ACTIVITIES AND PRO- other specialised Länder authorities, re- GRAMMES FOR PROTECTION OF quired an umbrella association that could MIGRATORY BIRD SPECIES. Soon organise and strengthen ornithological after it was founded, the DDA joined the and bird-conservation efforts at the na- "German Section of the International tional level. Council for Bird Protection ("Deutsche Se- ktion des Internationalen Rates für Vogel- A decisive "quantum leap" was made upon schutz" - DS/IRV), which was then renamed German reunification in 1990. Ornitholo- the "German Council for Bird Protection" gical organisations in the former German ("Deutscher Rat für Vogelschutz" - DRV) Democratic Republic sought a new contact when the ICBP was reorganised as BirdLife in western Germany, and the DDA respon- International. For the DS/IRV, the DDA ded by offering to extend its own regional- prepared the scientific basis for the first level structures to the new Länder. Begin- ning in 1990, relevant Länder organisations were founded throughout the new German Länder, and these organisations found a national home in the DDA. This made it possible to expand the DDA's

148 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Red List of Endangered German Bree- ally or internationally important resting ding Birds (Rote Liste der in Deutschland sites for waterbirds and meet the criteria gefährdeten Brutvogelarten - DS/IRV 1971). of the Ramsar Convention (BIRDLIFE It is still a member of the national Red List INTERNATIONAL 2001) or of the AEWA. body, and it has directorial responsibility – in close co-operation with the state bird The DDA has also successfully pursued its stations of the German Länder – for collec- statutory objectives at the European and tion of data on population sizes and trends international levels. For example, it played for all breeding bird species. The Red List a decisive role in the founding of the body has also initiated discussion about "European Bird Census Council" (EBCC), preparation of a Red List of endangered which is a European mirror image of the migratory bird species; these efforts are DDA in terms of its tasks and aims: the still in an early phase. EBCC co-ordinates monitoring projects in Europe, in order to enhance understand- The DDA's scientific support within the ing of national findings and to improve Red List framework draws on two national the interrelationships between projects. monitoring programmes that the DDA car- Since the EBCC's founding, the DDA has ries out under its own responsibility: the been its German representative and mem- DDA monitoring programmes for com- ber. One milestone in relevant work at the mon (SCHWARZ & FLADE 2000) and rare European level has been the European breeding bird species (MÄDLOW & MO- Atlas of Breeding Birds (HAGEMEIJER & DEL 2000). Monitoring of rare breeding BLAIR 1997). bird species, in particular, provides region- alised population data, at the Länder level, The national German counterpart to this for nearly all endangered waterbird spe- work, the Atlas der Verbreitung und cies that fall under the protection of the Häufigkeit der Brutvögel Deutschlands Agreement on the Conservation of Afri- (Atlas of the Distribution and Abundance can-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). of German Breeding Birds - RHEINWALD In past years, programmes have also been 1993), was published in 1993 – i.e. just a carried out to monitor selected bird spe- few years after German reunification. A cies (varying from year to year) – such as new atlas project is now in the design and the red kit (Milvus milvus) in 2000 and the development phase: a current picture of great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus) in the distribution of breeding bird species, 2001, both of which were named "bird of on the basis of quantitative data, designed the year" by the German Nature Conserva- to overlay with databases for other ecolog- tion Association (NABU) and the Bavarian ical parameters, to enhance study of na- State Bird Conservation Association (Lan- ture-conservation and bird-protection desbund für Vogelschutz Bayern - LBV). issues. This atlas could appear at the end of the 1st decade of the 21st century – if In addition, the DDA and its member asso- the necessary financing is obtained. Orni- ciations have provided key scientific avi- thological associations active at the natio- faunal data, to German BirdLife partners nal level have submitted a joint applica- (NABU and LBV), for preparation of the tion, to the German Federal Agency for German list of Important Bird Areas. At Nature Conservation, for funding for a least one-third of German IBA are nation- preliminary scientific study (selection of

149 sampling areas, determination of repre- in the framework of the directives, agree- sentative nature) that would begin the ments and conventions it has signed, project. efforts are currently being made to obtain permanent financial support for at least The "Centre for Waterbird Research and the organisation's co-ordinative work. The Wetlands Protection in Germany" (Zen- Federal Ministry for the Environment, trale für Wasservogelforschung und Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Feuchtgebietsschutz in Deutschland" - (BMU) has commissioned the ZWFD to ZWFD), which is housed within the DDA, carry out a research and development provides the official NGO delegate to project that is scheduled to begin in mid- Wetlands International, a globally active 2002 and is aimed at making the water- organisation that scientifically advises bird counts a permanent institution in the many international bodies in fulfilment of medium term. This project could be an their wetlands-protection tasks, including important step in toward permanent mon- protection of their flora and fauna. Wet- itoring of the natural environment and its lands International's core tasks include co- valuable assets (areas, endangered bird ordinating the "International Waterbird species), as required by CMS, AEWA, the Census", the national execution of which EC Bird Directive and German specialised is the ZWFD's responsibility. The ZWFD authorities. Over the past three years, resulted from a merger of the "Rieselfelder smaller assessments and compilations by Münster" biological stations, the "Biologi- the organisation have received federal cal Station in the Wesel District" (Biologi- funding from the German Federal Agency sche Station im Kreis Wesel) and the east- for Nature Conservation, especially for reg- ern German "Support association for wa- ular reporting to Wetlands International, terbird ecology and wetlands protection" in the framework of the International ("Förderverein für Wasservogelökologie Waterbird Census. und Feuchtgebietsschutz") in Buckow/ Brandenburg. Together, the three institutions co-ordinate national counts of water- ACTIVITIES OF DDA MEMBER birds and geese. The results of such counts ASSOCIATIONS TO PROTECT are used to fulfil German reporting re- MIGRATORY BIRD SPECIES. Finally, quirements in connection with the Ramsar we also wish to mention the DDA member Convention, CMS (including AEWA) and associations' many activities to protect mi- the EC Bird Directive (SUDFELDT et al. gratory bird species. Most of these activi- 2000). ties involve bilateral or multilateral co- operation to protect internationally important bird protection areas, or to protect PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES AT individual, highly endangered waterbird THE NATIONAL LEVEL. The DDA's species. Table 1.4.5-1 provides an exempla- achilles heel is the low level of funding it ry – since it is surely incomplete – has as a central organisation. Its members' overview: dues do not cover the cost of separate projects or monitoring programmes. For this reason, the DDA must rely on external Dr. Christoph Sudfeldt & Dr. Klaus Witt; Dachverband support – for example, public-sector fund- Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V. ing for specific projects. Since the DDA Office: Coermühle 100, 48157 Münster and its member associations collect data (largely through volunteer work) that the German government is required to report,

150 Protection of migratory species in Germany 1

Tab. 1.4.5-1: Activities of DDA member associations

DDA member association Co-operation partner(s) Project

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Berlin- About 12 German and interna- Wader Wetlands Inland Brandenburgischer Ornitho- tional project partners (project partners in Poland, logen (ornithologists' working Belarus and Ukraine) group in Berlin-Brandenburg) and NABU BB "Rieselfelder Münster" North Rhine-Westphalian Mini- Support and management Biological Station stry for Environment and Na- measures in the Djoudj ture Conservation, Agriculture National Park / Senegal and Consumer Protection; Friedrich Ebert Foundation; NP Djoudj "Rieselfelder Münster" Zoologische Gesellschaft Kamanos Biological Station Frankfurt Reservation/Lithuania "Rieselfelder Münster" Societatea Ornitologica Romana; Systematic studies on water- Biological Station Danube-Delta Research and bird and wading bird migra- Design Institute tion in the Razim-Sinoie lagoon area in the Danube Delta World Natural Heritage area Biological Station in the Wesel Christian and Paola Moullec Project to protect the lesser District (Kreis Wesel) (France), Dr. Lambart von white-fronted goose Essen (Sweden), Dr. Wolfgang Scholze (environmental representative of the Deutsche Aero Club) Biological Station in the Institute for ecology and evolu- English-language overview of Wesel District tion of the Russian Academy of Russian literature on water- Sciences, Russian banding centre birds

Biological Station in the French nature conservation Visitor and research centre in Wesel District ministry; "Le Balkan", a French- the "Dourankoulak Lake" Bulgarian foundation Ramsar area

Ornithologische Arbeitsge- FTZ Büsum, University of Kiel, Seabirds at sea meinschaft für Schleswig-Hol- University of HH, BfN, UBA, EU stein und Hamburg (ornithological working for Schleswig- Holstein and Hamburg)

151 2 Conservation status and protecting measures of CMS-protected species native to Germany

2.1 Conservation status of CMS- The descriptions are structured in keeping protected species native to with the format prescribed, by the CMS or Germany, and related the regional agreements, for the various relevant reports. measures

This section describes the conservation status of all animal species that are protected by the Bonn Convention on the Conserva- tion of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 2.1.1 White-tailed sea eagle Sea Eagle (CMS) and that are native to Germany. It (Haliaeetus albicilla) also describes the relevant legal provisions for their protection and relevant practical protection measures. The conservation situation of the white-tai- The description begins with the following led sea eagle is described comprehensively bird species that are listed in Annex I CMS in Chapter 1.1; the reader's attention is and that are to be strictly protected: white- called to that section. For the sake of com- tailed sea eagle, great bustard, ferruginous pleteness, this section outlines, in keeping duck, aquatic warbler. with the CMS reporting format, the measures taken to protect the white-tailed sea A description is then provided of the situa- eagle. tion of migratory animal species listed in Annex II and for which, pursuant to Arti- cle IV of the CMS, regional agreements are DISTRIBUTION IN GERMANY. to be concluded. The species covered by existing regional agreements (Agreement SUMMARISE INFORMATION ON on the Conservation of African-Eurasian POPULATION SIZE, TRENDS AND Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), Agreement DISTRIBUTION (IF KNOWN). IF on the Conservation of Bats in Europe POSSIBLE, PROVIDE RELEVANT (EUROBATS), Agreement on the Conser- DATA SHOWING EARLIER AND vation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic CURRENT SIZE. The white-tailed sea and North Seas (ASCOBANS), Agreement eagle breeds in the German Länder Schles- on the Conservation of Seals in the wig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-West Pomera- Wadden Sea) are summarised. Section 3 nia, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony- then describes the conservation status of Anhalt, Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia Annex II species for which no regional and Bavaria. agreement is yet in force.

152 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Following a decline in the population of The German Länder with the densest the white-tailed sea eagle in the mid-19th populations of white-tailed sea eagle are century, as a result of hunting and, later, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and of pesticide use (DDT), the population Brandenburg. A total of 321 pairs bred in increased again toward the end of the Germany in 2000. 20th century (see Chapter 1.1).

Tab. 2.1.1-1: Options for protecting nest locations in the Länder, as set forth by the relevant Länder nature conservation acts

Land Relevant provisions for nest protection in the various state nature conservation acts Schleswig-Holstein Art. 25 Special protection provisions: empowerment of the supreme nature conservation authority to carry out special protection and management measures and to prohibit certain actions. Mecklenburg-West Art. 36 Special species protection, nest protection zones: establish- Pomerania ment of nest protection zones by the supreme nature conservation authority: In Zone I (within a radius of 100 m around the nest), forest management work or any changes to the area are prohibited. In Zone II (within a radius of 100 to 300 m), agricultural, silvi- cultural and fishing-related measures are prohibited from 1 March to 31 August. Hunting is prohibited in both protection zones from March to August. Lower Saxony Art. 41 Protection directive: in certain areas, the supreme nature conservation authority may take provisions to protect endangered species, for limited periods of time. It can also prohibit actions planned by the owners of such areas. Brandenburg Art. 33 Nest locations: prohibition of changes within a radius of 100 m and prohibition of mechanised agriculture and silviculture from 1 March to 31 August, within a radius of 100 to 300 m. In addition, no hunting facilities may be built or used within a radius of 500 m. An option for expansion of zones applies.

Saxony-Anhalt Art. 31 Special protection directives: the nature conservation authority may prohibit actions in certain areas and for certain periods of time (also can apply to affected owners). Thuringia Art. 28 Protection of wild plants and animals (4): the lower nature conservation authority may, in individual cases and for limited periods of time, issue directives requiring protection of breeding sites and habitats from disturbances. Saxony Art. 25 Protection and care of wild plant and animal species: nature conservation authorities are empowered to take special measures to protect breeding sites, for limited periods of time.

Bavaria Art. 18 Empowerment of the supreme nature conservation authority: the supreme nature conservation authority can take measures to protect especially protected species.

153 MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING WITH ART. III (5), INCLUDING: PROHIBITION OF TAKING (LEGAL MEASURES) AND EXCEPTIONS (REASONS FOR EXCEPTIONS, DURATION OF EXCEPTIONS, LEGAL BASES, STATISTICS).

The white-tailed sea eagle is an animal species that is strictly protected under nature conservation law. It is also subject Sea Eagle to German hunting law. Since no hunting season has been defined, this species may MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING not be hunted at any time during the WITH ART. III (4), INCLUDING: year. In addition to these prohibitions of CONSERVATION AND RESTOR- taking and killing, the bird is also protec- ATION OF HABITATS, ELIMIN- ted by prohibitions of disturbances, posses- ATION OF OBSTACLES THAT PRE- sion and sale, pursuant to nature conser- VENT MIGRATION AND ELIMIN- vation and hunting law. Violations of ATION OF FACTORS THAT ARE these provisions are either crimes or admi- ENDANGERING THE SPECIES. nistrative offences. This species is thus subject to more extensive provision in Germany than the protection provided by No special action plan to protect the provisions of Art. III No. 5 of CMS. white-tailed sea eagle has been prepared. However, this species is the focus of exten- Exceptions are allowed for removal of sive conservation efforts in the Länder (see dead birds for scientific purposes. also Chap. 1.1). Special measures taken to protect the white-tailed sea eagle include It is not known to what extent any licen- protection of sensitive nesting areas. These sed hunters have removed and made use efforts are backed by legal provisions (Tab. of white-tailed sea eagles they have found 2.1.1-1). dead.

In Schleswig-Holstein, a total of some 200 volunteers work each year to protect the white-tailed sea eagle. The nests are monitored by a network of regional nest moni- tors. Throughout all of Germany, some 400 persons are active in protection of the white-tailed sea eagle (STRUWE-JUHL in lit. 2001).

154 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.1.2 Great bustard (Otis tarda) Apart from these areas in which the great bustard is a permanent resident, Brandenburg has five other areas in which the great bustard is occasionally found, in DISTRIBUTION IN GERMANY. groups of fewer than five birds. In Germany, remaining populations of the great bustard are found only in the Ger- man Länder of Brandenburg and Saxony- SUMMARISE INFORMATION ON Anhalt (LITZBARSKI & LITZBARSKI 1996). POPULATION SIZE, TRENDS AND In Saxony-Anhalt, the remaining popula- DISTRIBUTION. IF POSSIBLE, tions are found in the "Zerbster Land" EU PROVIDE RELEVANT DATA SHO- special protection areas for birds, in the WING EARLIER AND CURRENT Great Bustards Anhalt-Zerbst rural district, and in the SIZE. As a result of clearing of forests Fiener Bruch area, which is located south and expansion of agriculture in the of Genthin and extends toward Branden- Middle Ages, the great bustard became a burg. Individuals are found occasionally in resident of cultural landscapes (BERTHOLD the Magdeburger Börde area and in the 1990). In the 18th century, it was found Trüben area (east of Stendal) (DORNBUSCH throughout farmlands, and it was so com- 1996). mon that it caused crop damage (KLAFS 1965). The state of Brandenburg harbours two The population of the great bustard began important great bustard populations – in to decline in 1850. By the late 1930s and the Havelländisches Luch and Belziger early 1940s, the population in the north- Landschaftswiesen areas. Apart from these east German low plain had fallen to about important areas, individuals turn up occa- 4,000 great bustards (LITZBARSKI & LITZ- sionally in a few other areas. BARSKI 1996). Tab. 2.1.2.-1 lists the reliable counts of great bustard that have been The Havelländisches Luch nature area has conducted in Germany since 1960. the largest, and most densely populated (i.e. by the bird) great bustard area in Ger- many. In 1999, a total of 29 great bustards (nine males and 20 females) were counted there (RYSLAVY 2001).

Another important area for the great bus- Tab. 2.1.2-1: Population of the great bustard in tard is located about 45 km south of the Germany (from DORNBUSCH 1983, NICOLAI 1993 and Havelländisches Luch area, bordering the supplemented by LITZBARSKI & LITZBARSKI 1996, Hoher Fläming area, in south-west Bran- Environment Authority (Landesumweltamt) of the denburg and in the lowland of the Ba- State of Brandenburg – State Bird Station in lit. 2001 ruther Urstromtal. In this area, which is and Ministry for Physical Planning, Agriculture and know as the "Belziger Landschaftswiesen", the Environment of the State of Saxony-Anhalt in lit. a total of 26 great bustards (seven males 2001). and 19 females) were counted in 1999 (RYSLAVY 2001). Year Population (Individuals) 1960 1200 The above-mentioned Fiener Bruch area, 1970 950 in which five hens were counted in 1999, 1975 850 is located about 30 km west of the Belzi- 1980 560 ger Landschaftswiesen. To mate, the Fiener 1985 350 Bruch hens enter the Belziger Landschafts- 1990 220 wiesen area. They then return to the Fiener 1995 90-100 Bruch to raise their young (RYSLAVY 2001). 2000 82

155 Figure 2.1.2-1 shows how the great bustard population continued to shrink in Branden- burg into the 1990s. The population did not begin to recover – slowly – until 1998.

REASONS FOR THE SPECIES' DECLINE. In Germany, the great bustard requires habitats with cultivated land (LITZBARSKI & LITZBARSKI 1996). In the mid-19th century, traditional "three-field" Great Bustards rotation farming systems were abandoned as artificial fertiliser was introduced (GEORGE 1996). As a result, fallow fields, Increasing agricultural mechanisation valuable breeding areas for the great inflicted high rates of brood loss on the bustard, were no longer available to the great bustard. After World War II, diversi- bird. In addition, potential breeding habi- ty of field flora and fauna decreased as a tats on poorer soils were lost through result of widespread pesticide use, and planting of pine and spruce forests. thus great bustards lacked the protein-rich food (arthropods) they needed to raise their young (LITZBARSKI & LITZBARSKI 1996).

Fig. 2.1.2-1: Development of populations of the great bustard in Brandenburg (pursuant to Environment Authority (Landesumweltamt) of the State of Brandenburg – State Bird Station in lit. 2001).

160

140

120

100

Number Number of animals 40

0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

156 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The most significant threat to remaining their young in the wild. This involves far- populations is predation by predatory ming the fields in such a way that the mammals (such as foxes). birds have enough protein-rich food for their young (avoidance of pesticides). Another important aspect of great-bustard MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING protection is to conserve open, large agri- WITH ART. III (4), INCLUDING: cultural landscapes. CONSERVATION AND RESTORA- TION OF HABITATS, ELIMINATION Releases of bustards raised in captivity OF OBSTACLES THAT PREVENT have been complemented by construction MIGRATION AND ELIMINATION OF of enclosures that protect the bustards FACTORS THAT ARE ENDANGER- from predatory mammals. These enclosu- ING THE SPECIES. In Brandenburg, res are now also being used successfully by measures taken to protect the great naturally breeding bustards. bustard are concentrated on the two areas with the densest bustard populations. In Saxony-Anhalt, areas occupied by bustards are directly managed and protec- In both the Havelländisches Luch and ted by a conservation official. As in Belziger Landschaftswiesen areas, conser- Brandenburg, the birds' breeding areas vation measures are co-ordinated by are kept largely free of disturbances by Brandenburg's state bird station (Staatliche means of enclosures. In addition to the Vogelschutzwarte) and its extension. erection of a fox-proof fence around a 10 hectare section of the Fiener Bruch area, Via a programme for breeding bustards in farming-related work in the vicinity has captivity, an attempt is being made to been reduced to the necessary minimum. maintain and enlarge the great bustard Cultivation of lucernes, which benefits population. The eggs for the programme great bustards, has been introduced in are obtained from nests of wild hens and some areas. then hatched in incubators. The hens respond to their loss by producing second broods, which they then raise in the wild. MEASURES TO PREVENT IMPAIR- Eggs have been artificially incubated in MENTS OF GREAT BUSTARD the Buckow bird station since 1979. As of POPULATIONS RESULTING FROM 1995, that station had released a total of CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF THE 270 great bustards into the wild HIGH-SPEED RAILWAY LINE (LITZBARSKI & LITZBARSKI 1996). THROUGH THE HAVELLÄNDISCHES LUCH AREA. Prior to German reunifica- In addition to this breeding and release tion, the two former German states con- programme, an attempt is being made to cluded an agreement calling for the sin- improve the great bustard's habitat to gle-track railway line through the Havel- such an extent that the birds can raise ländisches Luch area, a section of the

Tab. 2.1.2-2: Population of the great bustard in Saxony-Anhalt (pursuant to Ministry for Physical Planning, Agriculture and the Environment of the State of Saxony-Anhalt in lit. 2001).

Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Individuals 15 10 10 10 10

157 Hanover – Berlin line, to be expanded into 5. Planting of trees at least seven meters an electrified, high-speed line with two tall, along with small bushes, as over tracks (SCHÖPS 2000). This agreement was flight aids at three ditch sections at then set forth in detail in the "German which the embankment had to be unification traffic plan" ("Verkehrsplan interrupted. deutsche Einheit"). The threats to the birds resulting from There was concern that great bustards construction of the ICE line were success- would be particularly prone to lethal inter- fully reduced, as called for in the great- actions with the power lines for the rail- bustard action plan. way and would suffer other impairments through the railway's construction and operation. The German Nature Conser- MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING vation Association (NABU) prepared a 19- WITH ART. III (5), TAKING OF point catalogue that became an important ANIMALS, INCLUDING: PROHIBIT- aspect of negotiations between German ION OF TAKING (LEGAL MEASU- Railways (Deutsche Bahn), Brandenburg's RES) AND EXCEPTIONS (REASONS Ministry for the Environment and various FOR EXCEPTIONS, DURATION OF nature conservation organisations. The EXCEPTIONS, LEGAL BASES, catalogue then accepted by German STATISTICS). The great bustard is an Railways provided for the following: animal species that is strictly protected under nature conservation law. It is also 1. Appointment of a conservation subject to German hunting law. Since no expert to provide consultation in con- hunting season has been defined, this spe- nection with the construction (this cies may not be hunted at any time expert also would provide input during the year. In addition to these pro- during the planning phase); hibitions of taking and killing, the bird is also protected by prohibitions of distur- 2. No construction would take place bances, possession and sale, pursuant to during the night, nature conservation and hunting law. Violations of these provisions are either 3. All construction would stop during crimes or administrative offences. This spe- the great bustard's mating period, cies is thus subject to more extensive pro- from 1 March and 31 August, vision in Germany than the protection provided by provisions of Art. III No. 5 of 4. Construction of five-meter embank- CMS. ments, covered with vegetation (bustard-protection embankments), No exceptions pursuant to Article III (5) on both sides of the railway line, were permitted within the reference period 1999 to 2001.

158 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.1.3 Ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) population decreased until the 1970s (KRÜGER 1987). The breeding population between 1960 and 1973 was about 10-15 breeding pairs. This population disappea- DISTRIBUTION IN GERMANY. red as of 1976. In the Hoyerswerda area, the ferruginous duck died out 10 years SUMMARISE INFORMATION ON later, in 1986 (KRÜGER 1987). POPULATION SIZE, TRENDS AND DISTRIBUTION. IF POSSIBLE, According to RUTSCHKE (1983), no ferrugi- PROVIDE RELEVANT DATA SHOW- nous duck broods were observed after ING EARLIER AND CURRENT SIZE. 1970 in northern Brandenburg. The bird In the mid-19th century, the ferruginous had also disappeared from Mecklenburg- duck was found to have expanded its West Pomerania by the 1980s (KLAFS & range beyond its main range areas in STÜBS 1987). eastern and south-eastern Europe (BAUER & GLUTZ VON BLOTZHEIM 1969). For deca- One of the last reported sightings of bree- des after this expansion, the ferruginous ding ferruginous ducks in the Lake duck remained widespread throughout Constance area dates from 1979 Germany (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). Its (SCHUSTER et al. 1983). most important range areas were in eastern Germany. The ferruginous duck On the other hand, new sightings have was a common breeding bird in the been reported time and again. In 1995, a Niederlausitz and Oberlausitz areas and in ferruginous duck brood was sighted at the Oder estuary (BAUER & GLUTZ VON Lake Constance (Mettnau) (SCHNEIDER- BLOTZHEIM 1969). JACOBY 1999) – the first such sighting since 1979. Another population was located in the south-east, in the middle Franconian lake The ferruginous duck was sighted as a district. The ferruginous duck was still a breeding bird in 1999 and 2000 in common breeding bird there in the early Brandenburg and Saxony, in the part of the 20th century. By 1953, the Niederlausitz area (REUSSE et al. 2001). population in this area had dwindled to Whereas in 1999 only one brood was five breeding pairs, however. Ten years observed in Brandenburg, in the following later, in 1963, the ferruginous duck had year two additional broods were sighted disappeared from the area (WÜST 1990). on Saxony's side of the border. In Saxony- Anhalt, territorial pairs were sighted in Another breeding population was found 1997 and 1999, in the area of the in the Riddagshäuser Teiche area, near Flusslandschaft Elbe biosphere reserve (in Braunschweig (BAUER & GLUTZ VON lit. 2001). BLOTZHEIM 1969). According to SCHER- NER (1981), this population died out prior The ferruginous duck occurs only sporadi- to 1925. cally in Germany as a migratory bird. Migratory ferruginous ducks can be seen In addition, the ferruginous duck was sel- only in the Lake Constance area, in August dom seen as a breeding bird in western and September. According to SCHNEIDER- Germany (BAUER & GLUTZ VON JACOBY (1999), since 1993, up to 20 indivi- BLOTZHEIM 1969). duals have come to Mindelsee lake each year to moult their wing feathers. Also in the Lausitz area, where the ferruginous duck was one of the most common duck species in the early 20th century (TOBIAS, cit. in RUTSCHKE 1983), the bird's

159 REASONS FOR THE POPULATION'S MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING DECLINE. In Germany (especially in the WITH ART. III (5), TAKING OF Lausitz area and in the middle Franconian ANIMALS, INCLUDING: PROHIBIT- lake district), the ferruginous duck bred ION OF TAKING (LEGAL MEASU- primarily in areas with vegetation-rich fish RES) AND EXCEPTIONS (REASONS ponds. In the 1970s, when many ponds FOR EXCEPTIONS, DURATION OF were already intensively managed, even EXCEPTIONS, LEGAL BASES, more intensive methods of pond manage- STATISTICS). The ferruginous duck is ment were introduced, so HABERMEIER an animal species that is strictly protected (1997). This development was compoun- under nature conservation law. It is also ded by the EC's pond-construction pro- subject to German hunting law. Since no gramme (Entlandungs- und Teichbaupro- hunting season has been defined, this spe- gramm), which also further intensified cies may not be hunted at any time pond management (JODL 1991). As part of during the year. In addition to these pro- such management, smaller, overgrown hibitions of taking and killing, the bird is ponds were enlarged and scraped, and also protected by prohibitions of distur- fish populations were enlarged. What is bances, possession and sale, pursuant to more, ponds and other water bodies nature conservation and hunting law. began to undergo eutrophication from Violations of these provisions are either influx of airborne nutrients. This reduced crimes or administrative offences. This spe- the diversity of water vegetation, elimina- cies is thus subject to more extensive pro- ting even more breeding areas for the fer- vision in Germany than the protection ruginous duck (HECKER 1994). At a con- provided by provisions of Art. III No. 5 of ference for implementation of AEWA, CMS. SCHNEIDER-JACOBY (2000) presented a detailed analysis of the situation of the No exceptions pursuant to Article III (5) ferruginous duck. were permitted within the reference period 1999 to 2001.

MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING WITH ART. III (4), INCLUDING: CONSERVATION AND RESTORA- TION OF HABITATS, ELIMINATION OF OBSTACLES THAT PREVENT MIGRATION AND ELIMINATION OF FACTORS THAT ARE ENDANGER- ING THE SPECIES. The various populations in Saxony are being supported and their breeding sites are being protected. Several German Länder have set aside special protection areas, pursuant to the European Bird Directive (79/409/EEC), for the ferruginous duck.

160 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.1.4 Aquatic warbler SOHNS 1977). By 1975, most of these (Acrocephalus paludicola) populations had disappeared (WAWRZYNIAK & SOHNS1977).

PETERSEN (1956) studied populations of DISTRIBUTION IN GERMANY. the aquatic warbler at five known bree- In Germany, the aquatic warbler now ding sites. Populations on the lower Rhine, breeds only in the Unteres Odertal area, in between Emmerich and Rees, disappeared the state of Brandenburg (RYSLAVY 2001). in 1951, and those in the Truper Blänken These birds are part of a population that area, near Bremen, and on the lower Elbe Aquatic Warbler includes about 300 singing males and that River, near Bleckede, disappeared in the breeds near Szczecin/Poland (FLADE, orally mid-1950s. Even in the Dümmer area, reported). The nearest other area popula- which harboured a rich population at 16 ted by the bird is the Biebrza lowlands different sites, no more aquatic warblers area in east Poland. were sighted after 1957.

Outside of the Unteres Odertal area, a few The last population in west Germany, appearances of the bird have been docu- which may have persisted into the 1970s, mented during migration periods – usual- was located in north Friesland, near ly through capture of banded individuals Husum (WITT 1969). – in lowland areas of the Havel (Rietzer See), Spree (Alte Spreemündung) and Ucker In eastern Germany as well, populations of (Uckersee) rivers (MINISTERIUM FÜR LAND- the bird were already in decline by the WIRTSCHAFT, UMWELTSCHUTZ UND 1970s. They were confined to the north- RAUMORDNUNG BRANDENBURG in lit. east and central areas of that region. The 2002). former eastern German populations in the Lewitz area and along the east banks of the Müritz river died out no later than the SUMMARISE INFORMATION ON end of the 1950s (WAWRZYNIAK & SOHNS POPULATION SIZE, TRENDS AND 1977). Other populations, some quite large DISTRIBUTION. IF POSSIBLE, in number, near Ueckermünde, in the PROVIDE RELEVANT DATA SHOW- Peenetal area, near Brandenburg and ING EARLIER AND CURRENT SIZE. along Gülper See (lake), disappeared no The aquatic warbler was also found later than the 1970s. throughout western Europe until the 1930s (SCHÄFFER & SCHÄFFER 1999). Even during The areas in which the aquatic warbler the time of the bird's largest distribution, persisted after this time include the its occupied range was considerably frag- Freesendorfer Wiesen, in the immediate mented, however. vicinity of the Greifswalder Bodden area, in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, and the WAWRZYNIAK & SOHNS (1977) provide an Odertal area, below the Unteres Odertal overview of the bird's former distribution national park, near Schwedt in Branden- in Germany. burg. In 1979, the bird occupied the Freesendorfer Wiesen area (Freesendorfer In 1936, apart from existing, regular popu- Wiesen and Struck nature conservation lations in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania area), following measures to conserve and Brandenburg, the Länder Bavaria, habitats of rare meadow-breeding species, Württemberg, Baden, Rhineland, Thurin- and by the end of the 1980s aquatic warb- gia, Saxony, Anhalt, Lower Saxony and ler populations reached their maximum Schleswig-Holstein had scattered popula- size in these areas. However, the populations and broods of the aquatic warbler tion then collapsed again in the 1990s as (NIETHAMMER, cit. in WAWRZYNIAK & a result of usage changes (MLUR BB in lit.

161 2002). Since 1998, the bird has not been Unfortunately, little data is available on sighted in the Freesendorfer Wiesen area the number of broods actually raised. (FLADE, orally reported), and thus the Un- HELMECKE & BELLEBAUM (in lit. 2001) list teres Odertal area is the last area in Ger- only two instances of breeding for 2001 many in which the aquatic warbler can (nest find + feeding female). In 1999, only still be found. Fig. 2.1.4-1 shows the popu- one instance of breeding was documen- lation's development in the Struck-Freesen- ted. dorfer Wiesen nature conservation area. Fig. 2.1.4-2 shows how the aquatic warbler population in the Unteres Odertal area has REASONS FOR THE BIRD'S DE- fluctuated widely from the mid-1960s until CLINE. The aquatic warbler has very spe- the present. Presumably, the slight recove- cific needs with regard to its breeding ry in the 1990s was due to improved pro- areas. Ideally, it breeds in extensive wet tection for meadow-breeding birds, inclu- meadows, with vegetation consisting lar- ding precise territory inventories and late gely of Carices (sedges). It also breeds in mowing of areas occupied by the bird; twig rushes (Cladietum marisci). Water habitat degeneration then brought about levels in the wet meadows and marshes it a rapid decline, however (MLUR BB in lit. selects are normally not higher than 10 cm. 2002). The figure also shows that the population of the aquatic warbler has decli- The world-wide decline of aquatic warbler ned significantly throughout the overall populations is due to rapid, continuing period. habitat losses.

Fig. 2.1.4-1: Population of the aquatic warbler in the Struck-Freesendorfer Wiesen nature conservation area (pursuant to SELLIN in lit. 2001)].

10 Number Number of singing males/territories 5

1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Year

162 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Systematic drainage of wet meadows and for birds) in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania marshes, to expand agricultural lands, has was probably forced out of the area by eliminated many of the bird's habitats overly intensive grazing (SELLIN, orally (AQUATIC WARBLER CONSERVATION reported). TEAM 1999). In addition, remaining potential habitats As agriculture has become more and more for the bird in the Unteres Odertal area intensive in this century, many of the im- have been impaired or lost through per- portant fens for aquatic warblers have mitted uses – in part, as a the consequen- been dried out through drainage and ce of prohibitions of uses in the fully pro- nearly destroyed. This has occurred, for tected reserve. Another large threat is loo- example, in the Dümmer area, near Osna- ming in planning of a new border-crossing brück, which used to harbour a significant road that will run through the heart of population of the bird (WAWRCYNIAK & the special protection area and that would SOHNS 1977). split sub-populations of the aquatic warbler within the Unteres Odertal area (frag- Apart from drainage, intensive grazing is mentation effect, potential dangers from also a major threat. The aquatic warbler traffic, noise impacts) (MLUR BB in lit. population that disappeared in 1998 from 2002). the Freesendorfer Wiesen (nature conservation area and EU special protection area

Fig. 2.1.4-2: Development of the aquatic warbler population in the Unteres Odertal area (pursuant to FLADE, orally reported).

Number Number os singing males 20

1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Year

163 Little is known about threats the bird The responsible Land ministry, the Minis- faces during its migrations and in its win- try for Agriculture, Environmental Protec- ter quarters, although it is likely that the tion and Physical Planning, acting in co- bird's Atlantic coast flyway exposes indivi- operation with Brandenburg's state bird dual birds to the risk of capture and shoo- station (Staatliche Vogelschutzwarte), has ting (especially France, north-west and identified principles for relevant conserva- west Africa) (MLUR BB in lit. 2002). tion and development measures (MLUR BB in lit. 2002):

MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING WITH ART. III (4), INCLUDING: l HABITAT PROTECTION CONSERVATION AND RESTORAT- ION OF HABITATS, ELIMINATION As a rule, remaining and rewetted fens, OF OBSTACLES THAT PREVENT wet meadows and riparian meadows must MIGRATION AND ELIMINATION OF be conserved and protected, and wet FACTORS THAT ARE ENDANGER- grassland areas must be restored to a ING THE SPECIES. Because the aqua- natural state (drainage ditches filled in or tic warbler is a species listed in Annex I of dammed) and then permitted to become the EC Bird Directive (79/409/EEC), protec- more oligotrophic (extensive usage with- tion areas must be set aside for it within out fertilisation). A key requirement is to the framework of establishment of the ensure that breeding areas have adequate Natura 2000 European network of protec- water levels upon the aquatic warbler's tion areas. Such set-aside has already arrival. taken place in the Unteres Odertal area (DITTBERNER & KÖHLER 1998). Consequently, 100% of Germany's aquatic l MEASURES FOR MANAGING warbler population is located within speci- POTENTIAL HABITATS al protection areas, and thus adequate protection for the population has been As a result of habitat loss in the Unteres provided (MLUR BB in lit. 2002). Odertal area (50% of the national park is set aside as a fully protected reserve), new Apart from the direct protection provided aquatic warbler habitats must be created. by Germany's ordinance on species protec- The Polder 5/6 and Gartzer Bruch areas tion (Bundesartenschutzverordnung), habi- are suitable locations for such efforts. tats of the aquatic warbler are protected In Brandenburg, the aquatic warbler's by Art. 20c Federal Nature Conservation habitat requirements are to be met, in the Act (BNatSchG), which lists protected bioto- medium-to-long term, in at least four pes, such as reeds, that may not be other areas in which the species bred until destroyed. the 1970s. Each of these areas must be extensive (at least 500-1,000 hectares in The state of Brandenburg is currently pre- each case). The areas in question include paring a national action plan (a plan sepa- the Oberes Rhinluch, Untere Havelniede- rate from BirdLife International's interna- rung (Gülper See / Große Grabenniede- tional action plan) and species protection rung area), Mittlere Havelniederung programme for the aquatic warbler (MLUR (Bereich Rietzer See), Uckerniederung near BB in lit. 2002). Prenzlau, Oderwiesen near Frankfurt/O. (or Neuzeller Aue) and the aforementioned Gartzer Bruch (Unteres Odertal) area.

164 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The measures to be carried out include: from trampling, poor food quality for gradual raising of the water levels in these birds in August). areas, and development of plant communities in the direction of wet sedge colo- l Since birds do not breed on the same nies; ensuring that water levels remain areas every year, all management mea- adequate; annual, extensive mowing on sures, and any late mowing, must be these areas, following the beginning of handled flexibly (SCHMIDT, orally measures, in connection with avoidance or reported). reduction of fertilisation (biomass removal, oligotrophic development). These measu- l Reduced fertilisation or no fertilisation res will necessitate contractual conserva- (oligotrophic development). tion arrangements or land purchases with leasing under the restrictions described l Conservation or creation of taller vege- above. tation structures – for example, on edges of ditches or in sinks (as potential singing posts when the birds arrive). l GRASSLAND USE

If the species is to reproduce adequately, l PROTECTION OF BREEDING the grassland areas it occupies must be AREAS extensively managed. Necessary grassland- management measures include (normally, Impairment of breeding areas through these are possible only in connection with new infrastructure construction (especially compensation payments or leasing of pur- roads), commercial parks, etc. must be pre- chased land under arrangements with vented. The planned new border crossing restrictions): in the Unteres Odertal areas must be unconditionally rejected, due to the EU- l Mowing / grazing may take place on wide importance of this last breeding occupied areas only as of 15 August, to population of aquatic warblers. From the permit second broods. perspective of conservation, any reduction in groundwater levels and any surface l Where earlier mowing is permitted, in drainage and any pumping of water, befo- exceptional cases, in territories or docu- re mid-May, from Unteres Odertal polder mented nesting sites of aquatic war- areas occupied by birds must be avoided. blers, suitable areas must be left The same applies to expansion of intensi- unmown until 31 August. vely farmed areas and new uses on land harbouring aquatic warblers. l Excessive "fraying" of sedge areas in the Unteres Odertal, a process which is naturally countered by seasonal, leng- l MIGRATORY PASSAGE / thy flooding and ice formation, must WINTERING be managed by mowing, at least at irregular intervals. All hunting in the bird's migratory passage and wintering areas (netting, trapping, l Mowing is to be given priority over gra- shooting) must be prohibited. zing (higher biomass removal, damage

165 l MONITORING MEASURES TAKEN IN KEEPING WITH ART. III (5), TAKING OF The bird's occupied territories must be ANIMALS, INCLUDING: PROHIBI- mapped on an annual basis (singing TION OF TAKING (LEGAL MEASU- males). Inventories of feeding parent birds RES) AND EXCEPTIONS (REASONS in the Unteres Odertal area are urgently FOR EXCEPTIONS, DURATION OF required, to permit flexible handling of EXCEPTIONS, LEGAL BASES, STA- management measures. In addition, inven- TISTICS). The aquatic warbler is a speci- tories must be taken of all relevant water ally and strictly protected species pursuant levels, vegetation structures, succession, to Art. 10 (2) Nos. 10 and 11 Federal usage and any disturbances. Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). Pursuant to Art. 42 (1) BNatSchG, therefo- If the aquatic warbler is to be enabled to re, the bird may not be trapped, captured, return to the Freesendorfer Wiesen area, injured or killed, nor may it, at any stage all management of the area must be strict- of its development, or its nesting, bree- ly oriented to the bird's requirements. This ding, living or refuge structures, be remo- would permit the completely destroyed ved from their natural locations, or be vegetation – brackish water reeds – to damaged or destroyed. Furthermore, the regrow. Such expectations seem unreali- birds may not be disturbed in their stic, however, since construction of a new nesting, breeding or refuge sites – for pur- power station is planned on neighbouring poses of birdwatching, photography, fil- land. ming or similar activities. Extensive prohibitions of possession and sale also apply to the aquatic warbler.

No exceptions pursuant to Article III (5) were permitted within the reference period 1999 to 2001.

166 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.2 Administrative agreement tat sites, and a conservation ranger has for protection and manage- been appointed for the Fiener Bruch area ment of the central European (MINISTRY FOR REGIONAL PLANNING, population of the great AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE STATE OF SAXONY-ANHALT in lit. bustard (Otis tarda) 2001). As a result, direct monitoring of great bustard populations is now possible. This, in turn, makes it possible to respond immediately to any acute threats. Under the aegis of the Convention on the No measures to protect potential great Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild bustard habitats have been carried out to Animals (CMS), a "Memorandum of date. Measures to protect occupied habi- Understanding" (MoU; similar to an admi- tats are focused on sites that play an nistrative agreement) was prepared especi- important role in rearing of young. ally for protection of the central European population of the great bustard. This MoU The German Federal Government supports came into force 1 June 2001, after it had the MoU for protection of the great been signed by five range states. bustard. However, the MoU is designed to require ratification by a special act, with Pursuant to Germany's Federal Nature the approval of parliamentary bodies. Conservation Act (Bundesnaturschutz- While the great bustard urgently requires gesetz), the great bustard is a specially protection, this ratification process is dis- and strictly protected species. As a result, proportionately lengthy and involved. it may not be captured, trapped or hun- The two German Länder involved, ted, and its breeding and refuge areas may not be disturbed or destroyed (see Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, have Chap. 2.1.2). already undertaken significant efforts to protect the great bustard. In addition, at Sites in Germany that are occupied by the the international level, a suitable action great bustard are protected as EC special plan has been approved, under the aegis protection areas for birds or as nature of the Convention of 19 September 1979 reserves (see Chap. 2.1.2). on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), In the mid-1990s, two EU-Life projects and of the EC Bird Directive; this plan is a were carried out with the aim of introdu- key element of the MoU. The measures cing extensive cultivation on great bustard being undertaken in Germany are in har- habitat sites that were being intensively mony with the plan (see Chap. 2.1.2). The farmed (see Chap. 2.1.2). To reinforce sup- Federal Republic of Germany is thus wil- port for extensive use, and to help keep ling to participate in international co-ope- the relevant areas open, land was purcha- ration, within the MoU framework, to pro- sed and, in part, leased for restricted use tect and manage the central European (EUROPEAN COMISSION 2001b). population of the great bustard, but it is not currently planning to participate for- Nature conservation stations have now mally in the MoU process. been established near the important habi-

167 2.3 Native species listed in the The following description of the conserva- Agreement on the Conserv- tion status of AEWA waterbird species, ation of African-Eurasian and of measures taken to protect these Migratory Waterbirds species, conforms to the reporting format approved at the first meeting of the par- (AEWA) ties to the agreement in November 1999. The chapters are structured in accordance with the table of contents and its useful AEWA comprehensively covers the broad subject selection. In the reporting format, area of waterbird protection. Its provisions the questions to be answered are numbe- relative to conservation status and protec- red consecutively within the main chap- tion measures address issues ranging from ters, without any reference to the relevant basic strategy to specific training of the fine outline structure. To facilitate orienta- persons ultimately responsible for enfor- tion, therefore, the following report inclu- cing protection in the habitats in question. des the relevant reporting-format number The present report is provided to inform for each question. the AEWA Secretariat and the other parties to the agreement about the relevant situation in Germany, to inform the German public and to help competent authorities in Germany develop a basis for further enhancement of protection.

The requirements set forth by AEWA address all aspects of modern waterbird protection. Unfortunately, the agreement and its various annexes and tables have an unusually complex structure. In September 1998, to enable Germany to meet the agreement's requirements, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), in co-operation with the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), held a conference to prepare implementation of AEWA (HAUPT et al. 2000). This conference provided a forum for discussion of various scientific aspects relative to AEWA implementation in Germany and – via publication of relevant results (HAUPT et al. 2000) – for presentation of this waterbird-protection instrument to the scientific community at large, beyond the bounds of the conference itself.

168 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.1. WATERBIRD CONSERVATION fy different relevant populations with cer- tainty. The following presentation must thus be considered a basis for further development. 2.3.1.1 Progress in waterbird conservation – the health of native waterbird populations AEWA WATERBIRD POPULATIONS IN GERMANY.

SUMMARY OF PROGRESS TO Coot DATE.Germany has a long tradition of waterbird conservation, and it builds on SOURCES. The descriptions of popula- this tradition by continually refining its tion trends and distributions, and differen- conservation efforts in keeping with the tiation of flyway populations, are in kee- latest scientific findings. Waterbird conser- ping with the "Report on the Conservation vation in Germany is fully integrated wit- Status of Migratory Waterbirds in the hin the country's general nature conserva- Agreement Area" (WETLANDS INTERNA- tion, with all of its strategies and regula- TIONAL 1999). Other data was taken from tions. Increasingly, the situation in SCOTT & ROSE (1996) and (HAGEMEIJER & Germany is also being affected by interna- BLAIR 1997). For geese, the current over- tional standards. For waterbirds of special view of Western Palearctic goose popula- importance, such standards include AEWA tions was used (MADSEN et al. 1999). The as well as the EC Bird Directive, which trend figures for mid-winter populations Wood Sandpiper provides comprehensive protection for of ducks are based on international water- relevant species and their habitats. It also bird counts organised under the leaders- provides a framework within which many hip of Wetlands International (formerly: AEWA provisions are already being imple- International Waterfowl and Wetlands mented in Germany. In some areas, Research Bureau) (International Waterbird AEWA's provisions are more extensive Census IWC, DELANY et al. 1999). than those of the Bird Directive. For example, the agreement requires the parties to In interpretation of trends for mid-winter collect population-differentiated statistics populations at the German level, it must and to monitor populations. In this area, be noted that the boundary between the no implementation-oriented progress has census regions of north-west Europe and yet been made in recent years. New con- central Europe, a boundary drawn on the cepts – for example, in the area of monito- basis of biogeographical criteria, passes ring – are required and remain to be deve- through Germany. The Länder Bavaria, Dunlin loped. Baden-Württemberg, Thuringia and Saxony are assigned to the central Europe / A key prerequisite and tool for any effecti- Mediterranean region, while Germany's ve protection is a precise understanding of northern Länder are part of the north- the assets to be protected – in this case, west European region. waterbird populations. The following section describes the AEWA populations The calculations of population trends are occurring in Germany, and, where possi- based on mid-winter populations (January ble, also describes the relevant population counts) in selected sites (reduced site list) trends. Differentiation of different popula- in which a large percentage of the water- tions of the same species is not yet a stan- bird populations for the relevant Land dard feature of field ornithology in (state) spend the winter. Wherever possi- Ferruginous Duck Germany – and often, it is not feasible; as ble, the inventories were conducted on an a result, it is not always possible to identi- annual basis, to prevent data gaps (that

169 would result if censuses were not carried l For populations whose breeding and out in certain years). Trends were analysed wintering areas are either poorly with the TRIM programme, which uses a known or significantly overlap, the ent- population index to show the relevant ire range is listed as the reference area. annual population relative to the population of the reference year (normally, 1989) Columns A-C provide status information in (DELANY et al. 1999, SUDFELDT et al. keeping with the format used in Table 1 2002). of the AEWA Action Plan. This information is followed by size data for flyway A fundamental problem in assessment of populations (in individuals) (WETLANDS the importance of individual areas or lar- INTERNATIONAL 1999). Where no figures ger geographic units for specific waterbird are listed, the following letters are used, populations is that counts can never be with meanings as indicated: more than snapshots of what are actually complex migratory processes. Thus a given A: < 10,000 area, even if it harbours a relatively small B: 10,000 – 25,000 number of simultaneously present indivi- C: 25,000 – 100,000 duals, may be vitally important with re- D: 100,000 – 1,000,000 gard to passage of the entire relevant po- E: > 1,000,000 pulation if many individuals use the area successively as a resting site (turnover). The figures for the population trends also come from WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL (1999). In the main, they are in keeping EXPLANATION OF THE FORMAT with the updated figures of ROSE & SCOTT USED FOR THE SECTIONS ON (1997). Their meanings are as follows: INDIVIDUAL SPECIES. The sections on individual species contain information 0: Stable about populations listed in Table 1 of the +: Increasing AEWA Action Plan. Populations are subdi- –: Decreasing vided in the manner used by AEWA: ?: Population situation unclear / no information available. l For populations whose breeding and (): In cases in which WETLANDS INTERNA- wintering areas are well known and TIONAL (1999) provides conditional po- widely separated, the relevant breeding pulationtrend data (probably / possibly), and wintering areas are separated by a the data is provided in parentheses. slash (breeding area / wintering area). The following section presents all AEWA l For populations whose breeding or win- species of which populations regularly tering areas are either poorly known or occur in Germany. Those populations for clearly overlap, populations are classified which Germany is a range state, as a con- only in terms of their breeding or win- sequence, are marked in the tables by ter distributions. In such cases, the rele- means of a light background. vant reference season is given in parentheses (breeding: bre, wintering: win).

RED-THROATED DIVER A B C Population Trend Gavia stellata NW-Europe (win) 2c D – Caspian, Black Sea & (1) ? ? E Mediterranean (win)

170 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Annex I lists other species and populations areas just beyond the Wadden Sea with that occur in Germany only occasionally water depths less than 30 m (SKOV et al. and/or in very small numbers, and for which 1995, MITSCHKE et al. 2001). Since current Germany is not considered a range state. methods do not permit separate counting of red-throated divers and black-throated Annex II summarises the results, in a divers (Gavia arctica) in broad surveys in table, of a current (fall 2001) survey on offshore areas, population data is available breeding and resting populations of water- only for both species together. The red- birds in various Länder. throated diver accounts for far and away the largest share, about 90%, of the winter population of the two species in the RED-THROATED DIVER (GAVIA German Bight (cf. black-throated diver). STELLATA). The circumpolar range of Both divers reach the offshore area of the the red-throated divers comprises the Arc- German Wadden Sea beginning in tic zone, and parts of the boreal zone, of September, and their populations continue Eurasia and the North American conti- to increase there until mid-winter. Red- nent. In Europe, its breeding range ex- throated divers undergo moulting of flight tends from Iceland and Spitzbergen across feathers in October/November. They begin Scotland, the Scandinavian peninsula and returning at the end of February, and all the northern part of Russia. The red-throa- birds leave by May (SKOV et. al. 1995, ted diver's wintering areas in the Western MITSCHKE et al. 2001). The most impor- Palearctic are located in coastal waters of tant winter populations (December the North Sea and Baltic Sea; along the through March) of red-throated divers and Atlantic coast of Norway, the British Isles black-throated divers in German waters, and France and southward into the Bay of comprising an average of 10,100 individu- Biscay; and in the eastern Mediterranean als, are located in the eastern German and around the Black Sea and Caspian Sea Bight, north of the Elbe estuary and up to (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, Heverstrom; off Süderoog (7,650 individu- WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). als) and the east Friesian islands (2,100 individuals); and in the Amrum Bank area No discrete populations can be identified (1,900 individuals). During the return jour- within the AEWA area. On the basis of the ney, in April/May, the largest known con- wintering regions, the north-west Euro- centration of red-throated and black-throa- pean winter population is differentiated ted divers, comprising about 24,000 indivi- from the winter population of the Caspian duals, is found in the eastern German Sea and Black Sea and of the eastern Me- Bight (data from SKOV et al. 1995). diterranean region (ROSE & SCOTT 1997, Another important resting population, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). comprising an average of 1,875 individuals, is found in the Baltic Sea, in the In Germany, large concentrations of the Pomeranian Bight region (SKOV et al. north-west European winter population of 2000). the red-throated diver regularly occur in the German Bight. The bird shows a pro- BLACK-THROATED DIVER (GAVIA nounced preference for estuaries and for ARCTICA). The black-throated diver is a

BLACK-THROATED DIVER A B C Population Trend Gavia arctica arctica W Siberia/Europe 2c 120,000 0 (–) Gavia arctica suschkini Central Siberia/Caspian Sea (1) ? ?

171 breeding bird in the boreal to Arctic zones breeds throughout the boreal and nor- of Eurasia and North America. The range thern temperate zones of the entire Holar- of the Western Palearctic nominate form ctic. Of the three described sub-species, extends from northern Scotland to nor- the nominate form is found in the Wes- thern Siberia, across Scandinavia and nor- tern Palearctic, the sub-species P. g. hol- thern Russia. The bird winters in the coa- boellii is found in east Asia and on the stal waters of the North Sea and Baltic North American continent, and P. g. bal- Sea; along the Atlantic coast and south- chashensis occurs in the central Asian re- ward into the Bay of Biscay; and in the gion of Lake Baikal. The wintering areas of northern Mediterranean, including the European breeding birds are found prima- Black Sea. The central Asian sub-species G. rily in the coastal waters of the North Sea a. suschkini winters at the Caspian Sea and Baltic Sea, as well as along the Atlan- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS tic coast – Norway, the British Isles and INTERNATIONAL 1999). Of the two popula- southward into the Bay of Biscay. Breeding tions occurring within the AEWA area, the birds of eastern and south-eastern Europe west Siberian / European population of winter at the Black Sea and in the eastern the nominate form regularly winters in Mediterranean. The winter population of Germany. the Caspian Sea presumably consists of breeding birds from west Siberia and the The black-throated diver regularly winters Volga region (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, in the coastal waters of the North Sea and WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Three Baltic Sea. Since the red-throated diver wintering groups are differentiated within and black-throated diver are counted to- the AEWA area; birds belonging to one of gether, because they are particularly diffi- these, the north-west European winter cult to distinguish during the winter, population, regularly occur in Germany. when they are at sea, no species-specific Some of the central European breeding data for the black-throated diver is availa- birds belong to the winter population ble (cf. red-throated diver). Pursuant to from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean random sampling data, the black-throated (BEZZEL 1985, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). diver accounts for about 5 to 11% of the total population of both species in mid- The wintering populations of the red-nek- winter (SKOV et al. 1995, MITSCHKE et al. ked grebe in Germany are concentrated 2001). During spring migration, the black- on the offshore areas of the eastern Ger- throated diver can account for up to about man Bight (average of about 1,850 indivi- 25 to 50% of the total population, when duals, SKOV et al. 1995) and on the Baltic additional birds arrive in the eastern Sea, in the area of the Pomeranian Bight North Sea and in the Kattegatt (SKOV et (average of about 1,275 individuals, SKOV al. 1995). Regarding the population figu- et al. 2000). res for both species, see the data for the red-throated diver. Germany lies at the western edge of the red-necked grebe's contiguous breeding range in Europe. Regularly occurring bree- RED-NECKED GREBE (PODICEPS ding populations are found only in the GRISEGENA). The red-necked grebe northern and north-eastern Länder

RED-NECKED GREBE A B C Population Trend Podiceps grisegena grisegena NW-Europe (win) 1 C 0 Black Sea & Mediterranean (win) (1) C ? Caspian Sea (win) 2 15,000 ?

172 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

(HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In the mid- Newfoundland (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1990s, WITT et al. (1996) estimated the 1997). Of the three described sub-species, breeding population of the red-necked the nominate form breeds in western Eu- grebe in Germany to number 1,160 to rasia. Two forms are differentiated on the 1,340 breeding pairs. In 1999, BAUER et basis of bill size. Large-billed breeding al. (pub. pend.) estimated that the popula- birds found in Norway, Iceland, Scotland tion had reached 1,500 to 2,600 pairs. and the Faeroe Islands winter along the More recent regional data is available, for Norwegian coast and around the British example, for Schleswig-Holstein, where in Isles; the small-billed form occurring in 1998 a total of 699 pairs bred (VLUGG Finland, Sweden, the Baltic and breeding 2000). For Brandenburg, DÜRR et al. areas further east winters on the North (1997) placed the breeding population at Sea and Baltic Sea and along the Euro- 200 to 250 pairs. Population trends for pean Atlantic coast, in an area extending this species in Germany were positive, southward to north-west France. A small especially in the 1980s. For example, the population winters in the Caspian Sea re- breeding population in Schleswig-Holstein gion. Parts of the north-east European increased from 331-365 pairs, in the breeding population (small-billed) regular- 1970s, to 524-699 pairs in the period 1991- ly winter in Germany. 1998. In a parallel report, SÜDBECK & OLDEKOP (1999) note that the western The Slavonian grebe's important resting peripheral population in Lower Saxony and wintering areas in Germany include increased from about five breeding pairs the shallow coastal waters of the Baltic in the 1970s to about 20 pairs in 1997/98. Sea in the area of the Pomeranian and VLUGG (2000) presumes that this positive Wismar bights, along the coast of Meck- population trend is due primarily to incre- lenburg-West Pomerania, where averages ases in central range areas that had a posi- of 1,125 and 100 individuals, respectively, tive impact on peripheral populations. In winter (SKOV et al. 2000). Germany lies at addition, the red-necked grebe may have the southern edge of the Slavonian grebe's profited from an increasing food supply as contiguous breeding range in the Western a result of water-body eutrophication. Palearctic. The only German breeding population, in Schleswig-Holstein, apparently appeared regularly from 1983 through SLAVONIAN GREBE (PODICEPS 1997 (BUNDESDEUTSCHER SELTENHEITEN- AURITUS). The range of the Slavonian AUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SELTENHEI- grebe is circumpolar, extending across the TENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, boreal zone from Scandinavia to Siberia, 1997, 1998, 2000, BRUNS & BERNDT 1999, including Kamchatka, and from Alaska to MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). In 1999, a total

SLAVONIAN GREBE A B C Population Trend Podiceps auritus auritus NW Europe (large-billed form, breeding) 1c 5,000 0/+ NE Europe (small-billed form, breeding) 1 C ? (–) Caspian Sea (win) 2 B ?

PURPLE HERON A B C Population Trend Ardea purpurea purpurea W Mediterranean (breeding) 2 B – E Europe/SW Asia (breeding) (2c) D ? (–)

173 of two breeding pairs of the Slavonian known groups was sighted in Saxony-An- grebe were sighted in Germany (BAUER et halt (TODTE & BOUDA 1996). In the mid- al. pub. pend.). 1990s, the entire German breeding population comprised 15 to 20 breeding pairs, while in 1999 it was thought to include 21 PURPLE HERON (ARDEA PURPU- to 34 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend., WITT REA). The purple heron breeds throug- et al. 1996, MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). The hout extensive parts of southern Europe, purple heron's breeding population fluctu- Asia Minor, Africa and south-east Asia. Of ates widely, for reasons due to local fac- the four described sub-species, the nomi- tors, such as water-level fluctuations, dis- nate form breeds within Europe – primari- turbances and habitat changes in bree- ly in the Mediterranean region and in the ding areas, as well as to changes in Afri- countries bordering the Black Sea and Cas- can wintering areas, where droughts have pian Sea. The northernmost breeding po- reduced resting and wintering wetlands pulation is found in the Netherlands and habitats (TUCKER & HEATH 1994, BAUER & Poland (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). BERTHOLD 1996).

Breeding birds from western Europe winter in tropical West Africa (flood plain of LITTLE BITTERN (IXOBRYCHUS the Niger and in Senegal), while south-east MINUTUS). The range of the five sub- European and south-west Asian breeders species of the little bittern comprises three winter in north-east and east Africa, along more or less separate breeding ranges, in the upper Nile, in Sudan and in Ethiopia the European and west Siberian Western (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, Palearctic, in the Australasian region and WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Two in sub-Saharan Africa. The nominate for- populations in addition to the non-migra- m's European breeding range extends tory African breeding birds are differentia- from Portugal and Spain to Russia, across ted within the AEWA area. The purple he- France and central Europe. The northern rons that breed in Germany are grouped limit of the breeding range is found in with the breeding population of the wes- Latvia and European Russia, at about 60° tern Mediterranean. northern latitude. The European population is concentrated in the eastern Euro- The total European population (not inclu- pean countries Romania, Ukraine, Hun- ding Russia) is estimated at about 8,090 gary and Moldavia, as well as on the Ibe- breeding pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). rian peninsula (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR In most European countries, breeding po- 1997). The Western Palearctic breeding pulations have been in decline. Breeding birds winter in sub-Saharan Africa – pri- populations are stable, or fluctuating at a marily in east African wetlands (Sudan, low level, in only four countries (TUCKER & Ethiopia) – where their range overlaps HEATH 1994, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). with the ranges of west and south-west In Germany, small numbers of the purple Asian breeding populations, which are heron breed in the southern Länder Rhine- also migratory (WETLANDS INTERNATIO- land-Palatinate (9-13 pairs), Baden-Württem- NAL 1999). berg (4-6 pairs) and Bavaria (5 pairs). In 1995, a breeding pair in addition to these

LITTLE BITTERN A B C Population Trend Ixobrychus minutus minutus Europe & N Africa (breeding) 2c D – W & SW Asia (breeding) (1) C ?

174 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

In the mid-1990s in Germany, the little bit- either is sedentary or is a short-distance tern bred regularly only in the eastern migrant. Breeding birds of northern and Länder Berlin and Brandenburg (about 9- eastern Europe, on the other hand, migra- 12 pairs) and Saxony-Anhalt (about 10 te to western and southern Europe in es- pairs), as well as in Baden-Württemberg pecially cold winters. Two populations of (20-30 pairs). Mecklenburg-West Pomera- the nominate form are differentiated. nia, Saxony, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatina- Germany is part of the European breeding te harbour residual populations compri- population's range. sing fewer than five pairs each (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). WITT et al. (1996) placed Germany lies at the western edge of the the little bittern's total population in Ger- Eurasian bittern's breeding range in many at 105 to 145 pairs in the mid-1990s. Europe, which is more or less contiguous. In 1999, the total population had decrea- Further to the west, significant popula- sed slightly to about 90 to 120 pairs (BAUER tions are found only in the Netherlands et al. pub. pend.). Like the purple heron, and France; they amount to about 150-275 the little bittern is subject to increased and 300-350 territorial pairs, respectively mortality in the Sahel zone, as a result of (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In keeping drying of suitable resting areas. In addi- with this range pattern, in the mid-1990s tion, destruction of suitable wetlands in its the largest German breeding population breeding range has also contributed to of the Eurasian bittern was located in the declines, some considerable, in the entire eastern German Länder Mecklenburg-West European breeding population (TUCKER & Pomerania (120-150 pairs), Brandenburg HEATH 1994, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). (38-93 pairs) and Schleswig-Holstein, which is rich in water (90 -160 pairs). The Länder Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, EURASIAN BITTERN (BOTAURUS Thuringia and Bavaria each harboured STELLARIS). The Eurasian bittern / about 20 pairs (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). great bittern breeds in the temperate zone WITT et al. (1996) estimated the German of the entire Palearctic. Its range extends breeding population in 1994 to be about from the east coast of England to Japan, 430 to 510 pairs. BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) across Europe, Russia and Asia (HAGEMEIJER placed the population in 1999 at about & BLAIR 1997). In addition to the Western 360 to 620 pairs. In large areas of central Palearctic nominate form, the AEWA area Europe, the breeding population of the harbours an isolated population of the Eurasian bittern has decreased since the sub-species B. s. capensis in South Africa. 1950s, and the bird has disappeared com- As is the case for the little bittern, the pletely from many of its breeding areas. European breeding population is concen- The primary reasons for the population trated in the eastern European countries shrinkage include major losses of extensi- Poland, Belarus, Romania and Ukraine; a ve reed areas, though drainage of wet- total of about 70% of the European popu- lands and through reedbed die-off follo- lation, estimated at about 10,000 to 12,000 wing overfertilisation, mowing of reeds pairs (outside of Russia) breeds in these and disturbances caused by increasing countries (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). development for tourism (BAUER & BER- Especially in the western and southern THOLD 1996). In cold winters, extended parts of its range, the Eurasian bittern ice periods can lead to major population

EURASIAN BITTERN A B C Population Trend Botaurus stellaris stellaris Europe (breeding) 3c C – SW Asia (win) 2 A or B ?

175 losses, resulting in considerable popula- breeding areas located west of the Oder tion fluctuations at the northern periphe- River winter primarily in west Africa ry of the bird's breeding range (BAUER & (Mauritania, Senegal), south of the Sahara BERTHOLD 1996). (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999, DORNBUSCH 2000). Germany lies within the breeding range of BLACK STORK (CICONIA NIGRA). the central and eastern European popula- The black stork lives in forest regions of tion. the temperate and southern boreal zone of the entire Palearctic, from central Eu- The population of the black stork in Ger- rope to north-east China and Korea. In many has increased continuously over the Europe, its contiguous range extends east- past few decades, following a nadir in the ward from Germany and the Czech Repu- 1950s. In most German Länder, this popu- blic to Russia, across Austria, Hungary, Po- lation growth continued into the 1990s, land, Belarus and the Baltic countries. Birds and by the mid-1990s about 300 black of south-east Europe (especially Croatia, stork pairs were breeding in Germany. The Bulgaria and Greece) are part of this cen- largest groups, each comprising more tral and east European population. Birds than 30 pairs, are scattered throughout that breed in Spain and Portugal are lar- the Länder Lower Saxony, Brandenburg, gely isolated from this population, and Saxony and Bavaria. Other significant they are classified as a separate south-west populations are found in North Rhine- European population (WETLANDS INTER- Westphalia, Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia NATIONAL 1999). Outside of Europe, a (DORNBUSCH 2000, MÄDLOW & MODEL small, isolated population is found in South 2000). In 1999, the population had rea- Africa, presumably originating via settle- ched a level of 330 to 390 pairs (BAUER et ment of winter guests from the European al. pub. pend.). Increases in the black stor- population (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). k's population have manifested themselves At least half of the entire European popu- both as growth in the breeding popula- lation breeds in the eastern European tion and as an increase in the numbers of countries Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania and migrating black storks observed at perma- Poland (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). nent stations such as those at the Ran- DORNBUSCH (2000) presumes that the decker Maar and in the Pyrenees. They world population of black stork amounts to have occurred through westward expan- no more than 12,000 breeding pairs, of sion of the eastern European population. which about 6,500 make up the European In general, the population's recovery is population and 4,500 pairs form the Asian due to the success of efforts to protect population. The Iberian population, com- breeding black storks against human dis- prising about 400 pairs, and an isolated turbances, hunting and forestry, via esta- breeding population in southern Africa, blishment of nest-protection zones, as well numbering about 600 pairs, represent only as to favourable changes in African winter a small part of the total population. The quarters (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, winter quarters of the black stork's central GATTER 2000). and eastern European populations are found in north-east and east Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania). Birds from

BLACK STORK A B C Population Trend Ciconia nigra SW Europe/W Africa 1c 1,000 0/+ Central & E Europe (breeding) 2 20,000 - 30,000 +

176 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

WHITE STORK (CICONIA Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (1,237 nes- CICONIA). The white stork's breeding ting pairs), Saxony-Anhalt (519 nesting area comprises the Mediterranean and pairs) and Saxony (401 nesting pairs); temperate zones of Europe and northern these Länder accounted for over three- Africa, as well as parts of western and cen- fourths of the entire German population. tral Asia. A small, isolated breeding popu- Other breeding populations, comprising lation has existed in South Africa since the over 100 nesting pairs in each case, are 1940s (BEZZEL 1985, TUCKER & HEATH found in Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, 1994, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Ger- Breeding birds of the Iberian peninsula many's other Länder harbour relatively and north-west Africa winter in west few breeding pairs (KAATZ 1999). Africa and, to an increasing extent, in the southern part of the Iberian peninsula. Overall, the German breeding population Birds that breed in central and eastern had increased by about 21% in the mid- Europe tend to migrate in a south-easterly 1990s, since the last international survey, direction, to wintering areas in eastern which dated from 1984 (3,371 nesting and southern Africa. A small part of the pairs). Clearly, this trend continued in the population, located west of a migratory second half of the decade, and in 1999 the divide that passes through Germany (and population was estimated to have reached has a broad transition zone), migrates in a 4,325 to 4,400 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). south-westerly direction, to west Africa (Senegal to Chad). All in all, four popula- Similar increases were also registered in tions are differentiated, and parts of the most other European countries, and the central and eastern European breeding real growth of the world population is pla- population breed in Germany (WETLANDS ced at about 23 % (from about 135,000 INTERNATIONAL 1999). nesting pairs in 1984 to 166,000 nesting pairs in 1994/95) (SCHULZ 1999). The world population of the white stork was most recently estimated, via a 1994/95 According to SCHULZ (1999), the most international survey that covered all of the important reason for the population bird's important range states, to number growth in Germany is influx of breeding about 166,000 nesting pairs. About 90% of birds from the south-western and eastern the world population breeds in Europe European core populations. The reasons (SCHULZ 1999). During the years covered for the population growth in these two by the survey, a total of 4,155 and 4,063 regions differ. The south-west European nesting pairs, respectively, or about 2.5% population's recovery has been due prima- of the total population, bred in Germany. rily to a relatively favourable rainfall situa- The German breeding population was con- tion, resulting in an improved food supply centrated on the eastern German Länder in the bird's west African winter quarters, Brandenburg (1,270 nesting pairs), and to the bird's use of landfills as new food sources. The increase in the eastern European breeding population is due pri-

WHITE STORK A B C Population Trend Ciconia ciconia ciconia S Africa 1c 30 + Iberian peninsula & 3b 100,000 – (0/+) NW Africa (breeding) Central & E Europe (breeding) 2c 400,000 – SW Asia (breeding) 3b C ?

177 marily to factors within breeding areas & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS INTERNATIO- themselves. Presumably, discontinuation of NAL 1999). Birds of one of the two nomi- farming on certain lands, for economic rea- nate-form populations within the AEWA sons, has improved the bird's food situa- area – the east-Atlantic population – have tion and thus led to more favourable con- been breeding in Germany since 1995. ditions for reproduction (SCHULZ 1999). The white spoonbill first settled in Ger- Even though the population trend is cur- many in 1995. In 1996, after five unsuc- rently positive, lasting improvement in the cessfully breeding pairs had been observed white stork's situation in Germany cannot on the island of Memmert, in Lower Sa- yet be expected. As a result of widespread xony's part of the Wadden Sea, a total of destruction of wetlands and river lowlands eight breeding pairs were sighted in the that serve as feeding areas for the bird, same area, and three more successful the white stork's reproduction rate is still pairs were seen on Mellum (CLEMENS too low to maintain the population with- 1996, WILKENS 1997, MÄDLOW & MODEL out influx from other areas (SCHULZ 1999). 2000). The breeding population in Lower Saxony's part of the Wadden Sea has increased continuously since then, and by WHITE SPOONBILL (PLATALEA 2000 it had reached 49 breeding pairs. In LEUCORODIA). The white spoonbill / 2000, a first two breeding pairs came to Eurasian spoonbill, which has four sub-spe- Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden cies, is scattered throughout parts of Euro- Sea (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000, RASMUSSEN pe, Africa and Asia (sub-species P. l. major) et al. 2001). 1996 also saw the first instan- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS ce of breeding in Denmark (concurrent INTERNATIONAL 1999). The sub-species P. with Germany's first instance). Readings of l. archeri lives in countries bordering the colour-coded bands on banded white Red Sea. The sedentary sub-species P. l. spoonbills showed that the new arrivals in balsaci is confined to just a few breeding Wadden Sea were birds from the Dutch areas in Mauritania and Senegal (WET- population (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). The LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). In Europe, new influx in the German coast was prece- isolated breeding populations of the nomi- ded by a sharp increase in the Dutch bree- nate form are found in south-east Europe ding populations (FLEET et al. 1994), an (Hungary, Ukraine, Greece, Croatia) and increase that continued in the second half Russia, as well as in southern Spain, France of the 1990s, as the total Dutch popula- and the Netherlands (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR tion grew from 661 pairs in 1994 to 1,270 1997). Eastern European breeding birds pairs in 1998 (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). In winter in the eastern Mediterranean, as light of the rapid growth of the breeding well as in north-east and west Africa. Birds population in the German Wadden Sea, that breed on the Iberian peninsula, in and the Dutch population's continuing France and in the Netherlands migrate to growth as of 1999, further growth of the the west African Atlantic coast (Mauritania German population cannot be ruled out. and Senegal) for the winter (HAGEMEIJER The reasons for the growth of the western

WHITE SPOONBILL A B C Population Trend Platalea leucorodia leucorodia E Atlantic (W Europe/W Africa) 1c 6,500 + Central & SE Europe (breeding) 2 5,000-15,000 - Platalea leucorodia archeri Red Sea 500-1,500 ? Platalea leucorodia major SW & S Asia 23,000 ?

178 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

European population are not completely GREATER FLAMINGO (PHOENI- understood; presumably, they are related COPTERUS RUBER). The world-wide to improved protection along the birds' range of the greater flamingo is fragmen- migratory routes and in its winter quarters ted into numerous distinct sub-ranges. It (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, RASMUSSEN comprises the Mediterranean region, et al. 2000). The positive development of eastern and southern Africa, south-west the western European breeding popula- Asia and parts of Central and South Ame- tion contrasts with a sharp decrease of the rica. The European breeding population of south-eastern European population the Eurasian sub-species P.r. roseus is con- (TUCKER & HEATH 1994). Because the bir- centrated on the Mediterranean coasts of d's range consists of a number of separate France (Camargue), Spain (Andalusia) and "islands", and because European popula- Turkey (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & tions account for a large percentage of the BLAIR 1997). A total of five populations species' world population, it is especially can be relatively clearly differentiated wit- important that the white spoonbill be hin the AEWA area. effectively protected in Europe. To carry out its specialised form of tactile feeding, The bird's populations fluctuate widely, as the species requires largely predator-free, a result of complex migrations depending disturbance-free breeding sites – such as on seasonal and hydrological factors large reedbeds, riparian-meadow vegeta- (TUCKER & HEATH 1994). As a result, popu- tion or islands – near shallow, food-rich lation trends for the species are difficult to water bodies (BEZZEL 1985, TUCKER & assess. Nonetheless, the west Mediterrane- HEATH 1994). an breeding population is assumed to be experiencing real growth. In addition, Whereas eastern and south-eastern there are indications that the species has European breeding populations are threa- been expanding its range, since the end of tened by habitat changes, wetlands drai- the 1980s, via use of new breeding sites in nage and disturbances in breeding areas, Italy and Greece (TUCKER & HEATH 1994). north-west European breeding populations are located in well-secured protected areas Greater flamingos regularly appear in Ger- (FLEET et al. 1994, TUCKER & HEATH many in small numbers. In all likelihood, 1994). The primary threats to these popu- such birds are escapees from captivity, and lations during the breeding season include thus their relationship to the west Mediter- disturbances and predation by foxes ranean population is unclear. A small popu- (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). lation, consisting of a few, irregularly breeding pairs, has existed since 1986 at Zwill- brocker Venn, in North Rhine-Westphalia. In 1999, two greater flamingo breeding pairs were sighted in Germany (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). The German breeding birds migrate regularly to the Dutch North Sea coast for the winter (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996).

GREATER FLAMINGO A B C Population Trend Phoenicopterus ruber roseus W Africa (breeding birds of Mauritania) 3a 40,000 ? E-Africa 3a 3c 35,000 – S-Africa 3a 3c 55,000 – W Mediterranean 3a 80,000 + E Mediterranean, SW & S Asia 2a 500,000 0

179 MUTE SWAN (CYGNUS OLOR). The increased significantly in both the north- mute swan breeds in the temperate zone west European and central European cen- of the Western Palearctic. Its contiguous sus regions (DELANY et al. 1999). This range extends from Ireland and the British growth is attributed to reduced hunting Isles to south Scandinavia and the Baltic pressure, milder winters and better availa- countries, across the north-west European bility of winter food (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR lowlands (north-west France, Benelux 1997). countries, Germany, Denmark) and Po- land. Other breeding populations are The mute swan's important wintering found in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea areas in Germany include the Vorpom- regions and in central Asia. The mute swa- mersche Boddenlandschaft National Park n's global distribution has been strongly (about 12,500 individuals), the Greifswal- influenced by its being kept as a decorati- der Bodden area (1,500 individuals) and ve species, and thus current breeding po- the Wismar Bight (>5,000 individuals) on pulations are descendants, in part, of for- Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea mer park birds that have returned to the coast (SKOV et al. 2000). The mute swan's wild. The species has also been introduced breeding population in central Europe has in the Australasian region and in North increased significantly in recent decades America and South Africa, for example (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). In the mid- (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). In the Western Pale- 1990s, it was estimated by WITT et al. arctic, three populations relevant to AEWA (1996) to number 6,800 to 8,300 breeding are differentiated, apart from the sedenta- pairs. In 1999, following additional increa- ry populations of Ireland and Great Bri- ses, the population had reached 7,700 to tain (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). 13,400 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.)

After Denmark, Germany is the most important wintering area of the north- WHOOPER SWAN (CYGNUS CYG- west and central European population NUS). The whooper swan breeds in the (DELANY et al. 1999). SUDFELDT et al. boreal zones of Europe and Asia, from (1997) place the mid-winter population of Iceland in the west to Kamchatka Penin- the mute swan in Germany at 30,000 to sula in east Siberia (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 40,000 individuals. Between 1974 and 1997). Overall, a total of four populations 1996, mid-winter populations of the bird are differentiated: an Icelandic population,

MUTE SWAN A B C Population Trend Cygnus olor NW mainland & C Europe 2d 210,000 + Black Sea 1 45,000 + W & C Asia/Caspian Sea 2a 2d 250,000 +

WHOOPER SWAN A B C Population Trend Cygnus cygnus Iceland/United Kingdom 2 16,000 ? (0) & Ireland NW Europe (mainland) 1 59,000 + N Europe & W Siberia/ 2 17,000 – Black Sea & E Mediterranean W & Central Siberia/Caspian Sea 2 20,000 –

180 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

which winters in Ireland and on the Bri- The whooper swan's most important win- tish Isles; a north-west European popula- tering areas in Germany are located in the tion, with wintering areas in north-west Länder Schleswig-Holstein (Schlei, Traveför- continental Europe; and west and central de and Dassower See), Lower Saxony (Elb- Siberian populations, with wintering areas niederung Schnackenburg-Lauenburg), in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Westrügen- (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). Parts of the north- Hiddensee-Zingst, Greifswalder Bodden) west European mainland population regu- and Brandenburg (Unteres Odertal, Unte- larly rest and winter in Germany. In addi- res Elbtal) and North Rhine-Westphalia tion, small numbers of individuals from (Weser, Ems) and Saxony-Anhalt (SKOV et the Icelandic breeding population, which al. 2000, UNSELT et al. 2000, SUDFELDT et winter predominantly on the British Isles, al. 2002). reach Germany and the north-west Euro- pean mainland (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). During the course of this survey, the whooper swan expanded its breeding range to An internationally co-ordinated survey of the south; in 1995, following new settle- the north-west European winter popula- ment in Estonia, Latvia and Poland, it bred tion in January 1995 found a total number successfully for the first time in Branden- of 52,000 individuals, a figure that was burg (DEUTSCHMANN 1997). As of 1999, then extrapolated to about 59,000 indivi- the population in Brandenburg had incre- duals because some of the counts were ased to four pairs, and a first breeding incomplete (LAUBEK et al. 1999). The win- pair settled in Saxony. Breeding birds were ter populations of the north-west Euro- also sighted in 1999 in Hamburg and pean population are concentrated in Schleswig-Holstein, but these birds, in con- Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Norway and trast to those in eastern Germany, were Poland. probably escapees from captivity (SUD- FELDT et al. 2002). The north-west European population of the whooper swan has increased considerably in recent decades (SCOTT & ROSE TUNDRA SWAN (CYGNUS COLUM- 1996, DELANY et al. 1999). In keeping BIANUS). The three sub-species of the with this development, the mid-winter tundra swan / Bewick's swan breed in cir- population in Germany grew significantly cumpolar regions in Alaska and north Ca- between 1981 and 1999, with a 5% annual nada and in north Russia; only the sub- rate of increase. This population is estima- species C. c. bewickii occurs in the area ted to comprise 10,000 to 11,000 individu- covered by the agreement. Two popula- als (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). In 1995, about tions are differentiated within this sub-spe- 15,500 individuals, or 26% of the total cies. Birds that breed in the Arctic areas of north-west European population, wintered north-east Europe and west Siberia winter in Germany. The percentage of the north- in north-west Europe, while the north Si- west European mainland population that berian population, whose breeding areas winters in Germany varies from year to are not yet precisely known, winters in the year, in keeping with winter severity (LAU- Caspian region (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, WET- BEK et al. 1999). LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999).

TUNDRA SWAN A B C Population Trend Cygnus columbianus bewickii W Siberia & NE Europe/NW Europe 1 29,000 + N Siberia/Caspian Sea 1c 500 ?

181 Germany is part of the resting and winte- rivers, in Schleswig-Holstein's Eider-Treene- ring areas of the west Siberian / north- Sorge lowlands, along the Bodden coast of west European population. The mid-winter Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and in low- population is concentrated in a few areas lands of the lower (Untere) Havel and Elbe in Denmark, the Netherlands and the Bri- rivers in Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg tish Isles (SCOTT & ROSE 1997, DELANY et (UNSELT et al. 2000). al. 1999). The entire north-west European winter population has increased considerably in recent decades. However, recently PINK-FOOTED GOOSE (ANSER the population has seemed to be stabili- BRACHYRHYNCHUS). The breeding sing or even shrinking (although not to a area of the pink-footed goose is limited to significant degree) (DELANY et al. 1999, Spitzbergen, the east coast of Greenland SUDFELDT et al. 2002). and Iceland. Birds that breed in Greenland and Iceland winter almost exclusively in The tundra swan's mid-winter population England and Scotland, while Spitzbergen's in Germany is strongly dependent on wea- breeding birds migrate along the Norwe- ther; only in mild winters does a signifi- gian coast to wintering areas in Denmark, cant portion of the population remain in the Netherlands and Belgium (SCOTT & Germany. Pursuant to SUDFELDT et al. ROSE 1996, MADSEN et al. 1999). Exchan- (2002) an average of 1,000 to 1,200 indivi- ges between the two populations take duals, or about 4-5% of the flyway popula- place, to a limited extent, only in cold tion, winter in Germany. From 1981 to winters, when a small part of the Spitz- 1999, the population fluctuated widely in bergen population enters the British win- size, as a result of weather, and no trends tering areas (MADSEN et al. 1999). could be identified with any statistical reliability (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). Pink-footed geese of the Spitzbergen popu- A considerably larger population, compri- lation migrate directly from their resting sing 6,000 to 8,000 individuals, rests in areas on the west coast of Denmark to Germany in March, during its homeward their winter quarters in the Netherlands journey. In March 1995, a peak number of and Belgium. In the early 1990s, part of over 11,000 individuals was counted in this population began wintering regularly Germany (DEGEN et al. 1996, cited from in Denmark, possibly because it found a SUDFELDT et al. 2002). In contrast to most better food supply there in the form of other waterbird species, the tundra swan winter grain (MADSEN et al. 1999). Pink- migrates in relatively small groups and footed geese from the Danish/Dutch win- family bands, with the result that the total ter population regularly appear in small population is broken up into a number of resting groups in Germany, especially in relatively small resting groups, without northern Lower Saxony. The total maxi- any larger concentrations, that are distri- mum size of these groups probably does buted among several different areas not exceed about 500 individuals (MOOIJ (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The tundra swan's 2000). most important resting areas in Germany are located in lowlands in Lower Saxony along the Elbe, Ems, Weser and Aller

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE A B C Population Trend Anser brachyrhynchus E Greenland & Iceland/ 2a 250,000 + United Kingdom Spitzbergen/NW Europe 1 37,000 +

182 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

BEAN GOOSE (ANSER FABALIS). heads south-east to the Czech and Slovak A total of five sub-species of bean goose republics and to Austria and Hungary breed in the northern Palearctic region, (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, MADSEN et al. 1999). from northern Norway to east Siberia. The Winter populations of both sub-species AEWA area contains two distinct sub-spe- appear in Germany, with much overlap- cies that differ considerably – morphologi- ping, as passage migrants and winter cally, ecologically and in their migratory guests (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL behaviour (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). 1999). No discrete data for these two populations is available with regard to the The taiga bean goose A. f. fabalis breeds in sizes of, and trends for, their resting and the taiga zone of Norway, Finland (in- wintering groups in Germany. cluding the Kola Peninsula) and west Rus- sia. The eastern extent of the bird's range Both the resting and wintering popula- is unclear (MADSEN et al. 1999), although tions of the bean goose in Germany have it is known to include the west Siberian increased since the 1960s, in parallel with lowlands (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). In October, development for the total Western Pale- breeding birds of Scandinavia and the arctic population, following several deca- Kola Peninsula gather at resting sites in des of significant decreases. In the 1990s, south Sweden. They then winter at these this growth gave way to a largely stable sites or, with the onset of cold weather, population situation, without further migrate further south to winter quarters growth (MOOIJ 2000). The maximum in Denmark, Germany and the Nether- resting population of simultaneously pre- lands. A small part of these birds spends sent bean geese, during the November the winter on the British Isles. Breeding count of the international waterbird cen- birds that originate further east migrate sus, amounted to 260,000 individuals along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea (MOOIJ 2000). SUDFELDT et al. (1997) pla- to winter quarters in Poland and along ced the fall resting population of the bean the German Baltic Sea coast (MADSEN et goose (November) at about 300,000 indivi- al. 1999). duals. In mid-winter (January), about 200,000 individuals were in Germany. The tundra bean goose A. f. rossicus breeds MOOIJ (2000) assumes that during some of in the north Russian tundra zone, from the fall migration the entire flyway popu- the Kola Peninsula in the west to the Tay- lation of the bean goose can be found in myr Peninsula (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR Germany. Important resting areas are loca- 1997, MADSEN et al. 1999). This populated in the eastern German Länder Meck- tion migrates along the south-eastern lenburg-West Pomerania (Greifswalder Baltic Sea to resting areas in Poland and Bodden, Rügen, Hiddensee), Brandenburg, the eastern German interior; from these Saxony-Anhalt (Untere Havel-Schollener areas, part of the population continues on, See, Unteres Rhinluch-Havelländisches to more westerly winter quarters in Ger- Luch, Unteres Odertal, Havelland near many, the Netherlands and France, or Potsdam, Schorfheide-Chorin) and Saxony

BEAN GOOSE A B C Population Trend Anser fabalis fabalis W Siberia & NE Europe/NW Europe 1 100,000 0 Anser fabalis rossicus W & Central Siberia/NE & SW Europe (1) 600,000 ?

183 (Oberlausitz). The important wintering Germany is part of the wintering area of areas include the Elbe lowlands (Elbnieder- birds that breed in north-west Siberia. ung) in Lower Saxony, between Schnacken- burg and Lauenburg; the Unterer Nieder- The north-west European wintering areas rhein (lower part of the lower Rhine) in are located in the Netherlands and Ger- North Rhine-Westphalia; Elbaue (Elbe ripa- many, as well as – to a lesser extent – in rian meadow) near Torgau in Saxony and France and south England. Since the the Wulfender Bruch; Elbaue near Jerichow; 1950s, when the first counts of greater and the Zerbster Land area in Saxony white-fronted geese were carried out in Anhalt (UNSELT et al. 2000). the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, the number of greater white-fronted geese that winter in this region has increased GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE from about 10,000 to 50,000 to about (ANSER ALBIFRONS). The greater 600,000 individuals (in the 1990s; ROSE & white-fronted goose breeds along the enti- SCOTT 1997, MADSEN et al. 1999). This re Arctic circle, in the Arctic tundra of growth in the north-west European winter Eurasia and North America. Of the five population contrasts with declines, during described sub-species, the nominate form the same period, in central and south-east breeds in the northern Palearctic, from Europe. After analysing the breeding and the Kanin Peninsula eastward, to the wintering populations, MOOIJ (1997) and Kolyma River in north-east Siberia (SCOTT MADSEN et al. (1999) conclude that the & ROSE 1996). The Greenlandic sub-species total population of greater white-fronted A. a. flavirostris winters on the British Isles. geese in the Western Palearctic has not changed significantly in recent decades. Breeding birds of the Western Palearctic, The growth of the north-west European including the area from the Taymyr Penin- winter population can be explained as a sula to Chatanga, winter in four main redistribution of the winter population areas in north-west and central Europe, as from the central European region to well as in regions of the Black Sea and north-west Europe. In keeping with the Caspian Sea (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, MOOIJ trend in western Europe, the resting and et al. 1999). It is impossible to differentiate wintering populations of the white-fronted discrete flyway populations, however, be- goose in Germany have increased continu- cause the breeding areas completely over- ously since the 1960s. This growth did not lap and because frequent exchanges take stop until the 1990s, when the resting and place between wintering regions. A total wintering populations stabilised. of four wintering groups of the nominate form are differentiated (MADSEN 1999).

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE A B C Population Trend Anser albifrons albifrons NW Siberia & NE Europe/ 1 600,000 + NW-EuropE W Siberia /C Europe 3 c* 100,000 – W Siberia/Black Sea 1 650,000 ? (0) & Turkey N Siberia/Caspian Sea & Iraq 2 15,000 - Anser albifrons flavirostris Greenland/Ireland & 3a* 33,000 + United Kingdom

184 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

As is the case for the bean goose, a signifi- tern part of Poland; Denmark and north- cant portion of the bird's north-west Euro- west Germany; and Belgium and the pean winter population can be found si- Netherlands. The most important winter multaneously in Germany (MOOIJ 2000). quarters of this population are found in According to estimates of SUDFELDT et al. the delta region of the Netherlands, in (1997), the fall resting population (Novem- France and in Spain and Portugal. The ber) in the first half of the 1990s amoun- comparatively small central European ted to 290,000 to a maximum of 500,000, population breeds in the Czech and Slovak while the mid-winter population (January) republics and in Austria and Hungary. comprised about 250,000 individuals. The Because they share the same migration white-fronted goose's most important win- route to north African winter quarters, the tering areas in Germany include the Un- breeding birds of Finland, the Baltic coun- terer Niederrhein (lower part of the lower tries and the eastern part of Poland are Rhine) in North Rhine-Westphalia; the El- also assigned to this population. be lowlands (Elbniederung) in Lower Saxo- ny, near Schnackenburg and Lauenburg; The north-west European population incre- and the Elbmarsch area near Stade (UN- ased from about 30,000 individuals in SELT et al. 2000). 1967/68 to about 200,000 individuals in the mid-1990s (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, WET- LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The trend GREYLAG GOOSE (ANSER ANSER). for the central European population ran- The greylag goose breeds in the temperate ged from stable to slightly increasing and boreal zones of Europe and Asia. In (MADSEN et al. 1999, WETLANDS INTER- central Europe, the breeding range of the NATIONAL 1999). western European nominate form gives way, throughout a broad overlapping In a trend paralleling the development of zone, to the range of the south-eastern the flyway populations, the number of European and Asian sub-species A.a. rubri- greylag geese resting in Germany has in- rostris (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, HAGEMEIJER & creased since the beginning of the 1960s. BLAIR 1997). Of the six discrete flyway Since the end of the 1980s, the maximum populations within the Western Palearctic, populations in the fall (September count the north-west European and central of the IWC) have fluctuated between European populations have ranges that 55,000 and 75,000 individuals. This num- include part of the Federal Republic of ber represents about 30% of the entire Germany. The north-west European popu- western European flyway population. In lation's breeding range includes the west January between 3,000 and 12,000 indivi- coast of Norway; south Sweden; the wes- duals – the number depends on the severi-

GREYLAG GOOSE A B C Population Trend Anser anser anser Iceland/ 1 80,000 – United Kingdom & Ireland NW Europe/SW Europe 1 200,000 + Central Europe/N Africa 2* 25,000 + Anser anser rubrirostris Black Sea/Turkey 1 85,000 ? W Siberia/ 1 >100,000 + Caspian Sea & Iraq

185 ty of the winter – can be found in Ger- grouped with the breeding population of many (MOOIJ 2000). This figure is likely to the Russia Arctic (MADSEN et al. 1999, include a large number of descendants of SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The wintering areas animals released from captivity. The grey- of the birds that breed in Greenland and lag goose's breeding population in Ger- Spitzbergen are found on the British Isles. many has grown, paralleling the species' Breeding birds from Russia and the smal- general increases in north-west Europe. ler Baltic Sea population winter in north- For example, one representative popula- west Europe, primarily in the Netherlands tion studied from 1949 to 1994, in Meck- and Germany. lenburg-West Pomerania (HAUFF & ILL- MANN 1999), registered continual growth, ROSE & SCOTT (1997) estimated the total in numbers of breeding pairs, from 1949 Russian-Baltic population to number about (seven pairs) to the mid-1970s. From that 167,000 individuals. A more recent count, point on, when the area's capacity had taken in January 1997, registered about been reached, the breeding population 276,000 individuals, of which about fluctuated around a level of about 130 13,000 (about 5%) belong to the Baltic pairs. All in all, Germany's breeding popu- breeding population (MADSEN et al. 1999). lation in the mid-1990s was estimated to Following a nadir in the early 1950s, when number 6,600 to 8,500 breeding pairs the Russian population was estimated to (WITT et al. 1996). MOOIJ (2000) places number only 10,000 individuals, the popu- the number in the second half of the lation has grown since the beginning of 1990s at about 8,000 to 10,000 breeding the 1960s at an annual rate of about 7%. pairs. BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) estimated In spite of the considerable growth of the that in 1999 the population had grown to Baltic breeding population since the mid- 10,000 to 18,000 breeding pairs. 1970s, the overall increase is due primarily to the growth of the Russian breeding population (MADSEN et al. 1999). In the BARNACLE GOOSE (BRANTA LEU- fall, large parts of this population rest on COPSIS). The barnacle goose breeds, in Schleswig-Holstein's and Lower Saxony's three discrete populations, on the east Wadden Sea coasts. Following this resting coast of Greenland, on Spitzbergen and in period, as of mid-November, they then the Russian Arctic – from the Kola Penin- move on to their winter quarters in the sula eastward to Novaya Zemlaya and Lake Netherlands. In mild winters, some of Kara. Since the early 1970s, another small them (between 5,200 and 36,000 individu- breeding population has established itself als in the years 1989 to 1994) remain lon- far outside of the species' original range – ger in their German resting areas. In in the Baltic region, beginning with the spring, and commencing at the beginning Swedish Island of Gotland. Because it sha- of the year, the resting populations in res the same migration routes and winter Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden quarters, this population, which presum- Sea increase again, reaching a maximum ably originated with passage migrants shortly before they leave toward the end from Russia that settled for breeding, is of April. When this occurs, up to 50 % of

BARNACLE GOOSE A B C Population Trend Branta leucopsis E Greenland /Scotland & Ireland 1 40,000 + Spitzbergen /SW Scotland 2 23,000 + Russia/Germany & Netherlands 1 267,000 +

186 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

the Russian-Baltic population can be in 1999). The barnacle goose's first breeding the German part of the Wadden Sea at areas in the Baltic were spring resting the same time. And because the turnover areas of migrating Russian breeding birds. rate is high, a considerably larger percen- Since its inception, the Baltic population tage of the population actually uses this has grown considerably, in keeping with region as a resting area (MADSEN et al. the extension of its breeding range. Today, 1999, MOOIJ 2000). SUDFELDT et al. (1997) barnacle geese breed on islands of Estonia placed the barnacle goose's spring resting and Denmark as well as on the Swedish, population (March) in Germany at about Finnish and German mainland coats. 100,000 individuals. The resting popula- These breeding birds – especially those tion grew continually since the 1960s and from the main colonies – consist in part of did not begin to stabilise until the end of escapees from captivity. In Germany, the the 1980s (MOOIJ 2000). In Schleswig-Hol- bird began breeding in 1988 at the Großer stein's part of the Wadden Sea, the barna- Plöner See (lake) near the Baltic Sea coast cle goose's maximum population in den of Schleswig-Holstein. This new breeding 1990s reached about 102,000 individuals; influx was followed by additional new arri- further continual increases in the resting vals on Schleswig-Holstein's west coast, in population were also observed. The rea- Lower Saxony and along the Unterer Nie- sons for these latter increases are conside- derrhein (lower part of the lower Rhine) in red to include both the growth in the to- North Rhine-Westphalia (BRÄGER & LUD- tal population and the longer times spent WICHOWSKI 1995, KOOP 1998, MOOIJ by resting geese in their resting areas 2000). According to MOOIJ (2000), the bar- (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). nacle goose's breeding population in Ger- many in 1999 consisted of about 30 bree- MADSEN et al. (1999) consider the primary ding pairs. reasons for the population's considerable growth in recent decades to be a decrease in anthropogenic pressures such as hun- BRENT GOOSE (BRANTA BERNI- ting in the birds' winter quarters, collec- CLA). The brent goose breeds in the high tion of eggs, removal of young birds and Arctic and is widespread throughout the capture of adult birds, in their breeding entire Arctic circle regions. In breeds in areas, when they are flightless due to near-coastal tundra of northern Siberia, moulting. The barnacle goose is also pres- Alaska and Canada and well as in Green- umed to have profited from an increased land, Spitzbergen and Franz Joseph Land. food supply brought about by greater ferti- Of the four described sub-species (inclu- liser use in farming, in the birds' Dutch ding the east-Siberian form B. b. orientalis, winter quarters. which some authors do not recognise as a sub-species), both the dark-bellied nomina- In the 1970s, wild birds from the Russian te form and the light-bellied sub-species breeding population settled on the Swe- B.b. hrota occur regularly in the Western dish island of Gotland (MADSEN et al. Palearctic (SCOTT & ROSE 1996).

BRENT GOOSE A B C Population Trend Branta bernicla bernicla W Siberia/W Europe 2b 300,000 +(0) Branta bernicla hrota Spitzbergen/Denmark & 1c 5,000 0 United Kingdom Canada/Ireland 2 20,000 0

187 The breeding area of the dark-bellied the breeding areas at the end of May, are brent goose B. b. bernicla is in northern the saltgrass meadows along Schleswig- Siberia and extends from the Yamal Penin- Holstein's coast, where the geese have to sula eastward to the Taymyr Peninsula feed and build up their body reserves for (MADSEN et al. 1999). The bird winters their journey across the White Sea into exclusively on western European coasts of their high-Arctic breeding areas. The fat the Wadden Sea; in the Netherlands; and and protein reserves that the birds store at on the south-east coast of England, in a this time have a large influence on their region extending southward to the French reproductive success in the following bree- Atlantic coast. Brent geese use the nor- ding season (MADSEN et al. 1999). thern part of the Wadden Sea (Denmark, SUDFELDT et al. (1997) placed the brent Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony) pri- goose's spring resting population (May) in marily as a resting site, in the fall – from Germany at 125,000 individuals in the mid-September to mid-November – before first half of the 1990s. The average resting they move on to their winter quarters in population increased from fewer than the Netherlands (Rhine delta), west France 20,000 individuals, at the beginning of and south-east England. regular counts in the 1960s, to 115,000- The very small Spitzbergen population of 150,000 individuals in the 1990s. The the light-bellied brent goose B. b. hrota, brent goose's mid-winter population in which numbers about 5,000 individuals Germany is on the order of several thou- (ROSE & SCOTT 1997, MADSEN et al. 1999), sand individuals (MOOIJ 2000). migrates along the Norwegian coast to its winter quarters in Denmark and north- Following a collapse in the 1930s, and a east England. In cold winters, part of the nadir of about 16,500 individuals in the population migrates to the Netherlands mid-1950s, the dark-bellied brent goose's (MADSEN et al. 1999). The small numbers population increased – slightly, at first, but of light-bellied brent geese that appear in then considerably as of about 1972. The the German Wadden Sea are very likely population collapse in the 1930s was the part of this population (BERNDT & result of an epidemically related die-off of BUSCHE 1991, BUNDESDEUTSCHER SEL- eelgrass (Zostera spec.), the brent goose's TENHEITENAUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE most important food plant outside of the SELTENHEITENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, breeding season. The impacts of the food 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000). shortage as a result of the Zostera die-off were probably intensified by heavy hun- In spring, shortly before leaving for its ting pressure in the bird's winter quarters Arctic breeding areas, nearly the entire and, possibly, in its Siberian breeding areas. population of the dark-bellied brent goose The population's considerable growth as gathers in the Wadden Sea. Up to about of the early 1970s was the re-sult of impro- 50 % of the total population can be found ved protection, especially a temporary sus- at the same time in Schleswig-Holstein's pension of hunting in Denmark, in 1972. part of the Wadden Sea (GÜNTHER & Since about the beginning of the 1990s, RÖSNER 2000). The bird's most important the species' population growth has been slo- resting areas, shortly before departure for wing (MADSEN et al. 1999). A similar trend,

COMMON SHELDUCK A B C Population Trend Tadorna tadorna NW Europe 2a 300,000 + Black Sea & Mediterranean 1 75,000 +(0/–) W Asia/Caspian Sea & 1 80,000 + Middle East

188 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

and possibly a decrease, was also seen in during the moult, in this part of the Wad- the brent goose's resting population in den Sea (NEHLS et al. 1992, SUDFELDT et Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden al. 1997). After completing their moulting, Sea between 1988 and 1999 (GÜNTHER & the birds split up into groups that head RÖSNER 2000). This trend went hand-infor the winter to the Danish, German and hand with reduced reproduction, measu- Dutch Wadden Sea regions and to the red in terms of numbers of young birds as coasts of the UK and France. The number a percentage of all birds in the goose's of common shelducks that winter in the winter quarters (MADSEN et al. 1999). Wadden Sea fluctuates in keeping with winter severity; in cold winters, a majority of the winter population leaves for milder COMMON SHELDUCK (TADORNA areas of the British Isles and France TADORNA). The common shelduck's (BERNDT & BUSCHE 1991). breeding range in Eurasia forms two diffe- rentiable concentrations. A north-west The common shelduck's mid-winter popu- European population breeds on the North lation in north-west Europe increased sig- Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, on the British nificantly between 1974 and 1996 and Isles and on the Norwegian and French then stabilised from 1987 to 1996 Atlantic coasts (a smaller breeding popula- (DELANY et al. 1999). SUDFELDT et al. tion, on the Mediterranean coast of France (1997) report a January population of and Spain, may be part of this population about 40,000 to 85,000 individuals in the SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The second concen- first half of the 1990s. tration area forms a narrow belt from the Black Sea to west China, along the central The common shelduck's breeding popula- Asian steppe zone (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). A tion in Germany is concentrated on die total of three populations are differentia- Wadden Sea coast of Lower Saxony and ted within Europe, with exchanges occur- Schleswig-Holstein, where 4,445 and 4,290 ring between the west Asian populations breeding pairs were counted in 1998 and and the population of the Black Sea and 1999 (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). In- Mediterranean, and between this latter cluding breeding pairs further inland, the population and the north-west European total population in Germany in 1999 was population. placed at 5,400 to 6,300 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) The breeding population After the breeding season, and beginning on the German North Sea coast has incre- about mid-July, most of the breeding birds ased significantly in the last ten years, pa- of north-west Europe, including some bree- ralleling the growth of the total popula- ding birds from the west Mediterranean tion (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). region, migrate to the Wadden Sea, to the outer Elbe estuary, to moult in large groups. During this period, they are flightless for EUROPEAN WIGEON (ANAS PENE- several weeks and particularly sensitive to LOPE). The European wigeon is found disturbances. Up to 180,000 to 200,000 in- throughout the entire northern Palearctic, dividuals may be found at the same time, from Iceland to Kamchatka in eastern

EUROPEAN WIGEON A B C Population Trend Anas penelope W Siberia & NE Europe/NW Europe 1 1,250,000 + W Siberia & NE Europe/ 2c 560,000 – Black Sea & Mediterranean W Sibiria/SW Asia & NE Africa 2c 250,000 –

189 Siberia. Breeding birds from Scandinavia parallel with this development, since the and the western part of Russia, and part end of the 1970s. This trend has been in- of the north Siberian population, winter terrupted only by irregular population on the coasts of north-west Europe. The shrinkage during cold winters, when large majority of Siberian breeding birds winter parts of the population leave for regions in the Mediterranean and Black Sea re- further south (BRUNCKHORST & RÖSNER gions. Another group of breeding birds 1998). The European wigeon's maximum from west and central Siberia winters in population in Schleswig-Holstein's part of north-east Africa and south-west Asia. A the Wadden Sea in the 1990s comprised total of three sub-populations are differen- up to 160,000 individuals, or about 13% of tiated on the basis of wintering regions the north-west European winter popula- (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). This differentiation tion (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). is not sharp, however, since the north-west European population and the Mediterra- As a breeding bird, the European wigeon nean population on the Iberian peninsula appears in very small numbers, and at engage in exchanges between their winte- irregular intervals, on Germany's North ring regions, especially during cold win- Sea and Baltic Sea coasts; the total group ters, and since their breeding areas over- is likely to be considerably smaller than 25 lap broadly (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). breeding pairs (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). In 1999 a total of 10 pairs of the European In Germany, the bird's winter populations wigeon bred in Schleswig-Holstein, and are concentrated on the Wadden Sea coasts another breeding group was reported of Lower Saxony, Hamburg and Schleswig- from Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (SUD- Holstein (POOT et al. 1996, UNSELT et al. FELDT et al. 2002). 2000). Smaller resting areas are also found along the Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg- West Pomerania (Rügen, Hiddensee, Greifs- GADWALL (ANAS STREPERA). The walder Bodden) and in the Unteres Oder- gadwall, a Holarctic breeding bird, is tal area (lower Oder River valley) in Bran- found throughout the temperate to Medi- denburg (UNSELT et al. 2000). For Germany terranean zones of Eurasia and North as a whole, SUDFELDT et al. (1997) estima- America (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, HAGEMEI- te the maximum fall resting population (Oc- JER & BLAIR 1997). Birds that breed in the tober) to number 180,000 to 200,000 indi- northern and eastern regions of north- viduals, and the mid-winter population to west Europe spend the winter in the more number 125,000 to 135,000 individuals. Atlantic regions of the Netherlands, France and the British Isles (SCOTT & ROSE The north-west European population's 1996). A total of three flyway populations mid-winter populations grew significantly can be differentiated on the basis of winte- from 1974 to 1996 (DELANY et al. 1999). ring areas: a north-west European popula- The European wigeon's population in tion, a central European-Mediterranean Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden (including the Black Sea) population and Sea has also increased considerably, in a south-west Asian / north-east African

GADWELL A B C Population Trend Anas strepera strepera NW Europe 1 30,000 + NE Europe /Black Sea & 2c 75,000 - – Mediterranean 150,000 W Siberia/SW Asia & NE Africa (1) 130,000 ?

190 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

population (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The 1990s (WITT et al. 1996, BAUER & BER- boundary between the north-west Euro- THOLD 1996). In 1999, the breeding popu- pean and central European populations lation was estimated to be on the order of passes through Germany. While the majo- 2,700 to 5,000 pairs (3,689, SUDFELDT et rity of the north-west European popula- al. 2002) (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). The tion migrates to winter quarters further gadwall's breeding range in Germany west, large portions of the central Euro- shows a clear concentration in the nor- pean population winter in Baden- thern Länder Mecklenburg-West Pomera- Württemberg and Bavaria (SUDFELDT et nia (1999: 1,811 pairs), Schleswig-Holstein al. 2000). (1999: 800 pairs), Brandenburg (1999: 225 pairs) and Lower Saxony (1999: 100 pairs). According to IWC data for the periods Other large populations are found in Sax- 1974 to 1996 and 1987 to 1996, the mid- ony (1999: 265 pairs) and in Bavaria and winter populations of the north-west and Baden-Württemberg (1999: 200 pairs in central European populations have increa- each) (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). sed significantly (DELANY et al. 1999). The largest resting population of the gadwall in Germany was registered in the first half GREEN-WINGED TEAL (ANAS of the 1990s, during the bird's fall migra- CRECCA). The green-winged teal / com- tion, in November: about 11,000 individu- mon teal, which has two sub-species, is als (SUDFELDT et. al. 1997). Since then, the found throughout the temperate and nor- gadwall's mid-winter population in Ger- thern latitudes of Eurasia and North many has continued to increase, especially America. The wintering areas of the Wes- in southern Germany, and in 1998 some tern Palearctic nominate form extend 13,000 individuals wintered in Germany southward to North Africa and into the (SUDFELDT et al. 2000). Arabian Gulf region (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). As a result of extensive exchanges bet- The gadwall's most important wintering ween wintering regions, and considerable areas in Germany are located at Lake Con- overlapping of breeding areas, the bird's stance, along the upper Rhine in Baden- flyway populations in the Western Pale- Württemberg and at dammed reservoirs arctic cannot be sharply differentiated, on Bavaria's Isar and Inn rivers (SUDFELDT and thus SCOTT & ROSE (1996) make a et al. 2000, UNSELT et al. 2000). In addi- coarse distinction on the basis of the bird's tion, other large resting and wintering main wintering regions. The breeding and populations are found in the lake country wintering areas of the winter populations (Seenplatte) in the eastern Holstein region of north-west Europe, of the Black Sea (UNSELT et al. 2000). region and of the Mediterranean overlap in Germany. The breeding population in Germany has also increased considerably since the Trend calculations on the basis of the beginning of the 1970s, in spite of regio- IWC's mid-winter counts show that the nal fluctuations, and some 2,000 to 2,500 north-west European population grew sig- breeding pairs were counted in the mid- nificantly from 1974 to 1996, including

GREEN-WINGED TEAL A B C Population Trend Anas crecca crecca NW-Europe 1 400,000 + W Siberia & NE Europe/ 1 750,000 - 0 Black Sea & Mediterranean 1,375,000 W Siberia/SW Asia & NE Africa 2c 1,500,000 –

191 stabilisation between 1987 to 1996. No sig- Länder Lower Saxony (2,500 pairs), Meck- nificant trend was identified for the cen- lenburg-West Pomerania (650 pairs) and tral European mid-winter population du- Schleswig-Holstein (370 pairs), as well as in ring the same period, although a slight Bavaria (550 pairs) (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). decreasing trend was seen between 1987 and 1996 (DELANY et al. 1999). In the first half of the 1990s, the green-winged teal's MALLARD (ANAS PLATYRHYN- fall resting population in Germany was CHOS). The mallard is the most common estimated to number 40,000 to 65,000 in- and most widely distributed duck species dividuals, while its mid-winter population in the Western Palearctic. It is found during the same period comprised about throughout the entire Holarctic. A total of 25,000 to 30,000 individuals (SUDFELDT et eight sub-species have been described; of al. 1997). The green-winged teal's impor- these, six are considered by some authors tant wintering areas in Germany include to be separate species (SCOTT & ROSE Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea, the Un- 1996). On the basis of wintering areas, tere Weser (lower Weser River) and the SCOTT & ROSE (1996) group birds of the Elbmarsch area, from Stade to Otterndorf, nominate form, in western Eurasia, into in Lower Saxony. Other important resting five populations, although the differentia- areas include Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea, tions are not sharp, since the birds' bree- the Unteres Odertal (lower Oder River val- ding and wintering areas exhibit large ley) area and the Untersee (lower lake) sec- transition zones. Parts of the north-west tion of Lake Constance (UNSELT et al. European and north-European/west-Medi- 2000). terranean populations are found in Ger- many. WITT et al. (1996) place the green-winged teal's breeding population in the Federal Analysis of trends for the mid-winter popu- Republic of Germany in the mid-1990s at lations reveals that the north-west Euro- 4,200 to 5,700 pairs. On the other hand, pean winter population grew significantly the bird's development is difficult to inter- overall from 1974 to 1986, including a sig- pret, due to survey-related difficulties and nificant decline beginning in 1987 (to differences in trends between different 1996). During the same periods, the cen- regions. All in all, the population can be tral European mid-winter population de- assumed stable in the 1990s, and the bir- creased significantly (DELANY et al. 1999). d's breeding population in 1999 was pla- SUDFELDT et al. (1997) placed the mallar- ced at 3,700 to 5,800 pairs (BAUER et al. d's mid-winter population in Germany at pub. pend., BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). about 1,000,000 to 2,000,0000 individuals. Pronounced concentrations of the population reported for 1999, comprising 4,637 In contrast to the decreases for the mid- pairs, were found in the north German winter population, the mallard's breeding

MALLARD A B C Population Trend Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos NW Europe 1 5,000,000 0 N Europe/W Mediterranean 1 1,000,000 + E Europe/ 2c 2,250,000 – Black Sea & E Mediterranean W Siberia/SW Asia (1) 800,000 ?

192 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

population in Germany, comprising The northern pintail's mid-winter popula- 210,000 to 470,000 breeding pairs (BAUER tion in north-west and central Europe was et al. pub. pend.), is currently considered stable – i.e. showed no recognisable trend stable (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). – from 1974 to 1996. More recently (1987 to 1996), significant population decreases have occurred in north-west Europe, in NORTHERN PINTAIL (ANAS ACU- contrast to the growth of the central Euro- TA). The northern pintail is a Holarctic pean group – a group which is relatively breeding bird. Its range extends across the insignificant, however, in light of its abso- northern taiga and tundra zone, and lute mid-winter numbers (DELANY et al. along the northern boundary of the tem- 1999). perate latitudes of Eurasia and the North American continent. North-east Germany In Germany, the northern pintail appears contains the southern boundary of the bir- regularly as a passage migrant and winter d's contiguous range in the Western Pale- guest and, rarely, as a breeding bird. Its arctic (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, HAGEMEIJER & resting and wintering populations in the BLAIR 1997). first half of the 1990s numbered about 3,500 – 7,000 (October) and 3,300 (Janu- No population differentiation is possible ary) individuals (SUDFELDT et al. 1997). within the bird's contiguous breeding range. Nonetheless, AEWA classifies three groups on the basis of their spatially sepa- In the mid-1990s, the northern pintail rate wintering areas: birds of north-west bred very rarely in Germany – the total Europe (coastal regions), birds that winter number of breeding pairs was about in the Mediterranean region and in west (WITT et al. 1996). For 1995, 1996 and Africa's Sahel region and birds that winter 1999, MÄDLOW & MODEL (2000) and SUD- in south-west Asia and east Africa. Birds FELDT et al. (2002) report a total of only that breed in countries bordering the about 20 breeding pairs, of which 10 bred Baltic Sea, in Scandinavia and in Iceland in Schleswig-Holstein, while the others make up the largest part of the north-west were divided between the Länder Meck- European winter population, members of lenburg-West Pomerania (1999: 1 pair), which regularly appear in Germany – Lower Saxony (1999: 3 pairs), Brandenburg especially north Germany, but also inland (1999: 3 pairs) and Hesse (1999: 2 pairs). areas in south Germany (BAUER & GLUTZ OF BLOTZHEIM 1990, SCOTT & ROSE 1996). Birds returning home from north-west Africa and south-west Europe also pass through Germany (BAUER & GLUTZ OF BLOTZHEIM 1990).

NORTHERN PINTAIL A B C Population Trend Anas acuta NW Europe (Winter) 1 60,000 – W Siberia, NE & E Europe/ 2c 1,200,000 – S Europe & W Africa W Siberia/SW Asia & E Africa (1) 700,000 ?

193 GARGANEY (ANAS QUERQUEDULA). The continuing population decline in Ger- The garganey breeds in Eurasia's tempera- many is paralleled by decreases in other te climate zone, from the UK in the west central European countries, and thus it to Kamchatka Peninsula in east Siberia. must be assumed that the garganey popu- The wintering areas of Western Palearctic lation is undergoing a general decline breeding birds lie in tropical Africa, in a (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). The causes for narrow, sub-Saharan belt, in the river the decline are considered to be habitat systems of Senegal and Niger and in the changes in the bird's breeding areas. Habi- Lake Chad region (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). tat destruction and hunting by humans in SCOTT & ROSE (1996) differentiate two the species' west African winter quarters populations on the basis of the locations also play a role (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, of their wintering areas. Germany is wit- DELANY et al. 1999). hin the breeding range of the west Siberian-European breeding population. NORTHERN SHOVELER (ANAS CLY- WITT et al. (1996) estimated the garganey- PEATA). The northern shoveler's bree- 's breeding population in Germany at ding range comprises the temperate and 1,300 to 3,100 breeding pairs. The popula- northern latitudes of Eurasia and North tion decreased between 1970 and 1994. As America. The winter quarters of Western of 1999, a further decrease had occurred, Palearctic breeding birds are in north-west to a level of 1,200 to 1,900 pairs (BAUER et Europe, the Mediterranean region and al. pub. pend.). According to data of the west and east Africa. Presumably, the rela- Umbrella Association of German Avifau- tively small winter population of north- nists (Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunis- west Europe is made up of birds from ten), the population reported in 1999 Scandinavia and west Russia, which winter (1,538 pairs) was concentrated in the predominantly in the coastal regions of north-German Länder Lower Saxony (500 France, the Benelux countries and the pairs), Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (305 British Isles. In cold winters, they may pairs) and Schleswig-Holstein (240 pairs), head south-east instead, as far as the Ibe- all of which are rich in water bodies. rian peninsula (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). A Other larger populations, each with over much larger population migrates from 100 pairs, were found in Brandenburg, breeding areas further east to wintering Saxony-Anhalt and Bavaria (SUDFELDT et areas in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea al. 2002). region and west Africa. The relevant mi-

GARGANEY A B C Population Trend Anas querquedula W Siberia & Europe/W Africa 2c 2,000,000 – W Siberia/ (1) 100,000 - 200,000 ? SW Asia NE & E Africa

NORTHERN SHOVELER A B C Population Trend Anas clypeata NW & C Europe (win) 1 40,000 0 W Siberia, NE & E Europe/ (2c) 450,000 ?(–) S Europe & W Africa W Siberia/ 2c 400,000 – SW Asia, NE & E Africa

194 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

gration routes overlap considerably, and rania (390 pairs) (BAUER et al. pub. pend., thus the populations cannot be clearly dif- SUDFELDT et al. 2002). Like the German ferentiated. Germany lies within these two winter population, the German breeding populations' migratory overlap (SCOTT & population exhibits no clear trend. The in- ROSE 1996). creases seen in some Länder, due to an improved food supply as a result of water-bo- The IWC data, covering the period from dy eutrophication, are countered by habi- 1974 to 1996, show no clearly identifiable tat losses and decreases in other Länder long-term trends for the mid-winter popu- (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & lations of north-west and central Europe. BLAIR 1997). Between 1987 and 1996, the central Euro- pean winter population decreased significantly, but since only a relatively small RED-CRESTED POCHARD (NETTA total number of its birds winter in central RUFINA). Unlike the ranges of the other Europe (1,316 in the reference year, 1989), duck species considered in this section, this finding is somewhat inconclusive (DE- the red-crested pochard's range is concen- LANY et al. 1999). The northern shoveler's trated in the south-east of the Western fall resting population (October) in Ger- Palearctic, and in west and central Asia. many numbered 6,000 to 8,000 individu- The bird's breeding range, which consists als in the first half of the 1990s. During of several distinct "islands", extends from the same period, the wintering population the Iberian peninsula to the steppes of amounted to 500 to 2,000 individuals central Asia, across the northern Medi- (SUDFELDT et al. 1997). The northern sho- terranean region and the Black Sea and veler's important wintering areas in Ger- Caspian Sea regions (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, many include the Elbmarsch areas, from HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The European Stade to Otterndorf; Alfsee Lake and the range concentrations are located in Dümmer area in Lower Saxony; Schleswig- Russia, Spain, Turkey and Romania (HAGE- Holstein's Wadden Sea; the Großer and MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The populations in Kleiner Binnensee (inland lakes) on Schles- south England, the Netherlands, Germany wig-Holstein's east coast and the Unterer and Poland represent the northern boun- Niederrhein (lower section of the lower dary of the species' range. The origins of Rhine) in North Rhine-Westphalia (UNSELT these breeding birds have not been relia- et al. 2000). bly identified. Whereas breeding birds of south England may be descendants of es- In 1994, some 2,700 to 3,500 pairs of nor- capees from captivity, the populations in thern shovelers bred in Germany (WITT et the Netherlands, Schleswig-Holstein, Meck- al. 1996); the breeding population was lenburg-West Pomerania and Poland are concentrated in the country's northern very likely the result of a range expansion Länder (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In that began in the early 20th century, and 1999, the population was found to be that has taken place in several waves about the same size, from 2,100 to 3,300 (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & pairs, and to be concentrated in Lower BLAIR 1997, BERNDT & BUSCHE 1993). Saxony (1,000 pairs), Schleswig-Holstein Birds that breed in central Europe and the (700 pairs) and Mecklenburg-West Pome- west Mediterranean are either sedentary

RED-CRESTED POCHARD A B C Population Trend Netta rufina SW & C Europe/W Mediterranean 2* 25,000 0/+ Black Sea & E Mediterranean 3c 50,000 – W & C Asia/SW Asia 1 200,000 0

195 birds or short-distance migrants (SCOTT & 2000). SUDFELDT et al. (2002) estimate ROSE 1996), while those of north central that in mid-winter about 95% of the entire Europe are mostly migratory birds. For German population, which numbers about example, Schleswig-Holstein's breeding 12,500 individuals, can be found at Lake birds winter in the Mediterranean region, Constance. The most important reasons although regular winter populations are for this population growth, according to also known to exist in Schleswig-Holstein SCHNEIDER-JACOBY (2000), are an impro- and the Netherlands (BERNDT & BUSCHE ved food supply due to a recovery of fila- 1993, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). A total mentous algae (Chara spec.), as a result of of three populations are differentiated wit- improvements in water quality, and esta- hin the Western Palearctic (SCOTT & ROSE blishment of disturbance-free protected 1996). zones for breeding and moulting. Other important resting areas of the red-crested The red-crested pochard's central European pochard in Germany include lakes in mid-winter population increased signifi- Bavaria's Alpine foreland, such as the cantly from 1974 to 1996, and the north- Chiemsee, Ammersee, Starnberger See and west European population also exhibited a Ismaninger Speichersee (reservoir) (UN- positive trend. A similar development was SELT et al. 2000). also seen, as significant growth in both regions, in the study period 1987 to 1996. The red-crested pochard's core population This population growth is clearly due to at Lake Constance increased from about redistribution of winter populations from 235 breeding pairs in 1980/81 to 367 pairs the west Mediterranean, where a signifi- in 1991/92. In the second half of the 1990s, cant population decrease was observed the population was estimated to number during the same period (DELANY et al. about 400 pairs (including the Swiss and 1999, SUDFELDT et al. 2002). Austrian populations) (HEINE et al. 1999, MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). For 1999, SUD- FELDT et al. (2002) list significant popula- SUDFELDT et al. (1997) placed the red-cre- tions other than the one at Lake Con- sted pochard's resting population in Ger- stance (Baden Württemberg: 300 pairs), many as a whole, during the moulting including populations in Bavaria (100 season in August, at about 4,000 to 6,000 pairs) and in Schleswig-Holstein (40 pairs). individuals. At Lake Constance, the most The species is also found in Mecklenburg- important resting area of the red-crested West Pomerania (13 pairs) and Lower Sax- pochard in Germany, the species' resting ony (10 pairs), and individual breeding and wintering populations have increased pairs have been sighted in Germany's since the 1960s – slowly, at first, and more other Länder. Between 1994 and 1999, the rapidly since the 1980s. In the 1990s, up species' total population size in Germany to 7,000 individuals were sighted at Lake was constant, at about 420 to 540 pairs Constance in September, undergoing light (BAUER et al. pub. pend., WITT et al. moulting, and up to 10,000 individuals 1996). were observed as January winter guests (HEINE et al. 1999, SCHNEIDER-JACOBY

COMMON POCHARD A B C Population Trend Aythya ferina NE Europe/NW Europe 2c 350,000 – C & NE Europe/ 2c 1,000,000 – Black Sea & Mediterranean W Siberia/SW Asia (2c) 350,000 ?(–)

196 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

COMMON POCHARD (AYTHYA tions are concentrated at Lake Constance FERINA). Originally, the common pochard and along the upper Rhine River in bred in the central Asian steppe zone. As Baden-Württemberg, at Bavaria's Alpine a result of westward expansion, its conti- foreland lakes and in Baltic Sea coastal guous range now extends westward from waters in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklen- north-east China to Spain and the British burg-West Pomerania (SUDFELDT et al. Isles (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The wintering 1997, SKOV et al. 2000, UNSELT et al. areas of Western Palearctic breeding birds 2000). The common pochard has been are located in north-west and west Europe, extending its range into western Europe the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions since about 1850. The growth of its popu- and in the region of the Caspian Sea. Be- lation since the middle of the 20th centu- cause the bird's breeding areas overlap ex- ry continued, at a slower rate, until the tensively, and since there is considerable mid-1990s in many regions of Europe; in exchange of birds between its wintering some areas, it gave way to population sta- regions (partly as a result of movement to bilisation (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HA- escape cold winters), the flyway popula- GEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). tions are not sharply differentiated. The AEWA populations are thus differentiated In 1994, a total of 6,300 to 9,500 pairs of on the basis of winter ranges, which are common pochards bred in Germany easier to differentiate. Germany is located (WITT et al. 1996). As of 1999, the popula- within the overlap of the populations of tion had decreased slightly, to a level of north-west Europe, central Europe and the 4,500 to 7,500 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. Black Sea and Mediterranean (SCOTT & pend., SUDFELDT et al. 2002). In 1999, the ROSE 1996). breeding population was concentrated in the eastern German Länder Saxony (1,220 Clearly, the shrinkage of the north-west pairs), Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (1,195 European mid-winter population that was pairs) Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg (each seen in the 1970s and 1980s has not conti- with 700 pairs) and Thuringia (130 pairs); nued; the population can be assumed to all in all, about two-thirds of the total po- have remained stable from 1974 to 1996 pulation of 6,007 pairs bred in these and from 1987 to 1996 (DELANY et al. 1999), Länder (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). The fact or to have stabilised at a lower level (SUD- that the bird's breeding population is con- FELDT et al. 1997). During the same peri- centrated in eastern German Länder may ods, significant growth was observed in the reflect the bird's eastern origins (HAGE- central European region (DELANY et al. 1999). MEIJER & BLAIR 1997).

In Germany, the common pochard's mid- winter population also grew slightly from FERRUGINOUS DUCK (AYTHYA 1981 to 1999, at an annual growth rate of NYROCA). The ferruginous duck breeds about 1.2%. In the 1990s, this population in the steppes, semi-deserts and forests of numbered about 80,000 to 100,000 indivi- south Eurasia. Its breeding range, apart duals, with a peak of up to 120,000 indivi- from those of isolated populations in wes- duals (SUDFELDT et al. 1997, 2002). tern Europe (Spain), extends from east and The bird's resting and wintering popula- south-east Europe to west China, across

FERRUGINOUS DUCK A B C Population Trend Aythya nyroca W Mediterranean/W Africa 1a 1b 1c 2,000 - 3,000 – E Europe/E Mediterranean & Africa 1a 1b 3c 10,000 - 50,000 – W Asia/SW Asia & NE Africa 1a 1b 1c 5,000 –

197 the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions and TUFTED DUCK (AYTHYA FULIGU- central Asia. The wintering areas of the LA). The tufted duck breeds in the bore- species' Western Palearctic breeding birds al, temperate and steppe zones of Eurasia. lie in the eastern Mediterranean, in the Since the middle of the 20th century, the Black Sea and Caspian regions and in west bird has extended its breeding range far Africa (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). In Europe, into western Europe. An important reason the bird's breeding areas are concentrated for this expansion is an improved food in Romania, Moldavia, Ukraine, Hungary supply resulting from benthic biomass and Poland (TUCKER & HEATH 1994, growth following water-body eutrophica- HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). tion, and from the spread of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in Euro- pean waters (the zebra mussel is the duk- Germany is located at the western edge of k's main food in winter). Construction of the eastern European population's bree- dammed reservoirs and other man-made ding range. Small residual populations lakes that provide breeding and wintering have been sighted at Lake Constance, in- habitats has also contributed to the duck's cluding breeding pairs (occasionally: 1979, range expansion (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEI- 1995-1999) as well as small resting and JER & BLAIR 1997). wintering groups (HEINE et al. 1999, SUD- FELDT et al. 2002), and in the along the Because the duck's breeding ranges over- border shared by Brandenburg and Saxony lap considerably, it is not possible to diffe- (individual breeding pairs, 1999 and 2000) rentiate discrete flyway populations. On (REUSSE et al. 2001, RYSLAVY 2001). the other hand, the bird's winter distribution does permit identification of three important wintering regions (SCOTT & The ferruginous duck's population in the ROSE 1996). Germany lies within the over- Western Palearctic has decreased signifi- lap between the north-west European win- cantly in recent decades, throughout the ter population and the winter population bird's entire breeding range. The main of central Europe, the Black Sea and the reason for this decrease is destruction of Mediterranean. The most important winte- wetlands. Hunting also plays a role. Cli- ring areas of breeding birds of north-west mate changes in parts of the bird's bree- Europe, Scandinavia and north-west Russia ding area and its west African winter are the shallow bays along Germany's quarters, causing wetlands to dry out, may Baltic Sea coast, as well as bordering also be having a negative on ferruginous waters of Poland, Denmark, Sweden and duck populations (TUCKER & HEATH 1994, the Netherlands (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & winter populations of central Europe and BLAIR 1997). of the Black Sea/Mediterranean region consist of local breeding birds and winter guests from regions of Russia (north-east to west Siberia) (ROSE & SCOTT 1997).

TUFTED DUCK A B C Population Trend Aythya fuligula NW Europe (win) 1 1,000,000 + C Europe, 1 600,000 + (?) Black Sea & Mediterranean (win) W Siberia/SW Asia & NE Africa (1) 200,000 ?

198 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The tufted duck's mid-winter populations North America (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). in north-west Europe did not change signi- On the basis of their wintering regions, ficantly, or were stable, between 1974 and breeding birds of Iceland, Scandinavia and 1996, while the central European popula- Russia (to west Siberia) are assigned to the tion grew considerably (DELANY et al. north-west European flyway population, 1999). From 1987 to 1996, the mid-winter which numbers about 310,000 individuals. populations of both regions grew signifi- In west Siberia, the population overlaps cantly. with the breeding area of the eastern population, which winters in the Black Sea Between 1981 and 1999, the population of and Caspian Sea regions (SCOTT & ROSE tufted ducks wintering in Germany increa- 1996, ROSE & SCOTT 1997). sed significantly – by about 1% per year – paralleling growth of the two populations The greater scaup's preferred wintering that occur in Germany (SUDFELDT et al. areas are shallow bays and coastal estua- 2002). SUDFELDT et al. (2002) placed this ries and, to a lesser extent, large central wintering population, on the basis of IWC European lakes. The largest winter groups data, at 250,000 to 300,000 individuals. of the north-west European population The tufted duck's most important resting gather in large numbers, amounting to and wintering areas include waters along several thousand individuals, in the sou- the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein thern Baltic Sea region, in coastal waters and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, as well of Denmark and Germany and the Ne- as Lake Constance, the upper Rhine and therlands (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). According Bavaria's Alpine foreland lakes (SKOV et al. to SUDFELDT et al. (1997, 2002), the grea- 2000, SUDFELDT et al. 2002, UNSELT et al. ter scaup wintering population in Ger- 2000). many averages 100,000 to 120,000 individuals, or about one-third of the western BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) estimated the European winter population. It increased breeding population in Germany to num- considerably, from 1981 to 1993, but it ber 11,000 to 16,000 breeding pairs. For began decreasing in 1994, and thus no 1999, SUDFELDT et al. (2002) reported a clear conclusions can be drawn regarding population of 12,779 pairs, distributed the entire period from 1981 to 1999 quite evenly among the various Länder, in (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). keeping with water-body abundance. The greater scaup's most important wintering area in Germany consists of the coa- GREATER SCAUP (AYTHYA MARI- stal waters of the south Baltic Sea. Large LA). The nominate form of the greater wintering populations concentrate in the scaup populates the west Eurasian boreal following areas: Traveförde and Dassower zone, from Iceland and Scandinavian moun- See (60,500 individuals); east Kiel Bight tain regions to west Siberia, across the nor- (17,000 individuals); Sagasbank and east thern part of Russia. The sub-species A. m. coast of Oldenburg (11,000 individuals); mariloides occurs in north-west Asia and Brodtener Ufer (10,200 individuals), on

GREATER SCAUP A B C Population Trend Aythya marila marila N Europe/W Europe 1 310,000 ? W Siberia/ 1 100,000 - 200,000 ? Black Sea & Caspian Sea

199 Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea coast; and nominate form (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). Most in the Wismar Bight (30,000 individuals) populations of the common eider are and the Greifswalder Bodden area (16,500 quite sedentary. With regard to AEWA, individuals) in Mecklenburg-West Pome- the relevant populations are the predomi- rania (SKOV et al. 2000). nantly migratory nominate-form populations of the Baltic, Denmark and the The greater scaup has bred in small num- Netherlands, the populations of Norway bers in Germany – on Schleswig-Holstein's and Russia and the breeding populations, North Sea coast – since the beginning of of the sub-species S. m. islandica, of Spitz- the 1980s. In 1999, a total of five pairs of bergen and Franz Joseph Island. Most of greater scaup bred there (SUDFELDT et al. the birds that breed and winter in Ger- 2002). Isolated breeding pairs were sigh- many are birds from the Baltic-Danish- ted in the 1990s on Schleswig-Holstein's Dutch population (ROSE & SCOTT 1997). Baltic Sea coast and in Lower Saxony Their wintering areas are located in the (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). Baltic Sea, Wadden Sea and, to a lesser extent, in areas further south, into France and England. Clearly enough, little ex- COMMON EIDER (SOMATERIA change takes place between this popula- MOLLISSIMA). The common eider tion and those of the British Isles and breeds in circumpolar coastal regions, at Norway and Russia. The breeding birds of northern Eurasian and North American Norway and of Russia winter predomi- latitudes (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). nantly on the Norwegian coast; to a lesser Breeding birds in the Western Palearctic, extent, they also breed in the Baltic and in addition to the nominate form, include Wadden Sea (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). the sub-species S. m. islandica, on Spitz- bergen, in Iceland and in Franz Joseph The common eider's most important res- Land, and S.m. faroeensis, on the Faeroe, ting and wintering areas in Germany Shetland and Orkney islands (HAGEMEIJER include Lower Saxony's and (especially) & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS INTERNATIO- Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea areas, as NAL 1999). The nominate form's breeding well as coastal waters and shallow-water range extends eastward from the north areas of the Baltic Sea (SKOV et al. 2000, coast of Ireland to Novaya Zemlaya, across UNSELT et al. 2000). During moulting, Scotland and Scandinavia. The Nether- which takes place from July to September, lands' and Germany's Wadden Sea coasts, up to 140,000 individuals, predominantly and the south Baltic region, make up the males not taking part in rearing young, southern limit of the bird's contiguous congregate in undisturbed areas of breeding range (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The range of Sea. The common eider's total resting the north-west European population is population in Germany was estimated by congruent with the breeding range of the SUDFELDT et al. (1997) to number 300,000

COMMON EIDER A B C Population Trend Somateria mollissima mollissima Baltic Sea, Denmark & Netherlands 1 1,350,000 - 1,700,000 0 Norway & Russia 1 300,000 - 550,000 0 Somateria mollissima islandica Spitzbergen & Franz Josef Land (breeding) 1 40,000 - 80,000 0

200 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

individuals during the moulting period in LONG-TAILED DUCK (CLANGULA August and in mid-winter. HYEMALIS). The long-tailed duck breeds in the circumpolar Arctic zone of Eurasia The common eider's breeding population and North America. In the Western Pale- in Germany is concentrated along Schles- arctic, the bird's breeding areas extend wig-Holstein's and Lower Saxony's Wadden from Norway's interior mountain region Sea coast; in 1996, a total population of to the Arctic zones of west Siberia, across 1,305 pairs bred in these areas. Much north Finland and the Kola Peninsula (SCOTT smaller groups, amounting to fewer than & ROSE 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). 20 breeding pairs, are also found on the For practical purposes, in the AEWA re- Baltic Sea coast (1999: 9 pairs) (HÄLTER- gion the breeding birds of Iceland and LEIN et al. 2000, SUDFELDT et al. 2002). Greenland, on the one hand, and those of The largest single breeding population in west Siberia and northern Europe, on the the German part of the Wadden Sea, other, are assigned to two different popu- numbering 570 breeding pairs (1996), is lations (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, WETLANDS found on the island of Amrum. This popu- INTERNATIONAL 1999). At the same time, lation's negative trend is offset by increa- the two groups' wintering ranges overlap ses in other areas – especially in Lower considerably, and thus the populations Saxony's part of the Wadden Sea – and cannot be completely separated (WET- thus the breeding population can be assu- LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). med to be stable or slightly increasing (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). In 1998 and Some of the birds that breed in Iceland 1999, 1,027 and 1,257 pairs of common and Greenland winter off the south-west eider, respectively, bred on Germany's coast of Greenland and in Icelandic wa- North Sea coast (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN ters, while another group journeys to 2001). The common eider's breeding popu- Scotland. Breeding birds of Scandinavia, lation in the entire Wadden Sea region north Russia and west Siberia congregate increased from 6,000 pairs in 1991, when for the winter in open sea areas in the the first complete survey was carried out, south Baltic; all in all, over 90% of the to about 10,000 pairs in 1996, an increase west Siberian/north-west European popula- of about 40%. This increase is due primari- tion winters in the south Baltic. Other, sig- ly to growth of the Dutch population, nificantly smaller parts of this population which accounts for the largest share, about winter off the coasts of north-west Russia, 87%, of the total population (RASMUSSEN Norway and the British Isles, as well as in et al. 2000). the German Bight (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, ROSE & SCOTT 1997).

LONG-TAILED DUCK A B C Population Trend Clangula hyemalis Iceland & Greenland 1 150,000 0 W Siberia/N Europe 1 4,600,000 0

BLACK SCOTER A B C Population Trend Melanitta nigra nigra W Siberia & N Europe/ 2a 1,600,000 0 W Europe & NW Africa

201 The long-tailed duck's most important gust, females: September/October) in the wintering areas in the Baltic Sea include German Bight are found in the area of the the Gulf of Riga, Hoburg Bank, south of outer Eider estuary; off Eiderstedt and Gotland, and the Pomeranian Bight Rütergat; in the offshore area near (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). SUDFELDT et al. Baltrum, Borkum and Juist; and in the (1997) estimated the long-tailed duck's Dutch and east Frisian Wadden Sea, bet- wintering population (January) in Ger- ween Terschelling and Juist (NEHLS 1998, many to number about 1,000,000 individu- MITSCHKE et al. 2001). The species' most als. The largest concentrations, comprising important resting and wintering areas in an average of 837,000 individuals (1988- Germany include Schleswig-Holstein's 1995), congregate in the Pomeranian Wadden Sea, the east German Bight and Bight during the migration period. Other the Pomeranian Bight, Kiel Bight and the important wintering areas include the sea Sagasbank area, along the Baltic Sea coast areas of Westrügen, Hiddensee and Zingst, (SKOV et al. 1995, SKOV et al. 2000, as well as the Darß-Hiddensee sea area, UNSELT et al. 2000). including Plantagenetgrund (SKOV et al. 2000). VELVET SCOTER (MELANITTA FUS- CA). The velvet scoter's breeding area lies BLACK SCOTER (MELANITTA NI- within the Eurasian and North American GRA). Two sub-species of the black scoter/ boreal zones. Along with the Western common scoter breed in the tundra zones Palearctic nominate form, two sub-species of Eurasia and North America. The bree- have been described: M. f. stejnegeri in east ding range of the Eurasian nominate form Asia and M. f. deglandi in North America extends from Iceland to northern Siberia, (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). In the Western across Scotland and north Scandinavia. Palearctic, the velvet scoter breeds in Outside of the breeding season, large Scandinavia and north Russia. The Scan- groups of black scoters congregate in shal- dinavian breeding population is located in low-water areas of the open west Baltic a narrow strip along the Swedish and Fin- Sea and North Sea. A small part of the po- nish Baltic Sea coasts and in the central pulation winters along the Atlantic coast mountain regions of Norway and Sweden of France and Portugal, in an area exten- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Outside of ding south to Morocco and Mauritania the breeding season, the velvet scoter (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). No discrete popula- gathers in large groups in shallow, coastal tions are distinguished within the AEWA areas of the Baltic Sea, an area in which area (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). over 90% of the west Siberian/north-west European population winters (SKOV et al. In Germany, the black scoter regularly 1995). A substantially smaller part of the appears as a resting bird and winter guest population winters along the North Sea in the coastal waters of the North Sea and and Atlantic coasts – in areas belonging to Baltic Sea. SUDFELDT et al. (1997) placed Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the black scoter's wintering population France. In cold winters, the birds someti- (January) in Germany at about 300,000 mes fly to large inland lakes of central individuals. Significant concentrations of Europe (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). In addition moulting individuals (males: May to Au- to the west Siberian/north-west European

VELVET SCOTER A B C Population Trend Melanitta fusca fusca W Siberia & N Europe/NW Europe 2a 1,000,000 0 Black Sea & Caspian Sea 1c 1,500 0

202 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

population, another, substantially smaller, wintering area also extends far into cen- population is recognised: a population of tral European inland areas, however, and east Turkey, Georgia and Armenia. This it includes large inland lakes in south population winters on the Black Sea coast Germany and Switzerland (SCOTT & ROSE (ROSE & SCOTT 1997). 1996). In this region, the population probably has contact with the winter popula- SUDFELDT et al. (1997) estimate that the tion of the Danube-Adriatic region, and velvet scoter's winter population in Ger- thus the differentiation between the popu- many numbers about 350,000 individuals. lations is not sharp (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). The bird's most important resting area Germany lies within the range of the north- along the German Baltic Sea coast is the west and central European winter popu- Pomeranian Bight, where resting popula- lation. The winter population of south- tions averaging 120,000 individuals in size west Europe (Lake Constance) probably en- gather (SKOV et al. 2000). gages in exchanges with the winter population of the Adriatic (SCOTT &ROSE 1996). According to IWC data, the common gol- COMMON GOLDENEYE (BUCEPHA- deneye's mid-winter population in north- LA CLANGULA). The common golde- west and central Europe increased signifi- neye breeds in the boreal zones of Eurasia cantly from 1976 to 1996 and 1987 to (nominate form) and North America (sub- 1996 (DELANY et al. 1999). In a parallel species B. c. americana). Its breeding range development, the German winter popula- in the Western Palearctic is concentrated tion increased at an annual rate of about in Scandinavia and Russia. Insular bree- 1.9% from 1981 to 1999 (SUDFELDT et al. ding populations in Scotland, Germany, 2002). In the 1990s, SUDFELDT et al. (1997, Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic 2002) estimated that this population num- countries represent the southern limit of bered 50,000 to 60,000 individuals. Its the species' breeding range (HAGEMEIJER most important wintering areas include & BLAIR 1997). The wintering areas of the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea (SKOV Western Palearctic breeding birds are loca- et al. 2000). In addition, most of Germa- ted in the North Sea and Baltic Sea ny's inland lakes are also regularly used as regions, in central Europe and in south- winter quarters. Lake Constance, with an east Europe – in the Adriatic and Black average winter population of 5,900 indivi- Sea regions. West Siberian breeding birds duals, is the common goldeneye's most winter in the region of the Caspian Sea important water body for wintering in (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). central European inland areas (HEINE et al. 1999). Another important inland area A total of four populations are differentia- is Bavaria's Chiemsee lake, where over ted within the AEWA area, on the basis of 1,000 individuals regularly winter (SUD- wintering areas. In mild winters, the win- FELDT et al. 2002). ter population of north-west Europe cong- regates primarily in the south Baltic Sea (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). This population's

COMMON GOLDENEYE A B C Population Trend Bucephala clangula clangula NW & C Europe (win) 1 300,000 + NE Europe/Adriatic 1 75,000 ? W Siberia & NE Europe/ 2 20,000 ? Black Sea W Siberia/Caspian Sea 2 25,000 ?

203 In recent decades, the common goldeneye The winter group of the north-west and has extended its breeding range to the central European population is concentra- west. This process has obviously been ted in the south Baltic Sea and the Nether- strongly promoted through provision of lands, where congregations of several suitable nesting sites, in the form of nes- thousand individuals can occur (for exam- ting boxes (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). ple, DELANY et al. 1999). The mid-winter The common goldeneye's breeding popu- populations in the western Baltic and the lation in Germany has increased continu- Netherlands vary strongly in keeping with ously since the 1960s (BAUER & BERTHOLD weather conditions in Baltic wintering 1996). WITT et al. (1996) placed this popu- areas; in cold winters (for example, in win- lation at 1,300 to 2,000 breeding pairs in ter 1996) large numbers of individuals 1994. By 1999, it had grown still further, move west, especially to the Netherlands to 1,720 to 3,050 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. (DELANY et al. 1999). The smew's mid-win- pend.). The population reported by SUD- ter population in the Baltic region, and in FELDT et al. (2002) for 1999, comprising a north-west and central Europe, showed an total of 2,292 pairs, was concentrated in increasing trend between 1974 and 1996. the north-east German Länder Schleswig- From 1987 to 1996, the population in Holstein (450 pairs), Mecklenburg-West north-west Europe and the Baltic increa- Pomerania (723 pairs), Brandenburg (550 sed significantly, while the central Euro- pairs) and Saxony (500 pairs). pean population decreased significantly (DELANY et al. 1999). In a development paralleling the growth of the north-west SMEW (MERGELLUS ALBELLUS). European population, the smew's mid-win- The smew inhabits the boreal zone of Eu- ter population in Germany increased at an rasia, from Norway to Kamchatka Penin- annual rate of about 3.3 % between 1981 sula, and it winters in the temperate zones and 1999 (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). In the of western Europe, the Black Sea and Cas- 1990s, this population was estimated to pian Sea and central China and Japan number an average of 5,000 to 7,000 indi- (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). In Europe, it breeds viduals. However, up to about 15,000 to in northern Scandinavia and Russia. An 16,000 individuals can be in Germany at isolated breeding population exists outside the same time (SUDFELDT et al. 1997, of the contiguous range, in Belarus (KOZU- 2002). LIN & GRITSCHIK 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The smew's most important wintering areas in Germany include the coastal wa- On the basis of the bird's wintering re- ters of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, espe- gions, a total of three Western Palearctic cially the Oderhaff (Kleines Haff and Ach- populations can be identified; these popu- terwasser) area along the boundary to Po- lation cannot be sharply differentiated in land, the Greifswalder Bodden and west their breeding areas, however (SCOTT & coast of Rügen and the waters around ROSE 1996). Hiddensee (SUDFELDT et al. 1997, 2002, SKOV et al. 2000).

SMEW A B C Population Trend Mergellus albellus NW& C Europe (win) 3a 25,000 - 30,000 0 NE Europe/ 1 35,000 ? Black Sea & E Mediterranean W Siberia/ SW Asia 1 30,000 ? (–)

204 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER perienced significant annual growth of (MERGUS SERRATOR). The red-brea- 3.7% between 1981 and 1999 (SUDFELDT sted merganser is a Holarctic breeding et al. 2002). bird of northern Eurasia and North Ameri- ca. It is questionable whether the Green- SUDFELDT et al. (2002) place the red-brea- land form, M. s. schioleri, is truly a sub-spe- sted merganser's mid-winter population in cies. In the Western Palearctic, the bird's Germany at a total of 10,000 to 12,000 in- contiguous range extends from Iceland to dividuals (of which 6,000 to 8,000 indivi- west Siberia, across the north half of the duals are outside of the Baltic Sea region). British Isles and Scandinavia. Small bree- The largest concentrations rest and winter ding colonies are found in the Ne- on Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic therlands, Germany and Poland, at the Sea coast, in the area of the Pomeranian southern boundary of the species' bree- Bight and the Greifswalder Bodden (SKOV ding range (SCOTT & ROSE 1996, HAGE- et al. 2000). The entire wintering popula- MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Breeding birds of tion of the Baltic Sea, including offshore south Scandinavia and the British Isles areas, regularly reaches a size of 10,000 to spend the winter primarily in coastal wa- 12,000 individuals (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). ters near their breeding areas. Breeding The red-breasted merganser's relatively birds of northern regions of Scandinavia small breeding population in Germany is and of Russia migrate in a south-westerly concentrated on the North Sea and Baltic direction for the winter, heading especial- Sea coasts. The trends seen in breeding ly to the south Baltic Sea and even further populations in these two areas have been west, to coastal waters of the Netherlands, very different, however. In the 1990s, the France and south England (SCOTT & ROSE numbers of breeding pairs on the German 1996). North Sea coast increased considerably, beginning in the island of Amrum in Part of the north-west and central Euro- Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden pean winter population regularly winters Sea (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). This deve- in Germany. Analysis of the IWC's mid- lopment is related to a population increa- winter counts showed that the population se and range expansion, throughout the grew significantly in north-west Europe entire Wadden Sea region, that began to and the Baltic from 1974 to 1996, growth emerge at the beginning of the 1990s that, in the Baltic, has more recently (FLEET et al. 1994). In 1999, the number of (1987–1996) given way to insignificant breeding pairs sighted on the German change or a stable trend (DELANY et al. North Sea coast reached 46 – the largest 1999). number ever documented there (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). The numbers of red-breasted mergansers that winter in Germany depend strongly At the same time that the breeding popu- on winter severity; in cold winters, most of lation on the North Sea coast was increa- the birds disperse to the British Isles and sing, the breeding population on the Bal- the Netherlands. Weather-related fluctua- tic Sea coast was decreasing significantly – tions notwithstanding, the population ex- from about 300 to 350 pairs at the end of

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER A B C Population Trend Mergus serrator serrator NW & C Europe (win) 1 145,000 0 NE Europe/ 1 50,000 ? Black Sea & Mediterranean W Siberia /SW & C Asia 1c <10,000 ?

205 the 1980s to about 150 to 200 pairs in the lakes in central European inland areas years 1997 to 1999 (HÄLTERLEIN et al. (SCOTT & ROSE 1996). 2000). In 1999, the total population throughout all of Germany was estimated According to the IWC's January counts, to number about 340 to 410 pairs (BAUER the mid-winter populations in north-west et al. pub. pend.). Europe decreased significantly overall from 1974 to 1996, although the shrinking trend gave way to significant growth during the GOOSANDER (MERGUS MERGAN- period from 1987 to 1996 (DELANY et al. SER). The goosander's breeding range 1999). During the same period, exactly oppo- extends across the boreal zone of Eurasia sing trends were seen in central Europe, (nominate form) and North America (sub- with significant growth from 1974 to 1996 species M. m. americana). Another sub-spe- and significant decreases from 1987 to cies (M. m. orientalis), inhabits the central 1996 (DELANY et al. 1999). On the other Asian highlands – from Afghanistan to hand, these population trends for the goo- west China, across Pamir and Tibet (SCOTT sander must be interpreted cautiously, & ROSE 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). since the IWC counts were strongly In the Western Palearctic, the bird's bree- influenced by that part of the population ding area extends from Iceland to Siberia, that winters in inland areas, and that fluc- across the UK and Scandinavia. The sou- tuates in accordance with winter severity. thern limit of the contiguous range stret- In spite of such wide, weather-related fluc- ches from northern Germany through the tuations, the goosander's mid-winter popu- northern part of Poland and the Baltic lation in Germany remained stable countries. The breeding birds of the Alps throughout the period from 1981 to 1999, region, and the isolated populations on at a level of 25,000 to 30,000 individuals Iceland and in south-east Europe, are pre- (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). dominantly sedentary. The three populations within the AEWA area are differenti- The wintering populations are concentra- ated on the basis of their main wintering ted in coastal areas of Schleswig-Holstein regions: north-west and central Europe, (Schlei, Traveförde) and along Mecklen- the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea (SCOTT burg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea coast & ROSE 1996). (Wismar Bight, Oderhaff). While the species also migrates to inland areas, especial- The north-west and central European win- ly in cold winters, such migrations are ter population includes the UK's breeding only of subordinate significance in terms birds, which are predominantly sedentary of their numbers (SKOV et al. 2000, (5,000-8,000 individuals), and the birds of SUDFELDT et al. 2002). the central European Alps (3,000 individuals). The north-west European winter po- As a breeding bird, the goosander appears pulation is concentrated in the Baltic Sea in Germany in two separate breeding ran- region and coastal waters of countries bor- ges: in the north-eastern Länder Schles- dering the North Sea, although part of the wig-Holstein (1999: 120 pairs), Mecklen- population winters along large rivers and burg-West Pomerania (1999: 93 pairs) and

GOOSANDER A B C Population Trend Mergus merganser merganser NW & C Europe (win) 1 200,000 0 NE Europe/Black Sea 1c 10,000 ? W Siberia/Caspian Sea 2 20,000 ?

206 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Brandenburg (1999: 70 pairs) and in Ba- isolated, breeding groups are also found varia (1999: 270 pairs). Including isolated in England, France, the Czech Republic groups, consisting of less than six pairs and Turkey (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). each, in Saxony-Anhalt, North Rhine-West- Breeding birds of north and north-east phalia, Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, a Europe migrate, via two separate flyways, total of 563 pairs bred in Germany in to their separate winter quarters. The 1999 (SUDFELDT et al. 2002). migration boundary between the two populations runs through Finland, Poland, The goosander's breeding population in and the Baltic countries. Differentiation both German breeding areas has increa- between the two populations is relatively sed significantly since the 1970s (BAUER et blurred, because they have a broad transi- al. pub. pend., BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). tion zone and because, as observations The Bavarian breeding population has re- show, they switch between the two migra- covered from a nadir of about 50 pairs, tion routes (PRANGE 1999). Most of the reached in the early 1970s, and has expan- Norwegian, Swedish, Polish and German ded its breeding range again (BAUER & breeding birds migrate, via a westerly BERTHOLD 1996, MÄDLOW & MODEL route, to winter quarters in France, on the 2000). The second-largest German bree- Iberian peninsula and in North Africa. ding population, located in Schleswig- This flyway population, so NOWALD (2001 Holstein and comprising about 120 pairs, in lit.), comprises 120,000 individuals. has also grown significantly since the Breeding birds from breeding areas furt- beginning of the 1970s. The main reasons her east, in Finland, Poland, the Baltic given for the population increase are an countries, Belarus and the European part improved availability of nesting sites, as a of Russia, migrate, via an easterly route, to result of provision of nesting boxes, and winter quarters in Hungary, the Near East reductions in the bird's flight distance (i.e. and north and east Africa. A total of about wariness) and its sensitivity to human-cau- 80,000 individuals use this migration sed disturbances. In addition, an improved route (PRANGE 1999). The total population food supply, resulting from water-body of the common crane in Europe (not inclu- eutrophication, may have had a positive ding Russia), according to PRANGE (1999), effect on the population (BERNDT & probably numbers about 34,000 breeding BUSCHE 1993, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). pairs and 127,000 individuals. The discrep- ancy between these figures and the flyway-population numbers given above may COMMON CRANE (GRUS GRUS). be due to uncertainties in estimating the The common crane's range extends across size of breeding populations, as well as to the temperate and boreal zones of Eurasia, the fact that common cranes of Russian from Scandinavia to east Siberia. The origin use the westerly route, in numbers nominate form's breeding area in Europe that are not yet known (PRANGE 1999). includes Scandinavia, Germany, Poland, For the purposes of AEWA, a total of five the Baltic countries, Poland, Belarus, populations are differentiated (WETLANDS Ukraine and Russia. A few, more or less INTERNATIONAL 1999). Common cranes

COMMON CRANE A B C Population Trend Grus grus NW Europe (breeding) 1 60,000 - 70,000 + NE & C Europe (breeding) 1 >60,000 0/+ Black Sea & E Mediterranean (win) 3c 35,000 – Black Sea & Turkey (breeding) 1c 200 - 500 – SW Asia (win) 3c 55,000 –

207 that breed and rest in Germany are grou- WALD 2001 in lit.). The growth of the ped with the north-west European popula- breeding population has gone hand-in- tion, although these birds engage in con- hand with a westward expansion of the tact and exchange, during their migra- bird's breeding range, in the course of tion, with the population of north-east which the bird reinhabited Länder it had and central Europe (PRANGE 1999). previously occupied and then abandoned: Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and The common crane's passage in Germany Hamburg (MEWES 1996). begins in mid-August, when non-breeding and unsuccessfully breeding birds gather at resting areas. The numbers of birds in LITTLE CRAKE (PORZANA PARVA). these areas increase continuously and The little crake breeds in the steppe re- reach a maximum in October; in Novem- gions of the west and central Palearctic. ber, the common cranes leave the resting Its breeding range is spread irregularly areas. The most important resting areas in throughout east and central Europe, with Germany are found on the Baltic Sea concentrations in Poland, Belarus and coast, in the Bock-Hiddensee-Westrügen Ukraine and in the central European step- region in the Vorpommersche Bodden- pe region shared by Austria, Hungary and landschaft National Park; along the Untere Romania; the bird's distribution in other Oder (lower part of the Oder river); and in European countries is highly fragmented. the Linum-Nauen-Kremmen region in The total European breeding population Brandenburg. In each of these areas, over comprises between 16,000 and 20,000 40,000 individuals gather by mid-October, breeding pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR the climax of the resting season (PRANGE 1997). Since the 1970s, little crake popula- 1996, HAFERLAND 1999, SCHREIBER & tions in most European countries have RAUCH 1999, NOWALD 2001 in lit.). Ger- exhibited negative trends; only the many lies at the south-west boundary of Russian population, which is estimated to the bird's contiguous breeding range. The number 10,000 to 100,000 pairs, is assu- common crane's breeding population in med to have undergone a positive deve- Germany is concentrated in the northern lopment (TUCKER & HEATH 1994, HAGE- and eastern Länder Schleswig-Holstein, MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The little crake Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg- winters in Africa, south of the Sahara. West Pomerania, Brandenburg, Saxony From Mauritania and Senegal, its winter and Saxony-Anhalt (MÄDLOW & MODEL range extends eastward to Ethiopia and 2000). Kenya and southward to Zambia. Within the AEWA area, the entire west Eurasian After reaching a minimum of about 400 breeding population is considered to be a pairs at the beginning of the 1970s, the single population (WETLANDS INTERNA- bird's breeding population has increased TIONAL 1999). continuously, and in 1998 a total of about 2,500 common crane pairs bred in Ger- Germany is located at the western limit of many (MEWES 1996, PRANGE 1999). For the little crake's contiguous breeding range 2001, the working group for the protec- in Europe. Because the bird's breeding po- tion of the common crane (Arbeitsgemein- pulation is difficult to count, its size in schaft Kranichschutz) placed the breeding Germany can only be roughly estimated. population at at least 3,000 pairs (NO- The largest known groups, comprising 25

LITTLE CRAKE A B C Population Trend Porzana parva parva W Eurasia/Africa 2c C or D –

208 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

to 50 pairs, were reported in the mid-1990s, In most European countries, and especially from Brandenburg (MÄDLOW & MODEL in west and central Europe, the spotted 2000). In addition, smaller groups, compri- crake's breeding population has declined sing no more than five pairs in each case, in recent decades – significantly, in some also existed in the Länder Mecklenburg- cases. At the same time, the bird has com- West Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxo- pletely abandoned numerous breeding ny (DÜRR et al. 1997, MÄDLOW & MODEL areas. The primary reason for this decline 2000). In 1999, no more than 16 calling consists of large-scale destruction of wet- little crakes were documented in Branden- lands that provide suitable breeding habi- burg, the centre of the bird's German tats for the bird (TUCKER & HEATH 1994, population (RYSLAVY 2001). WITT et al. BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). (1996) determined that the total population in Germany in 1994 was 35 to 85 In the mid-1990s, the spotted crake's bree- pairs. For 1999, BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) ding population in Germany comprised assume a population of 50 to 100 pairs. between 500-960 breeding pairs (WITT et al. 1996). Its size in 1999 was estimated to be about 540 to 1,030 pairs (BAUER et al. SPOTTED CRAKE (PORZANA POR- pub. pend.) . ZANA). The spotted crake's range extends eastward, across the temperate zone of the Western Palearctic, to central Si- BLACK COOT (FULICA ATRA). The beria. Coverage in Europe is extensive but black coot / common coot, with four sub- fragmented, extending from Spain to species, is widespread throughout the enti- south Finland and from UK to the Urals. re Palearctic, including the Indian subcon- The European breeding range is concen- tinent, the Australasian region (Burma, In- trated in the eastern European countries donesia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zea- Belarus, Romania, Ukraine and Poland. land) and North Africa (BEZZEL 1985, HA- Another, relatively significant, breeding GEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In Europe, the population is found in France. The bree- nominate form's breeding range, which is ding population of the spotted crake in virtually unfragmented, covers the entire Europe comprises between 48,000 and Mediterranean and temperate zone and 67,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). extends far northward, including about The species' wintering areas extend south- the southern half of Finland and Russia ward from the Mediterranean region to (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Throughout South Africa. South-east Africa (Zambia, much of its European range, the black Malawi, Zimbabwe) harbours the bird's coot either is sedentary or migrates only main winter quarters. Winter populations short distances. Only populations at the have also been sighted in Senegal (WET- northern and eastern limits of the bird's LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). breeding range migrate over significant distances; these birds head primarily in a

SPOTTED CRAKE A B C Population Trend Porzana porzana Europe/Africa 2c D –

BLACK COOT A B C Population Trend Fulica atra atra Black Sea/Mediterranean (win) 1 2,500,000 – (0)

209 south-westerly direction (BEZZEL 1985, WITT et al. (1996) placed the black coot's HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The winte- breeding population in Germany at 75,000 ring grounds of Eurasian black coots ex- to 135,000 breeding pairs in 1994. In 1999, tend southward to North Africa, Iraq and the population was at about the same le- the Arabian Gulf. A smaller number of vel, 61,000 to 140,000 pairs (BAUER et al. wintering areas are also found in west Af- pub. pend.). Population trends for the spe- rica (Senegal, Chad) and east Africa (Su- cies seem to differ widely from region to dan) (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). region; population increases in some local Within the AEWA area, a total of three areas are offset by decreases in other re- populations are identified on the basis of gions. All in all, the black coot may be the birds' wintering ranges (north-west presumed to have a stable population situ- Europe, Black Sea & Mediterranean, south- ation in Germany (BAUER & BERTHOLD west Asia). Of these populations, the 1996). agreement applies only to the winter population of the Black Sea and Mediterra- nean. This population also includes the PIED AVOCET (RECURVIROSTRA winter populations of central Europe AVOSETTA). The pied avocet breeds (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). throughout a fragmented range in the temperate and Mediterranean zone of Germany lies within the winter range of Europe and in the steppe zone of central the north-west European winter popula- Asia. Other breeding populations of the tion, which was not included in AEWA species inhabit parts of east and south because it has a favourable conservation Africa. The northern limit of the species' status. IWC data show that the black coo- global range is found in north-west Europe t's mid-winter populations in north-west (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). A total of and central Europe were stable between five main populations are differentiated 1974 and 1996. During the period 1987 to within the AEWA area. The western Euro- 1996, this stability gave way to significant pean population breeds on the Iberian pe- growth (DELANY et al. 1999). Some of the ninsula, along the French Atlantic coast, breeding birds of central Europe also win- in south England and along the North Sea ter in the Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts of the Netherlands, Germany and region (GLUTZ OF BLOTZHEIM et al. 1994; Denmark. Smaller groups are found in WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). In re- south Sweden, Poland and the Baltic coun- cent decades, this winter population shrank tries (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The bir- considerably, but more recently this decli- d's most important wintering grounds in- ne has given way to a population situation clude areas along the French Atlantic that is presumed stable but cannot be pre- coast, in Portugal (estuaries of the Tejo cisely assessed (DELANY et al. 1999, WET- and Sado rivers) and in southern Spain. LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Overall, these areas extend southward to Mauritania and Senegal.

PIED AVOCET A B C Population Trend Recurvirostra avosetta S Africa (breeding) 2 10,000 - 20,000 + E Africa (breeding) (1) ? ? W Europe & 1 67,000 + W Mediterranean (breeding) Black Sea & (3c) C ? (–) E Mediterranean (breeding) W & SW Asia/E Africa 2 B ?

210 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Germany is a range state for the western ring areas of breeding birds from Iceland European pied-avocet population. The most and the Faeroe islands are concentrated important breeding populations are found on the British Isles, although they extend on Lower Saxony's and Schleswig-Holstein's to the Iberian peninsula. Breeding birds Wadden Sea coasts. In the 1990s, the popu- from Spitzbergen and Scandinavia migrate lation fluctuated, without any clearly re- along the North Sea coast, across Den- cognisable trend, between 5,300 and 7,200 mark, north-west Germany and east Eng- breeding pairs. By contrast, a considerably land, to winter quarters in the Nether- smaller breeding population on the Baltic lands and France and further south, in Sea coast, consisting of about 300 pairs, north-west Africa. Their winter range lar- decreased significantly in the 1990s (HÄLTER- gely overlaps with that of the south popu- LEIN et al. 2000). The total population in lation. Breeding birds from west Siberia 1999 was determined to be about 6,100 to winter in the Caspian Sea region (BEZZEL 6,500 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WET- At the end of the breeding season, bree- LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). For the ding birds of the Wadden Sea congregate, purposes of AEWA, a total of four popula- in order to moult, at a few long-used areas tions are differentiated. The populations' in the Wadden Sea of Lower Saxony (Jade- wintering areas overlap considerably in busen) and Denmark (Rømø). Another, western Europe, however (WETLANDS smaller moulting and resting area has INTERNATIONAL 1999). become established, since the 1980s, on Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea Germany is part of the regular resting and coast (Hiddensee/Bock) (DIETRICH & HÖT- wintering area for northern European KER 1991, KUBE & GRAUMANN 1994). breeding birds. The birds' preferred resting areas include coastal lowlands of the north-west-German plain and peripheral EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER (PLU- areas of Schleswig-Holstein's and Lower VIALIS APRICARIA). The European Saxony's parts of the Wadden Sea (POOT golden plover breeds in the Northern Pale- et al. 1996, UNSELT et al. 2000). BURDORF arctic, from Iceland eastward to central et al. (1997) estimated that the European Siberia. Smaller breeding groups, compri- golden plover's resting population in sing about 100 pairs, are found on Elles- Germany numbers about 200,000 indivi- mere Island (NE Canada) and Greenland. duals. In the Western Palearctic, the bird inhabits Iceland, the northern half of the UK, The isolated German breeding population Scandinavia, the Baltic countries and the consists of a small breeding group in Lo- northern region of Russia. The south power Saxony's fens. From a size of about 30- pulation breeds on the British Isles, as well 40 pairs in the 1970s, it decreased to nine as in small, isolated breeding areas in pairs in 1993. This was followed by a slight north-west Germany and Denmark (WET- recovery, and in 1996 a total of 19 bree- LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The winte- ding pairs were sighted (MÄDLOW & MO-

EUROPEAN GOLDEN PLOVER A B C Population Trend Pluvialis apricaria altifrons Iceland & Faeroe Islands/E Atlantic 1 750,000 (0) N Europe/ W continental Europe & NW Africa 1 1,000,000 0 British Isles, Denmark & 3c* 70,000 – Germany (breeding) W Siberia (breeding) (1) ? ?

211 DEL 2000). As of 1999, the breeding popu- the German Wadden Sea vary in keeping lation had increased still further, to a total with winter severity. The largest concen- of 22 pairs (SÜDBECK in lit. 2001). trations form in May, shortly before the birds' departure for their Arctic breeding areas, and when the majority of the entire GREY PLOVER (PLUVIALIS SQUA- east-Atlantic flyway population rests TAROLA). The breeding range of the throughout the Wadden Sea in order to grey plover comprises the Arctic tundra of build up body reserves for migration and Eurasia and North America. In northern the breeding period (MELTOFTE et al. Siberia, the bird's Palearctic breeding 1994, POOT et al. 1996). The grey plover's areas extend eastward from Kanin Penin- resting population in Schleswig-Holstein's sula, all the way to the Bering Strait. The part of the Wadden Sea has been decrea- grey plover's wintering areas include sing since 1993, following a period of coasts in temperate and Mediterranean-to- growth (POOT et al. 1996, GÜNTHER & tropical latitudes, in both the northern RÖSNER 2000). and southern hemispheres (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). RINGED PLOVER (CHARADRIUS For the purposes of AEWA, two winter po- HIATICULA). Of the three described pulations are differentiated. One winters sub-species of the (common) ringed plover, along the east-Atlantic flyway, from the the nominate form breeds in north-west coasts of north-west Europe and the Wad- Europe, from the British Isles and norden Sea southward to South Africa, via the thern France to Scandinavia, along the British Isles, the Mediterranean and the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. In the Gulf of Guinea. The breeding areas of tundra of north Scandinavia and Russia, it birds that migrate through, or winter in, is supplanted by the sub-species C. h. tun- western Europe extend eastward to the drae throughout a broad transition zone. Taymyr Peninsula (WETLANDS INTERNA- The sub-species C. h. psammodroma breeds TIONAL 1999). in an area extending from the east coast of the North American Arctic to the The grey plover appears in Germany in Faeroe Islands, across Greenland and Ice- the Wadden Sea, primarily during its land. The taxonomic status of this sub-spe- homeward migration to its Arctic bree- cies is disputed, however, and it is not re- ding areas, in April and May, and during cognised by some authors (BEZZEL 1985, its return trip, from August to November. HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS The numbers of grey plover that winter in INTERNATIONAL 1999). The wintering

GREY PLOVER A B C Population Trend Pluvialis squatarola E Atlantic (win) 1 168,000 + SW Asia & E Africa (win) 1 50,000 ?

RINGED PLOVER A B C Population Trend Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula Europe & N Africa (win) 1 47,500 + W Africa (win) (1) 195,000 ? Charadrius hiaticula tundrae SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) 200,000 ?

212 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

areas of breeding birds of north-west Eu- from over 1,000 pairs, around 1990, to 748 rope (nominate form), and of north-east to 792 pairs in 1998/1999. This trend be- Canada and Greenland (C. h. psammodro- gan emerging in the first half of the 1990s, ma), extend from the western European for the entire Wadden Sea population (RAS- Atlantic coast (France, Portugal, Spain) to MUSSEN et al. 2000). The breeding popula- west Africa (Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia), tion on the Baltic Sea coast remained sta- across the Mediterranean region. The sub- ble, at about 200 pairs, during the same species C.h. psammodroma winters at the period (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). Including southern limit of the species' common birds breeding in northern German inland winter range, and in some cases it reaches areas (Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Lo- South Africa. The nominate form winters wer Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein), WITT et at a smaller distance from its breeding al. (1996) estimated the ringed plover's to- areas, primarily on the coasts of western tal population in Germany, in the mid- Europe and North Africa (WETLANDS IN- 1990s, to number 1,900 to 2,600 pairs. By TERNATIONAL 1999). The wintering areas 1999, this figure had decreased, as a result of the sub-species C. h. tundrae are located of the decrease in the Wadden Sea core in south-west Asia, east Africa and south population, to 1,000 to 1,700 pairs (BAUER Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). et al. pub. pend.).

The German Wadden Sea is part of the range of all three populations differentia- LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (CHARA- ted within the AEWA area. Arctic bree- DRIUS DUBIUS). The little ringed plo- ding birds of the sub-species C. h. tundrae ver breeds throughout the entire Palearc- pass through it on their homeward jour- tic, from western Europe to Japan, and in- ney to breeding areas, in May, and during cluding north Africa and parts of south- their return to their winter quarters on east Asia. Two sub-species in addition to the west African coast, in August and Sep- the European sub-species C. d. curonicus tember (MELTOFTE et al. 1994). BURDORF have been described (BEZZEL 1985, HAGE- et al. (1997) placed the ringed plover's total MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The little ringed resting population in Germany at 14,000 plover is found throughout Europe, with individuals, without differentiating sub- the exception of Ireland and northern re- species or populations. Larger maximum gions of Scandinavia (HAGEMEIJER & congregations can appear in the German BLAIR 1997). The species' European bree- Wadden Sea, however. For example, a ding birds winter in the west African Sa- total of 14,900 resting ringed plovers were hel zone, south of the Sahara (BEZZEL seen at the same time in Schleswig- 1985). Two populations are relevant for Holstein's Wadden Sea area. The resting the purposes of AEWA. Breeding birds of population in Schleswig-Holstein's part of west and south-west Asia are differentiated the Wadden Sea increased between 1988 from birds that breed in Europe and win- and 1999 (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). ter in west Africa. The former population's wintering grounds are located primarily The ringed plover's breeding population on the Arabian peninsula and in north- on the German North Sea coast has exhi- east Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL bited a negative trend since the beginning 1999). of the 1990s. The population decreased

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER A B C Population Trend Charadrius dubius curonicus Europe/W Africa 1 D ? (0) W & SW Asia/ E Africa (1) ? ?

213 The bird's original habitats in Germany with a reduction of the bird's breeding consisted of gravel beds and alluvial fans range, especially in north-west Europe of natural rivers. Since almost all such (TUCKER & HEATH 1994, HAGEMEIJER & rivers have been regulated, the little rin- BLAIR 1997). ged plover now breeds almost exclusively in anthropogenic habitats such as sand or A total of three populations are differenti- gravel quarries or fresh open-soil areas at ated, although migratory populations tend construction sites. Because such habitats to overlap extensively with southern, sed- are ephemeral in nature, and because the entary populations in winter. Breeding bird often uses its breeding sites for only birds of the European Atlantic coast, from short periods of time, the little ringed plo- the west Mediterranean to north-west Eu- ver's long-term population trend in Ger- rope, are migratory birds that winter in many is difficult to assess – local increases the west Mediterranean and in north Af- made possible through creation of suitable rica, as far south as Mauritania and Guinea- secondary habitats are offset by decreases Bissau. Breeding birds of the Black Sea in other regions (BAUER & BERTHOLD and of the eastern Mediterranean winter 1996). WITT et al. (1996) estimated the litt- predominantly in the Near East and in the le ringed plover's breeding population in eastern African Sahel zone. The third po- the mid-1990s to number 4,000 to 6,400 pulation consists of breeding birds of south- pairs. In 1999, the population was at west Asia. Their wintering grounds extend about the same level, 4,300 to 6,800 pairs from the south Caspian region to north- (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). east Africa, across the Arabian peninsula (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999).

KENTISH PLOVER (CHARADRIUS In Germany, the kentish plover's breeding ALEXANDRINUS). The kentish plover is population is confined almost exclusively found virtually world-wide, along coasts to the Wadden Sea coasts of Lower Saxony and in wetlands of steppe regions of Eura- and Schleswig-Holstein. In Lower Saxony's sia, north Africa and North and South Ame- part of the Wadden Sea, the kentish plove- rica. Of the seven described sub-species, r's breeding population has decreased in the nominate form inhabits the coasts of recent decades, including a number of north-west Europe, including the west Bal- fluctuations, some of them considerable: tic Sea, the North Sea coast, the French from about 600 pairs at the beginning of and Portuguese Atlantic coast, the coastal the 1950s to 60 to 70 pairs in the 1990s regions of the entire Mediterranean re- (FLORE 1998, RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). In gion and even the west coast of the Black 1998 and 1999, the total breeding popula- Sea. Inland breeding populations can be tions throughout all of Lower Saxony's and found in Spain, Hungary and the coun- Hamburg's Wadden Sea areas numbered tries of the former Yugoslavia (HAGEMEI- 53 and 61 pairs, respectively (SÜDBECK & JER & BLAIR 1997). The kentish plover's HÄLTERLEIN 2001). breeding populations have decreased considerably in most European countries. This population decline has gone hand-in-hand

KENTISH PLOVER A B C Population Trend Charadrius alexandrinus alexandrinus E Atlantic 3c 67,000 – Black Sea & E Mediterranean (breeding) 3c C – SW Asia & NE Africa (win) (1) C or D ?

214 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

In Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden and Greece. The breeding population of Sea, data from breeding-population sur- European birds (not including Russia), of veys taken since 1988, within the frame- which over half consists of breeding birds work of trilateral Wadden Sea monitoring, of Norway and Sweden, comprises bet- initially showed a slight increase, to nearly ween 17,000 and 39,000 breeding pairs. 600 pairs, in 1993. This was followed by a The Russian population numbers 10,000 to rapid decrease, and in 1999 only 180 pairs 50,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). were counted (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000, The dotterel's winter range is confined to SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). a narrow band extending from north Afri- ca (Morocco) to west Iran, where, as pro- The described population fluctuations are ven by recovery of banded birds, exchan- typical for a pioneer species that briefly ges occur between breeding birds of the inhabits new dunes or soil accumulations Western Palearctic and birds from the created by the Wadden Sea's sediment most remote breeding areas of east Siberia dynamics, only to abandon such habitats and Mongolia (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, as vegetation grows and predatory pressu- WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Two re mounts. Many short-term population groups are differentiated on the basis of increases thus have resulted from settle- main breeding areas (WETLANDS INTER- ment of anthropogenic, secondary habi- NATIONAL 1999). tats created as part of coastal-protection measures and dike construction, habitats In May, breeding birds of northern Europe that the bird abandons as natural succes- migrate, in long stages, from their winter sion proceeds and relevant measures are quarters to their breeding areas. Popula- terminated (HÖTKER & KÖLSCH 1993, tions resting on this homeward journey FLORE 1998). are found only at a few known resting areas in the Netherlands and Denmark. Small numbers of birds regularly use a few DOTTEREL (EUDROMIAS MORI- resting areas in Germany, especially on NELLUS). The dotterel breeds in Arctic their slower return trip to their winter and alpine tundras, and it has scattered, quarters (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & isolated range fragments throughout the BLAIR 1997). In keeping with the species' entire Northern Palearctic, north Siberian habitat requirements, such areas consist tundra and high-mountain regions of Eu- primarily of large, open landscapes filled rope and Asia. Its European range compri- with short, scattered vegetation. In addi- ses Scotland, mountain regions of Scandi- tion to a few coastal areas, the birds also navia (Norway, Sweden) and north Russia. show a special preference for farmed Bör- In addition, individual, highly isolated de landscapes and high-upland regions in breeding populations, never numbering Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and North more than ten breeding pairs, are found Rhine-Westphalia (BUNDESDEUTSCHER in the high elevations of the Pyrenees, the SELTENHEITENAUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE Austrian Alps, the Italian Apennines and SELTENHEITENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, the mountain regions of Poland, Romania 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000) .

DOTTEREL A B C Population Trend Eudromias morinellus Europe (breeding) 2c D – Asia (breeding) (1) B or C ?

215 NORTHERN LAPWING (VANELLUS pairs, while BAUER & BERTHOLD (1996) VANELLUS). The northern lapwing's report figures of 85,000 to 100,000 pairs. Palearctic range extends across all of Eu- In light of the bird's decline throughout rope, from Iceland to north China. It very large parts of its core range, a decline sparsely populates the Mediterranean, which is continuing in spite of intensive north Africa and large parts of south efforts to protect the species in wetlands Russia. Its European breeding population conservation areas (BLÜHDORN 2001, MEL- is concentrated in north-western and eas- TER & WELTZ 2001, NEHLS et al. 2001), in tern Europe. The largest European bree- 1999 the population was estimated to ding populations, each numbering over number 67,000 to 104,000 pairs (BAUER et 200,000 pairs, are found in the Nether- al. pub. pend.). lands, the UK and Belarus; they are followed in size by populations in Germany The northern lapwing's breeding popula- and the Scandinavian countries (HAGEMEI- tion has considerably decreased in Germa- JER & BLAIR 1997). The total European ny, as it has in most northern and western population has been estimated to number European countries. Stable to increasing about 1,185,000 to 1,454,000 breeding populations are found only in eastern Eu- pairs, and the Russian population is pla- ropean countries (for example, Belarus), ced at a level of 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 which have comparatively extensive forms pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Two of agriculture, as well in some countries groups are differentiated, on the basis of with small breeding populations at the the locations of their breeding areas; dis- edge of the overall breeding range (BAUER crete populations cannot be identified & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The 1997, BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL/EUROPE- European northern lapwing population's AN BIRD CENSUS COUNCIL 2000). The rea- winter range comprises large parts of sons for the extensive declines in popula- Atlantic western Europe. It extends from tions of this species, formerly a typical the Netherlands and the British Isles to breeding bird in wet meadow landscapes Portugal, across France; to a smaller ex- in north-west Europe, include habitat loss tent, it also includes north and west Africa as a result of widespread landscape drai- and the Mediterranean region (BEZZEL nage and intensification of agricultural 1985). Birds that breed in west Asia winter grassland use. Often, the bird's reproduc- predominantly in south-west Asia tion rate in today's managed grasslands (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). no longer suffices in order to maintain the population in the long term. On densely In Germany, the northern lapwing breeds planted, food-poor and frequently mecha- primarily in the lowland landscapes of the nically worked or intensively grazed grass- north-German Länder Lower Saxony and land areas, the species suffers high rates of Bremen, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg- brood and young-bird losses as a result of West Pomerania and North Rhine-West- mowing, trampling and poor availability phalia. The other Länder are more sparse- of food for young. In addition, in some ly populated (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). areas an increasing predation rate is also In the mid-1990s, WITT et al. (1996) placed considered responsible for unsuccessful the northern lapwing's breeding popula- breeding (NEHLS 1996, KÖSTER et al. 2001, tion in Germany at 78,000 to 118,000 GIENAPP 2001). The possibility that the

NORTHERN LAPWING A B C Population Trend Vanellus vanellus Europe (breeding) 2c 7,000,000 – W Asia (breeding) (1) C or D ?

216 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

bird's reproductive problems are also due tically more favourable regions of its bree- to conditional factors, in the form of ding area, especially in Atlantic north-west various hardships the bird encounters on Europe and on the British Isles. Part of the its homeward migration, has not yet been northern population also migrates to the sufficiently studied for the northern lap- Mediterranean and even reaches sub-Sa- wing or for other meadow limicolae. haran Africa. The sub-species G.g. faroeensis winters predominantly in Ireland. The wintering grounds of west Siberian bree- COMMON SNIPE (GALLINAGO GAL- ding birds are found in south-west Asia LINAGO). The common snipe's Holarctic and sub-Saharan Africa (BEZZEL 1985, range extends across the temperate and HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS boreal zones of Eurasia and North Ameri- INTERNATIONAL 1999). A total of three ca. Among the three described sub-species groups are differentiated within the AEWA of the northern hemisphere, the nominate area (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). form breeds throughout the entire Pale- arctic, and the sub-species G.g. faroeensis The common snipe's breeding population breeds on the Atlantic Faeroev Islands and in Germany, as in large parts of its Euro- Iceland. In addition, two other sub-species, pean range, has decreased – considerably, which some authors consider separate spe- in part – over the past decades. The main cies, are found in Africa and South Ameri- reasons cited for this decrease include ha- ca (GLUTZ OF BLOTZHEIM et al. 1985). The bitat loss through drainage of wetlands, species' European range extends from Ice- intensification of agricultural use in wetland to the Ukraine and the European lands areas and direct taking in resting part of Russia, across the British Isles, and wintering areas (BAUER & BERTHOLD north-west Europe, Scandinavia and cen- 1996). WITT et al. (1996) estimated the tral Europe (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). common snipe's breeding population in The European breeding population, com- Germany to number 12,000 to 18,000 prising about 920,000 breeding pairs, is pairs in the mid-1990s, although decreases concentrated in Iceland, Belarus, Scandi- of more than 25 to 50 % within the past navia and the UK. The Russian population 25 years have been reported in most numbers some 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 Länder. As of 1999, the population had breeding pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR declined still further, to 6,200 to 9,800 1997). pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.)

The common snipe is predominantly a sedentary bird or short-distance migrant. JACK SNIPE (LYMNOCRYPTES MI- Its wintering areas are found in the clima- NIMUS). The jack snipe breeds in the

COMMON SNIPE A B C Population Trend Gallinago gallinago gallinago Europe (breeding) 2c >20,000,000 – W Siberia (breeding) 1 E ? Iceland (breeding) (faroeensis) 1 750,000 0

JACK SNIPE A B C Population Trend Lymnocryptes minimus Europe (brü) (3c)* C or D – W Siberia (breeding) (1) ? ?

217 boreal zone of the Western Palearctic and 1990s, 100 to 1,000 individuals, was too west Siberia. The extent of its breeding low by a significant degree (TUCKER & range, and the size of its breeding popula- HEATH 1994). tion, are unknown throughout much of its Russian range. The Russian population has been estimated to number 10,000 to BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (LIMOSA 100,000 individuals. The Scandinavian LIMOSA). Of the three described sub- breeding population, with a clear concen- species of the black-tailed godwit, the no- tration in Finland, comprises between minate form breeds in areas scattered 13,000 and 24,000 breeding pairs (HAGE- throughout the temperate zones of wes- MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Because this spe- tern, central and eastern Europe, as well cies is difficult to survey, both in its bree- as in Russia, including west Siberia. It win- ding areas and wintering grounds, the ters mainly in west and east Africa, and in jack snipe's population situation is difficult an area extending from the Middle East to to assess. Overall, a population decrease Pakistan and India. The Icelandic sub-spe- and range shrinkage must be assumed, cies L. l. islandica winters on the western however, as a result of changes in land European Atlantic coast of the British Isles, use, of industrial peat removal and of drai- France and Portugal, in an area extending nage of breeding habitats (TUCKER & south to Morocco. Another sub-species in- HEATH 1994, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). habits north-east Siberia and north China Two breeding populations are differentia- (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). ted. Birds that breed in Europe winter in The European breeding population (outsi- north-west Europe, on the British Isles, in de of Russia) is estimated to number the Mediterranean and in north and west 135,000 to 158,000 pairs. A majority of Africa. Birds that breed in west Siberia this population, comprising 85,000 to migrate for the winter to south-west Asia 100,000 pairs, breeds in the Netherlands. (in most cases) and may even reach north- Other large breeding populations, each east Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL comprising over 1,000 pairs, are found in 1999). Belarus, Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Hungary. The Icelandic breeding popula- Germany lies within the jack snipe's regu- tion comprises 7,000 to 10,000 pairs (HA- larly occupied winter range in north-west GEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, BIRDLIFE INTER- Europe. The trends for the bird's winter po- NATIONAL/ EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS pulations, throughout much of its Euro- COUNCIL 2000). Apart from the popula- pean winter range, are unknown. The Bri- tion of the Icelandic sub-species L.l. islandi- tish and Danish winter populations expe- ca, a total of three populations of the rienced considerable decreases (TUCKER & nominate form are differentiated within HEATH 1994). No quantitative data on the the AEWA area. Birds that breed in wes- jack snipe's population situation in Germa- tern Europe winter in north-west and west ny is available. It must be assumed, howe- Africa (Morocco to Senegal), in an area ver, that the size estimate reported for the extending eastward to the flood plains of bird's winter population in the early the Niger (Mali). Breeding birds from eas-

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT A B C Population Trend Limosa limosa limosa W Europe/W Africa 2c 350,000 – E Europe/E Africa 2c D – SW Asia & NE Africa (win) (1) C ? Limosa limosa islandica Iceland (breeding) 3a* 65,000 +

218 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

tern Europe migrate across the eastern population decreases, in countries in the Mediterranean, to wintering areas in east western part of its breeding range and and central Africa. Breeding birds of west among its core population in the Nether- and central Siberia winter in south-west lands, are drainage of wet meadows and Asia and north-east Africa (WETLANDS large-scale intensification of grassland use INTERNATIONAL 1999). (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The black-tailed godwit's breeding population in Germany, which numbered about 7,000 to 8,000 pairs in the mid-1990s, is BAR-TAILED GODWIT (LIMOSA concentrated in the north-west German LAPPONICA). The bar-tailed godwit low plain of the Länder Lower Saxony and breeds in Arctic tundra of the northern Bremen (>5,000 pairs), Schleswig-Holstein Palearctic, from north Scandinavia east- (about 1,600 pairs) and North Rhine-West- ward to the Bering Strait and Alaska. The phalia (about 370 pairs). The eastern Ger- nominate form breeds in the Western Pa- man Länder Mecklenburg-West Pome- learctic, from Scandinavia to the Taymyr rania, Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt, Peninsula. In east Siberia and Alaska, it is and Bavaria and Hesse, are each sparsely replaced by the sub-species L.l. baueri (HA- occupied, with fewer than 100 pairs each GEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS IN- (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, WITT et al. TERNATIONAL 1999). The wintering areas 1996, MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). For 1999, of breeding birds of Scandinavia, the Euro- BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) placed the popu- pean part of Russia and west Siberia are lation at 6,000 to 7,300 pairs. The black- the coasts of north-west Europe, especially tailed godwit's breeding population in the Wadden Sea and the coasts of the Germany has declined considerably in re- British Isles (ROSE & SCOTT 1997). cent years. However, breeding groups in salt-meadow forelands of Lower Saxony's Breeding birds of northern Siberia, in an and Schleswig-Holstein's parts of the Wad- area extending eastward to the Taymyr den Sea showed stable to slightly increa- Peninsula, migrate through north-west sing trends in the 1990s, presumably due Europe to wintering areas on the west to the bird's abandoning of inland bree- African coast (Guinea Bissau, Gulf of Gui- ding areas in favour of coastal areas (HÄL- nea) as well as southward to South Africa TERLEIN et al. 2000, MÄDLOW & MODEL (MELTOFTE et al. 1994; WELTLANDS IN- 2000, HÖTKER et al. 2001, NEHLS et al. TERNATIONAL 1999). Breeding birds of 2001). Like the northern lapwing, which Siberia, east of the Taymyr Peninsula, win- also breeds mainly in wet grasslands, the ter predominantly on the coasts of the black-tailed godwit's population has decre- Arabian Peninsula, although a few also ased considerably, in recent decades, in reach the east coast of Africa. The three most of the countries in its western Euro- AEWA populations are differentiated on pean range. Increases were registered only the basis of their main wintering popula- in very small peripheral populations (HA- tions (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). GEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, BIRDLIFE INTER- NATIONAL/ EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS The German Wadden Sea lies within the COUNCIL 2000). The main reasons for the flyway and winter range of the Western

BAR-TAILED GODWIT A B C Population Trend Limosa lapponica lapponica W Palearctic (win) 2a 115,000 0/– W & SW Africa (win) 2a 700,000 ? SW Asia & E Africa (win) (1) C or D ?

219 Palearctic winter population of the bar-tai- from Iceland and Scandinavia to the Be- led godwit. In addition, most of the spe- ring Strait, across northern Siberia. Of the cies' Siberian breeding birds rest in the four described sub-species, the nominate Wadden Sea on their migrations between form inhabits the Western Palearctic, in- their breeding areas and their west Afri- cluding west Siberia (HAGEMEIJER & can wintering areas (MELTOFTE et al. BLAIR 1997). The European population of 1994). In the first half of the 1990s, the the whimbrel increased in the 1970s, in bar-tailed godwit's mid-winter population some parts of the bird's range. This deve- in Lower Saxony's part of the Wadden Sea lopment went hand-in-hand with an exten- numbered some 200 to 1,100 individuals, sion of the bird's breeding range (Green- while Schleswig-Holstein's part of the land) and the bird's occupation of agricul- Wadden Sea was estimated to harbour tural habitats – for example, in Finnish 8,800 and 12,700 individuals (RÖSNER et breeding areas (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR al. 1994, POOT et al. 1996). Beginning in 1997). Two populations of the nominate February, the numbers of bar-tailed god- form are differentiated within the AEWA wits resting in the Wadden Sea increase as area. Birds that breed in northern Europe groups that winter on the coasts of north- (Iceland, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Baltic west Europe arrive. The entire congrega- countries and west Russia) winter predo- tion reaches its maximum size during the minantly on the west African coast. Bree- passage of the west African winter popula- ding birds of west Siberia migrate across tion. The largest numbers are reached in the eastern Mediterranean, to wintering May, shortly before the birds leave for areas in Madagascar, east and South Af- their breeding areas, and when both po- rica. The taxonomic status of the south- pulations are in the Wadden Sea at the west Asian sub-species N. p. alboaxillaris is same time (MELTOFTE et al. 1994). unclear; the sub-species may simply be a colour variant of the nominate form. No In the 1990s, the maximum number of data regarding its population situation is bar-tailed godwits seen at the same time available. It is assumed that this form, if it in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area truly is a sub-species, is in immediate dan- amounted to 158,000 individuals, or about ger of extinction (WETLANDS INTERNA- 19% of the total of both populations. In TIONAL 1999). the same decade, the resting population in Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden Whimbrels of the European/west African Sea exhibited a decreasing trend population rest regularly in Germany. (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). Large resting groups can be found, during the return-migration period from July to September, in Schleswig-Holstein's and WHIMBREL (NUMENIUS PHAEO- Lower Saxony's parts of the Wadden Sea PUS). The whimbrel's Holarctic range (POOT et al. 1996). BURDORF et al. (1997) extends across the entire boreal and sub- place the whimbrel's resting population in arctic zone of Eurasia and North America, Germany at 2,000 individuals. During the

WHIMBREL A B C Population Trend Numenius phaeopus phaeopus Europe/W Africa 1 600,000 - 700,000 + W Siberia/S & E Africa (1) ? ? Numenius phaeopus alboaxillaris SW Asia/E Africa 1C ? ?

220 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

birds' return trip between mid-April and Holstein's Wadden Sea areas, in each of the end of May, the maximum numbers of which about 45,000 individuals winter. passing birds are much lower than they Other large wintering populations are are in the fall; possibly, the birds' spring found in coastal lowland areas of Lower migration occurs in a broader front across Saxony (UNSELT et al. 2000). In the 1990s, inland areas (BEZZEL 1985). the maximum number of western curlews present at the same time in Schleswig- Holstein's part of the Wadden Sea reached WESTERN CURLEW (NUMENIUS 61,200 individuals. Overall, the population ARQUATA). The western (Eurasian) cur- remained nearly constant from 1988 to lew breeds in the temperate and boreal 1999 (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). zones of Europe and Asia, in an area extending eastward to the upper Amur In Germany, the western curlew breeds region. In south-east Europe and the primarily in the north German low plain, European part of Russia, the European in the Länder Lower Saxony and Bremen nominate form gives way to the Asian sub- (<2,000 pairs), North Rhine-Westphalia species N. a. orientalis. The European (about 590 pairs), Schleswig-Holstein range of the nominate form comprises all (about 250 pairs), Mecklenburg-West of north-west Europe, north of a line Pomerania (about 90 pairs), Branden- extending eastward from France and burg (about 150 pairs) and Saxony-Anhalt across Switzerland, Austria, Hungary and (about 100 pairs). The bird also breeds in the northern half of Romania (HAGEMEIJER the south-German Länder Bavaria and & BLAIR 1997). Most of the wintering Baden-Württemberg (about 75 pairs). areas of European western curlews are Germany's other Länder harbour either found on the coasts of north-west Europe no breeding birds or only a very few (<10) and the Mediterranean region, in an area pairs (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). The bir- extending southward to Mauritania. The d's total population in 1999 amounted to sub-species N. a. orientalis winters in the between 3,200 and 4,000 pairs (BAUER et Middle East, as well as in east and South al. pub. pend.). Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The population differentiations correspond The western curlew has been less strongly to the two sub-species' breeding and win- affected than other limicolae that breed in ter populations within the AEWA area. wet meadows (northern lapwing, common snipe, black-tailed godwit, common reds- In Germany, western curlews of the Euro- hank and ruff) by the significant losses pean breeding population regularly appe- and reshaping of wet meadow habitats ar as breeding birds and as passage mi- that have occurred in recent decades. grants and winter guests. BURDORF et al. Nonetheless, the population in most of the (1997) place the resting population in bird's core areas in north-west Germany Germany at 107,000 individuals. The most has decreased considerably within the important resting and wintering areas past few decades (MELTER & WELTZ 2001, include Lower Saxony's and Schleswig- NEHLS et al. 2001, SEITZ 2001).

WESTERN CURLEW A B C Population Trend Numenius arquata arquata Europe (breeding) 1 348,000 – (0/+) Numenius arquata orientalis W Asia & E Africa (win) 3c C ? (–)

221 SPOTTED REDSHANK (TRINGA first maximum concentrations of migra- ERYTHROPUS). The spotted redshank's ting females, which leave their breeding range is a narrow band extending east- areas immediately after laying their eggs ward from north Scandinavia to the or immediately after their eggs hatch, nor- Bering Strait. The range is fragmented in mally appear on the coast (BEZZEL 1985). the region of the Taymyr Peninsula and – Larger resting concentrations are found probably as a result of gaps in relevant especially in Lower Saxony's and Schles- inventories – in the European part of wig-Holstein's parts of the Wadden Sea Russia. The breeding population of Scan- and in neighbouring estuaries (MELTOFTE dinavia comprises 25,000 to 35,000 bree- et al. 1994, POOT et al. 1996, UNSELT et al. ding pairs, while the Russian breeding 2000). population is estimated to number 1,000 to 10,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR The spotted redshank's resting population 1997). Apart from a range expansion in in Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden Sweden, there are no clear indications Sea increased continuously between 1988 that the species' population has changed and 1999. The maximum numbers of si- in recent decades. The European popula- multaneously present birds seen during tion's wintering areas are located predomi- this period reached 12,400 individuals nantly in Africa, in the Sahel zone region (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). Since the (Mauritania to Ethiopia, and southward to birds migrate in a broad front, their north Zaire, Tanzania and Burundi). Only young birds (in particular) also rest in a small part of the population winters in many inland wetlands. In these areas, it is the Mediterranean region and western not possible to assess the bird's population Europe. The west Siberian population win- situation quantitatively on a national level, ters in south-west Asia, the Middle East however. and north-east Africa (BEZZEL 1985, HAGE- MEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS INTER- NATIONAL 1999). COMMON REDSHANK (TRINGA TOTANUS). The common redshank's range extends across the entire Eurasian The spotted redshank crosses Germany on continent, from Iceland to east China. its homeward journey in April/May and, in Although the bird's breeding range is con- several waves, on its migration to its win- centrated in the temperate and boreal tering grounds, in July to September. The zones, in the Western Palearctic the bird

SPOTTED REDSHANK A B C Population Trend Tringa erythropus Europe/W Africa (1) 75,000 - 150,000 ? (0) SW Asia & E Africa (win) (1) B or C ?

COMMON REDSHANK A B C Population Trend Tringa totanus totanus E Atlantic (win) 2c 177,000 – E Europe/E Mediterranean & E Africa 2c D – Tringa totanus ussuriensis SW Asia & E Africa (win) (1) ? ? Tringa totanus robusta Iceland & Faeroe Islands (breeding) 1 150,000-300,000 0/+

222 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

also occupies the Mediterranean region Between 1988 and 1999, the common and subarctic tundra (HAGEMEIJER & redshank's resting populations in Schles- BLAIR 1997). Of the six described sub-spe- wig-Holstein's part of the Wadden Sea cies, the nominate form breeds in conti- exhibited a slightly negative trend, follo- nental Europe and the British Isles. Bree- wing a maximum in 1993. During these ding birds of the British Isles (which some two years, the maximum number of simul- authors differentiate as the sub-species T. t. taneously present individuals of both po- britannica) are either sedentary or migrate pulations reached 12,500 (GÜNTHER & only short distances, to the French Atlantic RÖSNER 2000). coast. The wintering area of the breeding birds of Scandinavia, and of north-west The common redshank's breeding popula- and central Europe, comprises the north- tion in Germany is concentrated primarily west European Atlantic coast, the west in the coastal Länder Lower Saxony, Schles- Mediterranean and an area extending wig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-West Pome- southward, along the west African coast, rania; in the latter of these, it is concen- to the Gulf of Guinea. Eastern European trated in Wadden Sea salt meadows and breeding birds winter predominantly in along the Baltic Sea coast. In the 1990s, the eastern Mediterranean and east Africa. the common redshank's total population The sub-species T. t. robusta breeds on on the German Wadden Sea coast fluctua- Iceland and in the Faeroe Islands. It win- ted, without any apparent trend, between ters on the British Isles and along the 8,000 and 10,000 pairs. During the same coasts of north-west Europe. The Siberian period some 300 to 400 pairs bred on the sub-species T. t. ussuriensis winters in Baltic Sea coast (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). south-west Asia and east Africa (BEZZEL While Wadden Sea breeding populations 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, have remained largely stable, or have even WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). exhibited positive trends, as a result of extensivation of salt-meadow grazing, in- These migration patterns are used to defi- land breeding populations have decreased ne the populations for purposes of AEWA. considerably in recent decades (NEHLS et al. 2001). Following considerable decrea- Germany lies within the breeding and re- ses, breeding populations in non-coastal sting area of the nominate form's east At- Länder have dwindled to just a few residu- lantic winter population. The common al groups. In the mid-1990s, they numbe- redshank's winter population in Lower red a total of about 130 pairs, with a clear Saxony's and Schleswig-Holstein's parts of concentration in Brandenburg, where 60 the Wadden Sea is enlarged by birds of to 100 pairs bred (MÄDLOW & MODEL the Icelandic sub-species T. t. robusta 2000). The total population numbered (MELTOFTE et al. 1994, ZANG et al. 1995). about 9,700 to 12,000 pairs in 1999 In the 1990s, congregations in each of (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). these Wadden Sea areas amounted to 3,000 to 5,000 individuals (RÖSNER et al. 1994, POOT et al. 1996, UNSELT et al. MARSH SANDPIPER (TRINGA 2000). STAGNATILIS). The marsh sandpiper breeds in the steppes, forest steppes and southern forest zone of eastern Europe, in

MARSH SANDSNIPER A B C Population Trend Tringa stagnatilis Europe/W Africa (1) C or D ? SW Asia, E& S Africa (win) (1) C ?

223 an area stretching eastward to east Asia. pulation outside of Russia numbers 57,000 The Western Palearctic contains the wes- to 83,000 pairs, while the Russian bree- tern limit of the bird's breeding range. ding population comprises between The westernmost breeding populations are 10,000 and 100,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & found in Ukraine and Russia. As the result BLAIR 1997). of a range expansion in a north-westerly direction, isolated groups, consisting of Birds that breed in the Western Palearctic just a few pairs in each case, were sighted are predominantly long-distance migrants. in Finland, Latvia, Poland and Romania Their wintering areas extend southward (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The marsh from the Mediterranean to south-west sandpiper's wintering grounds extend Africa. Breeding birds of the eastern popu- from the eastern Mediterranean, across lations winter in east Africa, south-east east and South Africa, to the Indian sub- Asia and Australia (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR continent and the entire south-east Asian 1997). Two populations are differentiated region and Australia. Part of the African within the AEWA area: breeding birds of winter population crosses the Sahara in a northern Europe, which winter predomi- south-westerly direction, in order to winter nantly in south-west Europe, north-west in west African wetlands (BEZZEL 1985, Africa and west Africa, and the winter HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Two popula- population of south-west Asia, east Africa tions are differentiated: breeding birds of and South Africa, which consists mainly of eastern Europe, which winter in central birds from Siberian breeding areas. On the and west Africa, and the winter popula- other hand, recovery of banded birds indi- tion of south-west Asia, east Africa and cates that wintering grounds overlap South Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). 1999).

In Germany, small numbers of marsh The common greenshank crosses German sandpipers are regularly observed in passa- inland areas on its homeward journey in ge in both migratory directions, and the April/May and during its return to its win- numbers of annually observed individuals tering grounds, from July to August. In have increased slightly (BUNDESDEUT- most inland wetlands, it appears either SCHER SELTENHEITENAUSSCHUSS and alone or in small groups. Large resting DEUTSCHE SELTENHEITENKOMISSION concentrations are found only in the Wad- 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000). den Sea, on Lower Saxony's and Schleswig- Holstein's North Sea coasts, where resting populations of about 7,300 and 2.200 indi- COMMON GREENSHANK (TRINGA viduals have been reported (UNSELT et al. NEBULARIA). The common greenshank 2000). BURDORF et al. (1997) estimated breeds in the boreal zone of the entire Pa- the common greenshank's national resting learctic, from Scotland and Scandinavia population to number 6,500 individuals. eastward to Kamchatka Peninsula. Smaller From 1988 to 1999, in the resting popula- breeding populations are found, at the tion in Schleswig-Holstein's part of the southern limit of the bird's range, in the Wadden Sea was either stable or exhibited Baltic countries, Belarus and Ukraine. The no clear trends (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER breeding population of the European po- 2000).

COMMON GREENSHANK A B C Population Trend Tringa nebularia Europe/W Africa 1 D 0 SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) C or D ?

224 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Only once, in 1997, has the common Because the species is highly inconspicu- greenshank been found breeding in Ger- ous, it is very likely that its actual popula- many, far outside the species' contiguous tion has been underestimated, however breeding area; this occurred in northern (KISSLING 2001), and MÄDLOW & MODEL Bavaria (RANFTL & DORNBERGER 1998). (2000), drawing on more recent survey findings, report a population of over 500 pairs in 1995 and 1996. The bird's range is GREEN SANDPIPER (TRINGA OCH- concentrated in the eastern half of Ger- ROPUS). The green sandpiper's range many, with populations in Mecklenburg- extends across the boreal zone of the enti- West Pomerania (about 200 pairs), Bran- re Palearctic, from Scandinavia to the denburg (180-220 pairs), Saxony (10-20 Asian Pacific coast. Its European range pairs), Saxony-Anhalt (about 30 pairs), extends from Scandinavia to Russia, across Schleswig-Holstein (about 25 pairs), Lower Poland and the Baltic countries, Belarus Saxony (<100 pairs) and Bavaria (about 10 and Ukraine. Smaller populations are pairs; MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). Follow- found in central and south-east Europe – ing additional increases, by 1999 the in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and population had reached 650 to 1,050 pairs Bulgaria (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) European breeding population comprises about 152,000 to 193,000 pairs, and in most of its range countries the species has WOOD SANDPIPER (TRINGA GLA- exhibited positive population trends and REOLA). The wood sandpiper breeds in has expanded its breeding range the boreal and subarctic zones of the enti- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). re Palearctic, from the Scandinavian pen- The green sandpiper's wintering areas are insula to east Siberia. In Europe, its range located in western and central Europe, the reaches across the Scandinavian peninsula, Mediterranean, large parts of sub-Saharan the Baltic countries, Belarus and the nor- Africa and south-west Asia (HAGEMEIJER & thern half of Russia. The total European BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL breeding population comprises 298,000 to 1999). 412,000 breeding pairs. Russia, which harbours 100,000 to 1,000,000 breeding pairs, Germany is located at the western limit of has the largest percentage of the species' the species' contiguous breeding range. total population (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR WITT et al. (1996) estimated the total po- 1997). The European breeding population pulation in 1994 to number 210 to 320 winters mainly in west Africa. Within the pairs, with an increasing trend especially AEWA area, the winter population of east at the western limit of the range (Schles- and South Africa is differentiated from wig-Holstein, Lower Saxony and Bavaria). that of south-west Asia (Iran, Iraq)

GREEN SANDPIPER A B C Population Trend Tringa ochropus Europe/W Africa 1 D or E 0/+ SW Asia & E Africa (win) (1) ? ?

BRUCHWASSERLÄUFER A B C Population Trend Tringa glareola Europe (breeding) 2c E – SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) D or E ?

225 (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). As a While the common sandpiper's Scandina- bird that requires raised bogs, the wood vian, Baltic and Russian core populations sandpiper has presumably been extinct as are stable, the species' breeding popula- a breeding bird in Germany since 1980, tions in west and central Europe exhibit probably as a result of continuing draina- strongly negative population trends. As a ge and drying of raised bogs. Measures to result of such population decreases, many restore raised bogs have not been able to populations in central Europe have disap- change this status to date. peared, save for a few residual populations (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & Germany lies within the regular flyway BLAIR 1997). The primary reasons for the area of the species' northern European population declines include destruction of breeding birds. Their passages take place suitable breeding habitats, through wide- in a broad front across central European ning and channelling of watercourses, and inland areas, during the birds' homeward human-caused disturbances during the journey in April/May as well as during breeding season. In contrast to the little their outward migration, in July to Sep- ringed plover, which inhabits similar habi- tember (BEZZEL 1985). During their migra- tats, the common sandpiper has difficulty tions, wood sandpipers rest in many diffe- finding substitute habitats, even though it rent inland wetlands, and thus no data is able to occupy secondary habitats quik- on national resting populations in kly (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). At the end Germany is available. of the 1990s, the common sandpiper's breeding population in Germany numbered between 240 and 350 pairs (BAUER et COMMON SANDPIPER (TRINGA al. pub. pend.). HYPOLEUCOS). The common sandpiper breeds throughout the entire Palearc- tic. It occupies all of Europe, with a clear RUDDY TURNSTONE (ARENARIA concentration in the northern half of the INTERPRES). The ruddy turnstone, continent. In central and southern Europe, which has two sub-species, breeds throug- its range is fragmented. The Scandinavian hout the entire northern Arctic circle peninsula, the Baltic countries and the Bri- region, on the coasts of northern Eurasia, tish Isles harbour by far the largest part of Greenland and North America, and from the entire European breeding population high-Arctic tundras southward across the of 504,000 to 665,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER boreal zone, to the northern limit of the & BLAIR 1997). Two populations are diffe- temperate latitudes. The sub-species A. i. rentiated; of these, the breeding popula- morinella breeds on the North American tion of west and central Europe winters continent. The breeding range of the predominantly in west Africa. Breeding nominate form extends from north-east birds from eastern Europe and west Sibe- Canada to Eurasia, across Greenland. In ria migrate across the Black Sea and the the Western Palearctic, the bird's breeding eastern Mediterranean, to east, central range includes the entire Norwegian At- and South Africa (WETLANDS INTERNA- lantic coast, the northern coasts of Finland TIONAL 1999). and Russia and the northern Baltic Sea coasts of south Sweden, Finland and Es-

COMMON SANDPIPER A B C Population Trend Tringa hypoleucos W & C Europe (breeding) 1 E 0 SW Asia & E Africa (win) (1) ?(E) ?

226 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

tonia (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, Breeding birds of Scandinavia and north- WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). west Russia use the Wadden Sea as a resting area in April/May and July/September, Three winter populations are differentia- during migration between their breeding ted. Breeding birds of Greenland and areas and their west African wintering north-east Canada winter on the north- grounds (MELTOFTE et al. 1994). west European coasts of the British Isles, the Wadden Sea and the western North The resting populations of both popula- Sea, in an area extending southward to tions in Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Portugal (BEZZEL 1985, MELTOFTE 1994, Wadden Sea were stable in the 1990s, POOT et al. 1996). Breeding birds of Scan- although they exhibited a slight decrea- dinavia and north-west Russia migrate sing trend following a maximum in 1996 across western Europe and the west Medi- (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). terranean to wintering grounds on the west African coast, in an area extending As a breeding bird, the ruddy turnstone southward from Morocco to the Gulf of appears only in small numbers in the Ger- Guinea. Breeding birds of the Siberian tun- man Wadden Sea. This breeding popula- dra migrate across the Caspian Sea to win- tion is the southernmost part of Scandi- tering grounds in the eastern Mediterra- navian breeding population, which num- nean, in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf bers about 18,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & regions and along the east coast of Africa, BLAIR 1997). In 1982, the first breeding in an area extending southward to South birds were sighted in the Wadden Sea, in Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Schleswig-Holstein's waters, since the former breeding population's disappearance In Germany, parts of the Western Palearc- in the 19th century. Since then, the popu- tic winter population regularly winter in lation has remained at a low level. In the Lower Saxony's and Schleswig-Holstein's 1990s, a maximum was reached in 1993, Wadden Sea areas. The mid-winter popula- when seven pairs were sighted (HÄLTER- tion in Lower Saxony's part of the Wadden LEIN et al. 2000, RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). Sea was estimated, in the first half of the 1990s (1992-1994), to number some 500 to 800 individuals, while 300 to 700 individu- RED KNOT (CALIDRIS CANUTUS). als were counted in Schleswig-Holstein's The red knot's breeding range comprises part of the Wadden Sea (RÖSNER et al. the Arctic tundra of North America, 1994, POOT et al. 1996). Greenland, Spitzbergen, Taymyr Peninsula, Severnaya Zemlaya, the New Siberian is-

RUDDY TURNSTONE A B C Population Trend Arenaria interpres interpres W Palearctic (win) 1 80,000 0 (+) W Africa (win) 1 50,000 - 100,000 0 SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) C ?

RED KNOT A B C Population Trend Calidris canutus canutus W& S Africa (win) 2a 2c 260,000 – Calidris canutus islandica NE Canada & Greenland/NW Europe 2a 400,000 0

227 lands and Wrangel Island (GLUTZ OF Sea fluctuated in keeping with winter se- BLOTZHEIM et al. 1999). Of the five descri- verity, on a level between 20,000 and bed sub-species, the nominate form breeds 101,000 individuals; of this number, bet- on Taymyr Peninsula and in Severnaya ween 10,000 and 25,000 individuals re- Zemlaya. It winters on the west and south main in Schleswig-Holstein's part of the African coast, in an area extending from Wadden Sea in mild winters (MELTOFTE et Morocco to Namibia and South Africa, al. 1994). Beginning in mid-February, con- across the Gulf of Guinea. The north-east gregations of C. c. islandica there increase Canadian and Greenlandic sub-species (C. continually, reaching a maximum at the c. islandica) winters primarily on the end of April / beginning of May, shortly coasts, and in estuaries, of the British Isles before they leave for their breeding areas and in the southern North Sea (Germany, in Greenland and Canada. During this Netherlands), in a general region exten- period, they moult into their breeding fea- ding southward to the French Atlantic thers and build body reserves for the rest coast (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WET- of their journey to their breeding areas. LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The popu- On its return trip, C. c. islandica uses the lations differentiated for the purposes of Wadden Sea, from July to October, as a AEWA correspond to the two occurring resting area for moulting, which lasts seve- sub-species (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL ral weeks, and for building body reserves 1999). for wintering.

According to the most recent surveys, the Nearly the entire nominate-form popula- west and south African winter population tion that winters in west and South Africa of the nominate form has decreased consi- uses the German Wadden Sea, in both derably and now comprises about 260,000 migration directions, as a resting site for individuals, possibly only half of the popu- building fat reserves for migration, which lation estimated at the beginning of the takes place in long stages, to breeding and 1980s (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). wintering areas. On their homeward journey, these birds do not reach the Wadden The Dutch-German-Danish Wadden Sea is Sea until the first half of May, following of outstanding importance, especially as a the departure of the great majority of the resting and wintering area for both east- C. c. islandica population. By the time the Atlantic flyway populations (MELTOFTE et birds leave for their Siberian breeding al. 1994). areas, at the end of May, virtually the entire population has gathered in German BURDORF et al. (1997) estimated the red Wadden Sea areas of Lower Saxony and knot's total resting population in Ger- Schleswig-Holstein. During the return trip, many, representing both populations, to which takes place from July to October, number 341,000 individuals. The Cana- the nominate form rests only briefly in the dian/Greenlandic sub-species C. c. islandica Wadden Sea before moving on to its west winters primarily on the British Isles and, African wintering areas (MELTOFTE et al. in smaller numbers, in the Dutch and 1994). German Wadden Sea and on the French Atlantic coast. In the 1980s, the winter po- According to GÜNTHER & RÖSNER (2000), pulation throughout the entire Wadden the number of red knots (both popula-

SANDERLING A B C Population Trend Calidris alba E Atlantic, W & S Africa (win) 1 123,000 0 (+) SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) 120,000 ?

228 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

tions) that rest in Schleswig-Holstein's part ween the two winter populations is not of the Wadden Sea decreased slightly in sharp (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). the 1990s (through 1999), following a maximum in 1992. The maximum number Sanderlings from northern Siberia and of 296,000 simultaneously present indivi- Greenland regularly rest in Germany on duals represents about 34% of the total their homeward journeys, from March to number for both populations (according May, and during their return trips, from to estimates of ROSE & SCOTT 1997). July to November; they can be found on Lower Saxony's and (especially) Schleswig- Holstein's Wadden Sea coasts (MELTOFTE SANDERLING (CALIDRIS ALBA). et al. 1994). According to MELTOFTE et al. The sanderling breeds in several different, (1994) and POOT et al. (1996), the winte- relatively small breeding ranges in the ring population in the entire Dutch- high-Arctic tundra of Canada, Greenland German-Danish Wadden Sea comprises and central Siberia. It winters nearly between 2,000 and 6,120 individuals. around the globe, on coasts in temperate In the first half of the 1990s, estimated to tropical latitudes, in North and South mid-winter populations of about 300 to America, Europe, Africa, Madagascar and 1,200 individuals were reported for Lower Australasia. The Western Palearctic har- Saxony's and Schleswig-Holstein's sections bours only a small breeding population, of the Wadden Sea (RÖSNER et al. 1994, comprising just a few pairs, on Spitz- POOT et al. 1996). bergen (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & The sanderling's resting population in BLAIR 1997). Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden Sea exhibited no clear trends between Breeding birds of Greenland, and possibly 1988 and 1999. The maximum resting some of the birds that breed in eastern population of 27,500 individuals repre- Canada, migrate in a south-easterly direc- sents about 22.4% of the entire population tion through north-west Europe, to winte- (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). ring grounds on the west African and south African coast. Siberian breeding birds either migrate along the Atlantic LITTLE STINT (CALIDRIS coast, to wintering areas in north-west MINUTA). The little stint breeds in the Europe, as well as southward to the west high-Arctic tundra of Eurasia, from the African coast, or they cross the Russian northern tip of Norway to the Lena Delta. mainland directly and fly across the Black The entire Russian breeding population is Sea, Caspian Sea and eastern Mediterra- on the order of 100,000 to 1,000,000 bree- nean to wintering areas on the coasts of ding pairs, and about 300 pairs breed in the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and east northern Norway (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR African coasts, in an area extending from 1997). Two populations are differentiated. the Indian Ocean to South Africa (BEZZEL Birds that winter in Europe, at the Black 1985, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Sea, in the Mediterranean and, especially, Since the two groups' wintering areas in north and west Africa probably origina- overlap considerably, and since the birds te predominantly from Western Palearctic have been found to switch between the breeding areas. A second group consists of two migration routes, differentiation bet- passage migrants and winter guests from

LITTLE STINT A B C Population Trend Calidris minuta Europe & W Africa (win) 1 211,000 0 SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) 1,000,000 ?

229 Caspian region, east Africa and South Af- which is made up of breeding birds from rica; they are presumed to breed in west west Siberia (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL Siberia (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). 1999). Temminck's stint's population situation is In Germany, the little stint regularly appe- inadequately known. About 14,000 pairs ars during the passage period, with peak breed in Europe. Only very rough estima- numbers during the bird's homeward jour- tes of the size of the important, larger ney in May and during its outward jour- Russian population are available: ney between July and October. Passage 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 breeding pairs. occurs in a broad front across central The Scandinavian population exhibits a European inland areas, and thus resting negative trend (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR populations are widely distributed over 1997). coastal and inland wetlands (BEZZEL 1985). In Germany, Temminck's stints regularly rest during their passages in April/May and July to September; they rest either TEMMINCK'S STINT (CALIDRIS alone or in small groups, and both in TEMMINCKII). The breeding range of inland wetlands and on the coast (BEZZEL Temminck's stint extends westward from 1985). Because resting individuals tend to the region of the Siberian river Lena to be widely dispersed, and because the spe- the Norwegian coast, in a narrow band cies is difficult to inventory, no quantitati- along the tundra zone of the northern ve data is available for larger regions. Palearctic. On the Scandinavian peninsula, its breeding area reaches southward to the southern tip of Norway, along the cen- PURPLE SANDPIPER (CALIDRIS tral mountain regions of Norway and MARITIMA). The purple sandpiper's Sweden and along the Finnish Baltic Sea Arctic and alpine breeding area extends coast (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). No dis- eastward to Taymyr Peninsula, from north- crete populations can be identified within east Canada and Greenland, and across the AEWA area, and two major groups are Iceland, Spitzbergen and Norway (inclu- differentiated on the basis of their main ding the central Scandinavian mountain migration routes and wintering regions. region). The European breeding popula- European breeding birds migrate primari- tion numbers between 27,000 and 52,000 ly across the Black Sea and the eastern pairs, while the population of the Euro- Mediterranean to wintering areas in north pean part of Russia comprises 1,000 to and west Africa. This population is diffe- 10,000 pairs. Overall, the European popu- rentiated from the winter population of lation can be assumed to be stable (HAGE- south-west Asia and north-east Africa, MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The purple sandpi-

TEMMINCKS´STINT A B C Population Trend Calidris temminckii Europe/W Africa (1) ? ? SW Asia & E Africa (win) (1) ? ?

PURPLE STINT A B C Population Trend Calidris maritima E Atlantic (win) 1 50,500 0

230 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

per winters further north than other limi- and Schleswig-Holstein. The Greenlandic colae species. Its wintering area extends sub-species C. a. arctica also is found wit- along the coasts of north-west Europe, hin the AEWA area (WETLANDS INTERNA- from the Kola Peninsula southward to TIONAL 1999). A total of five main popula- north-west France, along the Norwegian tions of the dunlin are differentiated. coast and the British Isles; less important Nominate-form breeding birds from north- wintering grounds also reach into Portu- west Siberia and north-east Europe winter gal and Spain. Breeding birds of Iceland on the coasts of western Europe, the are largely sedentary. The entire wintering Mediterranean, the Black Sea and north population of the north and north-west Africa, in an area extending southward to European coasts is included in the east- Morocco. These birds are differentiated Atlantic winter population (WETLANDS from the winter population of south-west INTERNATIONAL 1999). Asia, the Caspian region and north-east Africa, which consists of breeding birds of In keeping with its habitat requirements, central Siberian origin. Among birds of the purple sandpiper chooses resting and the sub-species C. a. schinzii, breeding wintering areas such as rocky coastlines birds of Iceland and Greenland, whose and stone structures, breakwaters and con- wintering grounds are located in north crete embankments in coastal areas. Small and west Africa, are differentiated from numbers of the bird winter in Germany, breeding birds of the British Isles and the from mid-September to May, in suitable Baltic region. This latter population win- habitats – primarily on the island of ters in south-west and north Africa. Helgoland, where between 100 and 200 Greenlandic breeding birds of the sub-spe- birds regularly winter (DIERSCHKE 1994). cies C. a. arctica also winter in west Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999).

DUNLIN (CALIDRIS ALPINA). The The Dutch-German-Danish Wadden Sea dunlin, with a total of six sub-species, lies within the most important resting breeds circumpolarly, in the Arctic to bore- area of the north-Siberian / European / al zones of Eurasia and North America. African population of the dunlin's nomina- The nominate form breeds in an area te form. During the birds' homeward jour- extending from north Scandinavia along ney, which begins in February/March, the the north coast of Russia, into Siberia, east resting population grows continuously, of the Urals. (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). reaching a maximum toward the end of The breeding range of the north-west May, when up to 90% of the total popula- European sub-species C. a. schinzii extends tion are simultaneously present in the from Iceland to south Scandinavia and the Wadden Sea. The bird's maximum concen- Baltic Sea region, across the British Isles tration in the German part of the Wadden and the peninsula comprising Denmark Sea occurs in September. This is during

DUNLIN A B C Population Trend Calidris alpina alpina N Siberia/ Europe & N Africa 2c 1,373,000 – SW Asia & NE Africa (win) (1) 150,000 ? Calidris alpina schinzii Island & Grönland (brü) 1 800,000 0 Baltic Sea, United Kingdom & 3c 33,000 - 36,000 – Ireland (breeding) Calidris alpina arctica Greenland (breeding) 2 15,000 0

231 the outward passage, which lasts from July a total of no more than six to seven pairs to November, and which is the period of dunlins bred in the German Wadden when adult birds, the first to return, moult. Sea (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). During September, the highest bird densi- A similar trend was seen in the breeding ties are found in the Wadden Sea sections population of the Baltic Sea coast, alt- of Denmark and Schleswig-Holstein (MEL- hough this population is more difficult to TOFTE et al. 1994). The number of dunlin assess, since the fineness of surveys in its that winter in the German Wadden Sea area has been less than those of Wadden fluctuates in keeping with winter severity. Sea surveys. An indication was perhaps In the first half of the 1990s, mid-winter given in the mid-1990s, when the bree- populations were estimated to number ding population in well-studied protected 36,000 to 70,000 individuals in Schleswig- areas shrank by half, to about 10 to 20 Holstein's part of the Wadden Sea and pairs (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). For 1998, 26,000 to 44,000 individuals in Lower KNIEF et al. (2000) report three pairs in Saxony's Wadden Sea area (RÖSNER et al. protected areas on Schleswig-Holstein's 1994, POOT et al. 1996). In Schleswig-Hol- Baltic Sea coast, and KÖPPEN (2000) report stein's Wadden Sea area, the dunlin's res- 30 in protected areas on Mecklenburg- ting population initially increased between West Pomerania's coast. 1988 and 1999.

After reaching a maximum size in 1992, CURLEW SANDPIPER (CALIDRIS the population began to decrease, and by FERRUGINEA). The curlew sandpiper's 1999 had declined to lower levels breeding range consists of a relatively (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER 2000). small area in the Arctic tundra of central and east Siberia (BEZZEL 1985, WETLANDS The breeding population of the sub-spe- INTERNATIONAL 1999). Its wintering area, cies C. a. schinzii, except for an Icelandic on the other hand, extends over broad core population, has been decreasing. The areas of sub-Saharan Africa, in an area dunlin's breeding population on the Ger- extending to and including South Africa, man North Sea and Baltic Sea coast has as well as from the Arabian peninsula to shrunk to small residual groups in Schles- Australia, across the Indian subcontinent wig-Holstein's part of the Wadden Sea and and south-east Asia (BEZZEL 1985, on the Baltic Sea coast of Schleswig-Hol- WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). stein and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). For example, a Two wintering groups are differentiated core group that consisted of 60 to 80 pairs within the AEWA area. A majority of the in 1960, and was found near St. Peter, in south-west European / west African winter Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden population crosses eastern European in- Sea, dwindled to 5-6 pairs from 1991 to land areas and the Mediterranean, in or- 1996 and then to only three pairs in 1998 der to winter in west Africa. During its fall and 1999 (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000, HÄL- journey, part of this population flies in a TERLEIN et al. 2000, SÜDBECK & HÄLTER- south-westerly direction from the north LEIN 2001). Toward the end of the 1990s, coast of Russia to west African wintering

CURLEW SANDSNIPER A B C Population Trend Calidris ferruginea SW Europe & W Africa (win) 1 436,000 0 SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) 1 310,000 0

232 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

grounds, across Scandinavia and north- Isles, in Belgium and on the west coast of west Europe and along the Atlantic coast. France. Some 95% (about 114,000 pairs) of During their spring migration, the birds the entire European population outside of take a direct route across the Sahara and Russia breed on the Scandinavian peninsu- the Mediterranean, and then cross eastern la. The Russian breeding population European inland areas in order to reach accounts for by far the largest part of the their Siberian breeding areas (BEZZEL world population, or between 1,000,000 1985, ZEISKE 1992, WETLANDS INTERNA- and 10,000,000 breeding pairs, however TIONAL 1999). This population is differen- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). tiated from the population that winters in east and South Africa, and that reaches its Most of the ruff's breeding populations wintering grounds via an eastern route have shrunk in recent decades, consider- across the Caspian Sea and the Middle ably so in some cases, and especially at East. The Black Sea is an important resting the western and southern limits of the area for both populations (WETLANDS bird's range. These losses have been cau- INTERNATIONAL 1999). sed primarily by habitat destruction resulting from intensification of uses and drai- Curlew sandpipers rest in Germany prima- nage of wet meadow landscapes. rily during their journey to their wintering grounds, when they cross Scandinavia The ruff's main wintering areas are loca- and fly along the north-west European At- ted in west sub-Saharan Africa (Senegal, lantic coast. The most important resting Mali, Nigeria), as well as in east and South area in Germany is the northern Elbe estu- Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). ary, in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea Breeding birds of north and central Eu- area. In the 1990s, the maximum popula- rope, and those of west Siberia, migrate tion in this isolated resting area reached across western Europe, the Black Sea and 19,400 individuals, with the overall figures the Mediterranean to wintering grounds either remaining about the same or fluc- in west Africa. These birds are differentia- tuating irregularly (GÜNTHER & RÖSNER ted from the winter population of east 2000). Small numbers of curlew sandpi- and South Africa, which consists of pers also regularly rest in inland wetlands Siberian breeding birds (WETLANDS (BEZZEL 1985). INTERNATIONAL 1999).

By the mid-1990s, following large losses in RUFF (PHILOMACHUS PUGNAX). previous decades, the ruff's breeding po- The ruff breeds in the entire northern pulation in Germany had shrunk to a few Palearctic, from Scandinavia to the Bering residual populations in the north German Strait. The southern limit of its European Länder Lower Saxony and Bremen (<20 breeding area extends from the Nether- pairs), Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (12-16 lands to the European part of Russia, pairs) and Brandenburg (2-3 pairs). The across northern Germany, Poland, Belarus ruff disappeared from North Rhine- and Ukraine. Small residual populations Westphalia by 1987 (GRO & WOG 1997, are found still further west, on the British MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). What is now

RUFF A B C Population Trend Philomachus pugnax W Africa (win) 2c E – SW Asia, E & S Africa (win) (1) D or E ?

233 the ruff's largest breeding population in prises about 77,000 pairs, of which over Schleswig-Holstein also suffered considera- half belong to the Icelandic breeding pop- ble losses in the 1990s. For example, the ulation. The much more important population on the North Sea coast, which Russian breeding population numbers bet- numbered over 200 pairs in 1990, has ween 100,000 and 1,000,000 pairs (HAGE- dwindled to about 80 pairs, following an MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Outside of the enormous drop in 1995 (HÄLTERLEIN et breeding season, the entire population of al. 2000). Most of the current breeding the Western Palearctic mainland migrates population can be found in polders on in a south-easterly direction, across the Schleswig-Holstein's west coast that have Black Sea and Caspian Sea, to the Arabian been diked for purposes of coastal protec- Gulf (and eastward to coastal waters of tion and managed in keeping with nature Pakistan), where it winters on the open conservation principles. HÖTKER et al. sea. It is not known where breeding birds (2001) estimate that the 48 females seen of Iceland and the British Isles winter. in this area in the second half of the Possibly, these birds migrate across the 1990s (since males do not participate in European mainland into the Arabian Gulf, the brooding work, the breeding popula- or they winter together with Nearctic tion is defined as the number of females breeding birds off the South American present during the breeding season) Pacific coast (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL represented fully half of the entire Ger- 1999). man breeding population of 109 to 124 pairs (1999) (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). Small numbers of red-necked phalarope are regularly seen in Germany, primarily during the birds' journey to their winte- RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (PHALA- ring grounds, in August and September ROPUS LOBATUS). The red-necked (BEZZEL 1985). phalarope breeds in arctic and subarctic tundra. It breeds in a circumpolar area, along the coast of the Eurasian Arctic MEDITERRANEAN GULL (LARUS Ocean, and in northern reaches of the MELANOCEPHALUS). The Mediterra- North American continent. In the Western nean gull breeds in the Western Palearc- Palearctic, its breeding range extends south- tic. Since the 1940s, and starting from a ward to Iceland and, on the Scandinavian very small breeding area on Ukraine's peninsula, to south Norway and Finland. A Black Sea coast, it has extended its bree- few smaller breeding populations are also ding area into the Mediterranean and into found on the British Isles and in Estonia. central and north-west Europe (HAGEMEI- The European breeding population com- JER & BLAIR 1997). The north-west Euro-

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE A B C Population Trend Phalaropus lobatus W Eurasia (breeding) 1 D or E ?(0)

MEDITERREAN GULL A B C Population Trend Larus melanocephalus W Europe, Mediterranean & NW Africa 2a D +

234 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

pean breeding population, which compri- usage of breeding areas and spatial shif- sed over 2,000 pairs in the 1990s, is bro- ting of populations. The increases in the ken up into numerous isolated groups, numbers of breeding pairs are due prima- each with relatively few breeding pairs. rily to growth of a few colonies that have The few large concentrations in north-west existed for several years (BOSCHERT 1999b). Europe are found in the Netherlands and Belgium (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The Mediterranean gull winters in the entire GULL-BILLED TERN (STERNA NI- Mediterranean region and, in small num- LOTICA). The five sub-species of the bers, on the Atlantic coast of France, sou- gull-billed tern are spread throughout the thern Portugal and Morocco (MEININGER world in disconnected ranges. The nomi- et al. 1999, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL nate form breeds in Europe, in several iso- 1999). lated areas on the coasts of the Mediterra- nean and Black Sea and on the Wadden In Germany, the Mediterranean gull was Sea coasts of Germany and Denmark (BEZ- first seen as a breeding bird in 1951, on ZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In the island of Langenwerder, off Mecklen- the early 1990s, Spain harboured most of burg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea coast. the European breeding population, or Since then, the number of breeding areas about 1,800 pairs (TUCKER & HEATH occupied by the bird, and the total num- 1994). These western European gull-billed ber of breeding pairs, have slowly increa- terns winter in west Africa, north of the sed, with fluctuations (considerable, in tropical rain-forest zone, from Mauritania part) in the various Länder. In the 1990s, to Nigeria and Chad. The breeding popu- the Mediterranean gull's total population lation of the Black Sea and the eastern in Germany was estimated to number 18 Mediterranean winters in north-east and to 66 pairs (BOSCHERT 1999b). In the mid- east Africa, in an area extending from 1990s, the total population, numbering Sudan to Botswana. The winter population about 50 to 60 pairs, was split among of the Arabian peninsula, the Arabian smaller groups, each numbering no more Gulf and Iran/Iraq consists predominantly than ten breeding pairs, in eight of Ger- of breeding birds from the Caspian many's 16 Länder (MÄDLOW & MODEL region, Aral Sea and Kazakhstan (HAGE- 2000). From 1999 to 2001, the species' MEIJER & BLAIR 1997; WETLANDS INTER- total population in Germany, according to NATIONAL 1999). surveys, amounted to between 96 and over 130 breeding pairs (BAUER et al. pub. The gull-billed tern's breeding population pend., LUTZ in lit.) The largest numbers in north-west Europe consists of only a were found in Lower Saxony, Branden- small population on the German and Da- burg, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein nish North Sea coasts (HAGEMEIJER & and Bavaria (LUTZ in lit. 2001). The Medi- BLAIR 1997). It is actually the north-west terranean gull's population trends in Ger- group of the western European / west many are shaped by frequent short-term African main population. In the 1980s, it

GULL-BILLED TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna nilotica nilotica W Europe/W Africa 2 12,000 – Black Sea & E Mediterranean (breeding) 2 15,000 - 25,000 – SW Asia (win) 2 B ?

235 fluctuated around a level of 40 to 60 bree- Baltic Sea coast (Sweden, Finland and the ding pairs (FLEET et al. 1994). Between Baltic countries), on Ukraine's Black Sea 1991 and 1999, it shrank to about 30 coast and in the Caspian Sea region pairs, with a maximum of 86 pairs in 1996 (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). In 1998 and INTERNATIONAL 1999). 1999, 43 and 29 pairs of gull-billed terns, respectively, bred in the German part of Four populations are differentiated within the Wadden Sea (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN the AEWA area. The breeding population 2001). In 2000, a total of 49 pairs were of southern Africa (Namibia, South Africa sighted in the Elbe estuary area and Mozambique) winters in Zambia, Bots- (RASMUSSEN et al. 2001). wana and Angola. Breeding birds of west Africa (Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea Over the past few decades, the gull-billed Bissau) winter predominantly on the west tern has shifted its Wadden Sea breeding African coast (WETLANDS INTERNATIO- areas considerably. At the beginning of NAL 1999). The main wintering areas of the 1970s, the most important colonies the European breeding population (of the were found on the Eiderstedt peninsula Baltic region and Black Sea) are located in and on the north-Frisian coast. In the the flood plains of the Niger, in Mali (west 1980s, the colonies moved to Dithmar- Africa), in the Gulf of Guinea and, to a les- schen; in the early 1990s, they moved to ser degree, in the Mediterranean and along the Elbe estuary area (FLEET et al. 1994, the upper Nile (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). Breeding birds of the Caspian region migrate in a south-easterly direction for the The Danish breeding population decrea- winter – to north-east and east Africa, sou- sed from about 200 pairs in the first half thern Iran, the Arabian Gulf and the coasts of the 20th century to about ten pairs in of the Indian Ocean (India, Bangladesh) the 1990s. Between 1995 and 1999, two to (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WETLANDS five pairs of gull-billed terns bred unsuc- INTERNATIONAL 1999). cessfully in the Danish part of the Wad- den Sea (RASMUSSEN et al. 2000). Germany lies within the breeding range of the Baltic breeding population. Between CASPIAN TERN (STERNA CASPIA). the beginning of the 1970s (2,200 pairs in Caspian terns breed world-wide, with the 1972) and the more recent past (1,500 exception of South America, in a great pairs in 1992), this population has conti- many highly fragmented and isolated ran- nuously decreased (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR ges. The nominate form breeds in the tem- 1997). Since the 1920s, when the North perate and warm zones of Eurasia, Africa Sea population disappeared, breeding po- and North America. In the Australasian pulations have been found only on the region, it gives way to the sub-species S. c. Baltic Sea coast of Mecklenburg-West strenua. In the Western Palearctic, the bird Pomerania (BEZZEL 1985, HÄLTERLEIN et has three range concentrations: on the al. 2000). In the 1990s, one to two pairs

CASPIAN TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna caspia caspia S Africa (breeding) 1c 1.500 0 W Africa (breeding) 2 15.000 ? (–) Europe (breeding) 1c 5.000 - 7.000 – Caspian Sea (breeding) 1c 10.000 –

236 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

were seen breeding from time to time on the Indian Ocean is made up of breeding the island of Heuwiese, near Rügen. In birds from the Caspian region. 1999, two pairs were sighted there, and another was seen in the Beuchel nature Due to exchange between the three popu- conservation area (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000, lations, as proven by recovery of banded MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). The breeding birds, these population differentiations are population on the island of Heuwiese has not sharp, however (WETLANDS INTERNA- been in existence, with interruptions, TIONAL 1999). since 1961 (DITTBERNER & HOYER 1993). The sandwich tern's breeding population in Germany is concentrated within a few SANDWICH TERN (STERNA SAND- colonies in Lower Saxony's and Schleswig- VICENSIS). The breeding range of the Holstein's sections of the Wadden Sea and nominate form comprises the north-west on Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic European coasts, from the British Isles and Sea coast. Since the 1970s, the species has the French Atlantic coast to the Baltic Sea recovered considerably from the losses it coast of south Sweden and Estonia, inclu- suffered as a result of biocide use. Bet- ding the North Sea coast of Belgium, the ween 1990 and 1999, the population exhi- Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. bited no clear trend and remained at level Smaller populations are also found on the of 8,000 to 10,000 pairs. In 1998 and 1999, Spanish and French Mediterranean coasts, the breeding population amounted to on the Italian Adriatic and in Greece. The 7,670 and 8,858 pairs, respectively. The lar- bird's breeding range in the Western Pale- gest concentrations, representing about arctic is also concentrated along Black Sea 70% of this population, bred on the two coasts (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR "bird-protection Halligen" ("Vogelschutz- 1997). halligen"), Trischen and Norderoog (HÄL- TERLEIN et al. 2000, SÜDBECK & HÄLTER- Breeding birds of north-west European LEIN 2001). In contrast to common terns coasts and of the west Mediterranean win- and arctic terns, which find their food pri- ter on the African Atlantic coast of Mauri- marily in near-coastal areas of the actual tania, in an area extending southward to Wadden Sea, sandwich terns feed primari- South Africa (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, ly in offshore areas of the North Sea, wit- WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The hin the 20 m bathymetric line. Some breeding population of the Black Sea and 2,400 individuals use the offshore area of the eastern Mediterranean, which is consi- the Wadden Sea as feeding grounds both dered another separate main population, during and after the breeding season winters in the southern Black Sea region (MITSCHKE et al. 2001). The sandwich ter- and in the south-eastern Mediterranean n's breeding population on the Baltic Sea (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The coast decreased significantly from 1990 to south-west Asian winter population of the 1999; by the end of the 1990s, it numbe- Arabian Gulf and the north-west coast of red about 670 to 780 pairs, or only about

SANDWICH TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna sandvicenis sandvicensis W Europe/W Africa 2a 150.000 + Black Sea & Mediterranean (breeding) 2a (2c) 130.000 ? (–) SW & S Asia (win) 2a 110.000 ?

237 half of its size in 1990 (HÄLTERLEIN et al. LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). On the 2000, KÖPPEN 2000). other hand, breeding birds of this population – especially birds from North Sea and Baltic Sea regions – have contact to the COMMON TERN (STERNA HIRUN- considerably larger breeding population of DO). The common tern's range comprises the north-east European population, mem- the temperate-to-Arctic latitudes of Eurasia bers of which cross Germany during their and eastern North America. Individual migrations. breeding populations can be found in areas as far south as North Africa. The spe- The common tern's breeding population cies is widespread throughout Europe, alt- in Germany is concentrated in the coastal hough its population densities decrease in regions of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, a south-westerly direction. The total Euro- where about 80 % of the total German pean breeding population numbers about population breed (BECKER & SUDMANN 208,000 pairs, and Finland, Sweden, Nor- 1998). The country also harbours inland way and Belarus are the most densely populations – predominantly along rivers occupied areas. In contrast to other tern in north-east Germany and in Alpine-fore- species, the common tern also breeds land regions of Baden-Württemberg and throughout extensive European inland Bavaria (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, MÄD- areas (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The LOW & MODEL 2000). most important wintering areas of Euro- pean breeding birds include offshore areas The population on the Wadden Sea coast off the African west coast, from Senegal to of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein South Africa's cape region (BEZZEL 1985, reached a minimum level in the 1960s, as HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Three bree- a result of high pollution levels (pestici- ding populations of the Western Palearctic des). This was followed by a recovery that nominate form have been identified. Bree- then gave way, in the 1980s, to a relatively ding birds of south-west Europe, the first stable level of about 8,000 to 10,000 pairs. of these, winter on the west African coast, Beginning in the first half of the 1990s, in Mauritania and Senegal. Breeding birds considerable decreases again occurred – of north-east Europe winter further south, especially in 1995 – and thus the overall on the south-west coast of Africa, from population trend in the 1990s was signifi- Angola southward to South Africa, and on cantly negative (SÜDBECK et al. 1998, the southern African east coast, all the HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). In the second way to Mozambique. The third population half of the 1990s, the population fluctua- consists of birds that breed in west Asia ted around a level of 6,000 to 7,000 pairs (Caspian Sea, Middle East to Iran and west (1998/1999: 6,385/6,375 pairs, SÜDBECK & Siberia) and that winter in the Indian HÄLTERLEIN 2001). On the Baltic Sea Ocean, from south-east Africa to Pakistan coast, the common tern population also and north-west India (WETLANDS INTER- decreased, also following a sharp drop in NATIONAL 1999). the first half of the 1990s: from about Germany is considered to be part of the 1,500 to 2,000 pairs in the 1980s to about breeding range of the common tern's 1,000 pairs in the years from 1994 to 1999 south-west European population (WET- (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000).

COMMON TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna hirundo hirundo S & W Europe (breeding) 1 180,000 ?(0) N & E Europe (breeding) 1 600,000 ?(0) W Asia (breeding) (1) C or D ?

238 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The common tern's breeding population of arctic North America migrate along the in non-coastal Länder has doubled since European and African west coast to winte- the beginning of the 1980s: from 750 ring grounds in the Antarctic ice-pack pairs in 1980 to about 1,500 pairs in zone (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, WET- 1996/1997 (BECKER & SUDMANN 1998, LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Because MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). The most the bird's winter ranges overlap consider- important breeding groups are found in ably in south ocean areas, the species' to- the south-German Länder Bavaria (1997: tal population was initially considered to 147 pairs) and Baden-Württemberg (1997: be one (world) population (ROSE & SCOTT 115 pairs), in North Rhine-Westphalia 1997). Annex II of the Bonn Convention (1997: 100 pairs) and in the north-east Ger- on the Conservation of Migratory Species man Länder Schleswig-Holstein (1997: 282 of Wild Animals (CMS) includes only the pairs), Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Atlantic population, however, and thus the (1997: 500 pairs) and Brandenburg (1997: Eurasian breeding population was diffe- 229 pairs). Other, smaller breeding popula- rentiated for the purposes of AEWA (WET- tions are found in Rhineland-Palatinate LANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). (1997 25-30 pairs), Bremen (1997: about 35 pairs), Saxony-Anhalt (1997: 6 pairs) and The arctic tern's European breeding popu- Saxony (1997: 13 pairs, all data pursuant lation comprises about 517,900 breeding to BECKER & SUDMANN 1998). The growth pairs, of which about 60 % breed on of common tern populations in inland Iceland (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Up areas is due primarily to creation and to 5 % of the European population breeds management of artificial nesting sites in the Danish-German-Dutch Wadden Sea. (BECKER & SUDMANN 1998). In 1999, the In Germany, at the southern limit of the total population in Germany was about bird's breeding range, the arctic tern 8,900 to 9,600 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. breeds on the North Sea and Baltic Sea pend.). coasts. Its long-term population trend here must be seen connection with that of the common tern, since the two species are ARCTIC TERN (STERNA PARADI- difficult to differentiate in the field; only SAEA). The arctic tern is a high-Arctic recently has it become possible to invento- bird species. It breeds primarily on the ry their populations separately with some northern coasts of Eurasia and the North degree of reliability (as a result of impro- American continents, as well as on Ice- ved optics and taxonomic literature). The land, Greenland, Spitzbergen and the population trends for both species seem to Arctic islands. Its range, in the Western have largely paralleled each other since Palearctic, extends across Scandinavia and the 1930s. Both species suffered a popula- the Baltic Sea region, as well as southward tion minimum in the 1960s, and both to the British Isles, the Dutch Delta region have recovered, without returning to their and the Wadden Sea (HAGEMEIJER & levels of the 1940s, however (SÜDBECK et BLAIR 1997). al. 1998, HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). Beginning in the 1980s, the two species' The arctic tern travels further than all trends diverged. Whereas the common other migratory birds. Breeding birds of tern experienced a negative population Europe, west Siberia and the eastern parts trend, especially in the 1990s, the arctic

ARCTIC TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna paradisaea W Eurasia (breeding) 1 E (1,300,000 - (0) 2,100,000)

239 tern population on the North Sea coast Russia), France, Spain and Italy, especially has remained stable since the 1980s. In along large rivers (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR the 1990s, it exhibited no clear trend, 1997). The sub-species S. a. guineae breeds even though it fluctuated irregularly, and in west and central Africa. Three main remained at a basic level of 6,000 to 7,000 populations of the nominate form are dif- breeding pairs (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). ferentiated within the AEWA area. In 1998 and 1999, 6,839 and 5,771 pairs, Breeding birds of western Europe's respectively, were sighted in German Atlantic coast (including the North Sea) North Sea coast regions (SÜDBECK & and north-west Africa winter in west HÄLTERLEIN 2001). Africa (Senegal, Gulf of Guinea). Breeding birds of the Black Sea and the eastern In contrast to this development, the bree- Mediterranean winter in the Red Sea ding population on the Baltic Sea coast region, southern Arabian regions and decreased significantly between 1990 and along the east African coast. The third 1999. Overall, it dropped from about 400 population consists of birds that breed in pairs in the second half of the 1980s to the Caspian region, at the Aral Sea, and in about 100 pairs in 1999 (HÄLTERLEIN et Iran and Iraq. Their wintering grounds are al. 2000). located in the Arabian Gulf (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999).

LITTLE TERN (STERNA In Germany, little terns of the east Atlantic ALBIFRONS). The little tern, of which population breed primarily in North Sea there are eight sub-species, is found virtu- and Baltic Sea coastal areas. Since 1991, an ally world-wide in temperate-to-tropical additional, inland breeding colony, com- latitudes of Eurasia, including the Indian prising up to nine breeding pairs, has subcontinent, west Africa, south-east Asia, been seen on the lower Oder River (DITT- north Australia, the U.S. South and Central BERNER 2001). This colony is part of a America (BEZZEL 1985). In the Western population of about 40-45 pairs that retur- Palearctic, the nominate form breeds in ned to the lower Oder, in the Polish / Ger disconnected areas along the North Sea man boundary area, at the end of the and Baltic Sea coasts, the coasts of the 1970s (UHLIG et al. 1998). The breeding British Isles, the French and Portuguese population in Lower Saxony's part of the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean and Wadden Sea, which has been well follo- Black Sea coasts. Its inland breeding areas wed since the early 1950s (1952: 595 are located in eastern Europe (Poland, pairs), has exhibited a long-term decline, Baltic countries, Belarus, Ukraine and in spite of a recovery at the beginning of

LITTLE TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna albifrons albifrons E Atlantic (breeding) 3b 34,000 0/+ Black Sea & E Mediterranean (breeding) 3c 70,000 - 120,000 – Caspian Sea (breeding) 2 B ? Sterna albifrons guineae W Africa (breeding) (2) ? ?

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN A B C Population Trend Chlidonias leucopterus E Europe & W Asia/Africa 2c 200,000 - 250,000 –

240 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

the 1980s. A turnaround did occur in Holstein and Brandenburg. In Schleswig- about 1990, but it was not pronounced Holstein, a total of 35 to 39 pairs were enough to restore the population to its for- sighted, in four areas. In Brandenburg, mer levels. In 1998 and 1999, 291 and 264 five to 12 breeding pairs were sighted breeding pairs, respectively, were sighted (DEUTSCHE SELTENHEITENKOMMISSION in Lower Saxony's and Hamburg's Wadden 2000). Sea areas (FLORE 1998, POTEL et al. 1998, SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). The trend in Schleswig-Holstein's part of the Wadden BLACK TERN (CHLIDONIAS NI- Sea, since 1982, has been similar. A slight GER). The nominate form of the black recovery began in about 1990, and by tern breeds in the temperate zone and 1998 and 1999 the colony had grown to steppe zone of Eurasia, from central Eu- 363 and 433 pairs, respectively (HÄLTER- rope to Siberia, in the Yenissei region, and LEIN et al. 2000, SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN in west Mongolia. The sub-species C. n. su- 2001). The smaller breeding population on rinamensis represents the nominate form the Baltic Sea coast fluctuated, between in North America (BEZZEL 1985, HAGE- 1989 and 1999, at about 200 breeding MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In Europe, the spe- pairs, without exhibiting any recognisable cies' breeding range is concentrated in the trend (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). east (Baltic countries, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania and the European part of Russia). To the west, the species' conti- WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN guous breeding range extends across nor- (CHLIDONIAS LEUCOPTERUS). The thern Germany to the Netherlands. Still breeding range of the white-winged black further west and further south, individual tern comprises the forest-steppe and step- breeding colonies are found in France, pe zones of Eurasia, from eastern Europe Spain and Italy (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR to north China. The western limit of its con- 1997). For the winter, black terns migrate tiguous range is located in east Poland. Fur- to west African coastal waters of Senegal ther west, the species breeds only occasio- and the Gulf of Guinea, as well as further nally, in years in which high water levels south to coastal waters of Namibia and create favourable breeding conditions (BEZ- South Africa and, to a lesser extent, to the ZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The Nile valley in Egypt and Sudan (BEZZEL entire breeding population of eastern Eu- 1985, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). rope and west Asia winters in sub-Saharan Africa (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). The black tern's breeding population in The white-winged black tern is a very irre- Germany's southern Länder disappeared gular visitor in Germany. In most cases, its in the 1930s (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). visits take the form of spring "invasions" of In Germany, the bird now breeds primari- birds that breed in the east. In 1996, one ly in the lowland landscapes of the north- or two pairs bred along the lower Oder Ri- German plain, in Brandenburg (300-456 ver in Brandenburg – this was the first pairs), Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (138- time since 1936 that the bird had there 176 pairs), Schleswig-Holstein (80-110 pairs) (DITTBERNER 1996, MÄDLOW & MODEL and Lower Saxony (85-89 pairs), as well as 2000). In 1997, a second large wave in the in Saxony-Anhalt (100-150 pairs, data for second half of May led to isolated instan- 1995/1996 pursuant to MÄDLOW & MO- ces of breeding in some areas of Schleswig- DEL 2000). The black tern's population

BLACK TERN A B C Population Trend Chlidonias niger niger Europe & Asia (breeding) 2c 200,000 –

241 trend in Germany, like those in other Annex I parts of central and western Europe, has been strongly negative (BAUER & BER- THOLD 1996). WITT et al. (1996) report that in the mid-1990s between 790 and SPECIES THAT OCCASIONALLY 870 pairs of black terns were still breeding OCCUR IN GERMANY in Germany, and that further population decreases were apparent in Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Saxony-Anhalt. A more recent survey, taken in 1999, reports GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (GAVIA a population of 860 to 1,000 pairs (BAUER IMMER). The great northern diver's et al. pub. pend.). range extends from the Aleutian islands, across Alaska and the northern part of the Since 1997, a small breeding colony of North American continent, all the way to about 40 pairs (2001), originating from a Greenland. Its only regularly occupied colony in the neighbouring Netherlands, breeding colony in the Western Palearctic, has re-established itself in the Biener Al- comprising about 300 pairs, is located on trhein area in North Rhine-Westphalia. Iceland (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The This colony, like a significant part of the great northern diver's wintering areas in Dutch breeding population, breeds exclusi- European waters are found along the east vely in artificial nesting structures instal- Atlantic coast of Norway, the British Isles, led as part of nature conservation measu- the Netherlands and France. This winte- res (NIEHUES & SCHWÖPPE 2001). ring population is made up of breeding birds of Iceland, Greenland and, probably, north-east Canada (WETLANDS INTERNA- TIONAL 1999).

In Germany, small numbers of the great northern diver appear each year in the German Bight and in coastal areas of the North Sea. A few individuals also reach German inland areas and rest in areas such as large lakes in Bavaria's Alpine forelands (BUNDESDEUTSCHER SELTENHEITEN- AUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SELTENHEI- TENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000).

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER A B C Population Trend Gavia immer Europe (win) 1c 5,000 ?

RED-BREASTED GOOSE A B C Population Trend Branta ruficollis N Siberia/ Black & 1a 1b 3a 70,000 ? (+) Caspian Sea

242 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

RED-BREASTED GOOSE (BRANTA minantly outside of the AEWA area, from RUFICOLLIS). The red-breasted goose's eastern Europe eastward to China and very small breeding range is confined to Japan. It winters in south Asia (WETLANDS the tundra of the Yamal, Gydan and Tay- INTERNATIONAL 1999). myr peninsulas, on the Arctic coast of Russia. Some 70% of the total population breeds on the Taymyr Peninsula. The bird's Baillon's crake is a very rare, exceptional wintering grounds are found in Ukraine, visitor to Germany. In the 1990s, only 1 to in Romania and in Bulgaria, on the north- 3 individuals were sighted per year west coast of the Black Sea (MADSEN et al. (BUNDESDEUTSCHER SELTENHEITENAUS- 1999; WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). SCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SELTENHEITEN- KOMISSION 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, In Germany, red-breasted geese are sigh- 1998, 2000). ted each year. At least some of these are individuals that have escaped from waterbird reserves (BUNDESDEUTSCHER SELTEN- GREAT SNIPE (GALLINAGO ME- HEITENAUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SEL- DIA). The great snipe's current range ex- TENHEITENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, 1995, tends across the Eurasian boreal zone, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000). from Norway to the Yennisei region in central Siberia. Beginning in 1850, the bird's range shrank significantly, at the south- BAILLON'S CRAKE (PORZANA PU- west limit of its European range. Now, in SILLA). Baillon's crake breeds in Eurasia, the Western Palearctic the bird still inha- Africa and the Australasian region (HAGE- bits Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden; central MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Of the described mountain regions), Belarus, Ukraine and sub-species, breeding birds of southern the European part of Russia. Residual po- and central Europe (Iberian peninsula to pulations, each on the order of about Romania) and of North Africa are classed 2,000 breeding pairs, are still found in the with the sub-species P. p. intermedia. Their Baltic countries and Poland (HAGEMEIJER wintering areas are located in sub-Saharan & BLAIR 1997). The great snipe's wintering Africa, where they overlap with the bree- area is located in sub-Saharan Africa. The ding ranges of the African sub-species P.p. Scandinavian breeding population, pre- obscura. The nominate form breeds predo- sumably, winters predominantly in west

BAILLON´S CRAKE A B C Population Trend Porzana pusilla intermedia Europe (breeding) 2 B –

GREAT SNIPE A B C Population Trend Gallinago media Scandinavia (breeding) 1 18,000 - 51,000 0 W Siberia & NE Europe (breeding) 2c D –

TAREK SANDPIPER A B C Population Trend Tringa cinerea SW Asia & Africa (win) 1 44,000 ? (0)

243 Africa (Mali, Chad). The wintering grounds As they migrate between their breeding of the breeding population of west Siberia and wintering areas, tarek sandpipers fly and north-east Europe are located in in a broad swath across south Eurasia. south-east Africa (Zaire, Tanzania, Angola, Small numbers of migrating birds are Zambia, Malawi) (WETLANDS INTERNA- regularly seen in Germany (BUNDESDEUT- TIONAL 1999). SCHER SELTENHEITENAUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SELTENHEITENKOMISSION Small numbers of great snipe regularly 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000). appear in Germany – primarily in Bran- denburg – as passage migrants during their homeward journey in April/May and BROAD-BILLED SANDPIPER (LIMI- on their return journey from August to COLA FALCINELLUS). The broad-billed October. In suitable habitats, some males sandpiper's breeding area extends from may carry out mating dances, although the Scandinavian peninsula and the extre- actual breeding settlement in Germany is me north-west of Russia to east Siberia. unlikely (BUNDESDEUTSCHER SELTENHEI- The European breeding population of the TENAUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SELTEN- nominate form comprises about 16,000 HEITENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, 1995, pairs in Scandinavia (about 12,000 of 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, HAASE & RYSLAVY them in Finland) and up to 1,000 pairs in 1997). north-west Russia (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). East of the Taymyr Peninsula, the nominate form gives way to the sub-spe- TAREK SANDPIPER (TRINGA CINE- cies L. f. sibirica (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR REA). The tarek sandpiper breeds in the 1997). Nominate-form breeding birds from boreal zone of Siberia. Small, isolated Scandinavia and north-west Russia winter breeding populations, each totalling no in the Arabian Gulf, India and Sri Lanka. more than 100 breeding pairs, are found A small part of this population also rea- in the Western Palearctic, outside of ches east Africa (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR Russia: in Finland, Latvia and Belarus 1997, WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The wintering areas of the tarek sandpiper's western As a result of the south-easterly location of populations are located in south-west Asia the bird's wintering areas, Germany lies at and Africa, in the Arabian Gulf and Red the western limit of the Scandinavian Sea regions and on the African east coast population's flyway range. Small numbers of the Indian Ocean (WETLANDS INTER- of broad-billed sandpipers in passage NATIONAL 1999). appear each year in Germany. Sightings are most frequent in May and around the end of August / beginning of September, especially along the Baltic Sea coast. Since the 1960s, about 50 to 100 broad-billed

BRAOD-BILLED SANDPIPER A B C Population Trend Limicola falcinellus falcinellus N Europe/SW Asia & E Africa 3c 40,000 - 60,000 ? (–)

GREY PHALAROPE A B C Population Trend Phalaropus fulicaria African Atlantic coast (win) (1) ? ?

244 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

sandpipers have been sighted annually, ROSEATE TERN (STERNA DOUGAL- although in some years up to 300 indivi- LII). The roseate tern, with a total of four duals have been observed to arrive sub-species, breeds in tropical and subtro- (DIERSCHKE 1997). pical latitudes. Its breeding areas include the coasts and islands of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, as well as coasts and GREY PHALAROPE (PHALAROPUS islands of the Pacific Ocean, in an area FULICARIA). The grey phalarope is extending from Japan, across Australia, to widespread outside of Europe, in a circum- the Melanese islands (BEZZEL 1985, HAGE- polar region including the Arctic tundra MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The nominate for- of North America and Siberia. The only m's most important European breeding breeding populations in the Western Pale- areas are located on the Azores, in arctic, comprising a total of 145 and 1,045 Ireland, along the French Atlantic coast pairs, are found on Iceland and Spitz- and in the UK (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR bergen. These populations are considered 1997). European breeding birds winter off part of the larger breeding population of the west African coast, in an area exten- north-east Canada (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR ding from Mauritania to Nigeria, and pri- 1997). The grey phalarope winters on the marily in the Gulf of Guinea (Ghana) open seas of the southern hemisphere, (WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). while breeding birds of north-east Canada, Greenland, Spitzbergen and Iceland winter In Germany, the roseate tern has been predominantly off the African west coast sighted occasionally – and exclusively – (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, during the breeding season (BEZZEL 1985). WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL 1999). Sightings of breeding birds in the 1990s, for example, included a 1998 sighting on In Germany the grey phalarope is a rather the island of Föhr. The most recent sigh- rare guest; small numbers are sighted ting was in 2000, on Minsener Oog in each year, primarily on the North Sea Lower Saxony's part of the Wadden Sea, coast (BUNDESDEUTSCHER SELTENHEITEN- where an individual banded in Ireland AUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE SELTENHEI- mated with a common tern (HÄLTERLEIN TENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, et al. 2000, RASMUSSEN et al. 2001). 1997, 1998, 2000).

ROSEATE TERN A B C Population Trend Sterna dougallii dougallii Europe (breeding) 1c 5,000 -

245 Annex II

OVERVIEW OF THE POPULATION Tab. 2.3.1-1: Breeding populations (breeding pairs) of SITUATION OF AEWA WATERBIRD AEWA waterbirds in the Länder Hamburg (HH), Lower SPECIES PURSUANT TO DATA OF Saxony (NI), North Rhine-Westphalia (NW), Saxony (SN) A FEW GERMAN LÄNDER and Saxony-Anhalt (ST).

Species Scientific name HH NINW SN ST Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena 2 20 80-100 50 Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus 0 2-4 10 Eurasian bittern Botaurus stellaris 10 25-35 Black stork Ciconia nigra 42 about 40 40-60 22 White stork Ciconia ciconia 13 339 10 370-450 574 White spoonbill Platalea leucorodia 42 Mute swan Cygnus olor 100 ? 500-650 500 Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus 2 0 White-fronted goose Anser albifrons 0-2 Greylag goose Anser anser 144 1,000 >1,000 250-300 400 Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis 7 >10 Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna 135 2.700 90-110 60 European wigeon Anas penelope <5 0 Gadwall Anas strepera 22 100 40-60 200-400 10 Green-winged teal Anas crecca 18 2,500 100-150 100-200 80 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 2,800 100,000 ? 10,000-20,000 25,000 Northern pintail Anas acuta 3 0 0 bis 5 Garganey Anas querquedula 25 500 ca. 50 40-60 100 Northern shoveler Anas clypeata 45 1,000 40-50 30-40 100 Red-crested pochard Netta rufina 10 2 Common pochard Aythya ferina 4 300 40-50 1,000-1,500 700 Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca 0 2 Tufted duck Aythya fuligula 300 1,000 ? 1,300-2,000 500 Common eider Somateria mollissima 775 Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula 2 20 0 10 Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator 10 Goosander Mergus merganser 0 1-3 Common crane Grus grus 7 150 0 bis 1 60-75 109 Little crake Porzana parva 1 1-3 5 Spotted crake Porzana porzana 5 200 1 bis 5 40-60 70 Black coot Fulica atra 620 10,000 ? 3,000-6,000 6.000 Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 10 2,000 European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria 22 0 Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 30 310 Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius 45 600 400-600 500-700 800 Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus 61 Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus 650 27,500 12,000-16,000 900-1.600 3.000 Common snipe Gallinago gallinago 180 2,500 about 75 190-260 500 Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa 20 4,500 about 300 10 Western curlew Numenius arquata 1,700 about 600 0-1 100 Common redshank Tringa totanus 45 5,800 49-55 0-6 10 Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus 100 0 10-20 30 Common sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos 3 25 0 bis 1 20-40 80 Ruff Philomachus pugnax 19 0 Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus 7 8 5 8-13 2 Gull-billed tern Sterna nilotica 10 Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis 2,600 Common tern Sterna hirundo ? 4,100 130 60-80 33 Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea 1,100 Little tern Sterna albifrons 3 259 Black tern Chlidonias niger 6 122 37 137

246 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Tab. 2.3.1-2: Resting Species Scientific name NINW ST populations (indivi- Black stork Ciconia nigra 200 duals) of AEWA White stork Ciconia ciconia 1,400 Mute swan Cygnus olor 3,000 about 2000 waterbirds in the Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus 2,500 180-500 2,500 Länder Lower Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus 3,000 100 - 250 1,000 Saxony (NI), North Pink-footed goose Anser brachyrhynchus 50 Rhine-Westphalia Bean goose Anser fabalis 15,000 about 27,000 90,000 (NW) and Saxony- White-fronted goose Anser albifrons 70,000 about 170,000 60,000 Anhalt (ST). Greylag goose Anser anser 20,000 about 8,000 Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis 60,000 about 1,000 550 SOURCES: Brent goose Branta bernicla 20,000 HAMBURG: Red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis 5 B. Krebs, Staatl. Vo- Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna 50,000 gelschutzwarte Ham- burg [Hamburg State European wigeon Anas penelope 50,000 4,500-6,000 7,.500 Bird Station]. Brutbe- Gadwall Anas strepera 300 250 - 500 stände nach (bree- Green-winged teal Anas crecca 15,000 4,000 - 5,000 ding populations pur- Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 100,000 about 90,000 suant to] MITSCHKE & BAUMUNG (2001). Northern pintail Anas acuta 4,000 about 300 Northern shoveler Anas clypeata 2,000 about 1,500 LOWER SAXONY: Common pochard Aythya ferina 3,500 about 7,500 P. Südbeck, Staatl. Vo- Tufted duck Aythya fuligula 4,000 about 12,500 gelschutzwarte Lower Saxony [Lower Saxony Common eider Somateria mollissima 80,000 State Bird Station]. Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula 600 about 750 Brutbestände 1999 Smew Mergellus albellus 250 200 - 600 250 nach Entwurf the Neufassung the Roten Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator 75 Liste Niedersachsens; Goosander Mergus merganser 3,000 1,200 - 3,000 2,000 Rastbestände nach Common crane Grus grus 50,000 [1999 breeding popu- Black coot Fulica atra 10,000 about 35,000 lations pursuant to draft of new edition Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta 20,000 of the Red List for Lo- European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria 100,000 ? 5,000 wer Saxony; resting Grey plover Pluvialis squatarola 50,000 about 200 populations pursuant Ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula 6,000 to] BURDORF et al. (1997). Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus 200 Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus 180,000 about 100,000 NORTH RHINE- Common snipe Gallinago gallinago 15,000 WESTPHALIA: Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa 15,000 Dr. B. Conrad, Vogel- schutzwarte North Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica 35,000 Rhine-Westphalia Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 800 [North Rhine-West- Western curlew Numenius arquata 70,000 phalia State Bird Station]. Saxony: Dr. Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus 4,000 ? about 300 habil. R. Steffens, Common redshank Tringa totanus 15,000 Sächsisches Landes- Common greenshank Tringa nebularia 4,000 about 500 amt für Umwelt und Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola about 1,500 Geologie [Saxony State Environmental Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres 1,500 about 100 and Geological Office]. Red knot Calidris canutus 45,000 about 100 Brutbestände nach Sanderling Calidris alba 3,500 [Breeding popula- Little stint Calidris minuta about 800 tions pursuant to] STEFFENS et al. (1998b). Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii about. 50 Dunlin Calidris alpina 200,000 about 3,000 SAXONY-ANHALT: Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea 500 about 500 G. Dornbusch, Minis- terium für Raumord- Ruff Philomachus pugnax 3,000 about 1,800 nung, Landwirtschaft Sandwich tern Sterna sandvicensis 10,000 and Umwelt [Ministry Common tern Sterna hirundo 12,000 for Regional Planning, Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea 4,500 Agriculture and the Environment]. Brutbe- Little tern Sterna albifrons 1,000 stände Bezugsjahr Black tern Chlidonias niger 5,500 1999 [Breeding populations for the reference year 1999].

247 2.3.1.2 The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

Translated reprint from BayLfU 156 (2001), pages 277-283, reproduced with kind permission from the Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency (BayLfU) The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

Oda Wieding

1 Introduction days after they reach the flight stage. White storks are not picky eaters. They diet includes earthworms, large The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a lead species in insects such as beetles, crickets and grasshoppers open, grassy, riparian meadows, lowlands and pond (locusts), small mammals (moles, mice), young birds, landscapes. As a so-called "culture follower", it is snakes, frogs and carrion. A white stork requires adapted to man-made habitats and even dependent about 500 grams of food per day, the equivalent of on them. This affinity for areas in and near human about 26 field mice or 1100 earthworms. Young storks settlements, along with the bird's large size and dis- usually fly away for the winter at the end of August, tinctive white plumage, have made the white stork a while adult storks leave somewhat later – usually by highly familiar and recognisable bird. Conservation mid-September. The birds' migration routes cross in efforts are most likely to meet with public acceptance about the middle of Bavaria. Westward migrants fly when they publicly concentrate on species that are over Gibraltar, to west and central Africa, while east- evocative symbols (STURM 1995). As an immediately ward migrants fly across the Bosporus, to east, central recognisable representative of its environment – and and south Africa (see also BAUER & GLUTZ V. as a positive figure in lore and legend – the white BLOTZHEIM 1966, WÜST 1981). stork is an eminently fitting symbol for efforts to protect its endangered wet, riparian meadow habitats. The white stork has demanding habitat requirements. Riparian meadows are endangered because they are It requires wet meadows, such as extensively man- being used more and more intensively by people – aged agricultural, wet grassland, wet lowlands with and thus the white stork is itself highly endangered. natural brooks and rivers or riparian meadows with Use and management of meadows are changing at a ankle-deep water levels. rapid pace, a pace that leaves plants and animals To raise young successfully in Bavaria, a stork pair adapted to traditional uses no opportunity to adapt. requires at least 200 hectares of extensive grassland In 1984, in an effort to stop the white stork popula- near its nest (BURNHAUSER 1983). Furthermore, the tion's decline in Bavaria, the Bavarian State Ministry grassland must be diversely structured and, in addi- for State Development and Environmental Issues tion to being subject to moderate use (no fertilisation, (Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Landesentwick- twice-yearly mowing, no use of pesticides, no drai- lung und Umweltfragen (StMLU)), in co-operation nage, no rolling or other compression of the land), with Bavaria's state bird-protection and conservation must comprise many different areas, with many dif- association (Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern ferent sub-areas with differing degrees of wetness. e.V. – Verband für Arten- und Biotopschutz (LBV)), established a Bavarian white-stork conservation programme (see also NITSCHE 1989). 3 Population trends and threats

The figure "White-stork population in Bavaria, 1900 to 2 Biology and habitat requirements 1999" (Fig. 1) shows the population data for Bavaria, since 1900, in bar-graph form (regular censuses began The white stork belongs to the order of wading birds. in 1980). The trends for Bavaria are seen to be the It reaches 0.80–1 m in size, and it has a wingspan of same as for the rest of Germany (KAATZ 1998). As of 2 m. Males can weigh up to 4 kg, while females weigh 1988, the population in Bavaria had sunk to 58 nest- about 3.5 kg. The birds arrive in their breeding areas ing pairs; since then, it has been growing again. The from March until early May, with the males usually lines above the bars show the actual numbers of arriving before the females. White storks begin young that have reached the fledgling stage, along brooding in early April to early May, after laying 3 to with the number of young theoretically needed for 4 eggs, and sometimes up to 6. Eggs are laid at two- population maintenance: an average reproduction day intervals and then brooded for a total of 30 days. rate of at least two fledglings per nesting pair is con- For their first four weeks of life, the young remain sidered necessary for long-term self-sustainment of under their parents' wings, where they are protected the population (BURNHAUSER 1983). Only in a few against rain, cold and heat. Young storks are able to years has the number of fledglings actually exceeded fly by the time they reach 8 to 9 weeks of age, and the threshold of two young per nesting pair – an indi- their parents feed them and guide them for a few cation that the population increase in Bavaria has

BayLfU 156 (2001) 277 The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

and fewer suitable areas in which 260 white storks can find food. Struc- 240 tural changes in agriculture (plow- 220 ing of grassland for farming, re- 200 moval of small-scale structures, 180 drainage of wet meadows), along 160 with past hydrological engineer- 140 ing measures and present expan- 120 sion of local infrastructures, have 100 eliminated important feeding 80 biotopes. Increasingly intensive 60 use of grassland, and concomitant 40 fertiliser use, have also reduced 20 plant and small-animal diversity 0 on remaining land (see also SCHULZ 1989).

1900 1934 1958 1965 1974 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Unfortunately, wet grassland areas NumberAnzahl der of nesting Horstpaare pairs beforevor 1980 1980 Number Anzahl derof young flügge birds gewordenen that reach theJungvögel fledgling stage in riparian meadows are still NumberAnzahl der of nesting Horstpaare pairs beginningab 1980 in Twozwei young Junge perpro nestingHorstpaar pair being misused as "value-less" 1980 cheap land for construction: for commercial properties, urban Fig. 1: The development of the white stork's breeding population in Bavaria, 1900 to 1999. Source: Bavarian state bird-protection and conservation association (Landesbund für sprawl and bypass roads. The Vogelschutz in Bayern (e.V.) - Verband für Arten- und Biotopschutz) resulting habitat loss is having a depended largely on birds that WeißstorchWhite Stork have moved into the area; 54

Bavaria's own storks are not pro- 55 ducing enough young to sustain 56 the species in Bavaria. This clearly 57 points to a lack of adequate feed- 58 59 BAYREUTH ing habitats. It also highlights the 19 Main 60 fact that efforts to protect such R WÜRZBURG e g 61 n it z habitats must be intensified, if the 62 population's growth is to be pro- 63 22 23 moted. NÜRNBERG 64 20 21 24 FÜRTH 65 b a 25 a The map of the Bavarian breeding ANSBACH N 66 67 population for 1999 (Fig. 2) pro- Regen A 68 vides an overview of nest locations ltm ü h occupied in 1999, including both l 69 70 nests with and without successful REGENSBURG 71 reproduction. It also shows nesting Donau 72 sites that were not occupied in 73

74 1999, but which were occupied at LANDSHUT 75 least once over the preceding five AUGSBURG

r 76 years, as well as nesting sites that a s I

n 77 have remained unoccupied for I In l l e h r c MÜNCHEN e 78 decades. The relevant habitats are L concentrated in the Franconian 79 lake country (Weihergebiet - 80 Aischgrund), in the Upper Palati- 81 82 nate area of Naabund Regental, 83 including its catchment basin, in 38 39 40 41 84 23 24 the Altmühl and Wörnitz areas 29 30 35 36 37 42 85 and along other Danube tributar- 25 31 32 34 43 44 26 28 ies (Mindeltal, Laabertal). 33 27 Successfully breeding pairs of white storks White stork nests that were not occupied in Change's in the white stork's habi- reported1999 gemeldete in 1999 Weißstorchpaare mit Bruterfolg 1999 nicht and thatbesetzte were Horste, occupied die in at den least letzten once duringfünf Jahren the last mindestens five years einmal besetzt waren tats are the most important reason Unsuccessfully1999 gemeldete breeding Weißstorchpaare pairs of ohne white Brut- storks, why threats to the bird are increas- underfolg individual sowie Einzelstörche storks, reported in 1999 FormerEhemalige white Weißstorch-Horste stork nests (occupied (vor mehreren several White1998 besetzte stork nests Weißstorch-Horste, that were occupied die 1999 in 1998 decadesJahrzehnten ago) besetzt) ing. Our low-diversity cultivated butnicht not besetzt occupied waren in 1999 landscapes are providing fewer Fig. 2: The white stork's breeding population in Bavaria, 1999. Source: Bavarian state bird- protection and conservation association (Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern (e.V.) - Verband für Arten- und Biotopschutz)

278 BayLfU 156 (2001) The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

catastrophic impact on white storks: many pairs fail to Battles over nests breed or discontinue their breeding. They encounter food shortages just when they are trying to raise their Each year, birds die in battles over nests. Battles young, and their young starve. between pairs of storks indicate that too few nests with adequate, suitable feeding habitats are available. Examples from other countries show that stork pairs Threats from power lines willingly breed in close proximity to each other when they have enough food. When a pair of storks defends Many storks are killed directly by the power-line net- two closely spaced nests, this is a clear indication that works running through the landscape. Inexperienced the associated feeding habitat suffices for only one young storks in particular are often killed, in their pair. In such situations, pairs of storks become highly first year of life, through contact with masts and lines. territorial. Electrocution accounts for about 50 % of all direct losses (see also FIEDLER & WISSNER 1980). Since not all cases of electrocution are discovered, and since a Natural events certain percentage of cases in which the cause of death is unknown are due to electrocution via power Natural events sometimes lead to the death of young lines, the real percentage in this category is likely to storks – for example, late frosts (that can cause the be much higher (see also FIEDLER & WISSNER 1989, birds to suffer hypothermia), hail and lightning. Such KÖPPEN 1996). Power masts with standing insulators events are part of the birds' natural environment. are particularly dangerous: large birds that perch on the crossbars of such masts can be electrocuted by coming into contact with current-bearing elements. Other threats The most effective counter-measures include rewiring, use of hanging insulators, installation of perches Occasionally, storks slip and fall into chimneys as they above dangerous components, and fitting of guards are attempting to land on them. This occurs most fre- and plastic covers over relevant parts of lines. quently on chimneys with broad openings. The best Another danger that is still underestimated consists of way to prevent such accidents is to equip the chim- "creeping" surface currents, which can flow over sup- neys with covers or grates. porting insulators and plastic covers covered with wet dirt. While such creeping currents usually do not suffice to kill birds immediately, they cause the birds to go into shock and paralysis, so that they fall from the 4 White stork species assistance pro- masts. They then often die as a result of internal gramme injuries, without providing any clues as to their real cause of death. In the early 1980s, the Bavarian State Agency for Environmental Protection (Bayerisches Landesamt für In general, all outdoor electrical power lines are dan- Umweltschutz - LfU) responded to the decline in the gerous for large birds, and thus further efforts are white stork's population – which had been continuing needed to make such lines bird-safe. Such efforts must for decades – by commissioning a comprehensive include intensive co-operation with the responsible population inventory. The inventory's findings have power utilities (RICHARZ & HORMANN 1997). been used as a basis (BURNHAUSER 1983) for the species assistance programme for the protection and In 1992, the state bird conservation association development of the white stork population. The pur- (Landesbund for Vogelschutz e.V.), acting on behalf of pose of the species assistance programme is to ensure the Bavarian State Agency for State Development and the survival in Bavaria of a viable stork population Environmental Affairs (StMLU), mapped locations of that does not depend on human assistance. Until the power masts in a majority of nesting areas. The results 1998/99 contract year, the species assistance pro- were provided to the responsible power utilities. gramme was commissioned by the StMLU; as of Conversion of dangerous masts was then accelerated, 99/2000 it was commissioned by the LfU. In addition although it still has not been satisfactorily completed. to annual inventories, the programme – primarily To date, the DIN standard VDE 0210/12.85 still with funding from the StMLU – carries out measures, applies. Its section 8.10, while mandating that new at specific locations, to improve the birds' food situa- masts must not include any perches for birds, also tion and nesting sites. Important programme deci- requires only successive conversion of existing masts; sions are made by a group consisting of StMLU and particularly lethal masts are to be converted immedi- LfU staff, of representatives of local district govern- ately, while other existing masts are to be converted ments, of experts on white storks and of LBV staff. It in the following order of area priority: national parks, meets at irregular intervals, as requirements dictate. nature reserves, landscape reserves (VDEW 1991). If a precise inventory of the white stork population is to be obtained, each nest has to be individually monitored. Local, highly committed volunteers carry out this task, for each nest site. They monitor the progress of the birds' breeding and thus help determine over-

BayLfU 156 (2001) 279 The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

all breeding results, year in and year out. In the nest (during the winter). An excellent idea is to carry spring, they note when the storks arrive and begin out a thorough litter-pickup campaign within the breeding. At the end of the breeding season, and no storks' habitat, prior to the beginning of the breeding later than the end of September, additional data, such season (February to mid-March), with the help of as numbers of hatched young storks, young storks schoolchildren, associations or youth groups, etc.. that reach the fledgling stage, fly-away data and any special events are reported to the state office of the LBV. This data is then compared with long-term sur- Improvement of storks' food situation vey data, to reveal population fluctuations, trends for individual nest sites and any changes in storks' pri- The most urgent, and most effective, means of pro- mary preferences for areas to occupy, etc.. The data is tecting the Bavarian white stork population is to con- also compared with relevant national and interna- serve and restore wet, large grassland areas with suit- tional data (see also KAATZ 1998). able structural diversity. Such measures benefit all communities that live in wet grassland areas, includ- Consequently, the data also provides a basis for tar- ing meadow-breeding birds. All such birds are highly geted protection measures – for example, when the endangered (on the other hand, their habitat require- breeding success rate is seen to decline at certain ments are not always exactly the same as those of the locations. Responses include protection, management white stork). A white stork pair with a brood requires and construction of nesting sites as well as measures an area of approximately 200 hectares of grassland to conserve and improve the food situation around within a radius of 2-3 kilometres from the nest. In specific nesting sites. addition, habitat sites must contain a great deal of wet land and extensively farmed areas.

Maintenance, management and new construction Food biotopes for storks can be protected in the long of nesting sites term by means of long-term leases, with suitable usage agreements. Other important measures include Measures carried out at nesting sites include installa- cultivation extensivation and land purchases. Suitable tion of new nest platforms, improvement of existing food biotopes for white storks can be created through nests and emergency intervention (removal of plastic introduction of extensive agriculture. Normally, such or twine etc. that has found its way into the nest; only efforts must be carried out co-operatively with affect- with official permission). ed farmers and with representatives of the relevant lower nature conservation authority and the local New nest platforms should be installed only in suit- agricultural authority. able locations, i.e. in areas that provide enough feeding habitat. Each nesting site should be clearly When feeding biotopes for storks are created or exposed (as high as possible within the relevant loca- restored, it must be ensured that such areas lie with- tion), should be easily accessible to storks for landing in a stork pair's main radius of action (within about 2- and take off and should provide a good overview of 3 kilometres from the nest) and are as free as possible the fields and meadows around the nest. Platforms of roads, etc. and thus are not subject to disturbances. should provide good water drainage (such as wheels, Suitable measures include: boards, metal framework), should be able to bear the • Construction of shallow ponds and lakes: their weight of the nest and should also be able to with- banks should be so flat that they can easily be stand storms. Furthermore, platforms should be at managed with environmentally compatible, local- least 130 centimetres in diameter, should have ly adapted methods. rims/sides and should be filled with twigs and grass, • Widening of ditches, flattening of embankments etc... and banks (see above). • Creation of rich structural diversity, with flat At the same time, priority should be given to mainte- depressions, networks of ditches, networks of nance of existing nests and nest locations (for exam- ponds, on areas subject to natural flood regimes – ple, repair of crumbling and cracking chimneys), for example, within bends in watercourses or sun- since storks tend to return to existing nests (where ken areas. they have bred successfully in the past). Interventions • Rewetting of formerly wet meadows. directly at the nest, during the breeding period, may • Above-ground irrigation of grassland should be co- become necessary under certain circumstances that ordinated with the management schedule. are life-threatening for the storks. In each case, such • Section-wise mowing of bank vegetation along measures are subject to the approval of the responsi- meadow ditches and small water bodies of all ble higher nature conservation authority and are to types, especially during the periods when the be carried out only in consultation with the LBV. birds' food requirements are greatest – in June and Regular maintenance is permitted only outside of the July. breeding season, i.e. during the period from October • Mosaic-style mowing of stands of wet tall perenni- through March. als. • Thinning of bank vegetation along oxbows. Foreign material that storks bring to their nest, such • Damming of drainage ditches during long dry as plastic objects or cord, should be removed from the periods.

280 BayLfU 156 (2001) The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

• Creation of grassland strips, around ponds and concepts for large areas and since existing concepts along watercourses, that storks can use – i.e. that are often inadequately enforced – this applies, for are mowed once or twice, on at least one side, bet- example, to implementation of the species and ween May and August (thick stands of tall peren- biotope protection programme within the context of nials should not be allowed to grow!). physical planning and development planning, etc. If the continuing habitat loss is to be countered, Protection of feeding areas should also include con- greater consideration must be given to large-area pro- trol of tourism and recreational activities: people tection of feeding habitats in areas that harbour walking dogs through storks' feeding areas create white storks. The aim must be to create biotope net- considerable disturbances for storks. The same applies work systems, at all relevant areas and in all riparian to intensified use of unimproved roads through fields; meadows, that offer storks sufficient, diverse feeding many such roads have been expanded or paved in biotopes in any weather conditions. connection with measures to re-order rural areas (for- A long-term aim, pursuant to a decision of the white merly known as "land consolidation") and are now stork steering group – and within the framework of easily travelled by bicycle, motorcycle, etc.. the species assistance program for the white stork – Accessibility to such roads should be hampered, by must be to protect and restore large meadow areas in means of temporary closure, pursuant to Art. 26 valleys, with wet areas, wet meadows on slopes, shal- Bavarian Nature Conservation Act (BayNatSchG), or by low ponds with transition zones giving way to land, means of other hindrances, and alternative recre- meandering ditches with bank vegetation and ational activities should be developed. oxbows. The key requirements include: • No further planning of interventions in grassland Yet another important element of white stork protec- areas, especially in wet grasslands, for construction consists of measures to enhance public aware- tion areas, roads, etc. Acreage-equivalent compen- ness, including press articles and annual "white stork sation must be provided in cases in which con- workshops" for nest managers, authorities' represen- struction is carried out nonetheless; in such cases, tatives and other interested parties. real compensation areas must be created, i.e. preference must be given to conversion of farmland into meadows rather than conversion of existing meadows into meadows slated for future extensive 5 Outlook use! • Protection of all of meadows within a radius of In 1988, as part of implementation of the EU Bird three kilometres around the relevant nest; exten- Directive on conservation of wild bird species, an sivation of sub-areas – for example, through appli- additional project was established in Bavaria for con- cation of the contractual nature conservation pro- servation and support of white storks. In each of four gramme (Vertragsnaturschutzprogramm - VNP) or selected project areas, each containing two nests, the cultural landscape programme about 3 hectares of grassland were purchased around (Kulturlandschaftsprogramm - KuLaP). Uses must each of the nests and optimised by means of relevant be oriented to the habitat requirements of the measures. As a result, this four-year project has stork, however. In addition, protection should not enabled white storks to return to three project nest be limited to meadows currently used by a rele- sites. Now, the areas purchased within the framework vant stork, since the next stork will probably look of the EU project, like all white stork habitats for other meadows or perhaps not even find areas throughout Bavaria, must continue to be protected used by his "predecessor stork". (Storks, like other and managed. long-lived animals, typically develop special habitat knowledge – for example, storks have been In addition, the LBV and other nature conservation shown to use pond networks some ten kilometres associations are continuing in their efforts to pur- away from their nests, etc.). chase land, to landscape depressions and ponds, to • Introduction of a means of supporting extensive conclude usage agreements with farmers and to carry grassland use at current (and former and potenti- out many other relevant, useful activities. Land pur- al) stork sites. Such use should apply to all of each chases such as those made within the project areas relevant riparian meadow, should permit early cannot be a state-wide aim for a conservation pro- mowing and should be co-ordinated with other gramme, however. grassland-conservation concepts (see also WERRES 1989). This can be achieved via a suitable change Care and optimisation of individual feeding areas is in existing programmes or via an additional pro- by no means enough to secure the areas for the white gramme, since the current VNP specifications do stork. Bypass roads, new construction areas and indus- not meet the white stork's feeding area require- trial zones are still being planned on greenfield areas ments. near communities. What is more, continued manage- As in the past, the species assistance programme for ment of remaining meadows is threatened as the the white stork remains an instrument for rapid, tar- profitability of various agricultural sectors continues geted protection measures ("fire department func- to decrease. These factors reduce or even eliminate tion") at nests and on particular areas. the species assistance programme's effectiveness in individual areas, since there is a lack of protection

BayLfU 156 (2001) 281 The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

Implementation of large-area protection concepts FIEDLER, G. & A. WISSNER (1980): Freileitungen als within Bavaria is being supported by work for the tödliche Gefahr for Störche (Ciconia ciconia). – "Stork 2000" action plan, within the "white stork pro- In: Verdrahtung der Landschaft: Aus- tection in Germany" programme, in which the most wirkungen auf die Vogelwelt. – Ökologie der important white stork habitats in all of Germany's Vögel, Vol. 2, special edition 1980. Länder are being inventoried (SCHULZ 1998). The aim of the project is to develop a national strategy for pro- FIEDLER, G. & A. WISSNER (1989): Weißstorch-Unfälle tecting the white stork, with specific area set-asides an Freileitungen und Abhilfemaßnahmen. – and protection recommendations. In: RHEINWALD, G., J. OGDEN & H. SCHULZ (ed.) (1989): Weißstorch – White Stork. Proc. I. Int. Stork Conerv. Sympos. Schriftenreihe DDA 10: 423-424. 6 Summary KAATZ, C. (1998): Mitteilungsblatt 90/98 der BAG The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is facing extinction Weißstorchschutz. – Naturschutzbund in Bavaria. This national bird of Germany has suffered Germany e.V. drastic population decreases in this century. Within only 50 years, its population has declined by over 75 %. KÖPPEN, U. (1996): Der Weißstorch (Ciconia ciconia) This decline is due primarily to intensification of agri- als Hiddensee-Ringvogel – Ergebnisse aus drei culture, via use of artificial fertilisers and mechanisa- Jahrzehnten und aktuelle Trends. – In: KAATZ, tion. The extensive meadow landscapes of the past C. & M. KAATZ (Hrsg.) (1996): Jubiläumsband have been transformed into agrarian steppes. Within white stork – Jubilee Edition White Stork. – riparian areas, meadows have been so intensively fer- Tagungsbandreihe des Storchenhofes Loburg tilised and cultivated that they now provide hardly im MRLU-LSA, 3.Bd, p. 134-140. any food for storks. In addition, land has been lost through a wide range of intervention measures. NITSCHE, G. (1989): Bestandsentwicklung des The species assistance programme for the protection Weißstorchs (Ciconia ciconia) in Bavaria 1980 and promotion of white stork populations in Bavaria bis 1988. – Schr.- R. Bayer. Landesamt für was established in 1984, on the basis of a research Umweltschutz 95 (Beiträge zum Artenschutz project, and it has carried out a range of measures, 8): 167-173. including ongoing monitoring. Measures to protect the white stork, as foreseen by the programme, RICHARZ, K. & M. HORMANN (1997): Wie kann das include providing an optimal range of nesting sites Vogelschlagrisiko an Freileitungen einge- and ensuring that birds can land safely at their nests. schätzt und minimiert werden? – Entwurf Most significantly, they include improving the white eines Forderungskataloges für den Natur- stork's habitats by means of the various strategies schutzvollzug. – Vogel und Umwelt. Zeitschrift described above. für Vogelkunde und Naturschutz in Hessen (special edition, Vögel und Freileitungen) 9: In the long term, therefore, measures at individual 263-271. nesting sites must go hand-in-hand with protection of complex wet grassland habitats, in riparian meadows. SCHULZ, H. (1989): Der Zug des Weißstorchs (Ciconia This may require conversion of existing support pro- ciconia) – Ergebnisse eines WWF-Forschungs- grammes as well as the creation of a new pro- projektes. – Schr.-R. Bayer. Landesamt für gramme. In any case, programmes must be integrat- Umweltschutz 92 (Beiträge zum Artenschutz ed with other interests – for example, those of the 8): 77-85. water resources sector – and must be more effectively integrated in regional planning and relevant imple- SCHULZ, H.(1998): Projekt "Storch 2000” Aktionsplan mentation. "Weißstorchschutz in Deutschland”. – NABU Institut für Wiesen und Feuchtgebiete. Bergenhusen. (unpub.)

7 Literature STURM, P. (o. J.): Artenhilfsprogramme für bedrohte Tier- und Pflanzenarten – Einführung in die BAUER, K. M. & U. N. GLUTZ VON BLOTZHEIM (1966): Thematik. – In: Artenhilfsprogramme für stark Handbuch der Vögel Mitteleuropas. – bedrohte Tier- und Pflanzenarten, Seminar am Akademische Verlagsgesellschaft. Wiesbaden. 21. November 1995 in Wackersdorf. Schr.-R. Vol. 1, p. 388-415. Bayer. Landesamt für Umweltschutz.

BURNHAUSER, A. (1983): Zur ökologischen Situation des Weißstorchs in Bavaria: Brutbestand, Biotopansprüche, Schutz und Möglichkeiten der Bestandserhaltung und Bestandsverbesser- ung. – Schlussbericht zum Forschungsvorha- ben des Bayerischen Landesamtes for Umwelt- schutz: 488 p. (unpub.).

282 BayLfU 156 (2001) The "White Stork" Species Assistance Programme

VEREINIGUNG DEUTSCHER ELEKTIRZITÄTSWERKE – VDEW e.V. (1991): Vogelschutz an Starkstrom- Freileitungen mit Nennspannungen über 1 kV. Erläuterungen zu Abschnitt 8.10 "Vogelschutz" der Bestimmung DIN VDE 0210/12.85. – Ver- lags- und Wirtschaftsgesellschaft der Elektrizi- tätswerke m.b.H. – VWEW, 2. Auflage 1991.

WERRES, W. (1989): Feuchtwiesenschutz in Nieder- bayern – Stand des Wiesenbrüterprogramms und Gedanken zu seiner Fortentwicklung. – Schr.-R. Bayer. Landesamt für Umweltschutz 95 (Beiträge zum Artenschutz 9): 153- .

WÜST, W. (Hrsg.) (1981): Avifauna Bavariae Band I. p. 174-187. Munich.

Author's address:

Oda Wieding Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern (e.V.) Verband für Arten- und Biotopschutz (LBV) Eisvogelweg 1 D–91161 Hilpoltstein

The present article is based mainly on a manuscript prepared in January 2000.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 283 2.3.2 SPECIES PROTECTION ment and the country's 16 Länder presents a special problem, however (BOYE et al. 2000). 2.3.2.1 Legal measures All of the AEWA species are protected by the EU Bird Directive (79/409/EEC). Ger- many's most important national strategy Re 2.1: Has a national policy/strategy or for protecting waterbirds is to implement legislation to protect and conserve spe- this directive in conjunction with the cies covered by the Agreement (Table 1: Fauna, Flora and Habitats Directive column A; column B) and their support- (92/43/EEC). ing important areas been developed? a: What are the main features of the policy/legislation?

In Germany, waterbird protection is cen- The most important measure for protec- trally integrated within general protection tion of migratory waterbird species is to for natural assets and biodiversity (Arts. 1 set aside areas, pursuant to Art. 33 and 2 Federal Nature Conservation Act - BNatSchG (Art. 4 (1) and (2) of the EU Bird BNatSchG): "The natural and historically Directive), as "Special Protected Areas" grown variety of wild fauna ... shall be (SPA). This enables the most suitable – in conserved since they are a part of the bal- terms of size and numbers of birds har- ance of nature". This includes comprehen- boured – breeding, moulting and winter- sive legislation – standardisation of which ing areas, as well as resting and flyway is planned in the form of an environmen- areas, to be placed under special protec- tal code – and a range of special species tion. Such areas are part of the "Natura protection projects. The Länder are re- 2000" network pursuant to Arts. 33 ff. sponsible for such protection, and they BNatSchG and receive its protection. carry out most of the relevant specific nature conservation work. The Federal All plans, projects and actions that can sig- Government takes action in its capacity as nificantly undermine the protection aims an issuer of framework legislation (ADAMS for these areas are prohibited. Exceptions 2000). BOYE et al. (2000) provides a tabu- are permitted only where required by im- lar comparison of the various require- portant reasons relative to the common ments of AEWA, the EU Bird Directive and good and where suitable measures are the Ramsar Convention. taken to protect or restore the coherence of the Natura 2000 network. In such cases, In September 1998, the Federal Ministry an impact assessment must be carried out for the Environment, Nature Conservation (see Chap. 2.3.4.3). and Nuclear Safety (BMU) held a special conference to prepare implementation of For specially and strictly protected species, AEWA (HAUPT et al. 2000). This event in- the Federal Nature Conservation Act cluded intensive discussion of Germany's (BNatSchG) mandates comprehensive pro- possible strategy to realise the aims of hibitions on taking, disturbing, possessing AEWA. One of its results was the finding and selling the species. Such prohibitions that Germany's existing nature conserva- include injunctions against damaging or tion instruments provide the basis for a destroying bird nests. co-ordinated strategy for protection of waterbirds and wetlands. The division of com- petencies between the Federal Govern-

256 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

b: Which organisations are responsible Re 2.2: What legal measures or prac- for implementation? tices has your country developed to prohibit or regulate for the following? The relevant Länder agencies are responsible for carrying out specific relevant meas- a: Taking of, and trade in birds listed in ures to protect waterbirds. These agencies Column A and B of Table 1. define the specific aspects of protection in the various protected areas. Such actions Pursuant to Art. 10 (2) No. 10 b) bb) normally include designation of protected BNatSchG, all European bird species are areas (cf. Chap. 2.3.3.2), although they can classified as specially protected species. also include efforts within the framework of contractual nature conservation, outside In addition to being "specially protected the realm of formal set-aside of protected species", some waterbird species are also areas (cf. Chap. 1.2.3). "strictly protected species". Classification of a species as a strictly protected species re- c: How does it relate to other national sults either from its inclusion in Annex A initiatives (e.g. national Biodiversity of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation (Coun- Action Plans)? cil Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora They are part of the overall strategy for by regulating trade therein) or in Annex I conservation of the diversity of wild ani- of the Federal species protection ordinance mals and plants. (Bundesartenschutzverordnung). Table 2.3.2-1 lists the AEWA species that are included in Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation.

Protection of specially and strictly protected species is defined in Arts. 42 ff. BNatSchG. Pursuant to Art. 42 (1) BNatSchG, such species may not be taken, trapped, captured, injured, or killed, nor may their developmental forms, nests, breeding, living and refuge sites be removed from their natural surroundings, be damaged or be destroyed.

Moreover, the following prohibition also applies to all strictly protected species and

Tab. 2.3.2.1-1: Species that are listed in Annex A of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation and thus are strictly protected in Germany pursuant to the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), and for which obligations pursuant to AEWA apply.

Scientific name Common name Ciconia nigra Black stork Anas querquedula Garganey Aythya nyroca Ferruginous duck Branta ruficollis Red-breasted goose Grus grus Common crane

257 European bird species (including all native It is also prohibited to take, possess or waterbird species): such species must not process birds of specially and strictly pro- be disturbed, in their nesting, breeding, li- tected species or parts of such birds (eggs, ving and refuge sites, whether by visits, feathers, skins, products). Species subject photography, filming or other similar to hunting law, where not listed in An- actions. nexes A or B of EC Directive 338/97, are

Tab. 2.3.2.1-2: AEWA species that are strictly protected species pursuant to Annex 1 of the Federal species protection ordinance (Bundesartenschutzverordnung).

Scientific name Common name Gavia immer Great northern diver Podiceps grisegena Red-necked grebe Podiceps auritus Western grebe Ixobrychus minutus Little bittern Botaurus stellaris Eurasian bittern Ciconia ciconia White stork Cygnus cygnus Whooper swan Porzana parva Little crake Porzana porzana Spotted crake Recurvirostra avosetta Pied avocet Pluvialis apricaria European golden plover Charadrius hiaticula Ringed plover Charadrius dubius Little ringed plover Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish plover Eudromias morinellus Dotterel Vanellus vanellus Northern lapwing Gallinago media Great snipe Gallinago gallinago Common snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Jack snipe Limosa limosa Black-tailed godwit Numenius arquata Western curlew Tringa totanus Common redshank Tringa stagnatilis Marsh sandpiper Tringa ochropus Green sandpiper Tringa glareola Wood sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Common sandpiper Calidris alpina Dunlin Philomachus pugnax Ruff Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked phalarope Sterna nilotica Gull-billed tern Sterna caspia Caspian tern Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich tern Sterna dougallii Roseate tern Sterna hirundo Common tern Sterna paradisaea Arctic tern Sterna albifrons Little tern Chlidonias niger Black tern

258 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

subject to similar restrictions under the l the competent enforcing authority, Federal game protection ordinance after consultation with the scientific (Bundeswildschutzverordnung). authority, has determined that no further species-protection issues stand in Native waterbird species are subject to the the way of the import. restrictions on trade set forth in the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation (Regulation (EC) Imports of Annex A species may be per- No. 338/97), if they are listed in Annexes mitted only for purposes of advancement A or B of the Regulation. Species not cov- of scientific knowledge or for fundamental ered by the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation biomedical purposes. Furthermore, such are subject to restrictions on sale set forth species may be imported solely for purpos- in the Federal Game Protection Ordinance es of breeding and reproduction, or of (Bundeswildschutzverordnung), if they are research and education, that support the species subject to hunting law, pursuant to species' survival. Where the relevant Art. 2 (1) of the Federal Hunting Act. species' survival is not endangered, speci- Otherwise, the restrictions on trade set mens may also be imported for other pur- forth in Art. 42 (2) Federal Nature Conser- poses. vation Act (BNatSchG) apply. Art. 4 of Re- gulation 338/97, which is binding for the The competent authorities may issue addi- entire European Community, regulates tional restrictions on imports of Annex A imports, into the European Union, of the species. species listed in the Regulation's four annexes. To import a species listed in Annex Permits for imports of Annex B species, A of the Regulation, the importer must like permits for imports of Annex A present an import permit (among other species, may be issued only in cases in documents) to the competent import cus- which the Scientific Review Group has toms office. Import permits may be issued determined that import of the relevant only if: species will not impair the species' conservation status or its population's range. l the "Scientific Review Group" (SRG) has Other conditions on issue of import per- determined that import of the relevant mits include species will not impair the species' conservation status or its population's l proof that the relevant specimen, if it range, is a live animal, will be properly housed at its destination, l the applicant proves that the relevant specimens have been obtained in com- l proof that relevant specimens have pliance with legal provisions for protec- been obtained in compliance with tion of the relevant species, legal provisions for protection and survival of the relevant species, l the competent scientific authority has determined that, where a living speci- l the competent enforcing authority has men is concerned, suitable provisions determined that no further species-pro- have been made for the specimen's tection issues stand in the way of the housing, protection and care, import. l the competent enforcing authority has determined that the specimen is not to be used mainly for commercial purpo

259 To import Annex C species, the applicant tent authorities. Export permits for Annex must present an import notification and, A species may be issued only if if the relevant species originates in a country listed in connection with Annex 1. the competent authority has certified C, must present an export certification to in writing that removal of the speci- prove that the relevant species was men from nature, and its export, will obtained in compliance with the regula- not impair the relevant species' con- tions of the country of origin. If the rele- servation status or its population's vant species originates in a country not distribution, listed in connection with Annex C, the applicant must present an export or re- 2. the applicant proves that the relevant export certification or a certification of specimen was obtained in complian- origin. ce with applicable laws governing protection of the species (also applies To import Annex D species, the applicant to re-exported specimens), must present an import notification. 3. the enforcing authority has determi- Exports are regulated by Art. 5 of the EU ned that risks of injury during trans- Wildlife Trade Regulation (Regulation (EC) port have been reduced to a mini- No. 338/97). It mandates that to export or mum, re-export an Annex A species, the exporter must present customs clearance officials with an export permit from the compe-

Tab. 2.3.2.1-3: AEWA species listed in Annex A or B of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 338/97).

Scientific name Common name Annex Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian pelican A Casmerodius albus albus Great egret A Ciconia nigra Black stork A Geronticus eremita Hermit ibis A Platalea leucorodia leucorodia White spoonbill A Platalea leucorodia major White spoonbill (South American sub-species) A Phoenicopterus ruber roseus Greater flamingo A Phoenicopterus minor Lesser flamingo B Oxyura leucocephala White-headed duck A Branta ruficollis Red-breasted goose A Sarkididornis melanotos melanotos Comb duck B Anas querquedula Garganey A Aythya nyroca Ferruginous duck A Grus leucogeranus Great white crane A Grus virgo Demoiselle crane B Grus paradisea Blue crane B Grus carunculatus Wattled crane B Grus grus Common crane A Numenius tenuirostris Slender-billed curlew A

260 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

4. a) the enforcing authority has deter- Special provisions apply to import and mined that, where the species in export of products made from relevant question is not a species listed in species and acquired more than 50 years Annex I of the Convention on ago. International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna Special provisions, which are set forth in (CITES), the species intended for Art. 7, also apply to specimens born and export is not to be used primarily raised in captivity or artificially propagat- for commercial purposes, or ed.

b) for species listed in Annex I of CITES, the applicant possesses an b: Methods of taking import permit for the destination country, and Art. 12 Federal Species Protection Ordi- nance (Bundesartenschutzverordnung) pro- 5. the competent enforcing authority, hibits the use of the following means to after consultation with the scientific take, lure, capture or kill wild birds (see authority, has determined that no also Chapter 2.3.4.1.): further species-protection issues stand in the way of the export. l snares, nets, traps, hooks, glue and other adhesives, Where Annex A specimens are being re- exported, the exporter must also prove l use of live animal decoys, that the relevant specimens have been imported into the Community in compli- l crossbows, ance with the EU Wildlife Trade Regula- tion (Regulation (EC) No. 338/97) and must l artificial light sources, mirrors or other present the relevant import certifications. devices for illuminating or blinding,

In cases of export and re-export of speci- l sound-emitting, electrical or electronic mens listed in Annexes B and C, the ex- devices, porter must show the relevant customs- clearance office an export permit or re- l gas, smoke or poisons, poison or tran- export permit from the competent enforc- quilliser baits or other means of tran- ing authority. Permits for export of Annex quillising, A species may be issued only if the conditions listed above in 1), 2), 3) and 5) have l semi-automatic or automatic weapons been met. Permits for re-export of Annex with magazines that can hold more A species may be issued only if the condi- than two cartridges, or night-vision tions listed above in 3) and 5) have been equipment, with electronic image met. Where specimens are to be re-export- amplifiers or converters, that makes ed that were imported into another EU night-firing possible, Member State, the competent scientific authorities must consult with each other l explosives, regarding the import permit. l vehicles or aircraft, or boats capable of speeds over 5 km/h.

Violations are subject to fines of up to 10,000 (20,000 DM).

261 c: Setting of taking limits and monitor- scoter (Melanitta fusca). Taking of these ing these limits. species from their natural environments is seasonally restricted, but no bag limits No taking limits have been set for water- have been established. birds in Germany. This also applies to the hunting sector (see Chapter 2.3.4.1). Special permits for exceptions are not required under German law.

d: Sustainable hunting of species listed Exceptions to species-protection provisions in Column A, Categories 2 and 3 (and of nature conservation law are oriented to marked with an asterisk). Art. 20g Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) and are tied to that article's No hunting is permitted of species listed conditions, which conform to the provi- in Column A and occurring in Germany. sions of number 2.1.3 of the AEWA action The Federal Hunting Season Ordinance plan. (Bundesjagdzeitenverordnung) does not differentiate the central-European population of the greylag goose (Anser anser), where members of this population are present in Germany during migration, from other greylag goose populations. Geese of these populations are game animals and may be hunted, in certain Länder, at certain times (see Chapter 2.3.4.1). Such hunting is not centrally controlled.

e: Exemptions to the provisions set out in paragraphs 2.1.1-3

All of the populations listed in Column A are either specially protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) (see above) or are game species with a year-round off season (see Chapter 2.3.4.1). The only exceptions are the light-bellied brent goose (Branta bernicla hrota), which also occurs in Germany, and the central European / north African population of the greylag goose ( Anser anser anser). For the following Column B species, at least one German state (Land) has established a hunting season (see Chapter 2.3.4.1): mute swan (Cygnus olor), bean goose (Anser fabalis), brent goose (Branta bernicla), common pochard (Aythya ferina), northern pintail (Anas acuta), Garganey (Anas querquedula), black scoter (Melanitta nigra) and velvet

262 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.2.2 Single Species Action Plans In Germany, the Länder (states) are responsible for preparing the national single-species action plans. However, precise, conclusive definition of the waterbird pop- Re 2.3: Of the species covered by the ulations for which Germany is required to Agreement (species listed in Table 1: prepare such plans was not possible until column A), which spend part or all of the completed version of Table 1 of Annex their life history in your country, which 3 of the Agreement, which version was have formal international or national adopted at the 1st Meeting of the Parties Single Species Action Plans (and which in 1999, was available. plans are proposed, in preparation or being implemented)? Please append a Amendments to the Agreement made by list of species and their action plan sta- resolutions of the Meetings of the Parties tus. have to be transposed into national law in order to become applicable in Germany. Work to prepare national single-species action plans for the Eurasian bittern (Bo- Germany is required to prepare national taurus stellaris) and the gull-billed tern single-species action plans for 17 of the (Sterna n. nilotica) began in early 2002, populations listed in Table 1, column A of during the implementation phase for reso- the AEWA Action Plan. These populations lutions taken at the Cape Town Meeting of are listed in Tab. 2.3.2.2-1. the Parties. The state of Brandenburg is directing preparation of the species action plan for the Eurasian bittern. Schleswig-

Tab. 2.3.2.2-1: AEWA populations listed in Table 1, column A for which Germany is required to prepare national single-species action plans.

Common name Scientific name. Population Cat. Purple heron Ardea p. purpurea West Mediterranean 2 Gr. Eurasian bittern Botaurus s. stellaris Europe (breeding) 3c Black stork Ciconia nigra C & E Europe (breeding) 2 White spoonbill Platalea leucorodia leucorodia E Atlantic 1c Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber roseus West Mediterranean 3a Greylag goose Anser anser anser C Europe/N Africa 2* Brent goose Branta bernicla hrota Svalbard/DK & UK 1c Red-crested pochard Netta rufina SW & C Europe/W Mediterranean 2* Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca E Europe/ 1a 1b 3c E Mediterranean & Africa Smew Mergellus albellus NW & C Europe (win) 3a European Pluvialis apricaria UK, IRL, DK & DE (breeding) 3c* golden plover Kentish plover Charadrius a. alexandrinus E Atlantic 3c Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus Europe (breeding) (3c)* Dunlin Calidris alpina schinzii Baltic Sea, UK & IRL 3c Gull-billed tern Sterna n. nilotica W Europe/W Africa 2 Caspian tern Sterna caspia caspia Europe (breeding) 1c Little tern Sterna a. albifrons E Atlantic (breeding) 3b

263 Holstein is managing work on the action The German Federal Government is cur- plan for the gull-billed tern. Experience rently attempting, within the framework gained through this work will enter into of relevant European Union bodies, and in preparation of additional national single- co-operation with other range states, to species action plans. initiate similar effective measures for populations of this species. AEWA require- The case of the European golden plover ments, which call for a range of graduated (Pluvialis apricaria), of which two AEWA measures for both European golden plover populations occur in Germany, presents a populations, will play a central role in special situation. The north-European pop- these efforts. ulation crosses the country along the coast and over inland regions, on its migrations to and from its wintering areas. Lower Saxony harbours the last German breeding pairs of the southern population. In that state, the birds are threatened by changes in their habitats, and thus the state is making intensive efforts to protect them. At the same time, the European golden plover is still hunted in other European Union Member States. Further west – for example, in France – birds that breed in Germany share their resting and wintering areas with members of the north- European population. As a result of such hunting, the southern population of the European golden plover has been marked with an asterisk in Table 1 of the AEWA Action Plan, with the result that for this population an international single-species action plan must also be prepared.

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), in co-operation with the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), commissioned Wetlands Internatio- nal to prepare a report on the status of the European golden plover. In its structure and content, this report, which was presented in 2001, is oriented to the "AEWA Conservation Guidelines" recommendations. The information compiled here provides a basis for further protection and management measures.

264 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.2.3 Emergency measures controlling pollution and reducing its effects.

Pursuant to Art. 7, parties to the agree- Re 2.4: Describe any bilateral or multi- ment can call on each other, when affect- lateral co-operative action that your ed by unexpected sea pollution, for sup- country has undertaken to develop and port in response. Also pursuant to Art. 7, implement emergency measures to con- states called on for assistance are required serve species in response to unfavour- to provide assistance in keeping with their able or endangering conditions occur- technical resources. ring in the Agreement area. Below the level of the Bonn Agreement, the Federal Republic of Germany has concluded additional agreements, with The Federal Republic of Germany is obli- Denmark and the Netherlands, to guard gated, via a number of agreements, to co- against sea pollution. operate in emergency response to incidents, in the North Sea, in the Baltic Sea The "Netherlands-German Joint Maritime and in trans-boundary rivers, that threaten Contingency Plan on Combating Oil and flora and fauna. This also applies to situa- other Harmful Substances (NETHGER- tions that threaten populations of species Plan)" provides for close co-operation in (pursuant to 2.3 of the AEWA Action Plan) combating sea pollution. Pursuant to point that fall under AEWA. 1.4 of the NETHGER-Plan, the Netherlands and Germany consider themselves mutual- ly responsible for combating threats and PROVISIONS FOR CO-OPERATION occurrences of pollution in the area cov- IN CASE OF INCIDENTS IN THE ered by the agreement, regardless of the NORTH SEA AREA. In the interest of degrees to which they are separately joint protection of the North Sea against affected. Similar provisions apply under pollution, the countries bordering the the DENGER-Plan that Germany and North Sea – Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Denmark have put in place. the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and the European Union – concluded the Bonn Agreement for co-opera- PROVISIONS FOR CO-OPERATION tion in dealing with pollution of the IN CASE OF INCIDENTS IN THE North Sea by oil and other harmful sub- BALTIC SEA. The Helsinki Convention stances. (Helcom - Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea This agreement requires the parties to pro- area), which all countries bordering the vide mutual assistance and information in Baltic Sea are parties to, is similar to the order to minimise pollution of the North Bonn Agreement for the North Sea. The Sea. Convention's most important purpose (as set forth in Art. 4) is to protect the marine Pursuant to Arts. 3 and 4, the parties are environment of the Baltic Sea area. to inform each other about their specific organisations and measures for pollution Pursuant to Article 3, the contracting par- prevention, and to inform each other as to ties have the fundamental obligation of their competent authorities for managing taking all possible measures to jointly pre- unexpected pollution events. A common vent and combat sea pollution. Pursuant high standard of information is to be to Art. 13, whenever a pollution incident achieved via exchange of research find- in the territory of a contracting party is ings, knowledge and experience relative to likely to cause pollution to the marine

265 environment of the Baltic Sea Area, the area in order to provide assistance there contracting party must notify without in case of any mishaps. delay the other contracting parties whose interests are affected or are likely to be The aforementioned multi-purpose ships affected. Art. 14 of the Convention obli- have the following equipment for combat- gates the contracting parties to combat ing maritime pollution: pollution threats, either individually or jointly. l Systems for collecting oil and separating it from water, Annex VII (Response to pollution incidents) of the Helsinki Convention contains l Tanks for holding oil and chemicals, further provisions regarding the obligations of the contracting parties. These obli- l Sonar for locating sunken containers gations include (such as chemical containers),

l taking suitable measures that enable l Towing winches, the contracting parties to respond effectively to pollution incidents (for l Fire-fighting equipment, example, with trained personnel and suitable equipment), l Cranes,

l in keeping with their technical means, l Oil barriers and co-operate with other contracting parties in combating pollution, In connection with the multi-purpose ships, the Federal Ministry of Transport, l prepare detailed national contingency Building and Housing (BMVBW) has plans, as well as bilateral and multilate- acquired two special aircraft for air surveil- ral plans with other contracting par- lance in the North Sea and Baltic Sea ties, as appropriate, for response when areas. The two DO 228 aircraft are pollution incidents are likely to occur, equipped with special sensors for detecting pollutants, and thus can monitor l co-operate in surveillance of the Baltic North Sea and Baltic Sea areas from the Sea area (also in order to spot and air and locate ships that illegally discharge monitor intentional releases of pollu- harmful substances into the sea. The air- tants into the sea) and craft gather constant streams of data that they can forward to the multi-purpose l endeavour to establish response regions ships, to facilitate effective response to pol- outside of national boundaries. lution incidents.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CON- VENTION FROM THE GERMAN PERSPECTIVE. In connection with the above agreements, two multi-purpose ships are constantly on patrol in the Ger- man North Sea area, in order to provide rapid assistance in case of mishaps. In addition to these ships, a blue-water tug boat, chartered by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing (BMVBW), is constantly on call. A multi-purpose ship is also stationed in the German Baltic Sea

266 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

When coastal radio stations or the Mari- PROVISIONS FOR CO-OPERATION time Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) IN CASES OF INCIDENTS ON in Bremen report a pollution incident, a TRANS-BOUNDARY RIVERS. To pro- detailed contingency plan is put into tect trans-boundary European rivers, con- action (Federal Waterway and Shipping cerned states have established "Internatio- Administration (WSV), 2001). nal Commissions". The Federal Republic of Germany is a member of commissions for Reports of pollution incidents go directly the trans-boundary rivers Oder, Rhine, to a central reporting station ("Zentraler Elbe, Danube, Moselle and Saar. The com- Meldekopf") in Cuxhaven. This station missions established for the above rivers assesses the gravity of the incident and are determines the resulting competence. For incidents in which l International Commission for the Pro- tection of the Elbe (IKSE), location: l the volume of oil spilt into the open Magdeburg, sea is less than 50 m3, or, l International Commission for the Pro- l the volume of oil spilt in shoreline and tection of the Rhine (IKSR), location: coastal areas is less than 10 m3, or Koblenz, l the volume of oil spilt in shipping l International Commission for the Pro- lanes is less than 5 m3, or, tection of the Danube (IKSD), location: Vienna, l when no sensitive water body is affected, l International Commission for the Pro- tection of the Oder (IKSO), location: measures to combat the maritime pollu- Wroclaw, tion are taken at the local level, by the Länder. l International Commission for the Pro- tection of the Moselle and the Saar In cases of incidents in which one of the (IKSMS), location: Trier aforementioned thresholds is exceeded, or other substances have been released into These commissions are charged with mon- the water, a group consisting of Federal itoring water quality in the relevant rivers. and Länder representatives meets in order When certain threshold values are exceed- to co-ordinate measures to combat the ed – for example, when accidents occur on resulting pollution. the rivers, warning and alerting plans go into effect, providing for forwarding of in- A "Maritime Response Control Centre" formation to the responsible national ("Maritimes Lagezentrum"), with perma- authorities. The agencies responsible for nent decision-making authority, is current- combating water pollution from pollution ly being established. incidents include fire departments, Tech- nisches Hilfswerk (technical assistance agency) and the relevant waterway and shipping administrations.

267 2.3.2.4 Species re-establishments issued scientific "Recommendations for the re-establishment of endangered animals" (NOWAK 1982). Its core statements are still valid and are found at the international Re 2.5: Has a policy on species re-estab- level, in more recent guidelines (for exam- lishments been developed in your coun- ple, IUCN 2001). It should be noted that try? If yes, please outline the main fea- these recommendations are not legally tures of the policy and give details of binding in Germany, however. any re-establishment programmes for species covered by the Agreement. Pursuant to NOWAK (1982), the following aspects must be taken into account in re- establishment of animal species, aspects that largely agree with the requirements Planning of re-establishments, like efforts set forth in 2.4 of the AEWA Action Plan: to deal with neozoa (see Chap. 2.3.2.5), must take account of Art. 39 of the Fe- 1. Re-establishments may be considered deral Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). only for species that, in spite of acti- Pursuant to this provision, the tasks of spe- ve, intensive efforts to protect their cies protection include establishment of remaining populations, are unable displaced wild animals and plants in suit- (and will remain so in the foreseeable able biotopes within their natural ranges. future) to re-populate their former range areas naturally. Art. 41 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) makes establishment of all 2. Any re-establishment should be prece- animal species – especially including non- ded by studies to determine the rea- native species – subject to permit require- sons for the disappearance or decline ments. As a result, re-establishments are of the relevant species. subject to the approval of the competent Länder authorities. 3. Re-establishments must take place within the relevant species' current Since the Federal Nature Conservation Act or historical ranges and in suitable is a framework act, the Länder may enact biotopes. further provisions relative to re-establishments. The competent Länder authorities 4. Before animals are re-established, are also responsible for re-establishment release sites must be carefully selec- projects. ted for optimal suitability, and any threats must be eliminated and targe- In addition to provisions of the Federal ted management measures must be Nature Conservation Act, provisions of carried out. hunting law also apply, where possible re- establishments involve game animal 5. A forecast of the success of the plan- species (cf. Art. 28 Federal Hunting Act ned re-establishment project must be (BJagdG)). prepared, making use of scientific methods and comparable experience, In 1981 in Germany, the predecessor to and analysing all possible consequen- the Federal Agency for Nature Conserva- ces of the re-establishment (econo- tion, the Federal Research Institute for Na- mic, epizootic, ecological). ture Conservation and Landscape Ecology,

268 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

6. The local public and all relevant inte- 13 Projects should be appropriately limi- rest groups must be informed about ted in duration, to ensure that re- the aims and procedures of the plan- leases do not continue permanently ned project, in the interest of obtai- without any chance of real re-esta- ning such stakeholders' approval or blishment. support. 14. All relevant efforts must be carefully 7. No measures may be used that cont- documented. The resulting records radict other nature conservation aims should be available for scientific ana- – for example, measures to cull or lysis. exterminate populations of other species are not permitted. 15. Re-establishments should take place in two phases: 8. Procurement and release of the relevant species must conform to applica- a) first, in a closely limited area, until ble laws (capture permit, CITES, it is known whether true re-esta- import-export regulations, animal- blishment is possible and then, if welfare law – and, possibly, require- so, ments to obtain a release permit, etc.). b) and if suitable biotopes are present, at several points throughout 9. Animals should be released only if the species' former range. they are taxonomically and ecologically identical – or at least similar – 16. Member States should co-ordinate, to the former population. and agree on, re-establishments internationally. 10. Animals may not be taken, for re-establishment purposes, from populations that would be endangered by such Regeneration of habitats, to permit natu- taking. ral re-establishment, is even more important than re-establishment of waterbird 11. In carrying out of re-establishments, species that used to live in certain land- the following must be observed: scapes (see Chapter 2.3.3.2 and Chap. 2.3.3.3). a) suitable preparation must be made in order to facilitate the animals' adjustment to their new habitat,

b) the animals must be able to beha- ve in a natural way,

c) the animals must be able to increase their numbers rapidly.

12. Re-established animals must be continually supported and monitored until they are integrated within the local biocoenosis.

269 2.3.2.5 Introduction of non-native At the national level in Germany, the species Federal Nature Conservation Act (Bundes- naturschutzgesetz – BNatSchG) regulates introduction of neozoa that could have negative impacts on native animal species. Re 2.6: Has your country developed and Pursuant to Art. 41 (2) of this act, non- implemented legal measures to prohib- native animals and plants may be reit the introduction of non-native spe- leased or introduced only with the appro- cies? Please provide details, particular- val of the competent authority in the Land ly describing measures to control the (state) concerned. Such approval must be release or introduction of non-native denied, if the release or introduction Wood Duck species (please indicate which species could lead to interbreeding with native and their status). animal and plant species or could endanger native species' populations or distributions.

Legal provisions and guidelines to prevent The provisions of the Federal Nature threats to native wild plant and animal Conservation Act Art. 41 (2) are framework species, through introduction of non-na- provisions that must be implemented by tive species, can be divided into the fol- the Länder. Other laws that regulate lowing categories: provisions of interna- releases of non-native species in Germany tional agreements, provisions of European include the Federal Hunting Act (Bundes- directives and regulations and provisions jagdgesetz), the Animal Welfare Act (Tier- of national law. schutzgesetz) and the fisheries laws of the Länder. Like CMS (Art. III 4. c)) and AEWA (Art. III 2. (g)), the Bern Convention (Art II (2) b)) Measures and controls to prevent introduc- and the Convention on Biological Diversity tion and release of non-native species are are international agreements that man- difficult to put into practice. Normally, date efforts to prevent or that prohibit such introduction can be prevented only introduction of non-native species. At the at national borders and airports, i.e. at European level, the EU Wildlife Trade Re- points where customs officials carry out gulation (Regulation (EC) No. 338/97) can random and spot checks. In German sea- provide a basis for prohibiting introduc- ports, introduced species can be discov- tion of non-native species when such intro- ered only through random checks. duction must be considered to present a threat to native animal species. Animal enclosures and aviaries can also be sources of introduction of non-native spe- The EU Wildlife Trade Regulation has a cies. Legal provisions that permit control direct effect on national laws. By contrast, of animal enclosures and aviaries (as set the EC Bird Directive (79/409/EEC), which forth in 2.5.2 of the AEWA Action Plan), requires transposition into national law, are in place. simply calls on Member States to ensure that any introduction of wild bird species Table 1 lists non-native waterbirds found does not have a negative effect on native to have become well-established in Ger- bird species (Art. 11). many. "Well-established" in this context means that the species have reproduced within the last 25 years, or within three generations, without influx of additional individuals from their country of origin or from captivity (GEBHARDT et al. 1998).

270 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Tab. 2.3.2.5-1: List of waterbird neozoa that have become well-established in Germany (pursuant to BAUER & BEZZEL 2001).

Scientific name Common name Origin Reason established Status

Branta canadensis Canada goose NorthAmerica Introduced Breeding bird Alopochen aegyptiacus Egyptian goose Africa Escaped from parks Breeding bird Aix galericulata Mandarin duck East Asia Escaped from parks, es- Local caped from captivity breeder

Tab. 2.3.2.5-2: List of waterbird neozoa that have not yet become well-established in Germany (pursuant to BAUER & BEZZEL 2001, supplemented within information from BEZZEL 1985).

Scientific name Common name Origin Reason Status established Phoenicopterus ruber Greater flamingo Mediterranean Escaped from Attempting & north Africa captivity to breed Phoenicopterus chilensis Chilean flamingo South Escaped from Attempting America captivity to breed Cygnus atratus Black swan Australia Released Breeding colonies Anser cygnoides Swan goose East Asia Escaped from Breeding captivity colonies Branta bernicla Brent goose Northern Escaped from ? Europe captivity Branta leucopsis Barnacle goose Northern Escaped from Locally bree- Europe captivity ding in SH Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy shelduck South-west Escaped from Breeding Asia captivity irregularly Cygnus cygnus Whooper swan Northern Unknown ? Europe Anser indicus Bar-headed goose Central Asian Escaped from Isolated bree- uplands captivity, park bird ding colonies

Anser brachyrhynchus Pink-footed goose Greenland, Unknown ? Iceland Anser caerulescens Snow goose North Escaped from Breeding America captivity observed Cairina moschata Muscovy duck South Released, escaped No breeding America from captivity observed to date Aix sponsa Wood duck America Escaped from In 20th centu- captivity ry breeding at Lake Constance Calonetta leucophrys Ringed teal South Escaped from Not yet bree- America captivity ding in Germany Oxyura jamaicensis Ruddy duck North Escaped from In 2001 first in- America captivity stance of breeding in Germany 271 With regard to the ruddy duck (listed in 2.3.3 BIOTOP PROTECTION Table 2), whose appearance has had a negative impact on populations of the white- headed duck, the Standing Committee of 2.3.3.1 Habitat inventories the Bern Convention recommends (recommendation no. 61 (1997)) the development of national programmes that can include measures to eliminate the ruddy duck (see also 2.5.3 AEWA Action Plan). Re 3.1: Has your country developed and published inventories of important habitats for species covered by the Agreement?

To date, no German Land has has developed and published an inventory of important habitats for species listed in Table 1 of the AEWA Action Plan (within the meaning of 3.1.1 of the AEWA Action Plan). Table 1 has comprised all AEWA species only since the 1st meeting of the parties (Cape Town, South Africa, 6-9 November 1999). National ratification of this amendment to the agreement had not been completed at the time the present publication was being prepared.

It is assumed that the existing EC special protection areas for birds and Ramsar areas are also the basic areas relevant for AEWA. MITLACHER (1997) has prepared an inventory of Ramsar areas.

Has your country undertaken a strategic review of sites to develop a national network of important sites or areas for species covered by the Agreement?

An R+D project is currently focusing intensively on this question and developing criteria for determining, in light of the abundance and distribution of relevant species, whether an adequate network of special protection areas has been established pursuant to the EC Bird Directive (see Chap. 1.3.3). It is expected that an overview of all protection areas to be set aside under that directive would also include all areas relevant for AEWA species. Ornithological associations have prepared a list of "Im- portant Bird Areas" that provides indica-

272 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

tions concerning areas that could be rele- of distributions of seabirds in the North vant for species listed in Table 1 of the Sea is currently being prepared (see Chap. agreement. Most of these areas are listed 1.2.2). Table 2.3.3.1-1 contains a list of in UNSELT et al. (2000). Areas on the Ger- German IBA, organised according to rele- man Baltic Sea coast have been updated vance for AEWA species. For each species, with respect to this list as it appears in this table includes all IBA of some impor- SKOV et al. (2000). SKOV et al. (1995) pro- tance for the species, in keeping with the vides an overview of North Sea areas that IBA criteria (the table is provided in some- is now somewhat out of date. A new atlas what more detailed form in the Annex).

Tab. 2.3.3.1-1 AEWA species and the IBAs in which the species occur with some importance (pursuant to UNSELT et al. 2000, SKOV et al. 2000 and SKOV et al. 1995).

Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Red-/Black-throated diver 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Mig. Gavia stellata / East German Bight G. arctica arctica Red-necked grebe 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Mig. Podiceps grisegena East German Bight grisegena Slavonian grebe 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Mig. Podiceps auritus auritus 288 Wismar Bight MV Mig. Little bittern 130 Wulfener Bruch ST Breed. Ixobrychus minutus 256 Isar valley: Gottfrieding-Plattling, BY Breed. minutus including Isar estuary 258 Main valley near Volkach: Fahr Dettelbach BY Br eed. 275 Aisch-Regnitz-Grund BY Breed. Eurasian bittern 30 Selent-Plön fish ponds SH Yr.-rd. Botaurus stellaris stellaris 117 Werderland HB Breed. 137 Havelland between Brandenburg BB Yr.-rd. and Potsdam 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB Yr.-rd. 146 Uckermark lakes area BB Yr.-rd. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Breed. 205 Oberlausitz heaths and ponds SN Yr.-rd. 255 Rötelsee pond area, including Regen-Aue BY Breed. 275 Aisch-Regnitz-Grund BY Yr.-rd. Black stork 26 Aukrug Nature Park SH Breed. Ciconia nigra 32 Sachsenwald SH Breed. 57 Feldberger-Woldegker Endmoräne MV Breed. 98 Ostenholzer Moor (fen) and NI Breed. Meissendorfer Teiche 126 Landgraben-Dumme lowlands ST Breed. 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB Breed. 146 Uckermark lakes area BB Breed. Continuation 164 Wet meadows and forests near Burbach NW Breed. 167 Medebacher Bight NW Breed.

273 Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Black stork 170 Kellerwald HE Breed Ciconia nigra 171 Burgwald HE Breed. Ciconia nigra 172 Vogelsberg HE Breed. 173 Rothaargebirge in Hesse HE Breed. 176 Waldeckisches Upland HE Breed. 194 Rhön Biosphere Reserve HE, BY, Breed. TH 202 Vessertal Biosphere Reserve TH Breed. 204 Ponds and Elbe meadows near Torgau SN Breed. 208 Erzgebirgskamm near Satzung SN Breed. 212 Fürstenau SN Breed. White stork 24 Eider-Treene-Sorge lowlands SH Breed. Ciconia ciconia ciconia 57 Feldberger-Woldegker Endmoräne MV Breed. 74 Viehmoor and Leiferder Teiche (ponds) NI 136 Spreewald BB Breed. 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB Breed. 149 Unteres Elbtal (lower Elbe valley) BB Breed. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Breed. 204 Ponds and Elbe meadows near Torgau SN Breed. Mute swan 17 East and south-east coast of Fehmarn: SH Winter Cygnus olor Puttgarden-Burgtiefe 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Yr.-rd. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Whooper swan 5 Schlei SH Winter Cygnus cygnus 13 Großer and Kleiner Binnensee (lakes) SH Winter 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Winter 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 106 Elbe lowlands, between Schnackenburg NI Winter and Lauenburg, and including Amt Neuhaus 119 Mittelwesermarsch (marsh along Weser River) HB Winter 124 Aland-Elbe lowlands ST Winter 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 149 Unteres Elbtal (lower Elbe valley) BB Mig. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Winter 157 dam on the Weser River), Schlüsselburg NW Winter 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Tundra swan 11 Warder See (lake) SH Mig. Cygnus columbianus 24 Eider-Treene-Sorge lowlands SH Mig. bewickii 25 Pinneberger Elbmarschen (Elbe marsh area) SH Mig. 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Mig. 48 Lewitz pond area MV Mig. 65 Untere Weser (lower Weser River) NI Winter 81 Groß Fullener Moor (fen) (fen) NI Winter 86 Wesuwer Brook NI Winter 89 Emstal NI Mig. 97 Untere Aller-Niederung (Aller River lowlands) NI Mig.

274 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Tundra swan 106 Elbe lowlands, between Schnackenburg and NI Winter Cygnus columbianus Lauenburg, and including Amt Neuhaus bewickii 107 Elbmarsch (Elbe marsh), from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 113 Ems lowlands, near Lathen NI Winter 115 Borgfelder Wümmewiesen HB Mig. 116 Blockland – Untere Wümme (lower HB Mig. Wümme) - West Hollerland 124 Aland-Elbe-Niederung ST Mig. 149 Unteres Elbtal (lower Elbe valley) BB Mig. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Winter 160 lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Mig. Bean goose 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter Anser fabalis fabalis / 27 Lauenburgische Seen Nature Park, SH Winter A. f. rossicus with Schaalsee area 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 53 Peenetalmoor and Anklamer Stadtbruch MV Mig. 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Mig. 68 Rheiderland NI Mig. 79 Klein- und Grossringer Wösten NI Mig. 81 Groß Fullener Moor (fen) NI Winter 86 Wesuwer Brook NI Winter 88 Leinetal near Salzderhelden NI Mig. 89 Emstal NI Mig. 101 Dümmer NI Mig. 106 Elbe lowlands, between Schnackenburg NI Winter and Lauenburg, and incl. Amt Neuhaus 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 112 Gandersum / Lange Maar NI Winter 113 Ems lowlands, near Lathen NI Mig. 120 Steckby-Lödderitzer Forst ST Winter 121 Zerbster Land ST Winter 124 Aland-Elbe lowlands ST Winter 125 Drömling bird sanctuary ST Winter 127 Milde-Niederung ST Winter 128 Elbaue Jerichow ST Winter 130 Wulfener Bruch ST Winter 132 Fiener Bruch ST, BB Winter 132 Fiener Bruch ST, BB Mig. 133 Salziger See ST Mig. 136 Spreewald BB Mig. 137 Havelland between Brandenburg BB Mig. and Potsdam 138 Oberes Rhinluch-Nauener Luch BB Mig. 140 Rietzer See BB Mig. 141 Peitzer Teiche, with the Bärenbrück pond BB Mig. area and Lasszinswiesen 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB Mig.

275 Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Bean goose 145 Unteres Rhinluch-Dreetzer See - BB Mig. Anser fabalis fabalis / Havelländisches Luch - Belziger A. f. rossicus Landschaftswiesen 148 Märkische Schweiz BB Mig. 149 Unteres Elbtal (lower Elbe valley) BB Mig. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Mig. 157 Dam on the Weser River, Schlüsselburg NW Winter 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter 181 Rhine meadows in Hesse HE Winter 203 Presseler Heidewald and Moorgebiet (fen area) SN Mig. 204 Ponds and Elbe meadows near Torgau SN Winter 205 Oberlausitz heaths and ponds SN Mig. 218 Hockenheimer Rheinbogen BW Winter 220 Kehl-Helmingen Rhine lowlands BW Mig. 221 Rhine: Greffern-Murgmündung- BW Winter Neuburgweiher 224 Neuenburg-Breisach Rhine lowlands BW Mig. 288 Wismar Bight MV Mig. White-fronted goose 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter Anser albifrons albifrons 27 Lauenburgische Seen Nature Park, SH Winter with Schaalsee area 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 53 Peenetalmoor and Anklamer Stadtbruch MV Mig. 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Winter 64 Terborg NI Mig. 66 Diked areas at the Weser estuary NI Mig. 68 Rheiderland NI Mig. 89 Emstal NI Mig. 90 Jadebusen NI Mig. 106 Elbe lowlands, between Schnackenburg NI Winter and Lauenburg, and incl. Amt Neuhaus 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 112 Gandersum/Lange Maar NI Winter 121 Zerbster Land ST Mig. 124 Aland-Elbe lowlands ST Mig. 128 Elbaue Jerichow ST Mig. 132 Fiener Bruch ST, BB Mig. 137 Havelland between Brandenburg BB Mig. and Potsdam 138 Oberes Rhinluch-Nauener Luch BB Mig. 140 Rietzer See BB Mig. 141 Peitzer Teiche, with the Bärenbrück BB Mig. pond area and Lasszinswiesen 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB Mig. 145 Unteres Rhinluch-Dreetzer See - BB Mig. Havelländisches Luch - Belziger Landschaftswiesen 148 Märkische Schweiz BB Mig.

276 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Species IBA No. Area Land Season

White-fronted goose 149 Unteres Elbtal (lower Elbe valley) BB Mig. Anser albifrons albifrons 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Mig. 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter 205 Oberlausitz heaths and ponds SN Mig. 288 Wismar Bight MV Mig. Greylag goose 11 Warder See (lake) SH Mig. Anser anser anser 15 Coastal lakes and fish ponds in SH Mig. south-west Fehmarn 25 Pinneberger Elbmarschen (Elbe marshes) SH Mig. 27 Lauenburgische Seen Nature Park, SH Winter with Schaalsee area 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Mig. 96 Krummhörn-Wesermarsch NI Mig. 101 Dümmer NI Winter 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 140 Rietzer See BB Mig. 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Mig. 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Mig. Barnacle goose 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Branta leucopsis 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 25 Pinneberger Elbmarschen (Elbe marshes) SH Mig. 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Winter 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Mig. 64 Terborg NI Mig. 68 Rheiderland NI Winter 94 Norden-Esens NI Winter 96 Krummhörn-Westermarsch NI Mig. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 112 Gandersum / Lange Maar NI Winter 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter Brent goose 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Branta bernicla bernicla / 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. B. b. hrota 3 Halligen Oland, Langeneß, SH Winter Nordstrandischmoor, Gröde and Hooge 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter Common shelduck 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Tadorna tadorna 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Winter 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter European wigeon 2 Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer SH Winter Anas penelope 2 Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer SH Mig. 3 Halligen Oland, Langeneß, SH Winter Nordstrandischmoor, Gröde and Hooge 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Mig. 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Winter 95 Wittmund-Wangerland NI Mig.

277 Species IBA No. Area Land Season

European wigeon 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. Anas penelope 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Gadwall 13 Großer and Kleiner Binnensee (lakes) SH Winter Anas strepera strepera 28 Kührener Teich and Lanker See SH Yr.-rd. 29 Wesseker See SH Mig. 30 Selent-Plön fish ponds SH Mig. 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Yr.-rd. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Mig. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Yr.-rd. 220 Kehl-Helmlingen Rhine lowlands BW Mig. 221 Rhine: Greffern-Murgmündung- BW Winter Neuburgweiher 222 Nonnenweiher-Kehl Rhine lowlands BW Mig. 223 Sasbach-Wittenweiher Rhine lowlands BW Mig. 226 Öpfinger Donaustausee, Rißniederung BW Winter and Rißtissener Kiesseen 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 254 Mittlere Isar-Stauseen bird sanctuary BY Winter 255 Rötelsee pond area, incl. Regen-Aue BY Mig. 257 Ismaning reservoir and fish ponds BY Mauser 263 Chiemsee BY Winter 264 Donau valley: Regensburg-Vilshofen BY Yr.-rd. 271 Lech-Donau-Winkel: Lechstausee Feldheim BY Winter and Donaustausee Bertholdsheim 282 Lower Inn: Haiming-Neuhaus, incl. BY Winter Neuhaus, Egglfing, Ering and Simbach reservoirs 288 Wismarbucht MV breed. Green-winged teal 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Anas crecca crecca 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 36 Mühlenberger Loch HH Mig. 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. 65 Untere Weser (lower Weser River) NI Winter 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 122 Helmesstausee Berga-Kelbra ST, TH Mig. 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. Mallard 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos Northern pintail 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Anas acuta 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. Northern shoveller 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Anas clypeata 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 13 Großer and Kleiner Binnensee (lakes) SH Winter 29 Wesseker See SH Mig. 36 Mühlenberger Loch HH Mig. 88 Leinetal near Salzderhelden NI Winter 92 Alfsee NI Winter 101 Dümmer NI Winter 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Yr.-rd.

278 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Northern shoveller 115 Borgfelder Wümmewiesen HB Mig. Anas clypeata 122 Helmesstausee Berga-Kelbra ST, TH Mig. 124 Aland-Elbe lowlands ST Mig. 138 Oberes Rhinluch-Nauener Luch BB Mig. 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Mig. 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter 162 Rieselfelder Münster NW Mig. 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 257 Ismaning reservoir and fish ponds BY Moult. 261 Altmühl valley: Ornbau-Gunzenhausen BY Mig. Red-crested pochard 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. Netta rufina 242 Überling Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 257 Ismaning reservoir and fish ponds BY Moult. 257 Ismaning reservoir and fish ponds BY Mig. 262 Ammersee Lake BY breed. 263 Chiemsee Lake BY Mig. 276 Starnberger See BY Winter Common pochard 5 Schlei SH Winter Aythya ferina 13 Großer and Kleiner Binnensee (lakes) SH Winter 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 157 dam on the Weser River, Schlüsselburg NW Winter 181 Rhine meadows in Hesse HE Mig. 204 Ponds and Elbe meadows near Torgau SN Yr.-rd. 226 Öpfinger Donaustausee, Rißniederung BW Winter and Rißtissener Kiesseen 227 Obersee: Konstanzer Bucht area and BW Winter neighbouring Seerhein 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 242 Überling Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 257 Ismaning reservoir and fish ponds BY Moult. 263 Chiemsee BY Winter 266 Donau-Auen: Neu-Ulm Lauingen incl. BY Moult. Faiminger Stausee, Donaumoos and Gundelfinger Moos Ferruginous duck 47 Kuhlrader Moor and Röggeliner See MV breed. Aythya nyroca 186 Rothenbachteich HE Mig. 191 Affoldern dam HE Mig. 192 Mittlere Horloffaue HE Mig. 261 Altmühl valley: Ornbau-Gunzenhausen BY Mig. 277 Main valley: Eltmann-Hassfurt BY Winter 279 Main valley near Schweinfurt BY Mig. 280 Alter und Neuer See bird sanctuary BY Mig. Tufted duck 4 Flensburg inner and outer firth SH Winter Aythya fuligula 5 Schlei SH Winter 6 South shore of Eckernförder Bight SH Winter 9 Selenter See (lake) SH Mauser 10 Großer Plöner See (lake) SH Winter 17 East and south-east coast of Fehmarn: SH Winter Puttgarden-Burgtiefe

279 Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Tufted duck 18 East bay of Fehmarn Sound: Burger SH Winter Aythya fuligula Binnensee-Grossenbroder Binnenhafen 22 Brodtener Ufer: Niendorf-Travemünde SH Winter 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter 27 Lauenburgische Seen Nature Park, SH Moult. with Schaalsee area 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 227 Obersee: Konstanzer Bucht area with BW Winter neighbouring Seerhein 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 242 Überling Lake part of Lake Constance BW Mig. 262 Ammersee Lake BY Winter 263 Chiemsee Lake BY Winter 286 Sagasbank and east coast of Oldenburg SH Winter 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Greater scaup 4 Flensburg inner and outer firth SH Winter Aythya marila marila 6 South shore of Eckernförder Bight SH Winter 8 Probstei coast: Laboe Hubertsberg SH Winter 13 Großer and Kleiner Binnensee (lakes) SH Winter 17 East and south-east coast of Fehmarn: SH Mig. Puttgarden-Burgtiefe 18 East bay of Fehmarn Sound: Burger SH Winter Binnensee-Grossenbroder Binnenhafen 21 Neustädter Bucht SH Winter 22 Brodtener Ufer: Niendorf-Travemünde SH Winter 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 286 Sagasbank and east coast of Oldenburg SH Winter 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Common eider 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Somateria mollissima 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. mollissima 4 Flensburg inner and outer firth SH Winter 6 South shore of Eckernförder Bight SH Winter 7 Stoller Grund, Gabelsflach and SH Winter Mittelgrund 8 Probstei coast: Laboe Hubertsberg SH Winter 17 East and south-east coast of Fehmarn: SH Mig. Puttgarden-Burgtiefe 286 Sagasbank and east coast of Oldenburg SH Winter 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Long-tailed duck 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Winter Clangula hyemalis 39 Darß-Hiddensee sea area and MV Mig. Plantagenetgrund 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Zug Black scoter 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Melanitta nigra nigra 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Mig.

280 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Black scoter 286 Sagasbank and east coast of Oldenburg SH Winter Melanitta nigra nigra 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Winter East German Bight Velvet scoter 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Mig. Melanitta fusca fusca Common goldeneye 5 Schlei SH Winter Bucephala clangula 6 South shore of Eckernförder Bight SH Winter clangula 22 Brodtener Ufer: Niendorf-Travemünde SH Winter 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Winter 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Smew 5 Schlei SH Winter Mergellus albellus 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Winter 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 88 Leinetal near Salzderhelden NI Mig. Red-breasted merganser 40 Pomeranian Bight MV Mig. Mergus serrator serrator 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter Goosander 5 Schlei SH Winter Mergus merganser 23 Traveförde and Dassower See (lake) SH Winter merganser 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Winter 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Winter 46 Kleines Haff and Achterwasser MV Winter 288 Wismar Bight MV Winter Common crane 27 Lauenburgische Seen Nature Park, SH breed. Grus grus with Schaalsee area 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. 57 Feldberger-Woldegker Endmoräne MV breed. 67 Landgraben-Dumme-Niederung NI breed. 70 Lucie and Landwehr NI breed. 106 Elbe lowlands, between Schnackenburg NI Mig. and Lauenburg, and incl. Amt Neuhaus 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB breed. 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Mig. 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB breed. 146 Uckermark lakes area BB breed. 147 Stechlin BB breed. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB breed. 205 Oberlausitz heaths and ponds SN breed. Spotted crake 33 Oldenburger Graben SH breed. Porzana porzana 35 Duvenstedter Brook HH breed. 61 East Barnbruch NI breed. 62 Wendesser Moor (fen) Nature Reserve NI breed. 88 Leinetal near Salzderhelden NI breed. 101 Dümmer NI breed. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI breed. 118 Niedervieland, Ochtumniederung HB breed.

281 Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Spotted crake 136 Spreewald BB Breed. Porzana porzana 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Breed. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See - Gülper See ST, BB Breed. 179 North Wetterau HE Breed. 228 Federsee Lake BW Breed. 231 Untersee Lake part of Lake Constance BW Breed. Black coot 22 Brodtener Ufer: Niendorf-Travemünde SH Winter Fulica atra atra 263 Chiemsee Lake BY Winter Pied avocet 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Recurvirostra avosetta 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 3 Halligen Oland, Langeneß, SH Breed. Nordstrandischmoor, Gröde and Hooge 15 Coastal lakes and fish ponds in SH Breed. south-west Fehmarn 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Breed. 38 Islands of Oie and Kirr MV Breed. 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Breed. 68 Rheiderland NI Breed. 96 Krummhörn-Westermarsch NI Breed. 96 Krummhörn-Westermarsch NI Mig. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Breed. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter 5 Schlei SH Breed. 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Breed. 288 Wismar Bight MV Breed. European golden plover 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Pluvialis apricaria 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. 68 Rheiderland NI Mig. 76 Dalum-Wietmarscher Moor (fen) NI Yr.-rd. 80 Georgdorfer Moor (fen) NI Yr.-rd. 83 Esterweger Dose NI Yr.-rd. 91 Engerhafer Meede NI Mig. 100 Diepholzer Moorniederung NI Yr.-rd. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter Grey plover 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Pluvialis squatarola 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. Ringed plover 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Charadrius hiaticula 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. hiaticula / C. h. tundrae Kentish plover 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Charadrius alexandrinus 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. alexandrinus Northern lapwing 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter Vanellus vanellus Common snipe 166 Oppenweher Moor (fen) NW Breed. Gallinago gallinago gallinago Black-tailed godwit 24 Eider-Treene-Sorge lowlands SH Breed. Limosa limosa limosa 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Breed.

282 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Black-tailed godwit 65 Untere Weser (lower Weser River) NI Breed. Limosa limosa limosa 68 Rheiderland NI Breed. 77 Aper Tief NI Breed. 78 Alte Piccardie NI Breed. 82 Leg, Melm and Kuhdam fens NI Breed. 84 Leda-Jümme lowlands NI Breed. 87 Südradde Niederung (lowlands) NI Breed. 101 Dümmer NI Breed. 104 East Frisian sea areas NI Breed. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Breed. 108 Fehntjer Tief NI Breed. 116 Blockland - Untere Wümme - HB Breed. Westliches Hollerland 155 Fens and heaths of West Münsterland NW Mig. West Münsterland 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Breed. Bar-tailed godwit 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Limosa lapponica 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. lapponica 3 Halligen Oland, Langeneß, SH Winter Nordstrandischmoor, Gröde and Hooge 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. 96 Krummhörn-Westermarsch NI Mig. Western curlew 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Numenius arquata 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. arquata 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Winter 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Winter 68 Rheiderland NI Winter 90 Jadebusen NI Winter 93 Butjadingen NI Winter 94 Norden-Esens NI Winter 95 Wittmund-Wangerland NI Mig. 96 Krummhörn-Westermarsch NI Mig. 106 Elbe lowlands, between Schnackenburg NI Winter and Lauenburg, and incl. Amt Neuhaus 160 Lower section of the lower Rhine River NW Winter Spotted redshank 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Tringa erythropus 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Winter Common redshank 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Yr.-rd. Tringa totanus totanus / 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Breed. T. t. robusta 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Winter 63 Ems marsh, from Leer to Emden NI Yr.-rd. 68 Rheiderland NI Yr.-rd. 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Yr.-rd. Common greenshank 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Tringa nebularia 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. Ruddy turnstone 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Arenaria interpres 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. interpres 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig.

283 Species IBA No. Area Land Season

Red knot 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Calidris canutus canutus / 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. C. c. islandica 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. Sanderling 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Calidris alba Dunlin 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Winter Calidris alpina alpina / 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. C. a. schinzii 58 Lower Saxony's Wadden Sea area NI Mig. Curlew sandpiper 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. Calidris ferruginea Mediterranean gull 288 Wismar Bight MV Breed. Larus melanocephalus Gull-billed tern 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Sterna nilotica nilotica 107 Elbe marsh, from Stade to Otterndorf NI Breed. Caspian tern 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Mig. Sterna caspia caspia Sandwich tern 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Sterna sandvicensis 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. sandvicensis 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Breed. 38 Islands of Oie and Kirr MV Breed. 288 Wismar Bight MV Breed. A5 East German Bight Common tern 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Sterna hirundo hirundo 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Breed. Actic tern 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Sterna paradisaea 288 Wismar Bight MV Breed. Little tern 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Breed. Sterna albifrons albifrons 2 Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea area SH Mig. 3 Halligen Oland, Langeneß, SH Breed. Nordstrandischmoor, Gröde and Hooge 5 Schlei SH Breed. 6 South shore of Eckernförder Bight SH Breed. 8 Probstei coast: Laboe Hubertsberg SH Breed. 37 Westrügen-Hiddensee-Zingst MV Breed. 44 Greifswalder Bodden MV Breed. 286 Sagasbank and east coast of Oldenburg SH Winter 287 East part of Kiel Bight SH Breed. 288 Wismar Bight MV Breed. Back tern 45 Gothensee and Thurbruch, islands MV Breed. Chlidonias niger niger of Böhmke and Werder 101 Dümmer NI Breed. 129 Saale-Elster-Aue (meadow) ST Breed. 142 Unteres Odertal (lower Oder valley) BB Breed. 143 Schorfheide-Chorin BB Breed. 144 Deichvorland Oderbruch BB Breed. 151 Untere Havel - Schollener See Gülper See ST, BB Breed. 152 Bänke an der Müggelspree BE Breed.

284 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.3.2 Site protection Nature reserves are usually set aside on a Länder level – usually by the relevant higher or supreme nature conservation authority – via ordinance. An ordinance Re 3.3: Describe the legal frameworks for set-aside of a nature reserve describes and other measures through which sites (including transfrontier sites) inclu- l the area to be protected, ding sites of international importance gain practical protection. (Please l the purpose of the protection, append a list of internationally important protected sites.) l relevant prohibitions,

l permitted actions,

In the Federal Republic of Germany, pro- l management and care measures and tection of sites is governed by the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The fourth sec- l exemptions and administrative offen- tion of this act defines a total of six op- ces. tions for protecting sites that are also important within the meaning of AEWA Depending on the state (Land) nature con- (3.2.2 in the action plan). The following servation act in question, ordinances can article provides an overview of the various also be enacted to prohibit actions outside protection categories. It also presents a nature reserve that could endanger the examples of implementation of protection reserve. for sites of international importance with regard to bird migration (see also Chapter When a site is acutely threatened, it can 1.2.3). be temporarily set-aside, prior to its actual formal designation as a nature reserve, for One important instrument for protecting a period of two to five years. During this sites is the "nature reserve" (Naturschutz- period, no changes are permitted, and na- gebiet). Nature reserves, pursuant to Art. ture conservation authorities receive a pre- 23 Federal Nature Conservation Act, are emptive right of purchase in any sales of protected sites established by law to pro- land within the planned nature reserve. vide special protection for nature and Temporary set-asides played an important landscapes. In general, areas are set-aside role in the new German Länder after 1991, as nature reserves in order to protect their when they were used to prevent sites from communities and biotopes of wild plants being destroyed as the infrastructure was and animals and their areas of special sci- rapidly being expanded. entific, natural-historical or cultural-historical value. Other criteria for nature-reserve In 1999, Germany had a total of 6,202 na- status include rareness (of species), special ture reserves, taking up a total area of area characteristics and unusual area 2.3% of the country's territory. In addition, beauty. 579 sites were being formally processed for designation as nature reserves (were In nature reserves, all actions are prohibit- already temporarily set-aside); these areas ed that could destroy, damage or change accounted for 0.49% of Germany's area the relevant areas. Nature reserves are the (BUNDESAMT FÜR NATURSCHUTZ (GER- most strictly and most comprehensively MAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE protected sites under German nature con- CONSERVATION) 1999b). servation law, since their status makes it possible to enact ordinances that prohibit any and all changes in them.

285 Large sites that have special, unique char- National parks are normally divided into acteristics, and that largely meet criteria three zones: for nature reserves, can be declared national parks pursuant to Art. 24 Federal l in the core zone (zone I), all uses are Nature Conservation Act. National parks prohibited – i.e. this zone is given over are protected sites, established by law, that to natural succession; receive uniform levels of protection (in zones; see below). At the time it is set l the development zone (zone IIa) is to aside, a national park must be free, or develop into a core zone in the course nearly free, of human impacts, or it must of time, i.e. initial relevant measures be capable of being developed into a con- may be carried out in it; dition in which natural processes can take place undisturbed, with their natural l in the management zone (zone IIb), dynamics, throughout most of the park's biotope management is permitted for area. reasons of species and biotope protection; and The first German national park was the Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest) park. It l the recreational zone (zone III) con- was set aside in 1970. Today, Germany has tains settlements and areas heavily fre- 13 national parks, as shown in Tab. 1. quented by tourists.

Except for the Bayerischer Wald, Berchtes- Zoning for each national park is defined gaden and Jasmund national parks, Ge- by the relevant national -park act. Zone III rman national parks, so DAHL et al. (2000), is not necessarily required – for example, are referred to as "target national parks" it is not included in the Unteres Odertal (Ziel-Nationalparke). This means that they National Park. only partly fulfil criteria for undisturbed natural development and that they have Sites are protected as biosphere reserves, management plans that set forth when pursuant to Art. 25 Federal Nature Conser- the most important aims are to be vation Act, if they are large, characteristic attained. The IUCN mandates that 75% of of certain landscape types and meet crite- a national park's total area must be in a ria, throughout much of their area, for na- largely semi-natural condition, and must ture reserves and landscape reserve (see not be subject to any uses, if it is to be below). Biosphere reserves have the pur- internationally recognised in IUCN's cate- pose of conserving, developing or restor- gory II. ing landscapes shaped by particular types In Germany, set-asides are carried out in of uses, along with the landscapes' diversi- Germany by the Länder, in consultation ty of species and biotopes. Such diversity with the Federal Ministry for the Environ- includes both the wild and cultivated ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear forms of economically used or useful Safety (BMU) and the Ministry of Trans- plants and animals. port, Building and Housing (BMVBW), via the passage of a national park act.

286 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Tab. 2.3.3.2-1: National parks in Germany (pursuant to GERMAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVA- TION 1999b). For abbreviations see Tab. 2.

National park Year Total area Priority habitats protected Importance for (Land) foun- [ha] waterbirds ded Bayerischer 1970 24,250 Mixed mountain forests, – Wald (BY) mixed subalpine forests, fens, scrub heaths Berchtesgaden 1978 20,776 Alpine rock communities, alpine – (BY) meadows, brush, subal-pine, montaneous and submontaneous forests, pastures and lakes Schleswig-Hol- 1985 441,500 Wadden Sea, salt marshes, IBA for many wading steinisches Wat- (including polders; not including islands birds and waterfowl tenmeer (SH) water area) and inhabited Hallig islands Niedersächsisch- 1986 280,000 Wadden Sea, salt marshes, IBA for many wading es Wattenmeer (including polders, East Friesian islands birds and waterfowl (NI) water area) Hamburgisches 1990 13,750 Wadden Sea in the Elbe estu- in part, IBA for many Wattenmeer (including ary, with strong tidal and wading birds and (HH) water area) brackish-water impacts waterfowl

Jasmund (MV) 1990 3,003 arious beech forests on calca- – (including reous soils, chalk cliff coastli- water area) ne Hochharz (ST) 1990 5,868 Subalpine spruce forests, fens, – heaths, block fields and rock formations Sächsische 1990 9,300 Forest-rock complexes, warm Breeding area for the Schweiz (SN) and dry forests, forests in black stork chasms and on steep slopes, submontaneous forests

Müritz (MV) 1990 31,878 Beech forests, fen forests, pine IBA for waterbirds forests, lakes and wetlands Vorpommersche 1990 80,500 Boddens (flat bays), various in part, IBA for many Boddenland- (including coastal formations and forests wading birds and wa- schaft (MV) water area) terfowl; in part, IBA for long-tailed duck Harz (NI) 1994 15,800 High-montaneous spruce – forests, beech forests, fens, watercourse Unteres Odertal 1995 10,500 Riparian meadow landscape, IBA for many wading (BB) oxbows and meanders, reed- birds and waterfowl beds and rushes, grassland, flood plains Hainich (TH) 1997 7,600 Deciduous and beech forests – on calcareous rock, in various stages of succession

287 Biosphere reserves are large, representa- Another option in site protection is the tive sections of nature and landscapes that "landscape reserve". Unlike nature re- should serve as models. They should be serves, landscape reserves, pursuant to Art. showcases for exemplary concepts, put 26 Federal Nature Conservation Act, serve into action, for protecting, managing and to preserve or restore the vitality of the developing landscapes – also in the con- balance of nature, or to preserve or re- text of relationships between people and store the usability of natural resources. the environment. Landscape reserves are also set aside on the basis of their diversity, unique charac- They are divided into three zones – known teristics or landscape beauty, as well as as core area, buffer zone and transition their importance in recreation. The Fe- area. Each zone is defined in terms of the deral Nature Conservation Act prohibits all anthropogenic influence it is subject to. actions in landscape reserves that could impair or destroy the reserves. l The core area, which must take up at least 3% of the biosphere reserve's area, While all changes in nature reserves are must be protected as a national park or prohibited, prohibitions applying to land- nature reserve. In the core area of a scape reserves are individually established biosphere reserve, uses are prohibited, in the relevant ordinances. In each case, as they are in the core zone of a natio- actions not mentioned in the ordinance nal park. are considered permissible. When construction or development is planned with- l The buffer zone, which should also be in the protected area, the ordinance must set aside as a national park or nature be suspended, however. Species and bio- reserve, is used for conserving and tope protection does not play a primary caring for ecosystems that have arisen role in landscape reserves. As described through human uses and harbour rare above, landscape reserves can serve as plants and animals. Together, the core transition areas in biosphere reserves. area and buffer zone should make up at least 20% of the biosphere reserve's As of 1999, a total of 6,200 landscape area. reserves had been designated in the Federal Republic of Germany. They take l The transition area is an area in up some 25 % of Germany's area (BUNDE- which the local population live, work SAMT FÜR NATURSCHUTZ (GERMAN FED- and engage in recreation. In compari- ERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVA- son with the other two types of zones, TION) 1999b). the transition area takes up the largest area. Another category of large protected areas, in addition to national parks and bios- The biosphere reserve protection category phere reserves, is the "nature park". Na- was not added to the Federal Nature ture parks, pursuant to Art. 27 Federal Conservation Act until 1998. On the inter- Nature Conservation Act, are large sites national level, UNESCO has recognised that are made up largely of areas with biosphere reserves since 1970, in the landscape-reserve or nature-reserve status, framework of its "Man and the Biosphere" and that have landscape assets that make (MAB) programme. The 13 biosphere them particularly suitable for recreation. reserves recognised in Germany to date Areas are set aside as nature parks in or- are shown in Tab. 2. der to protect large, semi-natural cultural

288 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

landscapes and to preserve the relevant many nature parks are maintained by sites' unique character and beauty. They sponsors, associations, interest groups or serve as regional tourist attractions, and municipal administrations, nature parks in they provide recreational space for city- the new Länder tend to be state-supported dwellers. and to function like biosphere reserves in terms of their protection aims. The Länder In western Germany, the nature park has Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Bran- been in existence as a legal instrument denburg have state institutes that co-ordi- since 1956. After German reunification, nate tasks in large protected areas. the new Länder also began designating nature parks. Germany's nature parks can be divided into "old-type" and "new-type" nature parks. Whereas in western Ger-

Tab. 2.3.3.2-2: German biosphere reserves recognised to date by UNESCO (from: BUNDESAMT FÜR NATUR- SCHUTZ (GERMAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION) 1999b and EUROPARC 2001). Abbreviations: BB = Brandenburg, BE = Berlin, BW = Baden-Württemberg, BY = Bavaria, HE = Hesse, MV = Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, NI = Lower Saxony, NW = North Rhine-Westphalia, RP = Rhineland-Palatinate, SH = Schleswig- Holstein, SL = Saarland, SN = Saxony, ST = Saxony-Anhalt, TH = Thuringia.

Biosphere Since Area [ha] Description Importance Designa- reserve for ted by (Land) waterbirds Flusslandschaft 1997 375,000 Unique large semi-natural Several IBAs UNESCO Elbe (BB, MV, riparian-forest complexes for numerous NI, SH, ST) (hardwood forests) along wading birds the Elbe River, with fen fo- and water- rests, semi-natural decidu- birds ous forests, wet meadows, pond landscapes, oxbows, breeding and resting sites for numerous waterbirds Pfälzerwald (RP) 1992 179,800 Deciduous-forest area with UNESCO species-rich valley mea- – dows, fen forests, wet meadows, fens and transition mires, springs Continuation

289 Biosphere Since Area [ha] Description Importance Designa- reserve for ted by (Land) waterbirds Rhön 1991 184,939 Large, semi-natural deci- IBA for black TH: (BY, HE, TH) duous forests on limestone stork UNESCO/ and basalt, chasm and BNatSchG, scree forests, large grazed BY / HE: semi-dry grassland com- UNESCO munities, semi-natural upland streams and their meadows Schorfheide- 1990 129,161 Glacially formed landscape IBA for BNatSchG Chorin (BB) (ground and end morai- wading birds nes, outwash plains) with and water- bogs, oligo-trophic lakes birds and old grazed forests and beech forests

Spreewald (BB) 1991 47,492 Large lowland area, with IBA for white BNatSchG semi-natural alder fen- stork, bean forest complexes, extensive goose and wet meadows, and a black- spotted crake stork population

Südost-Rügen 1991 23,500 Extensively cultivated, Part of the BNatSchG (MV) richly structured and Greifswalder diverse cultural landscape Bodden IBA; with large, extensive resting area sheep droves on moraine for waterbirds cores, bodden landscape and old deciduous forests

Vessertal- 1979 17,242 Extensive mountain mea- IBA for black UNESCO / Thüringer Wald dows, remains of semi- stork BNatSchG (TH) natural mixed mountain forests with firs at the northern limit of their natural range, silicate block fields, rocks, raised bogs and semi-natural watercourses Oberlausitzer 1996 30,102 Lake-rich, oligotrophic IBA for Eurasi- UNESCO Heide- und heath landscapes with an bittern, bean Teichlandschaft mires goose, white- (SN) fronted goose and common crane Berchtesgaden 1990 46,742 Typical landscape of the – UNESCO (BY) northern calcareous Alps, with mixed mountain forests and montaneous spruce-forest complexes; includes the Berchtesgaden National Park as its core area and buffer zone

290 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Biosphere Since Area [ha] Description Importance Designa- reserve for ted by (Land) waterbirds Niedersächsisch- 1992 240,000 Diverse habitats: perma- IBA for nume- UNESCO es Wattenmeer nently running rivulets rous wading (NI) and channels, salt marshes birds and of forelands in front of waterbirds dikes, diverse islands, breeding, rearing and resting areas for many bird species, seal habitat, identical area as national park of the same name

Schleswig- 1990 441,000 Important resting area for IBA for nume- UNESCO Holsteinisches wading birds (up to 1.3 rous wading Wattenmeer million birds, of over 30 birds and (SH) species), dunlin, western waterbirds curlew, pied avocet, oystercatcher; central landscape element: Hallig islands and semi-natural salt marshes; common salt- marsh grass, sea lavender, over 2,000 species, including ende-mic species, largest protected area in Germany, identical area as national park of the same name Hamburgisches 1992 11,700 Large populations of fish In part, IBA UNESCO Wattenmeer and waterbirds, supported for numerous (HH) by natural nutrient influx wading birds into the Elbe estuary; each and water- year, up to 10,000 bree- birds ding pairs of various, endangered tern species on Scharhörn dune island; numerous fens, semi-natural watercourses, identical areas as national park of the same name

Bayerischer 1981 24,250 Numerous fens, semi-natu- UNESCO Wald (BY) ral watercourses, natural - block and scree fields, identical areas as national park of the same name

291 Tab. 2.3.3.2-3: Name (Land) Area [ha] Name (Land) Area [ha] Overview of nature Altmühltal (Südl. Frankenalb) Mecklenburgische Schweiz und parks established to (BY) 296,240 Kummerower See (MV) 67,350 date in Germany (from Arnsberger Wald (NW) 48,200 Mecklenburgisches Elbetal (MV) 42,600 VERBAND DEUTSCHER Augsburg - Westliche Wälder Meißner-Kaufunger Wald (HE) 42,058 NATURPARKE E.V. (BY) 117,500 Münden (NI) 38,000 2001). (for abbrevia- Aukrug (SH) 38,400 Märkische Schweiz (BB) 20,500 tions, see Tab. 2) Barnim (BB/ BE) 79,000 Nassau (RP) 59,000 Bayerische Rhön (BY) 124,500 Neckartal – Odenwald (BW) 130,000 Bayerischer Spessart (BY) 171,000 Niederlausitzer Bayerischer Wald (BY) 302,000 Heidelandschaft (BB) 49,000 Bergisches Land (NW) 191,000 Niederlausitzer Landrücken (BB) 58,200 Bergstraße-Odenwald (HE/ BY) 162,850 Nossentiner / Schwinzer Colbitz-Letzlinger Heide (ST) 48,000 Heide (MV) 36,500 Dahme-Heideseen (BB) 59,375 Nuthe-Nieplitz (BB) 62,300 Diemelsee (HE/ NW) 33,421 Nördlicher Oberpfälzer Wald Drömling (ST) 27,821 (BY) 64,110 Dübener Heide (ST/ SN) 90,000 Nördlicher Teutoburger Wald Dümmer (NI/ NW) 47,210 –Wiehengebirge (NI/ NW) 122,000 Ebbegebirge (NW) 77,736 Obere Donau (BW) 85,710 Eggegebirge und südlicher Oberer Bayerischer Wald (BY) 173,800 Teutoburger Wald (NW) 68,000 Oberpfälzer Wald (BY) 81,700 Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal (TH) 87,000 Pfälzerwald (RP) 179,800 Elbufer-Drawehn (NI) 75,000 Rhein-Taunus (HE) 80,789 Elm-Lappwald (NI) 47,000 Rhein-Westerwald (RP) 44,600 Erzgebirge/ Vogtland (SN) 149,500 Rothaargebirge (NW) 135,500 Feldberger Seenlandschaft (MV) 36,000 Saale-Unstrut-Triasland (ST) 71,167 Fichtelgebirge (BY) 102,800 Saar-Hunsrück (RP/ SL) 195,069 Frankenhöhe (BY) 110,450 Schlaubetal (BB) 22,700 Frankenwald (BY) 102,250 Schwalm-Nette (NW) 43,500 Fränkische Schweiz – Schwarzwald Mitte / Nord (BW) 360,000 Veldensteiner Forst (BY) 230,970 Schwäbisch-Fränkischer Habichtswald (HE) 47,428 Wald (BW) 90,400 Harz (NI) 79,000 Schönbuch (BW) 15,564 Harz (ST) - Siebengebirge (NW) 4,800 Haßberge (BY) 80,400 Solling-Vogler (NI) 53,000 Hessische Rhön (HE) 70,000 Stechlin-Ruppiner Land (BB) 80,000 Hessischer Spessart (HE) 73,000 Steigerwald (BY) 128,000 Hochtaunus (HE) 120,000 Steinhuder Meer (NI) 31,000 Hohe Mark (NW) 104,087 Steinwald (BY) 24,645 Hoher Fläming (BB) 82,731 Stromberg-Heuchelberg (BW) 32,830 Hoher Vogelsberg (HE) 38,447 Südeifel (RP) 43,210 Hohes Venn-Eifel (Deutsch- Südheide (NI) 50,000 Belgischer Naturpark) Südschwarzwald (BW) 333,000 (NW, RP, Ostbelgien) 175,116 Thüringer Schiefergebirge / Holsteinische Schweiz (SH) 63,300 Obere Saale (TH) 80,000 Homert (NW) 55,000 Thüringer Wald (TH) 220,000 Hüttener Berge (SH) 21,900 Uckermärkische Seen (BB) 89,000 Insel Usedom (MV) 63,000 Unteres Saaletal (ST) Kellerwald-Edersee (HE) 40,600 Weserbergland, Schaumburg- Kottenforst-Ville (NW) 88,000 Hameln (NI) 112,500 Kyffhäuser (TH) 23,000 Westensee (SH) 25,000 Lauenburgische Seen (SH) 47,400 Westhavelland (BB) 136,596 Lüneburger Heide (NI) 23,440 Wildeshauser Geest (NI) 155,400

292 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The nature parks set aside in Germany to The Länder prepare maps of the protected date take up an area of about 19 % of the biotopes in their territories and use these country's total surface area. Tab. 3 pro- maps to prepare biotope cadastres. vides an overview of nature parks established in Germany to date. Arts. 32 ff. of the Federal Nature Conser- vation Act transpose the Fauna, Flora and Art. 28 of the Federal Nature Conservation Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the Act provides another instrument for site European Bird Directive (79/409/EEC) with protection – one that is of little impor- regard to establishment of the "Natura tance with regard to waterbirds, however. 2000" network of protected areas in the So-called "natural monuments" tend to European Union. be small – only in certain cases do they reach sizeable areas of up to 3-5 ha. Pursuant to Art. 32 (2) Federal Nature Con- Natural monuments can consist of springs, servation Act, sites included in the list of kettles and other small wet biotopes, as sites of Community importance are desig- well as groups of trees or even individual nated as protected natural and landscape trees. Under natural monument status, all sites in keeping with the relevant conser- changes are prohibited. vation aims.

Art. 30 of the Federal Nature Conservation As of 1999, a total of 554 EC special pro- Act provides another instrument for bio- tection areas for birds, taking up 2.4% of tope protection. The biotopes listed in this Germany's area, had been reported to the paragraph are protected by virtue of their European Union. being listed, without further designation as protected areas. The important protect- Under one of the aims included in the Fe- ed biotopes with regard to protection of deral Nature Conservation Act, the Länder AEWA species include: are obligated to create a network of connected biotopes (biotope network) cover- l moorlands, swamps, reeds, wet mea- ing at least 10% of the country's area. dows covered with sedges and rushes, Overall, the biotope network is to function headwater regions, natural undevelo- on a trans-Länder level; the Länder co-ordi- ped sections of brooks and rivers, terre- nate among themselves for this purpose. strialisation zones of standing waters, The purpose of the biotope network is to provide lasting protection for native plants l fen forests, marshy and riparian forests and animals and their populations, includ- and ing their habitats and communities, and to preserve, restore and develop viable l rocky and steep coastlines, beach em- ecological interrelationships. bankments and dunes, salt marshes and Wadden Sea areas in coastal regions.

In their own state (Land) nature conservation acts, the Länder may specify additional biotopes that are to be protected.

All measures that can impair or destroy protected biotopes are prohibited. Additio- nal protection for the aforementioned biotopes – for example, via set-aside as a nature reserve – is not necessary (general protection for the biotopes).

293 The biotope network consists of core The two aforementioned paragraphs are areas, connecting areas and connecting used annually as a basis for protecting the elements. The elements of the biotope net- largest colony of little terns on the work include: German Baltic Sea coast, near Grömitz, from disturbances caused by beach-goers 1. established national parks, (see Chap. 1.3.1).

2. biotopes legally protected within the framework of Art. 30, PROTECTION-SITE CATEGORIES, BASED ON INTERNATIONAL CON- 3. nature reserves, sites within the mea- VENTIONS / AGREEMENTS, THAT ning of Art. 32 and biosphere reser- HAVE NOT BEEN TRANSPOSED ves or parts of such sites, INTO GERMAN LAW. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance 4. other areas and elements, including especially as Waterfowl Habitat was signed parts of landscape reserves and natu- in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. re parks, if they can contribute to the The parties to the "Ramsar Convention" achievement of the objective mentio- each obligated themselves to designate at ned in paragraph 2. least one area, within their own boundaries, that would be protected, via biotope (The required core areas, connecting areas management and balance of uses, with and connecting elements must be legally regard to conservation and promotion of a secured, in order to protect the biotope favourable ecological status. In Germany, network in the long term, via set-asides of set-aside of such wetlands of international suitable sites within the meaning of importance does not confer legally en- Art. 22 (1), and through planning-law pro- shrined protection at the national level. visions, long-term agreements (contractual nature conservation) or other suitable The wetlands of international importance measures.) that have been designated in Germany to date were selected in accordance with Apart from these protection categories, quantitative criteria. Characteristically, which build on the Federal Nature Conser- they vation Act – which serves as a framework act – the Länder also have the option of l regularly harbour 20,000 waterbirds issuing, in their own state (Land) nature and wading birds or conservation acts, more extensive provisions for site protection. On the one hand, l harbour 1% of the individuals of a po- this option is oriented to the protection pulation, a species or a sub-species of categories listed in the Federal Nature waterbird or wading bird. Conservation Act – for example, set-aside of additional protected biotopes. On the About 40% of the total area of all wet- other hand, the Länder may temporarily lands of international importance lie with- place natural areas and landscapes under in nature reserves or national parks. protection in order to protect nesting sites or habitats of endangered animal species. Art. 25 of Schleswig-Holstein's state (Land) nature conservation act provides this option, for example. In addition, Art. 34 of Schleswig-Holstein's nature conservation act makes it possible to close sections of beaches for reasons of nature conservation and species protection.

294 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The Ramsar sites established to date in parts of the Baltic Sea contain important Germany are listed in Tab. 5. A further habitats of AEWA populations (LUTZ area, located in Saxony-Anhalt – the 2000), use should be made of this instru- Aland-Elbe-Niederung (lowlands) and the ment. If protection is to be effective, the Elbaue (riparian meadow along the Elbe relevant sites must be protected via River), near Jerichow – is now undergoing national law – for example, by designating the registration process (Saxony-Anhalt them as nature reserves. Tab. 6 provides State Ministry for Regional Planning, Agri- an overview of sites reported to HELCOM culture and the Environment, in lit. 2001). to date.

The total area of all Ramsar sites is 671,204 ha, or about 1.9 % of the area of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In 1994, the international protected-site system received an additional protection category. Within the framework of the Helsinki Convention (Helcom, Art. 15 in conjunction with recommendation 15/5), the environment ministers of countries bordering on the Baltic Sea agreed to establish so-called "Baltic Sea Protected Areas (BSPA)" in the Baltic region. The BSPA instrument can be used to protect important Baltic Sea areas (for example, on the open sea) as well as inner coastal waters of the Baltic Sea. Since the German

Tab. 2.3.3.2-5: Overview of Ramsar sites established in Germany to date (pursuant to BUNDESAMT FÜR NATURSCHUTZ 1999b). For abbreviations, see Tab. 2.

Area name Regis-- Typical Most common Area (Land) tration habitats guest-bird species [ha] (numbers of individuals) Wattenmeer, 26.02.76 38,460 Elbe-Weser-Dreieck (NI) Wattenmeer, Jadebusen 26.02.76 Mud and sand flats, oystercatcher (66,100) 49,490 und westliche Weser- coastal dunes, salt dunlin (48,500) mündung (NI) marshes common shelduck (31,500) Wattenmeer, Ostfrie- 26.02.76 121,620 sisches Wattenmeer mit Dollart (NI) Niederelbe zwischen 26.02.76 Mud flats, grassland, northern lapwing (35,000) 11,760 Barnkrug und cultivated land in the barnacle goose (31,600) Otterndorf (NI) Elbe estuary area Eu. golden plover (20,000) Elbaue zwischen 26.02.76 Flood plain for the middle bean goose (48,000) 7,560 Schnakenburg und Elbe, grassland, remains white-fronted goose (35,000) Continuation Lauenburg (NI) of riparian forest mallard (6,500)

295 Area name Regis-- Typical Most common Area (Land) tration habitats guest-bird species [ha] (numbers of individuals) Dümmer (NI) 26.02.76 Shallow, highly eutrophic mallard (30,000) 3,600 lake with surrounding northern lapwing (21,500) grassland bean goose (3,700) Diepholzer 26.02.76 Raised bog, grassland Breeding site for a sub-spe- 15,060 Moorniederung (NI) cies of the Eu. golden plover Steinhuder Meer (NI) 26.02.76 Groundwater-fed lake mallard (10,700) 5,730 with terrestrialisation northern lapwing (5,000) zones and surrounding goosander (2,800) grassland Unterer Niederrhein 28.10.83 River lowlands, oxbows, white-frontedgoose (150,000) 25,000 (NW) gravel-bed watercourse, northern lapwing (100,000) grassland, farmland mallard (15,000) Rieselfelder Münster 28.10.83 Wastewater treatment black-headed gull (10,000) 233 (NW) ponds, shallow water body northern lapwing (4,500) with mud banks and green-winged teal (2,500) terrestrialisation zones Weserstaustufe 28.10.83 Dammed river section, northern lapwing (15,000) 1,600 Schlüsselburg (NW) grassland, farmland mallard (10,000) common pochard (4,600) Rhein zwischen Eltville 26.02.76 Central section of the Rhine common pochard (7,930) 475 und Bingen (HE/ RP) River,withislands and bank mallard (3,155) sections, remains of riparian black coot (2,417) forest, shallow-water zones Bodensee: Wollma- 26.02.76 Extensive reedbeds with tufted duck (14,134) 767 tinger Ried – Giehren- fronting shallow-water common pochard (13,784) moos (BW) zones, wet meadows black coot (12,579)

Bodensee: Mindelsee 26.02.76 Alpine forelands, reeds, tufted duck (11,000) 310 bei Radolfzell (BW) wet meadows, forest goosander (250) great crested grebe (150) Lech-Donau-Winkel (BY) 26.02.76 Dammed reservoir with black-headed gull (3,200) 230 reeds in its terrestriali- mallard (2,710) sation zone black coot (2,030) Donauauen und 26.02.76 Straightened river, mallard (15,000) 8,000 Donaumoos (BY) flanked by oxbows and common pochard (6,000) riparian forest, former bog tufted duck (2,000) areas that have been stripped of peat, drained and used agriculturally

Ismaninger Speichersee 26.02.76 Wastewater-storage lake, black-headed gull (12,000) 955 mit Fischteichen (BY) fishponds black coot (10,000) mallard (4,950) Ammersee (BY) 26.02.76 Alpine-foreland lake with tufted duck (10,186) 6,517 delta-like bank area on its black coot (5,035) southern side, and fen mallard (2,260) complexes on its northern Norden

296 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Area name Regis-- Typical Most common Area (Land) tration habitats guest-bird species [ha] (numbers of individuals) Starnberger See (BY) 26.02.76 Alpine-foreland lake black coot (9,956) 5,720 (water area), bank zone tufted duck (7,150) black-headed gull (1,803) Chiemsee (BY) 26.02.76 Alpine-foreland lake black coot (17,000) 8,660 (water area), alluvial tufted duck (13,000) delta, shallow-water common pochard (7,000) areas Unterer Inn zwischen 26.02.76 Channelled lower section black-headed gull (20,000) 1,955 Haiming und Neuhaus of the Inn river, with dams, northern lapwing (10,000) (BY) shallow-water areas, islands, mallard (5,000) riparian forest, reedbeds Boddengewässer Ostufer 31.07.78 Diverse coastal shallow- dunlin (40,000) 25,800 Zingst, Westküste Rügen- water areas, steep coastal common crane (40,000) Hiddensee (MV) sections, reedbeds, white-fronted goose (30,000) grassland Krakower Obersee (MV) 31.07.78 Lowland lake, islands, tufted duck (12,000) 868 reedbed belt, grassland white-fronted goose (3,000) greylag goose (3,000) Ostufer der Müritz (MV) 31.07.78 Forest, lake, swamp tufted duck (20,000) 4,832 and marsh area, fens, bean goose (15,000) reedbeds common pochard (15,000) Galenbecker See (MV) 31.07.78 Lowland lake, reedbeds, white-fronted goose (20,000) 1,015 fen forest, grassland bean goose (15,000) black-headed gull (3,000) Unteres Odertal bei 31.07.78 River lowlands, oxbows, white-fronted goose (33,000) 5,400 Schwedt (BB) canals, river estuary, common pochard (12,300) reedbeds, remains of northern lapwing (10,000) riparian forest, grassland Niederung der Unteren 31.07.78 Eutrophic shallow lake, bean goose (60,000) 5,792 Havel mit Gülper See river lowlands, grassland, white-fronted goose (40,000) (BB/ ST) remains of riparian forest mallard (12,000) Teichgebiet Peitz (BB) 31.07.78 Ponds, belts of rushes mallard (6,000) 1,060 common pochard (3,000) black-headed gull (3,000) Helmestausee 31.07.78 Dammed reservoir, salt common crane (4,000) 1,360 Berga-Kelbra (ST/ TH) springs, grassland green-winged teal (3,000) northern shoveller (750) Hamburgisches 01.08.90 Waddens, sandbanks, dunlin (171,600) 11,700 Wattenmeer (HH) salt marshes red knot (67,000) common shelduck (52,300) Schleswig-Holsteinisches 15.11.91 Waddens, sandbanks, red knot (425,000) 299,000 Wattenmeer (SH) marshes, salt marshes dunlin (350,000) common eider (150,000) Mühlenberger Loch (HH) 09.06.92 Freshwater mud flats green-winged teal (8,000) 675 tufted duck (8,000) common pochard (4,500)

297 Name (Land) Area Area description National Internation. [ha] protection protection status status Geltinger Birk und 3,600 Macroalgae on sandy and rocky base 1 NSG 1 SPA = NSG Noor mit Kalkgrund with Macoma baltica; feeding ground (773 ha) (SH) for various waterbirds; protected coastal biotopes pursuant to Art. 20c Tab. 2.3.3.2-6: Federal Nature Conservation Act Established or planned Oehe-Schleimünde 1,631 Macroalgae on sandy and muddy 1 NSG 1 SPA = NSG Baltic Sea Protected (SH) base with Macoma baltica; feeding (362 ha) Areas (pursuant to ground for various waterbirds; protec- BUNDESAMT FÜR tected coastal biotopes pursuant to Art. NATURSCHUTZ (GER- 20c Federal Nature Conservation Act MAN FEDERAL AGENCY Küstenlandschaft 2,556 Sandy sea bottom with mussels beds, 3 NSG 3 SPA = NSG FOR NATURE CONSER- Hohwachter Bucht various shallow brackish-water bio- (487 ha) VATION) 1999b). For mit Binnenseen (SH) topes; resting and feeding ground for abbreviations, see Tab. various waterbirds; protected coastal 2, NLP = national park, biotopes pursuant to Art. 20c Federal NSG = nature reserve, Nature Conservation Act * = not yet permanen- Westküste Fehmarn 10,750 Macroalgae on sandy and rocky base 3 NSG 3 SPA = NSG tly established. mit Orther Bucht und with Macoma baltica; feeding ground (824 ha) Flügger Sand (SH) for various waterbirds; protected coastal biotopes pursuant to Art. 20c Federal Nature Conservation Act Wismarer Bucht inkl. 61,000 Seagrass meadows, mud bottom with 5 NSG 1 SPA Salzhaff (MV) great biodiversity (macro-zoobenthos), (895 ha) (19,900 ha) rocky bottom with bladder wrack; main range area in Germany for the endemic Baltic Sea mussels Cerasto- byssum hauniense and Ciona intesti- nalis; wintering and resting grounds for various waterbirds; protected coastal biotopes pursuant to Art. 20c Federal Nature Conservation Act. Nationalpark Vor- 80,500 Episodical (wind-induced) emerged NLP 1 SPA = NLP; pommersche Bodden- mud flats in shallow bodden waters; Ramsar- landschaft (MV) wintering and resting area for vari- Gebiet ous waterbirds; protected coastal (25,800 ha) biotopes pursuant to Art. 20c Fede- ral Nature Conservation Act. Nationalpark Jasmund 3,000 Chalk coast with active cliff and NLP - (MV) block-rich coastal hinterland with unusual, highly diverse macroalgae flora. Strelasund, Greifswal- 140,000 Shallow bodden waters with mud, 25 NSG 3 SPA der Bodden, Peene- sand and rock sub-stra-tes, episodical (about (85,918 ha) strom, Oderhaff (MV) (wind-induced) emerged mud flats, 12,120 ha) Oder estuary with pronounced salt- concentration gradients; seagrass meadows and diverse macro-phyte communities; habitat for many endangered animal species, such as European otter and sea eagle, wintering and resting area for various waterbirds; protected coastal bio- 298 topes pursuant to Art. 20c Federal Nature Conservation Act Conservation status and protecting measures 2

EXAMPLES OF INTERNATIONAL UNTERES ODERTAL, A GERMAN- CO-OPERATION WITH REGARD TO POLISH INTERNATIONAL PARK. THE "NATIONAL PARK" PROTECT- In the final session of the Volkskammer, ED-SITE CATEGORY. the parliament of the former GDR, the basis was created for set-aside of the Un- teres Odertal (lower Oder River valley) as a THE GERMAN WADDEN SEA national park. From the start, relevant NATIONAL PARKS. In the German efforts were oriented to the creation of an North Sea coastal region, three Wadden "international-park" that would include Sea national parks – Schleswig-Holstein land on both sides of the Oder River. A Wadden Sea National Park, Hamburg Wad- joint declaration of the environment min- den Sea National Park and Lower Saxony isters of Germany and Poland, of the envi- Wadden Sea National Park – were estab- ronment minister of Brandenburg and of lished in sites oriented to the boundaries the Woiwoden of Stettin then paved the of the relevant Länder. These national way, at an international level, for such an parks, which cover nearly the entire German area. The declaration, which is based on North Sea coastline, are complemented to guidelines of the IUCN, expressed the par- the north (Denmark) and to the south ties' intention to establish a contiguous (Netherlands) by additional protected areas. protected area on both sides of the Oder River. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have been co-operating trilaterally in pro- By resolution, a programme council was tection of the Wadden Sea since 1978; in established to enhance co-operation 1982, they signed a "Joint Declaration on between the various administrations for the Protection of the Wadden Sea". With the protected area. The programme coun- this declaration, they pursue the aim of cil's tasks include: effectively protecting the Wadden Sea and its sand and mud flats, the world's largest l detailed assessment of the conservation wadden area. Within the framework of status of the international park, inclu- nature conservation policy and trilateral ding its buffer zones, management, the countries' joint efforts are oriented to the overall aim of protect- l co-ordination of provisions for protec- ing the complete diversity of the habitat tion, as well as of a joint protection, types that a natural, dynamic Wadden Sea management and development con- should have. Each of the habitats must except, hibit a certain quality (natural dynamics, absence of disturbance, absence of pollu- l development of initiatives for joint tion) that can be achieved via suitable pro- scientific studies and for preparation of tection and management measures. The expert assessments, quality of the habitats is to be maintained or improved "by working towards achiev- l review of investment and business pro- ing Targets which have been agreed upon". jects on the territory of the internatio- Targets have been agreed for six habitat nal park, as well as of other projects types, as well for water quality and sedi- that could have lasting impacts on its ment quality (targets in these two areas conservation value, apply to all habitats), and for birds and marine mammals (taken from the Stade l development of proposals for enhan- Declaration, a ministerial declaration of cing protection and management of the Eighth Trilateral Governmental Con- the protected area and ference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea, which took place in 1997, COMMON WADDEN SEA SECRETARIAT 2001).

299 l promoting the interests of the interna- studies and planning, execution of meas- tional park and assisting in obtaining ures and monitoring of measures' success. supporting funding (as described in the resolution of the environment mini- Nature reserves, national parks, biosphere sters of Germany and Poland, of the reserves and EC special protection areas environment minister of the state of for birds play especially important roles as Brandenburg and of the Woiwoden of protected sites within the meaning of Stettin from 11 December 1992). AEWA. Normally, so-called management and development plans are prepared for The aforementioned declaration was nature reserves, while management plans implemented in 1995. Laws were passed to are prepared for national parks, biosphere establish the Unteres Odertal National reserves and EC special protection areas Park on the German side and two land- for birds. Such plans set forth measures for scape reserves on the Polish side. The joint management of the relevant protected strategy for protection of the Unteres sites in keeping with their conservation Odertal area thus produced a protected purposes. The relevant site administrations area totalling 117,274 ha in area. or specialised authorities prepare such management plans and are responsible for ensuring that they are properly imple- Re 3.4: Has your country developed a mented. management planning process for protected sites? If yes, please outline the types of management plans and organ- MEASURES TO ENSURE WISE USE izations responsible for development OF WETLANDS AND PREVENT and implementation. THEIR DEGRADATION.

Re 3.6: What measures does your coun- Re 3.5 a-c: For how many protected sites try have in place to ensure the wise use have formal management plans been of wetlands habitats and to prevent ha- proposed, prepared or implemented bitat degradation e.g. pollution control (please append a list of sites and their and managing water resources? Please management planning status.) provide examples of best practice initiatives particularly involving cross-sectoral co-operation or public participation. The laws and ordinances that are individually prepared and adopted for each protected site describe the object of the pro- As described above, nature reserves are tection, the purpose of the protection, the established by ordinances issued by the requirements and prohibitions needed to relevant Länder. National parks are also achieve the protection purpose and, where established by the Länder, via national necessary, the relevant management and park acts. Control of uses, prevention of development measures or empowerments degradation, and pollution control within (Art. 12 (2) Federal Nature Conservation the meaning of 3.2.3 of the AEWA Action Act). Plan are thus carried out by means of Länder ordinances or acts relative to the Such provisions provide authorisation, as protected sites in question, and issued by necessary, to manage the protected site in the competent authorities or institutions. keeping with its conservation purpose. A number of federal laws also contain pro- Relevant management can include special visions with regard to pollution control.

300 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

ENSURING WISE USE OF PROTECT- Ordinances for protected sites also contain ED SITES. Ordinances on nature re- clauses on prohibited actions, in order to serves can include provisions that express- prevent site degradation. Such sections, for ly prohibit or permit certain actions. As a example, can mandate that result, such ordinances provide a means of controlling uses in sites. In each case, it is l construction of or changes in structu- up to the relevant Land to determine what res, use is to be made of these options. In the following, two nature-reserve ordinances l changes in the soil, are cited to illustrate the possible variance in strictness of control of uses. l changes in site use,

Art. 6 "Permitted actions" of the ordinance l construction of roads or paths, on the nature reserve Nuthe-Nieplitz- Niederung in Brandenburg mandates that l unauthorised vehicles, agriculture in the area must be in keeping with Brandenburg's nature conservation l operation of remote-controlled toys, act. The ordinance also states that conversion of farmland to grassland, and fertili- l horseback riding outside of horse trails, sation of farmland, with no more than 80 kg of pure nitrogen per hectare, are per- l camping or mitted. It also permits fertilisation with farm manure, in amounts corresponding l unleashed dogs to an animal density of 1.5 large animal units (GVE) per hectare, but it prohibits shall be prohibited within the protected use of chemical and synthetic compounds, site (excerpt from the ordinance on the easily soluble phosphates or chlorine-con- nature reserve "Nuthe-Nieplitz-Niederung" taining fertilisers. Finally, it sets forth that in Brandenburg). Furthermore, such sec- construction of livestock shelters and tions or ordinances can also prohibit cer- small, roofed feed-storage structures is per- tain agricultural uses, such as: mitted only on extensively managed grassland and in consultation with the compe- l plowing of meadows or pastures, tent lower nature conservation authority. l seeding of areas, Art. 5 (Permitted actions) of the ordinance on the nature reserve "Haseldorfer Binnen- l storing synthetic pesticides outside of elbe mit Elbvorland" in Schleswig-Holstein private property (houses and gardens), mandates that grassland use must be oriented to the area's conservation purpose, l chemically treating wood or pursuant to the recommendations of the state conservation and environmental l applying, discharging or storing liquid agency. It prohibits any increases in manure, fertiliser, silage or sewage drainage, any plowing of sites and any use sludge. of pesticides and fertilisers. To protect sites' flora and fauna, ordinances can prohibit release or establishment of animals and/or feeding of fish or waterbirds.

301 Enforcement of such requirements and desired conservation aims are achieved prohibitions is normally organised and and remain in force over significant peri- managed by the competent local nature ods of time. Contractual nature conserva- conservation authorities. In Germany's tion is often divided into different extensi- large protected areas, rangers usually vation levels, in keeping with the most carry out random or regular inspections to suitable aims for the relevant sites – for enforce compliance with usage restrictions example, vegetation conservation or and prohibitions. Nature conservation meadow-bird protection. authorities may also carry out inspections in protected sites, acting either directly or The following restrictions play a particu- through volunteer staff. larly important role in connection with wetlands conservation for meadow-breed- All Länder make use of the option of ing birds: engaging recognised nature conservation associations to monitor protected sites. l prohibition of raking, grading, compac- Other Land organisations, such as police ting or fertilising after the beginning or waterway police (Wasserschutzpolizei), of the meadow-bird breeding season, also help to monitor protected sites. Police, waterway police and trade-supervi- l in general, sharp restrictions on fertili- sion authorities also play important roles sation, and prohibition of biocides, in general monitoring for pollution control. l prohibition of plowing of grassland, and requirements to convert farmland to grassland, CONTRACTUAL NATURE CONSERV- ATION. Restrictions on agricultural uses l adaptation of livestock densities and can be imposed, at the Länder level, by grazing periods to needs of breeding means of contractual nature conservation birds (pastures), (Vertragsnaturschutz). In using this instrument, competent nature conservation l selection of the time for initial mowing authorities conclude agreements with in keeping with needs of breeding affected farmers regarding extensivation birds (depending on the species, bet- of site usage. Affected farmers can be com- ween 1 July and 1 September). pensated with state funds for their expected resulting losses. In addition to wet-meadow-oriented contractual nature conservation, which Contractual nature conservation is used accounts for a majority of use of this on areas set aside as protected sites. It is instrument, contractual nature conserva- also used as a substitute for set-aside of tion may be used to promote conservation- protected sites (i.e. on areas worthy of spe- oriented management of fish ponds – this cial protection). Under contractual nature is the case in Saxony, for example. The conservation arrangements, affected farm- purpose of such management is to protect ers voluntarily enter into contractual obli- the long-term vitality of ponds as ecosys- gations regarding agricultural use of the tems and habitats for plants and animals. relevant sites. Normally, the restrictions It also aims to preserve naturally managed involve extensivation of grassland manage- ponds as traditional landscape elements. ment and call for conversion of cultivated Contractual nature conservation in the land into grassland. Agreements normally area of fish ponds represents a first step have three-year terms, to ensure that the toward restoring conditions required by

302 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

AEWA waterbird species such as the fer- principles of sustainable management ruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) and the with regard to red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena). Restrictions for fish farmers, oriented to l wastewater discharges, waterbird conservation, include: l handling of water-hazardous substances l mandated stocking densities, and l avoidance of changes in underwater l protection of surface waters and and floating vegetation and in shoreli- groundwaters. ne structures, Water bodies that are free, or nearly free, l near-complete avoidance of biocides of pollution must not be exposed to and lime treatments for disinfection threats that could worsen their condition. purposes, and prohibition of fertilisation, Water bodies that are in poor condition, as a result of environmental impacts, must l prohibition of recreational activities be restored in keeping with legal require- such as boating and fishing (THIEM ments. The Länder are to support efforts 1998). in this area by implementing the Federal Water Act within state provisions (state Public-sector purchase of valuable sites is water acts), as well as by taking other suit- yet another instrument for site protection able measures. – for example, for protection of wet meadows. This instrument is used especially Water-protection areas (Wasserschutzge- when protection aims clash so sharply biete) can be established in order to pro- with agricultural uses that areas can no tect the quality of water, a fundamental longer be used economically. resource – especially groundwater. Within water-protection areas, certain actions can Table 8 lists support programmes relative be prohibited that could threaten ground- to contractual nature conservation, includ- water quality. For example, no "water-haz- ing the sizes of the areas covered, the rele- ardous" substances may be transported or vant funding and relevant further targets stored in water-protection areas. for such public-sector purchases. Impacts of air or noise pollution on impor- In addition to ordinances on protected tant sites, within the meaning of AEWA, areas, with their options to control uses in are controlled via the Federal Immission order to prevent wetlands degradation, Control Act. and contractual nature conservation, two key laws protect wetlands. The purpose of the Federal Immission Control Act is to protect people, animals The Federal Water Act is built on the and plants, the soil, water and the air principle of protecting water bodies as ele- from harmful environmental impacts and ments of natural cycles and as habitats for to prevent relevant threats. On the strength plants and animals. Pursuant to the Fede- of this act, certain areas can be declared ral Water Act, water bodies must be man- protected areas in which operation of cer- aged in a manner that prevents avoidable tain facilities may be prohibited in order impairments of their ecological functions. to guard against harmful impacts. Use of water bodies must be oriented to

303 Water quality in the Elbe, for example, is many concluded an agreement on the monitored by the Working Group for establishment of an "International Com- Water Quality in the Elbe River (Arbeits- mission for the Protection of the Oder". gemeinschaft for the Reinhaltung the Elbe This co-operation makes it possible to - ARGE Elbe), in which the seven Länder monitor the Oder River's water quality on along the Elbe River, Saxony, Saxony-An- an international basis. halt, Brandenburg, Lower Saxony, Meck- lenburg-West Pomerania, Hamburg and Similar commissions have also been estab- Schleswig-Holstein participate. lished to protect water quality in other major German rivers (see also Chapter In 1999, in order to promote co-operation 2.3.2.3). to protect the Oder River, Poland and Ger-

BL Support programme Area and period Financing in (DM) BB BE BW BY Contractual nature conservation programme (VNP) Tab. 2.3.3.2-8: HB Bremen extensivation 550 ha before 2000 About 128,000 annually Wetlands protection programme (VN) (not incl. Agenda 2000) (ca. 250,000) and programmes in Land purchase 2,250 ha (2001 owned the various Länder by city of HB) (according to surveys HE and NEHLS et al. 2001) HH Support for extensive grassland 1,800 ha (2001) In 2001: about 562,500 (BL = Land; for abbrevi- management (contractual nature (about 1,100,000) ations, see Tab. 2) conservation) MV Directive on support for fen conservation ? ? Directive on support for grassland Aim: up to 60,000 ha Then, about 13.9 million conservation (27.2 million) NI Contractual nature conservation 5,300 ha (1999) Land purchase >17,000 ha (1999 owned by NI) NW Contractual nature conservation About 3,000 ha From 1985 to 1996, total of 15.3 million (30 million) Flächenankauf 5,600 ha (1999 From 1985 to 1996, total of owned by NW) 94.6 million (185 million) RP SH Contractual nature conservation 6,000 ha (1999) Land purchase 4,000 ha since the mid-1980s SL SN Nature conservation and pro- 5,005 ha (2000) In 2000: 1.15 million tection of cultural landscapes (2.25 million) (Naturschutz und Erhalt Kultur- landschaft - NAK) Extensive grassland management (KULAP) ST Contractual nature conservation TH

304 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.3.3 Restoration and regenera- This article presents Mecklenburg-West tion of wetlands Pomerania's fen-protection concept as an example of how regio-nal guidelines can facilitate effective area protection.

Re 3.7: Does your country have a policy Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's fen-protec- for the identification, rehabilitation tion concept calls for restoration of impor- and restoration of wetlands important tant habitats of AEWA limicolae species, for species covered by the Agreement? as listed in 3.3 of the AEWA Action Plan. Please provide examples of rehabilita- Most of these species, which are listed in tion and restoration projects and initia- Tab. 1, are endangered in Germany, and tives undertaken. thus they are important focuses of nature conservation in Germany (BOYE et al. 2000).

A number of research efforts and model Fens have been, and continue to be, sub- projects have been carried out, at the fed- ject to a wide range of damaging or de- eral level, with a focus on protecting wet- structive uses. This is why Mecklenburg- lands and their species – and on restoring West Pomerania, one of the most fen-rich and regenerating wetlands. One example Länder in Germany (12.6 % of the state's is provided by ROSENTHAL et al. (1998). area) adopted a fen-conservation pro- This interdisciplinary research project gramme in 2000 (UMWELT-MINI-STERIUM studied the distribution, ecological impor- DES LANDES MECKLENBURG-WEST tance, condition and historical develop- POMERANIA 2000). This fen-protection ment of, and threats to, wet grasslands in concept is presented here in order to illus- north-German lowlands, and it used the trate ways of regenerating areas of impor- findings to develop nature conservation tance with regard to AEWA. Other older guidelines and realistic protection and projects, some of which have been com- development concepts for the overall area pleted, are also presented in this context. in question. Other projects are described in greater detail in Chapter 1.2.3. Their findings provide a basis and orientation for implementation of measures in the Länder.

Tab. 2.3.3.3-1: Limicolae species that benefit from Mecklenburg-West Pomerania's fen-protection concept.

Scientific name Common name Pluvialis apricaria European golden plover Tringa glareola wood sandpiper Gallinago gallinago common snipe Numenius aquata western curlew Limosa limosa black-tailed godwit Tringa ochropus green sandpiper Tringa totanus common redshank Philomachus pugnax ruff Calidris alpina dunlin

305 The concept adopted by Mecklenburg- COMPLETED OR ONGOING West Pomerania is aimed at protecting PROJECTS FUNDED LARGELY and restoring the state's remaining semi- WITH EU-LIFE FUNDS (SEE ALSO natural fens. This means that use of fens, CHAP. 1.2.5). The primary aim of the wherever possible, is to made more envi- EU-Life project "Conservation and ronmentally compatible or completely dis- restoration of the Trebeltal fen area in continued. All in all, a total of 38,000 ha Mecklenburg-West Pomerania" was to of fens are to be restored, and uses are to restore natural hydrological conditions, to be discontinued on 37,000 ha of fens provide the year-round water levels need- (UMWELTMINISTERIUM DES LANDES ed to promote expansion of peat-forming MECKLENBURG-WEST POMERANIA 2000). reedbeds, consisting of common reeds and The planned projects are to be carried out sedges (RUNZE 2000). To (re-) create a with financial support from European, fed- "growing" fen, operation of bucket-eleva- eral and state budgets. tors was stopped and the relevant struc- Basic decisions regarding projects' worthi- tures were removed. The old meandering ness of support are made on the basis of a watercourse was restored over a 12 km state-wide analysis of all fens and their section. In addition, dikes were removed, current condition. Decisions on execution to reintroduce natural flood regimes in of specific projects, within the fen-protec- spring and winter. A supportive dam was tion concept, are made by the co-ordina- constructed in the Trebel watercourse, and tion office sited within the State environ- ditches surrounding the Trebel were ment, nature conservation and geology dammed, to achieve stable water levels agency (Landesamt für Umwelt, Natur- year-round. schutz und Geologie). This office is advised in such decisions by a "fen" consulting In the EU-Life project "Restoration of the board (Moorbeirat), which functions on Recknitztal fen area (EU special protec- the top state level. The state's relevant tion area for birds)", river meanders, in rural districts, which have competency in their former beds, were restored to pro- matters of water law, and state environ- duce a water-carrying river (MEERGANS mental and nature conservation authori- 2000). The man-made, straight Recknitz ties, have voices in final approval of proj- Canal was reconnected, on one side in ects. each case, to the natural meandering watercourses from which it had been sev- Projects normally receive technical sup- ered. In addition, barriers were placed in port from private planning bureaux. the canal, at regular intervals, in order to Wherever possible, universities are to be interrupt its water flow. Existing dams engaged to review projects' success and were removed and, in order to achieve efficiency. high water levels throughout the entire restoration area, ditches were filled in and a "supportive" dam was constructed. This DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS. The project was completed in April 2001. following section, which presents both completed and ongoing projects of rele- Like the aims of the two aforementioned vance to fen conservation, is organised in projects, the primary aim of the EU-Life keeping with financing arrangements. project "Wet-habitat management in the Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve" is to stop the ongoing drainage (GEBHARD 2000). The planned measures include removal of a bucket-elevator system and closure of ditches and removal of their

306 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

culverts. The measures are expected to vation, and the area is to be improved in raise the water level in the project area by keeping with scientific conservation prin- 30-50 cm, causing water to remain in the ciples (STEGEMANN & HENNICKE 1996). area for longer periods of time. Existing Specifically, this means: fens will profit from the higher water levels and longer water retention and will l Conservation and extensive restoration thus be revitalised. of the river-valley fen, as a living fen, via improvement of water regimes, as The EU-Life project "Fens and bitterns on well as removal of the polders establis- the upper Havel River" is aimed at creat- hed in recent decades; ing a natural water regime that can rewet the existing fen bed. The measures will l Restoration of damaged fens, through permit native vegetation to develop again careful introduction of successions; and will stop fen degradation (SPICHER 2000). To achieve this aim, two polders, l Protection and restoration of the bioto- along with bucket-elevator systems, ditch pe diversity created through various closures and dams, are to be removed. traditional extensive forms of management and cultivation; The main measure in the EU-Life project "Restoration of the Galenbecker See l Long-term protection of the river low- natural area" is to construct a dam 6.9 lands as important passage, resting and km in length. This will raise the water breeding areas for avifauna; level in the Galenbecker See (lake), which is threatened by terrestrialisation, by l Conservation and long-term protection about one meter. The increase in the wa- of the Peene River, as a largely natural ter level will also rewet the surrounding watercourse; fens. All meadows in the project area are to be purchased in order to ensure fens l Minimisation of pollution in the Peene, are managed in keeping with conserva- which currently is caused by intensive tion principles (SCHIEFELBEIN in lit. 2001). agriculture and oxidative peat decomposition; These EU-Life projects are described in greater detail in Chapter 1.2.5. l Set-aside of the entire project area as a landscape reserve, and of the core zone as a nature reserve, by 2005. PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE GER- MAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NA- According to HENNICKE (1994), the shore- TURE CONSERVATION, WITHIN line-vegetation project has already regis- THE FRAMEWORK OF FINANCING tered initial success. Large sections of FOR MAJOR NATURE CONSERV- grassland have been converted to exten- ATION PROJECTS AND PROJECTS sive use, and land has been purchased for TO RESTORE NATURAL SHORE- water-body restoration. LINE VEGETATION OF WATER BODIES. In the shoreline-vegetation proj- Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-West ect "Peenetal / Peene-Haff-Moor", the Pomerania are co-operating in a major area's natural or semi-natural condition is nature conservation project in the Schaal- to be restored, in its entirety, for purposes see area, within the framework of the of species, biotope and landscape conser- shoreline-vegetation programme. This

307 project, which is spatially separate from complex-melioration programme, were the aforementioned EU-Life project, is to removed / filled in, and the old natural be completed in 2003. rivulet system was at least partially restored. In the years that followed, the One important aim, as in other major vegetation on the formerly intensively nature conservation projects, is to protect managed grassland (vegetation that was sites (JARMATZ & MÖNKE 1994). To this typical of such grassland) gradually gave end, sites that have been temporarily se- way to valuable, characteristic salt-mead- cured, or that are already nature reserves, ow vegetation. are to be purchased. In the interest of preparing a detailed catalogue of aims, a The positive impacts on the bird world management and development plan has were seen almost immediately following been prepared, with funding from the removal of the dike. In 1994, eight new Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. wading bird species and two duck species To protect the fens in the area, the water occupied the Karrendorfer Wiesen area. regime within the fens is to be optimised, As of 1998, a total of 11 limicolae and and overall water levels are to be raised. eight waterbird species had been sighted In addition, nutrient discharges into the breeding in the area. On the other hand, fens are to be reduced and peat removal is the observed occupancy densities were to be discontinued. low, and breeding success remained very low, due to high predation pressure and nest losses through flooding. In addition, EXAMPLE OF A PROJECT FINANCED in most cases the new arrivals were birds SOLELY WITH STATE FUNDS. In that had moved in from other parts of the 1992, restoration of the old coastal nature conservation area. flood plain fen in the Karrendorfer Wiesen area was begun, with funding The undiked Karrendorfer Wiesen have a from the state (Land) of Mecklenburg-West far greater importance as resting and pas- Pomerania (HOLZ et al. 1996). The Karren- sage areas for migrating coastal birds. As dorfer Wiesen area, which borders the of 1998, a total of 37 limicolae species, 31 Greifswalder Bodden area to the south- duck and goose species and various tern west, was diked and thereby separated and gull species had been sighted. Increa- from natural flood regimes in the mid- singly, the Karrendorfer Wiesen are being 19th century, following a series of serious used as a moulting area, by ducks, and as storm floods. Some 24,000 of the area's sleeping quarters, by geese, swans, cranes, 30,000 hectares were affected by the diking. gulls and terns. Peak levels of several tens of thousands of ducks and geese, and of Since 1992, in three phases of construc- thousands of limicolae, can be observed in tion, natural flood regimes have been the area (HEINICKE 2000). restored in the Karrendorfer Wiesen. In the first phase, a 1.4 km protective dike Restoration of the Karrendorfer Wiesen was constructed to guard the community enabled the area to fulfil criteria for of Karrendorf from future flooding. The Ramsar-area status, as well as criteria of second phase, which took place in 1993, Art. 15 (nature conservation and biodiver- comprised removal of a 6.4 km outer dike sity) of the Helsinki Agreement. With the that had separated the Karrendorfer help of scientific support provided by the Wiesen from the Greifswalder Bodden. In Uni-versity of Greifswald, the project is addition, the bucket elevators and ditches also to serve as a model project for other, installed by the former GDR, within its future restoration efforts.

308 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The various projects for fen protection and mum size of 75 ha) and community hunt- restoration are creating a biotope network ing districts in which parcels smaller than in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania – espe- 75 ha are combined. In private hunting cially with the inclusion of the Recknitz, districts, the property owner is entitled to Trebel and Peene river-valley fens – that is hunt, while in community hunting dis- providing migratory waterbird species tricts the hunting association, comprising with valuable breeding and resting areas. all property owners belonging to the relevant community hunting district, is so entitled. The right to hunt in a hunting district may be leased by the relevant property owner or hunting association. A central feature of the district system is that the person entitled to hunt in a given dis- 2.3.4 Intervention trict is specifically responsible for ensuring that hunting in the district conforms to legal requirements. Pursuant to the Fe- 2.3.4.1 Hunting deral Hunting Act, he or she is required to care for the district, with the aims of conserving a diverse, healthy stock of game, Re 4.1: Outline the main features of leg- adapted to the local landscape and cultur- islation or legal measures in your coun- al circumstances, and of managing and try to control hunting of the species maintaining its basic resources. covered by the Agreement (e.g. use of lead shot and poisoned baits, and to A person who wishes to hunt in Germany eliminate illegal taking). must also have a hunting license. To obtain a hunting license, an applicant within the sphere of application of the Federal LEGAL BASES FOR CONTROLLING Hunting Act must pass the hunters' exami- HUNTING OF THE WATERBIRD nation, which tests knowledge of subjects SPECIES COVERED BY AEWA. Hun- such as game biology and management, ting of waterbird in the Federal Republic and laws pertaining to hunting, animal of Germany is regulated by the Federal welfare, nature conservation and land- Hunting Act (Bundesjagdgesetz - BJagdG) scape management. and by the hunting laws of the Länder. The Federal Hunting Act, which was Art. 2 of the Federal Hunting Act specifies issued as a framework act, is specified and what animal species are subject to hunt- supplemented by the state (Land) laws ing law in the Federal Republic of Ger- issued within its framework. many. This group includes AEWA species such as the mute swan (Cygnus olor), wild In Germany, the right to hunt – unlike the geese (Anser Brisson and Branta Scopoli), rights conferred by many other countries' wild ducks (Anatinae) mergansers (genus hunting license systems – is inseparably Mergus L.) and the black coot (Fulica atra). linked to ownership of land. Areas open to Significantly, the majority of bird species hunting in Germany are divided, in accor- subject to hunting law may not actually be dance with the so-called "district" (Revier) hunted. system, into precisely parcelled hunting districts. The Federal Hunting Act differen- The hunting seasons for various game spe- tiates, in keeping with property size, cies are defined by the Federal hunting between private hunting districts (mini- season ordinance (Bundesjagdzeitenver-

309 ordnung). The Länder may suspend or SPECIFICATIONS PERTAINING TO shorten the hunting seasons established USE OF LEAD SHOT AND POISON by this ordinance and, for special reasons BAITS. In 1993, and most recently in only, may lengthen them. Game species 2001, the Federal Ministry of Consumer for which no hunting season has been Protection, Food and Agriculture (BMVEL), specified may not be hunted at any time which is responsible for hunting issues at of the year – i.e. hunting of them is pro- the federal level, urgently recommended hibited (Art. 22 BJagdG). This group of that only non-lead shot be used for hunt- species includes the following waterbirds, ing game birds near water bodies. Various nation-wide: Pink-footed goose (Anser Länder have since prohibited use of lead brachyrhynchus), barnacle goose (Branta shot for hunting of waterbirds at and leucopsis), common shelduck (Tadorna above water bodies; other Länder are tadorna), gadwall (Anas strepera), northern preparing similar provisions. shoveller (Anas clypeata), red-crested pochard (Netta rufina), ferruginous duck Use of poison baits, snares or other hunt- (Aythya nyroca), common eider (Somateria ing methods that violate principles of ani- molissima), long-tailed duck (Clangula hye- mal welfare, or that are non-selective, has malis), common goldeneye (Bucephala clan- been prohibited in Germany for many gula), and the merganser species smew decades. (Mergellus albellus), red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) and goosander (Mergus merganser). PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL TAKING. As mentioned above in connection with Taking of eggs of game bird species is the legal basis for controlling hunting, un- generally prohibited. It may be permitted der the district system pertaining within only in individual cases, for scientific, the framework of the Federal Hunting Act, instructional and research purposes or for the person entitled to hunt in a given dis- purposes of breeding. trict is personally and fully responsible for his district (hunting district). He is legally Species subject to hunting law are also obligated to manage the game properly – subject to nature conservation law. On the in particular, to maintain a diverse, other hand, hunting law takes precedence healthy stock of game and to protect the as special law for game species. Protection basic resources upon which it depends. He provisions under nature conservation law is also personally responsible for fulfilment apply only insofar as hunting law contains of, and compliance with, shooting plans, or provides no special provisions on the for prevention of epidemics in game and protection and management of the rele- for protection of game against poachers, vant species. starvation and other threats.

The following applies to all wild bird The hunting administration is responsi- species pursuant to Art. 42 (1) No. 1 of the ble for monitoring the activities of persons Federal Nature Conservation Act: they may entitled to hunt. It maintains offices on not be captured, injured, or killed, nor the rural district level, in order to carry may their developmental forms, or their out its local tasks. Unlike the situation in nesting, breeding, living or refuge struc- countries in which the state provides indi- tures be removed from their natural sur- vidual hunting permits (license system), in roundings, damaged or destroyed. Germany, persons entitled to hunt have a special local responsibility in fulfilling legal requirements, especially in connection with bagging game.

310 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The hunting restrictions set forth by the Re 4.2: Does your country monitor hunt- Federal Hunting Act, such as prohibitions ing levels? If so, how is this information pertaining to places and times for hunting collated and reported? (off-seasons), restrictions pertaining to hunting equipment (use of bird glues, nets, fish traps and poison is prohibited) are to be understood in terms of animal In Germany, levels of hunting of water- welfare as well as the principle of caring birds are monitored by having entitled properly for game stocks. The Federal hunters collect annual bag statistics for a Hunting Act expressly states what animals hunting year (from 1 April to 31 March of may be hunted. Hunting seasons are regu- the following year) and then report these lated by the Federal hunting season ordi- statistics to the responsible hunting autho- nance (Jagdzeitenverordnung). Hunting rities. The Länder keep bag statistics for seasons are defined for each game spe- hunting, usually broken down by species cies, in accordance with each species' con- (Tab. 2.3.4.1-3). servation status. Animal species that are subject to hunting law and are also endan- Federal authorities do not keep nation- gered may not be hunted at any time of wide bag statistics for waterbirds. The the year. German Hunting Association (Deutscher Jagdschutz-verband - DJV) publishes annu- Violations of hunting restrictions are strict- al nation-wide statistics. These statistics do ly prosecuted. Hunting of game subject to not break wild ducks and geese down to a year-round off-season, and hunting of the species level, however. The number of animals with young, are crimes under wild ducks killed annually in the Federal hunting law. Republic of Germany has averaged about 570,000 individuals since the beginning of In some Länder, bag statistics are kept in the 1980s. In the 2000/2001 hunting year, connection with bag notifications. Entitled a total of 516,868 wild ducks (primarily hunters – who are responsible for their mallards) were shot (Fig. 2.3.4.1-1). The hunting districts – report bag statistics to total number of wild geese shot in the the responsible hunting authority. In such 2000/2001 hunting year was 29,720 indi- reports, group designations such as viduals (DJV 2002). "ducks" or "geese" are increasingly giving way to names of specific species. The bag If hunting bag statistics are to play a use- lists also provide a basis for scientific stud- ful role in monitoring and protection of ies and are evaluated and analysed with waterbird populations, certain require- respect to necessary population-conserving ments must be imposed on their quality; measures. BLEW (2000) described these requirements at the conference for AEWA implementation.

311 Tab. 2.3.4.1-2: Overview of current Länder regulations restricting use of lead shot in hunting of waterbirds (As of October 2001)

Land Use of lead shot Source Baden- No restrictions relative to Art. 19 BJG Baden-Württemberg hunting act in the Württemberg -Prohibition in preparation - version of 1 June 1996, amended by Art. 34 5. amendment ordinance (AnpVO) of 06/17/1997 Bavaria No restrictions relative to Art. 19 BJG Bavarian hunting act (BayJG) amended by act of 30 July 1987, act of 9 August 1993, act of 24 May 1996, act of 23 April 1997 Berlin No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Berlin state hunting act (LJagdG Bln) of -Restriction in preparation - 3 May 1995 Brandenburg No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Brandenburg state hunting act (LJagdG Bbg) of 3 March 1992, amended by act of 5 November 1997 Bremen No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Higher hunting authority (orally reported) Hamburg No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Hamburg state hunting act, in the ver- -Amendment planned - sion promulgated 22 May 1978, and last amended on 21 November 1996

Hesse No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Hesse hunting act (HJG) of 12 October 1994, last amended by act of 21 December 1999 Mecklenburg- No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Hunting act of the state of West Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Pomerania (LJagdGM-V) of 22 March 2000 Lower Saxony Art. 24 1. Apart from Art. 19 of the Lower Saxony hunting act (NJagdG) Federal Hunting Act, it shall be proof 16 March 2001 hibited, ... to use lead shot in hunting waterfowl game at and above water bodies. North Rhine- No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG North Rhine-Westphalia state hunting Westphalia -Prohibition in preparation - act (LJagdG NW) of 7 December 1994 Rhineland- No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Rhineland-Palatinate state hunting act, Palatinate Mainz, 5 May 1997 Saarland No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Saarland hunting act (SJG) of 27 May 1998 Saxony No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Saxony state hunting act -Prohibition being reviewed - (Sächs. LJagdG) Saxony - No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG 320th state hunting act for Saxony-An- Anhalt halt of 07/23/1991, last amended by act of 04/16/1997, by Art. 2 Act for amendment of provisions on administrative procedures of 11/21/1997 and by Art. 4 Act for amendment of administrative enforcement of 12/18/1997 Schleswig- Art. 29 4. It shall be prohibited, ... to Schleswig-Holstein state hunting act Holstein use lead shot in hunting of waterfowl (LjagdG) of 13 October 1999 Thuringia No restriction relative to Art. 19 BJG Thuringia hunting act (ThJG) of 25 August 1999

312 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Re 4.3: Describe action undertaken by operations, preventing damage caused by hunting clubs and organisations to game, relevant aspects of agriculture and manage hunting activity e.g. co-opera- forestry, gun laws, weapon technology, tive action, issuing of licences and profi- proper handling of hunting arms and ciency testing of individual members. hunting dogs, proper handling of killed game (including proper hygiene), assess- In the Federal Republic of Germany, train- ment of safe condition (food safety) of ing of hunters is carried out by the DJV's killed game and laws pertaining to hunt- member state hunting associations and ing, animal welfare, nature conservation their subdivisions (DJV in lit. 2001), as well and landscape management (DJG, DJV as by state associations of the Ecological 2001). Hunting Association (Ökologischer Jagdverein - ÖJV). In most Länder, admis- In addition, hunting associations offer reg- sion to the hunter's examination is preced- ular refresher and further training courses ed by a 6-to-12 month training period or (DJV in lit. 2001). completion of a training course totalling at least 110 hours. To be permitted to hunt, a hunter must pass a hunter's examination administered by a state or state- accredited examining board. The hunter's examination includes a shooting-proficien- cy test and written and oral testing of knowledge in the following areas: Animal species, game biology, game management, proper management of hunting

Tab. 2.3.4.1-3: Species-specific annual waterfowl bag statistics, for the various Länder (oral and written information provided by responsible officials at supreme hunting authorities, October / November 2001).

Land Breakdown by species, ducks Breakdown by species, geese Baden-Württemberg Since 2000 Since 2000 Bavaria Berlin Yes Yes Brandenburg Yes Yes Bremen Planned Planned Hamburg Yes Yes Hesse Yes Yes Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Yes Yes Lower Saxony Yes Yes North Rhine-Westphalia Yes Yes Rhineland-Palatinate ??? ??? Saarland No No Saxony Yes Yes Saxony-Anhalt Yes Yes Schleswig-Holstein Yes Yes Thuringia Yes Yes

313 15.01. 15.01. 15.01.

Tab. 2.3.4.1-1: Overview of hunting seasons for waterbirds in the Federal Repu- blic of Germany (Hun- ting season ordinance of 2 April 1977, amended 22 March 2001) and in the Länder (DJV 2001, Lower Saxony hunting-season ordinances of 6 August

2001). Federal Baden-Republic Wür- Bavariaof Ger- Berlin ttem-many Branden- Bremen Ham- berg Hesse Mecklen- Lower01.11.- North burg15.01. Rhine- Saar- Saxony 01.11.- Saxony- 15.01. burg Schles- Thu- burg- Saxony 01.11.- Rhine- 15.01. land- Po- West land merania West- 01.11.- Palati- Anhalt phalia wig- 01.11.- 15.01. nate 15.01. rin- 01.11.- 15.01. Hol- stein gia 01.11.- 01.11.- 15.01. 15.01.

314 Mute swanMute (Cygnus olor) --- Grey Goose(Anser anser) 01.08.- 31.08./ 01.09.- --- 30.11. 01.09.-White-fronted 15.01. --- 01.11.-Goose (Anser 01.08.- --- 15.01.albifrons) 31.08./ --- 01.09.-Bean Goose(Anser fabalis) 01.09.- 01.11.- 01.11.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.08.-Canada Goose ------01.11.- 15.01.(Anser 01.08.- 15.01. 31.01.* ---canadensis) 01.11.- 31.08./ --- Brent Goose 01.11.- 16.09.- 15.01. 01.11.- 15.01. 15.01.(Branta 01.11.- --- 01.11.- 01.11.- 01.08.- 15.01.bernicla) ------31.01.** --- 01.09.- 1.08.- 31.08./Mallard 15.01. 15.01. 01.11.- 16.09. 31.08./(Anas pla- 01.08.- 01.09.- 01.11.- 31.08. ---tyrhynchos) 15.01. 16.09.- 01.11.- --- 15.01. -31.01.** 01.09.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.09.-European --- 01.11.- --- 30-11. 01.09.- wigeon (Anas 01.09.- 15.01. 01.11.- 15.01. 01.11.- 01.09.- 01.08.- 31.12. 01.10.- 15.01.penelope) 01.09.- 15.01. 01.11.- 01.11.- --- 15.01. --- 01.10- 01.11.- 01.10.-Green-winged 15.01. 31.08./ 01.09.- 31.01 01.11.- 01.10.- 15.12. 01.11.- 15.01.teal(Anascrecca) 01.08.- 15.01. 01.09.- 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.09.- 15.01. 01.11.- 01.10.- 15.01. --- 15.01.Northern pin- 01.08.- 15.01. 01.09.------01.11.- --- 31.08./ 15.01. 01.10.- --- 01.10.-tail 15.01. (Anas acuta) 15.01. 15.01. --- 01.09.- 15.01. --- 15.01. 31.08./ 01.10.- 15.01. ---Garganey 15.01. 15.01. 01.09.- 15.01. --- 15.01. --- 01.10.- --- 15.01.(Anas quer- 30.09. --- 15.01. 01.09.- 15.01. ------15.01. 01.10.- 01.09.- 15.01. 15.01. --- 01.10.- 01.11.- 01.10.- 15.01. 01.09.- 01.11.- 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. ------01.11.------01.09.- 15.01. 01.11.- 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. --- 01.11.- 01.09.- 01.11.- 15.01. --- 15.01. 01.11.- --- 01.10.- 01.09.- 01.11.- 01.11.- --- 15.01. 01.11.- 15.01. ------01.09.- 01.11.- --- 15.01. --- 15.01. 01.09.- 01.11.- 15.01. 01.10.- 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.09.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.11.- 01.10.------01.10. 15.01. 15.01. 15.01. 01.11.- --- 15.01. 15.01. ------15.01. 15.01. 15.01.*** 15.01. 15.01. 15.01. 01.11.- --- -15.01. 15.01. --- 15.01. --- 01.11.- --- 01.11.- 15.01.*** --- 01.11.- --- 01.10.- 01.10.- --- 01.10.------01.10.- --- 15.01. 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.- --- 15.01. --- 15.01. --- 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. --- 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. --- 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.------15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. --- 15.01. 15.01. 01.10.- 01.10.- --- quedula) Conservation status and protecting measures 2 Federal Baden-Republic Wür- Bavariaof Ger- Berlin ttem-many Branden- Bremen Ham- berg Hesse Mecklen- Lower North burg Rhine- Saar- Saxony Saxony- burg Schles- Thu- burg- Saxony Rhine- land- Po- West land merania West- Palati- Anhalt phalia wig- nate rin- Hol- stein gia

315 fuligula) Common Po- 01.10.-chard (Aythya 15.01. 01.10.-ferina) 15.01.Tufted duck 01.10.-(Aythya 15.01. 01.10.- --- 01.10.- Greater scaup 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.- 01.10.- (Aythya 01.10.- 15.01. ---marila) --- 15.01. 01.10.-Black scoter 15.01. 15.01.(Melanitta ------01.10.- 15.01. ---nigra) 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. scoterVelvet 01.10.- 15.01. ------01.10.-(Melanitta ------01.10.-fusca) 15.01. 15.01.Black coot 01.10.- 01.10.- 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.-(Fulica atra) ------01.09.- --- 15.01. 15.01. 01.09.- only to crop prevent damage, and 16.01-31.01 *) 01.09.-31.10 15.01. only to crop prevent damage, 01.10.- 16.01.-31.01 --- 01.09.- 15.01.**) ---16.09.-31.10.and --- 15.01. 15.01. --- 15.01. ---***)08:00-10:00, 01.10.-****) until March 31 2005 15.12. 01.09.- 15.01. 01.10.------01.09.- 15.01. ------15.01. ------15.01. 01.10.------01.10.- 01.09.------01.09.- 01.10.------15.01. 01.10.- 01.09.- 15.01. --- 15.01. 01.09.- --- 01.10.------15.01. 01.09.- 15.01. 01.10.- 01.09.- 15.01. 01.10.- 01.10.- 15.01. 01.09.- 01.10.- --- 15.01. --- 01.10.- 15.01. --- 01.09.- 15.01. 01.10.- 01.09.- 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.- --- 15.01. 01.09.- --- 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.10.- 31.12. 01.10.- 15.01. --- 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. 01.10.- 15.01. 15.01. --- 15.01. 15.01. 15.01. 15.01. 15.01. 15.01. Fig. 2.3.4.1-1: Annual numbers of wild ducks bagged in the Federal Republic of Germany (Source: DJV 2001/2002).

800,000

700,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

1981/ 821982/ 831983/ 841984/ 851985/ 861986/ 871987/ 881988/ 891989/ 901990/ 911991/ 921992/ 931993/ 941994/ 951995/ 961996/ 971997/ 981998/ 991999/ 002000/ 01

Wild geese %

Fig. 2.3.4.1-2: Breakdown of annual bag statistics Wild ducks % among the Länder, 1999/2000 (Source: DJV 2001).

30,0

25,0

20,0

15,0

10,0 number bagged

Percentage Percentage of total 5,0

0 BW BY BE BB HB HH HE MV NI NW RP SL SN ST SH TH

Land

316 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.4.2 Eco-tourism

Re 4.4: What is the status of eco-tourism programmes or initiatives in your country? Please provide examples of projects with an indication of the significant outcomes.

Re 4.5: What social and economic bene- Viabono licenses are awarded to tourism fits accrue to the local communities associations, hotels and restaurants, large from the conservation of important protected areas, campsites, vacation waterbird sites? homes etc. in keeping with a specially prepared catalogue of criteria. As of March 2002, a total of over 60 organisations etc. had become licensees. According to estimates of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), seven per- Fig. 2.3.4 -1 provides an example of large cent of all travel expenditures world-wide protected areas' attractiveness for tourists. go to nature tourism – and this figure is Consideration of numbers of overnight growing. The area of nature and special- stays in the Rügen-Bock region on Meck- experience travel is booming like no other: lenburg-West Pomerania's Baltic Sea coast, whereas tourism overall is growing by over the course of a year, shows two addi- about four percent annually, "eco-tourism" tional high-occupancy periods outside of is growing at rates of 10% to 30% (GEO- the main summer season (June through SCIENCE ONLINE 2001). August). The first, with the lower of the two levels, occurs in March. The second, In Germany, eco-tourism, in the original which has a much higher level, occurs in sense of the term, is a niche product that October. The October growth in visitor has some 2% of the market. Fast growth is numbers coincides with the main migra- not expected. tion of cranes to their wintering areas, an event that lasts considerably longer than The Federal Government has been striving the relatively short spring passage. Thanks to promote sustainable tourism. In Octo- to a range of conservation efforts, especial- ber 2001, the Federal Ministry for the En- ly in the birds' resting and sleeping areas vironment, Nature Conservation and Nu- in the bodden waters of Darß and on the clear Safety (BMU) introduced the "Viabo- island of Rügen, and thanks to effective no" environmental label, in which 20 envi- measures for guiding visitors and helping ronmental, consumer and tourism associa- them to experience this natural spectacle, tions are participating. This label has the crane-migration watching has become a purpose of convincing consumers that en- tourist attraction in the region. vironmentally oriented travel can offer quality, comfort and excellent experiences A number of institutions also offer day- of nature. excursion programmes.

Since the 1980s, "goose tourism" has developed into a factor in the Unterer Niede- rrhein (lower part of the lower Rhine) region. As the numbers of wintering wild

317 geese there have grown sharply (from lopment. New markets for regional organi- about 25,000, in the 1970s and 1980s, to cally grown food have been created, for over 150,000 individuals today), public in- example. terest in the geese has grown as well. As early as the 1980s, bus tours of the geese' In Lower Saxony, the "Association for the wintering areas were being organised (MOOIJ Promotion of Nature Experiences" ("Verein 1988). But goose tourists who come in their zur Förderung of Naturerlebnissen e.V.") private cars often create major disturban- offers day excursions in the Stade rural ces. Since 1992, the German Nature Conser- district. The association's "Vogelkieker-Bus" vation Association (NABU) has been carry- ("birdwatcher bus") takes visitors to the ing out a project for guiding goose tourists, "Nordkehdingen nature experience" on in order to reduce the disruptions (WILLE the lower Elbe River. This double-decker 1997). Thanks to effective efforts to enhance bus, which was specially purchased and public awareness, comprehensive visitor ser- painted for this purpose, takes guests on 2- vice and strict protection of some sensitive 3 hour tours of areas in which tens of areas, goose tourism has developed into an thousands of Nordic migratory birds live attractive way to enjoy a short vacation. Dis- in the fall and thousands of meadow- counts on railway travel are offered in or- breeding birds breed in the spring and der to encourage visitors to come by train. early summer (the Nord-kehdingen bank At the same time, efforts are being made of the Elbe). The bus serves as an excellent to strengthen the region's ecological deve- observation platform. Professional tour

Fig. 2.3.4 -1: Numbers of tourist overnight stays in the Rügen-Bock region (Mecklenburg-West Pomerania) (blue line), throughout the year, in comparison with presence of cranes in the region (SCHMIEDEL in lit. 2001)

Longer season thanks to crane conservation Jahresverlauf der touristischen Über- nachtungszahlen in der Rügen-Bock- Region am Beispiel der Region Klausdorf-Altenpleen

main migration period main migration period

best time to observe summering cranes

January February March April May June July August September October November December

318 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

guides describe the various stations and must be taken into account, as early as provide background information (VEREIN possible, in all decisions taken by authori- ZUR FÖRDERUNG V. NATURERLEBNISSEN ties. 2001). EIA are carried out for projects as listed in Annex I of the UVPG. Such projects include projects that involve interventions in waterbird habitats, such as widening and straightening of waterways, river channelling and flow correction, construction 2.3.4.3 Other human activities of dams and port facilities and mining of minerals in water bodies.

The assets to be protected, i.e. the focus of ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESS- EIA, are: MENT, INTERVENTION REGULA- TIONS AND FFH IMPACT ASSESS- l Human beings, fauna, flora MENT. l Soil, water, climate, air

l Landscapes Re 4.6: Does your country carry out En- vironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of l Cultural and other assets activities potentially affecting protected sites or areas important for species cov- along with the relevant interrelationships ered by the Agreement? If yes, briefly between such assets. describe the main features of your EIA policy and procedures. EIA are divided into three main sequential focus areas. The first area comprises defi- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is nition of the necessary framework for the a legal instrument for assessing projects assessment; the second, and main, area that can cause environmental damage. It consists of the environmental impact thus is an instrument of precautionary study (Umweltverträglichkeitsuntersuch- environmental protection. As a dependent ung - UVU), and the third area includes a part of authorities' administrative proce- summary and assessment of the relevant dures, the EIA supports decisions on per- assets. missibility of projects. An EIA proceeds as follows: once the proj- The Environmental Impact Assessment Act ect backer has notified the competent (Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfungsgesetz - authority of the planned project and has UVPG), like the relevant EC Directive, provided the authority with all decision- establishes the following aim for EIA: relevant materials regarding the nature where projects are to be assessed, effective and location of the project, the authority environmental precautions, in keeping reviews whether the project is subject to with standardised principles, must be ta- EIA requirements. If this is found to be the ken. Furthermore, at an early project stage, case, the assessment framework (pursuant relevant environmental impacts must be to Art. 5 UVPG) must first be defined. This comprehensively determined, described review, known as the "scoping process", and assessed. Results of such assessment involves the participation of at least the

319 competent authority, the project backer Intervention regulations, pursuant to Art. and the relevant specialised authority. The 18 Federal Nature Conservation Act public and nature conservation associa- (BNatSchG), must be applied, in connections may also be invited to participate. tion with authorities' permission or licens- The main EIA process which then follows ing, when land forms or uses are changed is the environmental impact study (Um- in such a manner that the vitality of natu- weltverträglichkeitsuntersuchung - UVU), ral systems or the landscape's appearance which identifies the various assets con- could be considerably or lastingly im- cerned, including their interrelationships, paired. This regulation is meant to reduce and in keeping with requirements as unregulated use of natural assets and determined in identification of the frame- landscapes, and ensure that all of nature work (step 1), and determines the project's is protected throughout the country. In possible consequences. The condition of contrast to the EIA, which support deci- the assets in question is analysed, and the sions on projects' permissibility, interven- possible project-related environmental tion regulations support decisions on the threats are described. This is followed by a direct legal consequences of projects comprehensive, prognostic comparison of (BERNADOT & HERBERT 2001). the relevant assets with the project's estimated impacts. This prognosis covers the Where an intervention pursuant to Art. 18 project's various phases (construction, (1) is present, all avoidable impairments operation, decommissioning, follow-on must be avoided. All unavoidable consider- uses, disruptions and (hazardous) inci- able or lasting impairments must be com- dents) and the various spatial and techni- pensated for, within a certain period, by cal variants of the project, always taking means of nature-conservation and land- the relevant interactions into account. The scape-management measures. Where this various impacts and alternatives are then is not possible, the various interests in assessed and compared, and a preferred question must be weighed. If weighing of option is identified. Relevant avoidance, all nature and landscape criteria shows reduction, compensation and substitution that interests of nature conservation and measures are also described. The final doc- landscape management have priority, the ument, with the results of the UVU, is the project is not permissible. If the project is Environmental Impact Assessment Study permissible, all impairments that cannot (Umweltverträglichkeitsstudie - UVS). The be compensated for directly must be com- competent authority uses it, following rele- pensated for by means of adequately vant review on the basis of scoping crite- extensive substitution measures. ria, for public notification. In protected areas pursuant to the EC Bird Following public notification and the Directive or FFH Directive, environmental resulting discussion, the competent impact assessment pursuant to Art. 34 authority then prepares a summary of the BNatSchG (Art. 6 of FFH Directive, project's environmental impacts and a 92/43/EEC must be carried out in addition resulting assessment. The final decision to an EIA. So-called FFH "impact assess- regarding the project's permissibility must ments" must be carried out for plans and then take this summary into account in projects that, either individually or in weighing all interests affected by the proj- combination with other plans and project (RIEDEL & LANGE 2001). ects, could considerably impair an area. Like intervention regulations, they have binding legal consequences.

320 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

In contrast to the EIA, FFH impact assess- 2.3.4.4 Other human activities ments focus not on nature as a whole, but on specific conservation objectives defined for the area in question – for example, protection of wetlands as resting areas for DAMAGE TO CROPS certain bird species. Consequently, plans and projects are not permissible, if they can considerably impair a protected area Re 4.7: Please describe the main fea- for birds, by impairing the area's key ele- tures of your planning policy and pro- ments with regard to its conservation vide examples of practical implementa- objectives or protection purpose. tion (e.g. activities to minimise disturbance of species populations or limit Compensation and substitution measures the impact of species populations on may not be taken into account in impact crops or fisheries). Please summarise assessments, since they do not rule out any land-use conflicts emphasising suc- impairments – they simply eliminate or cessful solutions to problems encoun- reduce them after the fact. Avoidance and tered in promoting the wise use of wa- reduction measures, and project alterna- terbirds and their habitats. tives, can and must be assessed. If a project is not permissible, an exception may be granted only in the case of a com- pelling public interest. Of the species and populations included in the Agreement on the Conservation of The studies and results carried out in the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds impact assessments as described above are (AEWA), the primary potential threats to announced to the public within the frame- crops are posed by swans (genus Cygnus), work of the plan-approval procedure, geese (genera Anser and Branta) and, to a which follows the impact-assessment lesser extent, by a few dabbling ducks, phase. especially the European wigeon (Anas penelope), and the common crane (Grus grus). The resting and wintering grounds of these species in Germany have grown considerably since the 1960s. On the other hand, this trend seems to have slowed recently (since the end of the 1960s), especially among the goose species. At the same time that populations of these species have been growing, agricultural uses in coastal lowland landscapes and river valleys of the north-German low plain, the species' traditional resting and wintering grounds, have changed considerably. The changes have included conversion – via drainage, nitrogen addition and melioration – of grassland sites into cultivated land, usually for planting of high-yield winter grains and winter oilseed rape (MOOIJ & SÜDBECK 2001).

321 Furthermore, increasing fragmentation of A basic difficulty in assessing farmers' the open landscape, through construction damages from waterbird grazing is to of traffic infrastructure and structures quantify damage on the basis of objective such as power lines and wind turbines, criteria. In particular, waterbird grazing along with uses by recreationers, has led does not necessarily reduce agricultural to the concentration of waterbirds on rela- earnings by reducing harvest yield, since tively few sites – with resulting heavy use plants regenerate. In most cases, grazing and heavy damage. This effect is intensi- waterbirds cause measurable income loss- fied by hunting, since the areas available es only after a certain damage threshold to birds shrink as the birds' flight distance has been exceeded. What is more, other (i.e. wariness) increases (MOOIJ & SÜDBECK factors such as weather, site conditions 2001). (soil, water) and site management are often not taken into account in assessing In the course of these developments, the waterbird damage (MOOIJ & SÜDBECK numbers of damage reports submitted by 2001). farmers have been increasing, especially in the Länder Brandenburg, Mecklenburg- Since it is only natural for affected farmers West Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North to exaggerate the damage they incur, it is Rhine-Westphalia, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony important for independent appraisers to and Schleswig-Holstein. MOOIJ (1992) esti- be able to quantify damage using stan- mated the state's payments to farmers in dardised methods (MOOIJ 1999, SPILLING Germany in the early 1990s, to compen- 1999). And yet the costs of such damage sate them for waterbird damage, totalled assessment can exceed the costs of the 1,500,000 to 2,300,000 (3,000,000- damage itself. One practical solution, 4,500,000 DM), for a total affected area of therefore, is to make lump-sum payments 10,000 to 20,000 ha. Some 75% of the based on objective damage levels. With reported damage was caused by feeding this approach, damage assessment is ori- geese. According to surveys of the Federal ented to average losses as expressed in bal- Agricultural Research Centre (Biologische ance sheets. To provide a general basis, Bundesanstalt für Land- und Forstwirt- the differences between grazed-land yields schaft), the annual damage was estimated and ungrazed-land yields must be experi- to reach 25,560,000 (50,000,000 DM), mentally measured, on a regional basis, although this figure is based on affected the relevant grazing-bird populations must farmers' own reports and is likely to be be surveyed and formal damage appraisals considerably exaggerated (GEMMEKE must be carried out (SPILLING 1999). 1998). MOOIJ (1999) places the actual annual damage caused by feeding geese, in the mid-1990s, between 6,650,000 and 17,900,000 (13,000,000 and 35,000,000 DM) (Table 2.3.4.4-1).

322 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

POSSIBLE WAYS OF PREVENTING geese. These effects result in local concen- OR REDUCING WATERBIRD DAM- trations on a very few sites – concentra- AGE IN GERMANY. 4.3.3 of the AEWA tions beyond the levels that plants can tol- Action Plan calls on the parties to develop erate. procedures for minimising crop damage caused by waterbirds. One promising approach in this area was presented by SCARING. Sometimes birds can be HAASE (2000) at a conference for prepara- scared away from affected areas by per- tion of AEWA implementation. A number sons, vehicles, gunshots or other loud nois- of strategies for preventing and reducing es or passive devices (scarecrows or flags, crop damage caused by waterbirds, espe- etc.). Such measures tend to be ineffective cially geese, were also discussed in the and short-lived in their impacts. Loud nois- 1990s. These strategies were most recently es are a nuisance for the local population. summarised by MOOIJ (1999) and MOOIJ & Scaring, like hunting, simply shifts the SÜDBECK (2001). The following section problem from one area to another and presents a few specific approaches used by should be used only in connection with affected Länder. other measures, such as establishment of quiet zones, in order to minimise local damage on individual sites. HUNTING. It is often urged that resting waterbirds be hunted in order to reduce local crop damage. This strategy is problematic from both conservational and legal perspectives. In addition, the effectiveness of damage control by hunting is scientifically questionable, since disturbances caused by hunting increase birds' energy consumption (food requirements) and also reduce the available space for

Tab. 2.3.4.4-1: Extent, estimated value, compensation payments and estimated damage per hectare, for annual crop damage caused by waterbirds (swans, geese, ducks and cranes) in the Federal Republic of Germany in the mid-1990s (figures converted to euros and rounded off, pursuant to MOOIJ 1999)..

Land Damaged Estimated Compensation Estimated area (ha) damage () paid () damage/ hectare (/ha) Brandenburg 21,784 1,163,000 283,000 513 Mecklenburg-West Pomerania 4,344 879,000 879,000 200 Lower Saxony 3,891 562,000 0 145 North Rhine-Westphalia 9,895 1,094,000 1,095,000 110 Saxony 11,270 0 0 0 Saxony-Anhalt 1,647 76,750 0 47 Schleswig-Holstein 1,702 715,000 112,000 420 Thuringia 303 6,600 0 220

323 NETWORK OF QUIET ZONES. Net- ADAPTATION OF AGRICULTURAL works of quiet zones, in which birds can SOIL USE. Selection of suitable uses in search for food undisturbed, can spread waterbird resting areas can reduce con- the risk of waterbird damage over a larger flicts between agricultural uses and re- area. This can keep bird densities on sur- quirements of resting waterbirds. For ex- rounding (farm) land from reaching criti- ample, plowing of grassland near water cal levels. bodies, and intensive cultivation of winter grain and winter oilseed rape, has tended to increase damage. Many conflicts can be FEEDING AND DIVERSIONARY defused by promoting cultivation of grass- SITES . Use of diversionary sites, with land (which is much less sensitive) in conditions tailored to food needs of geese, strongly affected areas, with the help of and direct feeding are other strategies for suitable contractual nature conservation minimising crop damage and, thus, of measures. reducing costs for public budgets. Such measures can concentrate geese on cer- Such measures must also include provision tain areas and prevent damage on neigh- of closely linked resting and feeding areas, bouring cropland. On the other hand, through restoration of natural water re- they entail considerable practical difficul- gimes in riparian meadows and coastal ties (availability and quality of substitute lands. food) and costs, and thus they are useful only as elements of an overall conflict-min- Reductions in yields of particularly threat- imisation concept. ened crops (winter grain, winter oilseed rape) can be prevented by increasing the amount of sown seed by 5-10%. Another FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR useful tactic is to plant threatened crops, DAMAGE. In regularly affected areas, wherever possible, on land near roads and the public sector provides financial com- communities, which geese tend to avoid, pensation to farmers who incur waterbird and not in quiet sites within birds' core damage. This practice brings up the diffi- range areas. culty of separating damage actually caused by waterbirds from other types of losses – as well as of quantifying the rele- EXAMPLES OF SOLUTIONS TRIED vant damage. In most cases, the damage IN VARIOUS LÄNDER. must be locally appraised, and this in turn brings up both theoretical and practical MANAGEMENT OF MIGRATORY difficulties. WATERBIRD SPECIES IN BRAN- DENBURG. In 1996/1997, the state (Land) of Brandenburg carried out a model project to test measures for reducing bird-caused crop damage, in keeping with the principle of "damage prevention instead of damage compensation" (MINIS- TERIUM FÜR UMWELT, NATURSCHUTZ UND RAUMORDNUNG DES LANDES BRAN- DENBURG 1997, HAASE et al. 1999, LANG- GEMACH 1999). The test showed that affected farmers can control land use by waterbirds. As a result, farmers can prevent damage to particularly sensitive land (freshly sown fields and fields with grain and oilseed seedlings) and reduce yield

324 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

losses. The damage management strategy Farmers can take specific measures to included the basic tactics described below. enhance the effectiveness of these diversionary areas. Such measures include:

I. SCARING OF BIRDS AND SELEC- l Conservation or restoration of non-sen- TIVE HUNTING ON LAND AT RISK. sitive grasslands near water bodies Field guards regularly monitor particularly where the birds sleep. Rewetting of sensitive fields (young winter grain and grassland areas to enhance their attrac- oilseed rape) and scare waterbirds away tiveness for waterbirds. from them. Visual and acoustical devices (flags, noisemakers) are also used to dis- l Timing of harvesting to create a good courage the birds. Selective hunting is car- food supply on freshly harvested fields ried out on endangered fields, by agree- (corn stalks), at the time when water- ment between licensed hunters and farm- birds feed most intensively. ers. No hunting is carried out on areas not at risk (harvested corn, grain, potato and l Leaving of crop remains on fields, after beet fields, fallow land, grassland), nor is harvesting, and spreading of left-over it carried out on birds' resting and sleep- feed, especially during cold periods in ing areas near water bodies. Avoidance of which birds find little food. disturbances in areas not at risk keeps birds from increasing their energy con- l Adaptation of crop-planting sequences, sumption and increasing their flight dis- crop selection and sowing methods to tance – and thus from moving to sensitive the specific damage situation. Early, land. especially careful sowing (planting depth, amounts of seed sown), along with avoidance of damage-prone crops II. USE OF QUIET ZONES AND DI- near birds' sleeping sites, can prevent VERSIONARY AREAS TO RELIEVE at least some expected losses before PRESSURE ON CROPS. In addition to they occur. the above-described damage-control measures, quiet zones are created in areas not at risk and along water bodies where the III. CO-OPERATION BETWEEN birds sleep. In these quiet areas, the birds FARMERS, HUNTERS AND CON- are permitted to feed without being dis- SERVATIONISTS, ON PRACTICAL, turbed by hunters or visitors. This strategy OFFICIAL AND SCIENTIFIC LEV- distributes the birds' grazing pressure over ELS. To be optimally effective, goose a larger area and thus reduces damage on management must be able to respond specific areas. Particularly attractive har- flexibly to local conditions and to co-ordi- vested corn, grain, potato and beet fields nate measures regionally. All concerned are offered to the birds as areas in which parties must thus co-operate closely in they can feed undisturbed. exchanging information. Farmers are responsible for initiating management measures and co-ordinating them with their neighbouring farmers and with hunters (holders of the relevant hunting leases). Hunters should actively support measures by hunting selectively on damaged areas and not hunting on diversionary areas and at water bodies where birds

325 sleep. They should also help guide visitors GOOSE-DAMAGE MANAGEMENT IN as necessary. Nature conservation authori- LOWER SAXONY. ties and associations should support measures by carrying out relevant scientific "ÄSUNGSFLÄCHEN FÜR GASTVÖ- studies and monitoring and by guiding GEL IN DER ELBTALAUE (ÄGIDE)". visitors. From 1994 to 1999, the state of Lower Saxony carried out the project "Grazing Significantly, contractual nature conserva- areas for guest birds in the Elbe meadows" tion is a useful instrument for creation ("ÄSUNGSFLÄCHEN FÜR GASTVÖGEL IN and management of effective diversionary DER ELBTALAUE (ÄGIDE)". The aim of the areas. project, which was initiated by Lower Sa- xony's environment ministry, was to create attractive grazing areas for resting waterbirds in the Elbtalaue (riparian meadows along the Elbe River), one of the most important resting areas for geese and swans in Lower Saxony, in order to reduce damage to farmland in the surrounding area (SÜDBECK & KÖNIGSTEDT 1999).

With instruments of contractual nature conservation (management agreements), a graduated system of diversionary areas was established (Tab. 2.3.4.4-2). On these areas, a sufficient, high-quality supply of food was provided, intended especially for

Tab. 2.3.4.4-2: Types of areas in the ÄgidE project (according to SÜDBECK & KÖNIGSTEDT 1999).

Project area type Contract subject Measures Diversionary areas Ripe winter grain, tilled l No active measures to drive Contract (two vegetation (grains) birds away periods with subsequent Corn, tilled l Extensive management stoppage of cultivation or l (reduced use of fertiliser summer crop) and herbicides) Compensation for harvest l No cultivation measures losses during the resting season l Selective hunting Toleration areas Winter grain seeds l No active measures to drive Contract Perennial ryegrass seed birds away Compensation for increased Winter oilseed rape l No cultivation measures harvest loss (30%) resulting during the resting season from toleration l Selective hunting "Permission areas" Stubble fields, fallow fields, l No active measures to drive No contract Permanent grassland, flood birds away plains l No cultivation measures during the resting season l Selective hunting

326 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

resting swans and geese. Participating far- Farmers are compensated on a yearly mers were compensated for their losses basis for damage caused by brent geese. (loss of land use) by the public sector and To this end, an independent appraisal in accordance with a total of three con- office inspects and maps the damaged tract options. areas and sets the resulting compensation for farmers. In addition, voluntary agreements were reached with holders of hunting leases l Since 1994, compensations for crop da- within the project area. These agreements mage have been provided in keeping provided for control of the project areas with the "Guideline for payments to via hunting as well as for management of compensate for crop damage caused by water bodies used by the birds for sleep- sea geese (brent geese and barnacle ing and resting. For organisational rea- geese) or European wigeons". sons, other management measures, such as active scaring or use of passive devices l Since 1998, damage on pastures can be to discourage the birds, were not carried compensated for via the "Feeding areas out. for geese and ducks" contractual nature conservation package. Under relevant Some of the established project areas were contracts, resting geese and ducks are used very intensively by geese. This provid- offered attractive feeding areas in tradi- ed basic proof of the areas' attractiveness, tional, large, disturbance-free pastures, as desired, for resting herbivorous water- especially on the North Sea coast. birds. On the other hand, the project was unable to prove that the areas actually reduced grazing pressure, of resting geese NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA. Since and swans, on neighbouring fields. The 1981/82, financial assistance to compen- reason for this was that geese and swans sate for goose damage in the largest goose used many different sites, at widely vary- resting area in North Rhine-Westphalia, in ing times. the Unterer Niederrhein lower-Rhine region, has been provided on the basis of a voluntary agreement between the agricul- SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN. The state tural sector and the state's environmental (Land) of Schleswig-Holstein is an impor- ministry. Relevant payments have grown tant passage and resting area for herbivo- significantly, as the numbers of geese rest- rous waterbirds. The Wadden Sea, including in the area have increased. By the ing is coastal hinterland, main islands and mid-1990s, they reached a level of "Hallig" islands, is of special importance 1,790,000 (3,500,000 DM). In 1996/97, in for resting brent geese, barnacle geese, an effort to reduce these payments, a pro- and European wigeons. Three damage- gramme was launched to reduce goose control instruments are being used in the damage in the Unterer Niederrhein area. area to defuse conflicts with farmers This programme, which is to run until (FLEET 1999). 2001, is being managed by the Rhineland Chamber of Agriculture (Landwirtschafts- l The Halligen programme, which was kammer Rheinland) and includes the par- established in 1987, and is funded by ticipation of the three local biological sta- the European Union, the German Fe- tions (Kleve nature conservation centre, deral Government and the state govern- Wesel biological station and NABU nature ment, is aimed at reconciling interests conservation centre in Kranenburg) of coastal protection, nature conserva- (BRÜHNE et al. 1999). tion and agriculture on the Halligen Langeness, Oland, Hooge, Gröde, Nord- strandischmoor, Süderoog and Südfall.

327 In this programme, as in Lower Saxony, Preliminary findings from the supporting management agreements have been con- studies indicate that, under measures car- cluded with local farmers, on a voluntary ried out to date, geese have been usefully basis, covering the following points: attracted to the diversionary areas. Fields with left-over corn and sugar-beet crops l Geese are not to be additionally fed. proved particularly attractive and were intensively grazed. It seems likely that the l Where feed plants for geese are plan- diversionary areas provide a certain meas- ted, the relevant farm should be in a ure of control over the birds' land use, position to make use of any left-over especially in the fall and early winter, and plants. thus help prevent grazing damage.

l The contract packages should fit well with the relevant farms' operational structures.

l Paying farmers for services rendered in this context – i.e. providing geese with feed plants – is considered preferable to compensating farmers for damage incurred; with payment for services, farmers receive payments earlier than they would by applying for damage compensation.

Farmers are offered a range of different management-contract options. From these, they select the type of agreement that best fits with their own cultivation and management. The "no-tilling" management package is chosen especially often. It calls for farmers to leave remains of sweet- corn or sugar-beet crops on the fields, following harvest, and to plow the fields under only after the field has been grazed by geese. The state government then com- pensates farmers for any possible losses they incur by complying with the management restrictions.

The measures' success is monitored by means of scientific studies carried out by the biological stations and via surveys to determine participating farmers' satisfac- tion with the programme.

328 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.5 Research and monitoring projects with relevance to AEWA are presented in the following list (BUNDESAMT FÜR NATURSCHUTZ (GERMAN FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION) STATUS OF RESEARCH AND MONI- 2001b). Chap. 4 provides an overview of TORING PROGRAMMES FOR other projects. SPECIES. List of current research and development projects in connection with AEWA: Re 5.1: How are priorities for research identified in your country? Please l Global study of threatened migratory briefly describe your country’s research species, with the aim of preparing a programmes, including any bilateral or Global Register of Migratory Species multilateral co-operative action, for wet- (GROMS; international). land habitats and for species covered by the Agreement (e.g. studies into species l High Sea Marine Protected Areas (con- population, ecology and migratory pat- ference; international). terns). Please append a list of research activities initiated, ongoing or complet- l Inventory and assessment of ecological- ed in the last three years. ly valuable North Sea habitats (international). The research priorities of the Federal Mi- nistry for the Environment, Nature Conser- l Study of populations of species that are vation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) are set listed in Annex I of the EU Bird forth in an annual "Environmental Re- Directive and that occur in Germany, search Plan" ("Umweltforschungsplan"), and study of regularly occurring migra- in the form of planned research and tory bird species, to provide a basis for development projects (R+D projects). assessing sites set aside for protection of such species (national; see Chap. The plan is prepared by the BMU, the Ger- 1.3.3). man Federal Agency for Nature Conserva- tion (BfN), and other authorities in these l Inventory of the distribution, abundan- institutions' sphere of competence, under ce and migrations of seabirds and consultation arrangements. At the begin- waterbirds in the German North Sea, ning of each year, the plan is published in and development of a concept for the BMU's "Umwelt" journal and in the implementation of international protec- Internet. tion objectives (national; see Chap. 1.2.2). The purpose of research and development projects is to provide a basis and orienta- l Seabirds and waterbirds in the German tion for the Federal Government's nature Baltic Sea, and their protection within conservation and environmental protec- the framework of international agree- tion policy. In particular, projects support ments (national; see Chap. 1.2.2). preparation, review and refinement of national and international legal provisions and programmes, as well as of national nature conservation tasks. Current R+D

329 l Assessment of the contribution of na- Re 5.2: What monitoring activities does tional and international nature conser- your country undertake, including any vation projects, in Germany, to conser- bilateral or multilateral co-operative vation of endangered bird species on action, of wetland areas and species agricultural land; study of conflicts of covered by the Agreement (e.g. national interests and potential solutions (natio- monitoring schemes, International Wa- nal; see Chap. 1.2.3). terfowl Census)? Please append a list of monitoring activities or programmes l Assessment of the role of environmen- initiated, ongoing or completed in the tal factors in breeding success of mea- last three years. dow birds (national; see Chap. 1.2.3).

l Model for an overall concept for Federal species monitoring, illustrated The topic of waterbird monitoring in with the example of monitoring of avi- Germany was intensively discussed at a fauna (national) recent conference on implementation of AEWA in Germany (BOYE et al. 2000, The various Länder are also carrying out RÖSNER 2000). Over the past few years, research projects of their own. Hamburg's the BfN has developed a basic concept for national park administration, for example, structuring of conservation-oriented moni- commissioned a comprehensive survey, toring. This concept makes a distinction from 1995-1999, to provide a basis for an between "areas of value in terms of con- efficient monitoring programme in servation" and the "normal landscape". Hamburg's Wadden Sea areas. The state's Both types of areas are subdivided into Institute for applied environmental biolo- species, biotopes and landscapes. This out- gy and monitoring (Institut für ange- line provides an overall framework for the wandte Umweltbiologie und Monitoring) various monitoring programmes, and it also collected relevant data on wading reveals deficits and overlapping in pro- birds and waterbirds and their habitat grammes (BÜRGER & DRÖSCHMEISTER conditions in the Wadden Sea (UMWELT- 2001). BEHÖRDE HAMBURG 2001). In 2001, the research and development Regional and local research projects with project "Model for an overall concept for relevance to AEWA species are carried out Federal species monitoring, illustrated by many non-governmental organisations with the example of monitoring of avifau- – especially in major conservation areas, na" presented a concept for improving and at bird stations (banding centres), bird monitoring of animal species. The concept protection centres and universities. takes special account of the Federal Government's conservation-related and political tasks, as well as of its international obligations to monitor animal species.

Via modules on the areas of "wetlands monitoring", "endangered species" and "migratory species", the data needed to fulfil obligations under AEWA will be obtained. The planned implementation of the concept within a nation-wide monitoring programme calls for integrating and optimising ongoing monitoring carried out by the Länder and relevant associations, and at supplementing this monitor-

330 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

ing with new federal programmes. These limited to, or clearly concentrated in, efforts will provide current information coastal areas. This group includes near- required for nature conservation. ly all wading birds (limicolae), gulls and terns, some ducks, the white spoonbill The great majority of current monitoring (Platalea leucorodia), great cormorant programmes in Germany do not receive (Phalacrocorax carbo), hen harrier any state financing on an institutional (Circus cyaneus) and short-eared owl basis. In the main, they consist of censuses (Asio flammeus). and other activities carried out by nature conservation associations and scientific The method of breeding-bird monitoring organisations such as the Umbrella used on the North Sea and Baltic Sea Association of German Avifaunists coasts is standardised pursuant to (Dachverband Deutscher Avifau-nisten - HÄLTERLEIN et al. (1995). On the North DDA). Such efforts may receive state finan- Sea coast, complete-coverage survey map- cial support for study of certain issues and ping is carried out for all outer dike areas, / or they may be co-ordinated by Länder islands and important mainland areas, institutions. Monitoring programmes are especially recently diked areas. On the carried out largely by private, volunteer Baltic Sea coast, survey mappings are car- staff and members of the relevant nature ried out only in protected areas – which conservation organisations. The following are the areas in which most coastal birds section presents international and nation- in the region breed. The coastal bird sur- al monitoring programmes. State-wide and veys monitor population sizes, trends and regional programmes are listed in Tab. distributions. Breeding population survey 2.3.5-1. data for the North Sea enters into the TMAP. Population trend data provides indications of habitat quality and facili- TRILATERAL MONITORING AND tates prompt initiation of protection meas- ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME FOR ures (HÄLTERLEIN et al. 2000). THE WADDEN SEA (TMAP). The Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment l Monitoring of breeding success of Programme for the Wadden Sea (TMAP) is coastal birds: In 1996 and 1997, a pilot an international programme carried out study was carried out, within the TMAP by the Wadden Sea countries Denmark, framework, relative to monitoring of Germany and the Netherlands. The pur- breeding success of coastal birds. Such pose of TMAP is to monitor and assess the studies are now to be carried out at ecological condition of the Wadden Sea five-year intervals; the first follow-on and the implementation status relative to survey was carried out in 2001. The ecological objectives agreed under trilater- data collected includes hatching and al Wadden Sea co-operation. The following overall breeding success rates and section outlines the various national proj- body-mass development of young of ects being carried out within the TMAP various coastal bird species. The overall framework, where projects have relevance aim of the efforts is to determine and to AEWA species. monitor natural breeding success rates to facilitate prompt action in cases of l Monitoring of breeding populations negative trends (THYEN et al. 2000). of coastal birds: each year, censuses are carried out on Germany's North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, within the framework of monitoring of coastal bird breeding populations. The term "coastal birds" refers to those species whose breeding range in Germany is

331 l Monitoring of contaminants in coa- areas near and in the Wadden Sea stal birds' eggs: The existing monito- (RÖSNER & GÜNTHER 1996, GÜNTHER ring programme, whose beginnings go & RÖSNER 2000). back to 1981, has been a top-priority element of TMAP since 1994. Each year, eggs of selected coastal bird species are SEABIRDS-AT-SEA PROGRAMME. taken from representative breeding The "Seabirds-at-Sea" programme surveys sites throughout the entire German distributions and abundance of seabirds, Wadden Sea and analysed for concen- coastal birds and marine mammals at sea trations of contaminants such as mer- in north-west European waters, especially cury, organic chlorine compounds, DDT the North Sea. The data, which is collected and DDE. The results provide indica- via a standardised method, enter into a tions of chemical pollution loads in the joint database maintained by the "Euro- environments of selected bird species – pean Seabirds at Sea Co-ordinating Group" such as contaminants in food fish of (ESAS). ESAS has already produced a num- arctic terns. Because of their position at ber of atlases of seabird distributions at the top of the food chain, birds are par- sea. At present, organisations from the UK, ticularly useful indicators in this area. Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, In combination with monitoring of Denmark and Norway are participating. breeding populations and breeding suc- The programme does not yet have secure cess, the contaminant monitoring financial backing. In 1997-1998, additional system can facilitate development of a surveys were carried out in the German early warning system that will enable Bight, within the framework of an R+D early detection of negative environ- project (see above and Chap. 1.2.2). The mental impacts, early response to such purpose of the monitoring programme is impacts and effective monitoring of to learn about the distributions and abun- success of relevant measures (THYEN & dance of seabirds and coastal birds and BECKER 2000). the relevant underlying factors, in order to be able to protect these species effectively. l Monitoring of resting birds: The Additional Seabirds-at-Sea programme sur- fourth monitoring programme within veys have been underway since 2000 in the TMAP framework is a programme the Baltic Sea. Currently, an R+D project for monitoring resting wading birds (see above) is being carried out (GARTHE & and waterbirds in the Wadden Sea. It is HÜPPOP 2000). aimed at detecting changes in distributions and numbers of wading and waterbirds that come to the Wadden WATERBIRD MONITORING. The Sea. It is also designed to facilitate esti- national programme for monitoring rest- mating the total number of birds pre- ing and wintering waterbirds is one of the sent in the Wadden Sea at all times oldest permanent monitoring programmes and throughout yearly cycles. Data established in Germany. It is co-ordinated from the programme will also facilitate by the "Centre for Waterbird Research and estimates of the total population in the Wetlands Protection in Germany" ("Zentra- east Atlantic flyway. Finally, the pro- le für Wasservogelforschung und Feucht- gramme will also collect data that can gebietsschutz in Deutschland" (ZWFD)), help explain observed migratory and which resulted from a merger between resting patterns. On a regional basis, the "Rieselfelder Münster" biological sta- this will facilitate manage-ment of tion, the biological station in the Wesel national parks and other protected district (Biologische Station im Kreis We-

332 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

sel) and the "Association for the further- are studying limicolae. In study of limico- ance of waterbird ecology and wetlands lae migration along the east-Atlantic fly- protection" ("Förderverein für Wasservogel- way, findings of monitoring in Germany ökologie und Feuchtgebietsschutz"). The and in other countries will facilitate iden- programme's aims include estimating the tification of important resting, moulting size of national resting populations and of and wintering areas and improve under- populations relative to the 1% criterion of standing of limicolae migration and mi- the Ramsar Convention, managing wet- gratory strategies (OAG MÜNSTER 1996). lands and monitoring of the success of relevant measures and identifying trends in breeding and wintering areas that are DDA PROGRAMME FOR SURVEY inaccessible for direct counts. Data and OF SELECTED ENDANGERED BIRD findings of the monitoring will be forwar- SPECIES. Since 1977, the Umbrella Asso- ded to Wetlands International for assess- ciation of German Avifaunists (Dachver- ment in the framework of the Internatio- band Deutscher Avifaunisten – DDA) has nal Waterbird Census (IWC). The data will conducted surveys to collect population also be used in the AEWA and Ramsar- data on selected endangered bird species Convention frameworks (SUDFELDT et al. in Germany, in a DDA programme known 2000). as the "Indicator Programme". The range of species covered has been expanded since 1995 and now includes populations GEESE COUNTS. Geese counts are be- of breeding birds that are represented by ing carried out as a separate monitoring fewer than 1,000 breeding pairs in Ger- programme parallel to the waterbird many (to the extent this can be document- counts but having the same aims and fo- ed by current data) and a few other rare cus. Co-ordination and data processing are breeding bird species. The purpose of the being managed by the ZWFD c/o Biolo- monitoring is to assess national popula- gische Station im Kreis Wesel and NABU tion trends for rare bird species in Ger- c/o "Förderverein für Wasservogelökologie many. The data is collected by volunteer und Feuchtgebietsschutz" (MOOIJ 2000). staff and provided, by the DDA, to representatives of the various relevant Länder (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). LIMICOLAE COUNTS. The Internatio- nal Limicolae Census was initiated in 1979 Additional projects are currently being by OAG Münster, in co-operation with the developed within the framework of these Wader Study Group (WSG). One of this extensive monitoring programmes. Two programme's aims is to study the phenolo- especially important projects are the gy of limicolae species that migrate over "Adebar" project and preparation of an land, and to do so in a manner that per- atlas of migratory and resting birds. mits differentiation by age and geographi- c origin. Other aims include study of population fluctuations and trends, species' habitat preferences and species make-up in the various resting areas. Resulting findings will provide a basis for protection concepts. At present, the programme is being co-ordinated by ZWFD. Collected data is forwarded to WSG, which consists of ornithologists, in all continents, who

333 "ADEBAR" ATLAS OF BREEDING ATLAS OF MIGRATORY AND REST- BIRDS. The DDA's "Adebar" project is ING BIRDS.The project for preparation aimed at producing a Germany-wide atlas of an atlas of migratory and resting birds of breeding birds in keeping with modern is aimed at comprehensively describing standards. It will use normed survey peri- and assessing the situation of migratory ods and apply a strictly standardised me- bird species in Germany with regard to thod (the method is oriented to that used population trends, availability and condi- for the Swiss breeding bird atlas). In addition of areas used, migratory behaviour, tion to population sizes and distribution, seasonal appearance patterns for various the atlas will cover regional changes in migratory bird species in various parts of population sizes and distributions of Germany and effective threats. The work breeding bird species. A geographic infor- will also include proposals for protection mation system (GIS) will make it possible and specific guidelines, derived from the to correlate abundances with biotic and project research and from international abiotic factors. Additional specific studies obligations to protect migratory bird spe- will provide indications of reasons for pop- cies, as well as a complete overview of all ulation declines and of relevant threats. important resting and wintering areas. As Furthermore, the breeding bird atlas is a result, it will be a comprehensive refer- expected to lead into a long-term popula- ence for all planning oriented to nature tion monitoring programme that will both conservation, regional planning or land- complement existing DDA programmes scape development. In addition to their and gradually become the central founda- relevance in the CMS and AEWA frame- tion of breeding bird population monitor- works, the findings will also be of key im- ing (BAUER & NOTTMEYER-LINDEN 2000). portance in the framework of implementation of Germany's obligations under the Ramsar Convention, the EU Bird Directive and the FFH Directive. The atlas is a joint project of the state bird protection stations (Vogelschutzwarten), the DDA, the bird stations (Vogelwarten) and the German Ornithological Society (Deutsche Ornitho- logen-Gesellschaft - DO-G), under the aus- pices of the German Council for Bird Pro- tection (Deutscher Rat für Vogelschutz - DRV) (WERNER & BAUER 2000).

334 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Tab. 2.3.5-1: Current monitoring programmes on the international, national and regional levels. (boldface means international or national independent programmes, while normal type means subordinate or similar programmes on the national/regional levels) (expanded in keeping with data from the R+D project "Model for an overall concept for federal species monitoring, illustrated with the example of monitoring of avifauna").

Area names: D = Germany, DK = Denmark, NL = Netherlands; BB = Brandenburg, BE = Berlin, BW = Baden- Württemberg, BY = Bavaria, HB = Bremen, HH = Hamburg, HE = Hesse, MV = Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, NI = Lower Saxony, NW = North Rhine-Westphalia, RP = Rhineland-Palatinate, SL = Saarland, SN = Saxony, ST = Saxony-Anhalt, SH = Schleswig-Holstein, TH = Thuringia. Other abbreviations: AG = working group; BP = breeding pairs; BS = biological station; CWSS = Common Wadden Sea Secretariat; DDA = Umbrella Association of German Avifaunists ; IWC = International Waterbird Census; NPA = national park administration; OAG = ornithological working group (Ornithologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft); TMAP = Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Program; VSW = bird protection station; ZWFD = Centre for Waterbird Research and Wetlands Protection in Germany.

Name Content Co-ordination Level/particpa- ting Länder Trilateral Biological, climatic, hydrologi- CWSS, NPA, WWF Wadden Sea International; Monitoring and cal, geomorphological, geogra- office in the framework of HH, NI, SH Assessment phic data, contaminants and Wadden Sea co-operation Programme for nutrients in water and sedi- between D, DK, NL. the Wadden Sea ments, intensity of use of fish- (TMAP) ing industry, agriculture, tourism Monitoring of bree- Breeding populations of VSW, NPA; AG "Seabird National; ding populations coastal birds of the North Sea Protection", data provided HH, NI, SH coast to TMAP Monitoring of bree- Breeding populations of VSW, OAG, AG coastal bird National; ding populations coastal birds of the Baltic Sea protection MV SH, MV coast, within protected areas

Monitoring of bree- Hatching and breeding success NPA, VSW, data provided National; ding success and growth rates of young of to TMAP SH, NI selected coastal bird species Monitoring of con- Contaminants in eggs of Data provided to TMAP National; taminants in selected coastal bird species SH, NI coastal birds

Monitoring of Distribution of and changes WWF Wadden Sea office, National; resting birds in resting and wintering po- NPA, data provided to TMAP SH, NI pulations of wading birds and waterbirds in the North Sea area Waterbird count Waterbird counts: divers, cor- West-D: ZWFD/DDA, c/o BS National; All morants, swans, ducks, mer- "Rieselfelder Münster". gansers, coots East-D: NABU or ZWFD/ DDA, c/o Förderverein für Wasser- Continuation vogelökologie und Feuchtge- bietsschutz, Forwarded to IWC

335 Name Content Co-ordination Level/participating Länder Geese counts Counts of geese West-D: ZWFD/DDA, c/o BS National; all im Kreis Wesel. East -D: NABU or ZWFD/ DDA; Forwarded to IWC

Limicolae counts Populations in inland resting ZWFD/DDA, Data forwarded National; all areas, surveys of habitat to "Wader Study Group" parameters Greylag goose Breeding, breeding success, VSW, Environment Ministry Regional; SH resting populations in selected areas Seabirds and Resting populations in VSW, Environment Ministry Regional; sea ducks selected areas SH, MV

DDA programme Population data for DDA National; all for survey of selec- selected species (since 1990, ted endangered with 36 species), since 1995, bird species: expanded to include all "Indicator species with < 1000 BP in D Programme" Meadow breeders Populations of meadow State authorities, nature Regional; "Indicators for breeders, indicators of conservation associations BY, BE, BB, meadows and habitat quality (depending on Land) HB, HH, HE, pastures", partly NI, NW, RP, also for "oligotro- SL, ST, SH, TH phic meadows" Monitoring of pro- Populations of breeding State authorities, VSW Regional; tected areas and resting birds in protected BE, BB, HB, areas, large protected areas HH, MV, NI, and SPAs SN, ST, SH Large bird counts Endangered large bird State agencies, VSW Regional; species, such as black stork (depending on Land) BB, RP Black stork Breeding population; in part, State authorities, VSW Regional: breeding success, surveys of BB, HB, HE, feeding habitats MV, NI, NW, RP, SLSH, TH White stork Breeding population; in part, State authorities, VSW, Regional: breeding success, surveys of associations BW, BY, BB, feeding habitats HE, MV, NI, NW, RP, SL, SN, ST, SH, TH

Common crane Breeding population and AG Kranichschutz Germany, Regional: MV, breeding success VSW, WWFNI, SH, ST Great bustard Breeding population State authority Regional: BB Meadow breeders Breeding population of State authorities, NABU Regional: meadow breeders BY, BE, BB,HB, HH, HE, NW, RP, SL, SH, TH

336 Erhaltungssituation und Schutzmaßnahmen 2

2.3.6 Training and information Occupational responsibilities of "Certified nature and landscape managers" can vary widely depending on place and area of assignment. In large protected areas such TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT as national parks and biosphere reserves PROGRAMMES. or sensitive nature reserves, such responsibilities can include managing and guarding sites as well as informing, guiding, teaching and educating visitors. Environ- Re 6.1: Describe the status of training mental education and visitor guidance can and development programmes which also be highly relevant in other landscape support waterbird conservation and areas as well, especially when there is a implement the AEWA Action Plan. need to protect endangered and/or sensitive plant and animal species, such as disturbance-sensitive waterbirds. Other responsibilities can include co-ordination Practical nature conservation, such as and execution of landscape management management of protected areas or execu- measures as well as efforts to improve pro- tion of conservation measures – for exam- tected and/or endangered habitats and ple, care and maintenance of water bodies their species, such as meadow birds in in order to protect water birds – is carried wetlands, within the framework of con- out largely by persons trained in the areas tractual nature conservation or in protect- of agriculture, forestry, water resources ed areas (MITLACHER 2000b). management, horticulture or social peda- gogy, as well as by a large number of vol- Certified nature and landscape managers unteer staff. can find employment as salaried staff or workers in the public sector – for example, Since 1998, a training course leading to in administrations of protected areas – as certification as "Certified nature and land- self-employed farmers within the frame- scape manager" ("Geprüfter Natur- and work of environmentally oriented agricul- Landschaftspfleger"), a non-academic occu- tural programmes and contractual nature pational qualification in nature conserva- conservation or as freelance staff of tion, has been available to this group. This municipalities, tourism organisations or training is designed to impart and im- nature conservation associations. prove knowledge and skills in the area of "nature conservation and landscape man- The curriculum of the training course for agement". It is also specially designed to certification as "Certified nature and land- provide highly marketable skills for the scape manager", which comprises 640 employment market (MITLACHER 2000a). hours of instruction, includes the following areas: The training course imparts professional competence in conserving and protecting l Basic principles of nature conservation endangered habitats as valuable ecological and landscape management (aims, spe- and cultural assets of rural areas. In addi- cies, ecological interrelationships) tion, it teaches people to protect areas and inform visitors in ways that will enhance l Information and visitor service (envi- public awareness of the need for protect- ronmental education, information ing biological and landscape diversity and regarding management and care mea- that will assist people in experiencing sures, events) nature and thus overcoming the alien- ation from nature that urban life can bring.

337 l Specific nature conservation and lands- focuses can include dissemination of new cape management measures (planting scientific findings, discussion about nature and care of trees and shrubs, use of conservation strategies, application and equipment, species and biotope protec- implementation of laws and regulations tion, environmental education facili- and co-ordination and implementation of ties) practical nature conservation measures, also with regard to achievement of AEWA l Relevant economic, legal and social objectives (cf. Point 6 of the Action Plan). skills (legal foundations, organisational skills, tendering procedures, tax law) A total of 16 "nature conservation acade- (MITLACHER 2000b) mies" and "environmental centres" belong to this working group. Depending on the In addition to this practical course, there Land concerned, the various educational are many courses of study that at least institutions are organised within specific touch on areas of nature conservation. state authorities (Nature conservation and Natural science programmes at universi- environmental protection academy in ties and universities of applied sciences North Rhine-Westphalia), ministries (Aca- (Fachhochschulen), in areas such as biolo- demy for nature conservation and environ- gy, landscape management, ecology, fores- mental protection in Baden-Württemberg) try and agriculture, include conservation- or non-profit associations ("Saale-Unstrut related aspects in study of scientific foun- e.V." environmental education centre in dations, relevant legal provisions and prac- Nebra, in Saxony-Anhalt) (overview in GER- tical implementation. Engineering studies ICKE 2001). in the area of technical environmental protection – for example, with an empha- Apart from state-funded educational insti- sis on water quality management – repre- tutions, nature conservation associations sent another area of specialisation with and other organisations also offer work- relevance to nature conservation and land- shops and events in the areas of nature scape management. conservation and environmental protection (in some cases, such programmes and Apart from the above training and study events are open only to the organisations programmes, further training programmes members). are available from state-supported providers of environmental and conservation training. Such providers are organised within the "Federal working group of Re 6.2: What bilateral or multilateral state-support educational institutions for co-operative action is your country nature conservation and environmental undertaking to develop training pro- protection" ("Bundesweiter Arbeitskreis der grammes and share examples of good staatlich getragenen Bildungsstätten im practice? Natur- und Umweltschutz - BANU)" (GERICKE 2001).

These institutions' central services include No bilateral or multilateral co-operation is education in areas relevant to sustainable being undertaken in Germany to develop development, specialised further training training programmes and share examples and continuing education and measures of good practice. to enhance public awareness about nature conservation and environmental protection (NUA 2000). The courses and events offered by such institutions can differ widely in their aims and content. Their

338 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

EFFORTS TO RAISE PUBLIC In many protected areas, information cen- AWARENESS. tres offer nature walks and tours. Large centres may also have travelling exhibits and nature-oriented events. The following section presents an example of such an Re 6.3: Describe activities to raise public information centre – the "Multimar awareness of the objectives of the AEWA Wattforum" of the Schleswig-Holstein Action Plan. Please outline any particu- Wadden Sea National Park, located in lar successes generating public interest Tönning. in, and securing support for, waterbird and wetland conservation (e.g. cam- The "Multimar Wattforum" is one of paigns, information notes or other ini- Germany's newest and most modern infor- tiatives). mation centres. A captivating multi-station exhibit, spread over an area of 800 m2, presents the Wadden Sea habitat. A range of photos, films, models, computer graph- As part of their environmental education, ics, microscopes and games make science large protected areas such as national come alive for visitors. Animations and parks and biosphere reserves, as well as hands-on exhibits, such as a display on large nature reserves and nature parks, tidal rhythms, make the general features carry out measures to inform visitors and of Wadden Sea nature phenomena easy to sensitise them to the natural environment understand. The centre also presents cur- and to promote public awareness. rent findings from ongoing monitoring. The aim is to show how scientific findings In addition to informative signs and net- contribute to protection and conservation works of nature trails and walks, many of the Wadden Sea. The Multimar concept protected areas have information and was developed by the centre's staff, in co- nature centres that provide important operation with the national park authority (and popular) information. Each informa- and the city of Tönning (MULTIMAR WATT- tion centre features exhibits and informa- FORUM 2001). tion about the protected area in which it is located, including topics such as the A range of excursions and guided tours in area's origin and historical development, Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National the area's flora and fauna, conflicts in Park begin from the Multimar centre. nature conservation and threats to individ- Special events and materials are offered ual species and communities. for school classes. A number of different one-day and multi-day events, tailored to Germany's national parks and biosphere different age groups and with a range of reserves currently operate a total of more different emphases, are also offered. than 60 nature and information centres, and four additional centres are being planned. The three German Wadden Sea national parks alone have over 30 national-park and information centres. In most cases, information centres are operated by volunteer staff who are members of local nature conservation associations or who are carrying out civil service (as a substitute for military service).

339 In the "Coastwatch Europe" project, people 2.3.7 Final comments of all ages take a close look at coasts. The project asks people in over 20 different European countries to assess their coasts and provide information on a standard- General comments on the implementa- ised survey form. In Germany, the tion of the AEWA Action Plan. "Coastwatch Europe" has been offered for Observations concerning the functions the past 10 years in youth hostels and and services of the various AEWA bodies. environmental centres on the coasts; the How might the Action Plan be further "Multimar Wattforum" in Tönning and the developed as a practical aid for nation- "Boddenlandschaft National Park Support al and international conservation of Association" ("Förderverein Nationalpark migratory waterbirds? Boddenlandschaft") are co-ordinating "Coastwatch" in Germany.

Participants fill out survey forms with Most of the provisions of the AEWA Action regard to coastline sections 500 m in Plan are in keeping with obligations that length. The survey questions cover the are already national law – in part, on the overall condition of the relevant coastal basis of the Bern and Bonn conventions or section, as well as aspects such as usage the EU Bird Directive – and national prac- and development, natural communities tice. Germany is thus far along in imple- and surf zones. "Coastwatch Europe" sur- menting this part of the Action Plan. veys are carried out in the fall, over a peri- Many of the basic tasks in waterbird pro- od of four weeks, and simultaneously in tection have been implemented. 20 different countries. Table 1 of the AEWA Action Plan was sup- The purpose of the project is to sensitise plemented at the 1st CoP in Cape Town. participants to nature and problems of As soon as Germany has ratified this nature conservation, and to make them amendment to the agreement, implemen- aware of environmental issues pertaining tation of further parts of the Action Plan to coasts. In addition, "Coastwatch Europe" will begin; initial preparations for that are seeks to inspire participants to take posi- already being made. tive action – for example, to collect trash along beaches. The AEWA bodies have been in place since the 1st CoP. The technical committee Other examples of successful efforts to has met twice to date. German representa- enhance public awareness about nature tives took part in the first meeting of the and nature conservation include excur- technical committee (Bonn, 23-24 October sions within the framework of "goose 2000). It is too early to make any conclu- tourism", as described in detail in Chapter sions regarding the functions and service 2.3.4.3. of this body.

It also seems too early for any considerations on ways to improve the action plan for migratory waterbirds.

340 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

2.3.8 Progress in implementing 2.4 Bats and bat conservation in resolutions and recommen- Germany dations of previous meetings of the parties Sort version of BfN (1999b)

Please summarise progress in imple- SUMMARY. Since 1994, the Federal Re- menting decisions of previous Meetings public of Germany has been making a spe- of the Parties. cial contribution to the "Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in Europe (EURO- BATS)". To support implementation of this agreement, which was concluded under The resolutions of previous meetings (with the umbrella of the Bonn Convention the exception of MOP 1.9, Action Plan) do (CMS), Germany has supported research not affect nature conservation practice in projects and conferences, initiated protec- Germany; instead, they refer to actions tion measures, co-ordinated monitoring outside of Germany (1.4 International programs and supported bat-conservation implementation priorities) or to internal projects in Germany and abroad. The procedures within the agreement or to Länder have carried out a wide range of organisational decisions. Progress with measures to support bat conservation and regard to MOP 1.9 (Action Plan) is present- have formed a consulting body of experts ed in the answers to earlier points of this as required under the agreement. They report. are also setting aside special protected areas for bat species listed in Annex II of the European Union's Fauna, Flora and Habitats Directive (FFH).

In the mid-20th century, bat populations in Germany were down significantly from their former levels. Targeted conservation measures have since improved the situation of many species, however. Nonetheless, most bat species are still included in the Red List of endangered species, and some are even facing extinction.

On the local level, bat conservation is carried out mainly by volunteer staff. Experts, in some cases members of relevant associations, carry out population surveys, take specific protective measures for habitats or roosts and inform the public about the need for bat conservation. In some Länder, their work is supported by special co-ordination offices for bat conservation.

341 THE AGREEMENT ON THE CON- The Advisory Committee was requested to SERVATION OF BATS IN EUROPE focus on the following topics until 2001: (EUROBATS). The international "Agreement on the Conservation of Bats in l Defining priorities for conservation- Europe (EUROBATS)", positioned within oriented bat research the framework of the "Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species l Improving information about roosts of Wild Animals (CMS)", was concluded in order to co-ordinate various European l Collecting and processing autecological countries' bat-conservation efforts. It came data on bats for landscape planning into force on 16 January 1994. EUROBATS covers all bat species listed in Annex II l Enhancing the construction sector's CMS. As of 21 August 2001, a total of 24 awareness of bat conservation European countries had signed EUROBATS. l Ensuring that pesticides are used in The EUROBATS Secretariat organises and accordance with bat-conservation crite- co-ordinates activities of the Advisory ria Committee, which meets annually, and takes additional initiatives to implement Within the EUROBATS framework, Ger- relevant objectives. This work includes, for many is represented by the Federal Mini- example, the holding of the annual Euro- stry for the Environment, Nature Conser- pean Bat Night, aimed at raising public vation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), which in awareness about bats. It has also included turn has requested the German Federal the proposing of a project for study of the Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) to population situation and migrations of the prepare the current national report. Such bent-winged bat (Miniopterus schreibersi) in reports must summarise the latest findings south-east Europe. about distribution and behaviour of, and threats to, native bat species, as well as The 1st Meeting of Parties, held in 1995 in present the various conservation efforts Bristol, adopted a conservation and man- being made in their behalf (p. 9). All par- agement plan for protection of bats in ties to the agreement are required to pres- Europe, and it defined the reporting for- ent such reports at the meetings of the mat for national reports on progress in parties. bat conservation. In 1996, Bonn was chosen as the location for the Secretariat. In addition to the parties to the agreement, a total of eight other European countries, and a number of nature conservation organisations, take part in efforts in the EUROBATS framework.

A total of five additional countries signed the agreement as of the 2nd Meeting of Parties in 1998 in Bonn. Decisions were taken at this conference on issues such as methods for European-wide monitoring of bat populations, important international research projects on species and habitats and an updated version of the conservation and management plan.

342 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

THE BODY OF EXPERTS. In 1995, With regard to the first point, the body the Länder working group on nature con- works to fulfil the Advisory Committee's servation, landscape management and resolutions relative to priority species in recreation (Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Europe for monitoring efforts, and it Naturschutz, Landschaftspflege und Er- strives to implement concepts for national holung - LANA) established a body of ecological monitoring at the federal and experts to prepare basic opinions relative Länder levels. to implementation of the agreement in Germany. This body of experts advises the Federal Environment Ministry in issues LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF BAT related to conservation and support of CONSERVATION IN GERMANY. In bats – especially with regard to bats in Germany, the Federal Nature Conservation buildings. To date, the body has consid- Act protects bats against direct human ered issues such as actions and intentional disturbances. Since all bat species occurring in Germany are l design and implementation of a natio- listed, in Annex IV of Directive 92/43/EEC, nal bat-monitoring programme, especi- as species of Community interest, they ally for the mouse-eared bat (Myotis have the status of "strictly protected spe- myotis) and the lesser horseshoe bat cies" in Germany. Prohibitions on keeping, (Rhinolophus hipposideros) imports and exports, trade in and display of bats are also in force, as well as licens- l identification of nationally and interna- ing requirements for capture equipment tionally important underground bat and banding. Enforcement of legal regula- roosts tions is the responsibility of the Länder, while imports and exports are controlled l options for improving protection of by the German Federal Agency for Nature building-dwelling bats Conservation. l synergies from implementation of the The European Union's Fauna, Flora and agreement and provisions of Council Habitats Directive (FFH) (92/43/EEC) pro- Directive 92/43/EEC on the conserva- vides for set-aside of important bat areas tion of natural habitats and of wild within the framework of the European fauna and flora (FFH Directive), inclu- "Natura 2000" protected area network. ding synergies in conservation of bat Such areas include insect-rich hunting species of Community interest habitats as well as important summer or winter roosts. The Länder have set aside l rabies in bats in Germany relevant protected areas; in addition, many important bat hunting habitats are l organisation and financing for admini- already legally protected. strations of bat-banding efforts in Germany l the International Bat Night and Bat Festival in Berlin

343 POPULATION SITUATION OF BATS INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION. IN GERMANY. A total of 20 bat species Germany is fulfilling its EUROBATS obliga- with maternity colonies occur in Germany. tions in close co-operation with other Of these, only two species are not included European countries, and it has intensified on the Red List of Germany's endangered its efforts to conserve and protect bats. species (pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pipistrellus Within the agreement framework, the and Daubenton's bat, Myotis daubentoni). Federal Government has promoted and Populations of all species suffered drastic supported the following projects and inter- declines in the mid-20th century, although national activities: these declines slowed somewhat, for all species, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. l Research and development project ent- Some population increases have also oc- itled "Population-genetic studies on the curred in recent years. This has been the structure of bat populations, using the case for the mouse-eared bat, for example example of the noctule bat (Nyctalus (Myotis myotis). Some species, such as the noctula)" (completed: 1998) lesser and greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolo- phus hipposideros and R. ferrum-equinum), l Research and development project ent- Geoffroy's bat (Myotis emarginatus) and the itled "Studies and recommendations barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus), are relative to conservation of bats in facing extinction in Germany, while others forests" (MESCHEDE & HELLER 2000, have already completely disappeared from MESCHEDE et al. 2001) Germany (for example, bent-winged bat, Miniopterus schreibersi). l An international conference of the EUROBATS Secretariat in Budapest Many factors have played a role in this decline, not all of which are well under- l Inspection of old bunker systems in the stood. They include loss or disturbance of German-Polish boundary area, and summer and winter roosts and extensive review of their suitability as bat winter habitat changes over the past few decades. roosts The latter factor reduces food density, since it eliminates hunting habitats and l Test and development project for pro- impairs bat's orientation and dispersal tection of building-dwelling bats via behaviour. The habitat changes were conservation and creation of roost net- brought about by intensive forestry and works agriculture, growth of cities and towns and expansion of the traffic infrastructure. l An international scientific conference House-dwelling species have also been on biology and protection of endange- harmed through use of wood preservatives red migratory bat species, focusing on containing DDT and lindan (gammexane). Nathusius' pipistrelle and the pond bat A number of research projects aimed at identifying threats to bats and their relative importance are currently underway. Recovery of populations is due to bans on DDT, decreased use of toxic wood preservatives and plant pesticides, encouragement of insect species useful for bats and general conservation measures. In spite of many improvements, however, populations are still threatened by disturbances in, and losses of, their roosts.

344 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

l Training courses for bat conservation It is now customary to take needs of bat experts in eastern and south-eastern colonies into account in set-asides of large European countries protected areas such as national parks, large nature reserves or biosphere l Publication of an informational brochu- reserves. re and poster for the "International Bat Year 2001" Some Länder are revising and amending their forest-management guidelines with CONSERVATION MEASURES OF the aim of increasing old-tree percentages THE LÄNDER. The Länder are responsi- in forests and expanding deciduous stands ble for implementing species measures to – two measures which benefit forest- protect important bat roosts, maternity co- dwelling bats. lonies and feeding habitats. At the same time, inspections and maintenance on the local level are usually carried out by volun- DATA COLLECTION. In all Länder, teer staff, including private organisations. data collection is carried out in co-opera- The measures taken by Länder to protect tion with nature conservation associations bats include (selection): and private conservationists; sometimes, such staff work under commission to the l Special species protection programmes relevant Land. Work is usually carried out on a volunteer basis. Data standardisation, l Operation of special co-ordination offi- through increasing use of IT resources and ces for bat conservation in Thuringia, special data-collection programmes for Brandenburg, Baden-Württemberg and nature conservation, is facilitating use of Bavaria data in protection programmes, intervention planning and faunistic-ecological l Support for research and nature conser- studies. Within the EUROBATS framework, vation projects and relevant individual the body of experts is working to co-ordi- measures nate data collection in connection with monitoring of selected roosts of the l Financing of monitoring programmes mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis) and lesser and mapping of bat colonies horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). l Set-aside of important habitats for cer- The German Länder have commissioned tain bat species – either as nature suitable institutions to collect and evaluate reserves or as natural monuments bat data; as a result, most Länder now have, or are preparing, reference materials l Protection of old bunker systems and such as distribution overviews or regional mines as bat habitats fauna atlases (Rhineland-Palatinate, Ba- varia and Saxony-Anhalt). In 1999, Societas l Integration of bat conservation criteria Europaea Mammalogia (SEM; the Euro- (covering relevant species) in develop- pean Society for Mammalian Studies) pub- ment and management plans for pro- lished the Atlas of European Mammals tected areas and in connection with (AEM) with overview grid maps for all interventions in nature and landscapes mammals occurring in Europe.

345 EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC 2.5 Protection of the harbour AWARENESS. Efforts to enhance public porpoise in the North Sea awareness play a central role in state and and Baltic Sea volunteer bat conservation. Many types of informational material, reference works, public excursions and exhibitions relative to bats are now offered or available. In The Bonn Convention (CMS) has been play- 1999, Deutsche Post published a stamp ing a more and more important role in dedicated to bats. Some Länder, and vol- international efforts to protect small ceta- unteer staff who are also members of the ceans (including dolphins, bottlenose dol- German Nature Conservation Association phins and some whale species). The par- (NABU), offer workshops and conferences ties to the Bonn Convention are urged to to educate and train bat conservationists. conclude agreements oriented to special In addition, special training courses are requirements for protecting the over 30 offered for architects, craftsmen, planners, small cetacean populations listed in Annex forest rangers and forest owners, to assist II of the Convention. The Agreement on such people in enhancing conditions for the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of forest-dwelling and house-dwelling bats. the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS), which was developed under the direction The great range of relevant educational of Sweden, promotes co-operation between and "fun" activities available for children range states – for example, in protecting and adolescents is also worth of mention. and managing habitats, in carrying out Recently, for example, a special folder research projects and in enhancing public with bat projects was prepared for teach- awareness. To date, the agreement has ers and youth leaders. eight parties. In 1992, a provisional Secre- tariat was established, in the "Sea Mam- Since 1997, the EUROBATS Secretariat has mal Research Unit", Cambridge, UK, to co- organised the European Bat Night each ordinate all relevant activities. The second year. The Bat Night features a broad range Conference of the Parties (Bonn, 17 - 19 of bat-related events. November 1997) resolved to move the Secretariat to Bonn. This was done in June 1998.

The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a small species of toothed-whale (Odontoceti) that occurs throughout much of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. It is also the only cetacean species that is native to German waters. The North Sea and Baltic Sea contain morphologically and gene-tically differentiated harbour- porpoise populations (TIEDEMANN et al. 1996, HUGGENBERGER et al. 1999). Rela- tively little relevant data is available on the population situation and trends of the harbour porpoise, in part due to the basic technical difficulties in collecting such data. Systematic studies did not begin in Germany until 1990, following an agreement, taken at the Third International Conference on the Protection of the North Sea, for protection of the small cetacean

346 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

population. Available research data is Some population esti- based primarily on beached-animal finds mates were made in and supplied by-catches that are inspected 1995-1996, on the for reproduction status, disease, parasites, basis of transect food remains and contaminant accumula- counts from the air tions. For monitoring purposes, the state (HAMMOND et al. government of Schleswig-Holstein commis- 1995). These esti- sions the West Coast Research and Tech- mates have a high nology Centre (Forschungs- und Technolo- level of statistical giezentrum Westküste) in Büsum to study uncertainty, howev- some 50 dead harbour porpoises – found er, since relatively in the North Sea and Baltic Sea – annually few sightings – mak- Harbour Porpoise and to keep statistics on beach finds of the ing use of species-specific diving patterns animals. In Lower Saxony, beach-find data – were used to calculate the population are kept by the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea densities. ADELUNG et al. (1997) provide National Park administration; in Mecklen- estimates of 4,400-7,400, for Schleswig- burg-West Pomerania, they are kept by the Holstein's North Sea areas, and of 900- German Marine Museum (Deutsches Meeres- 1,800 for German Baltic Sea areas. These museum) in Stralsund. estimates confirm the general impression that the population density in the North It is generally assumed that harbour por- Sea is significantly higher than it is in the poises were considerably more common in Baltic Sea. The situation of the Baltic Sea most European waters in the mid-20th population may be critical. New surveys century than they are today (KREMER are being planned. Fig. 2.5-1 presents 1990; BENKE & SIEBERT 1994; BENKE et al. chance-sighting data obtained within the 1998). This is indicated, for example, by framework of the "Boffwatt" project (see statistics on beached animals and by-catch- Chap.1.2.2) and now stored in the es in neighbouring countries (Netherlands, "Seabirds-at-Sea" database. Denmark, Sweden). In Germany, anecdotal evidence suggests that population densi- Fishing has been clearly identified as the ties were higher in the past (MOHR 1935; population's central threat and limiting GOETHE 1983). Nonetheless, the popula- factor. In the North Sea, this threat con- tions seem to have remained stable, or sists especially of gillnet fisheries of Den- even slightly increased, over the past few mark and the UK; in the Kattegat, it also decades (cf. KREMER 1990; BENKE & SIEBERT consists of Swedish gillnet fisheries. The 1994). Since 1990, numbers of beach finds by-catches are estimated to number 7,000 on the German North Sea coast have fluc- – 10,000 animals per year (KREMER 1990; tuated around a level of 100 per year, with BENKE & SIEBERT 1994). The largest by- no apparent increasing or decreasing catches occur in turbot fishing and certain trend (BENKE et al. 1998; HASSELMEIER cod fisheries, at certain times of the year 2000). The animals' age distribution (40% (for example, the 3rd quarter). German are less than one year old) is approxima- fisheries accounted for only a very small tely in keeping with the numbers of deaths share of these by-catches. By-catches have that would be expected for a stable popu- been decreasing since 2000, because the lation (HASSELMEIER 2000). On Germany's fishing intensity in these fisheries has Baltic Sea coast, an average of only 10-20 decreased. stranded harbour porpoises are found per year (BENKE et al. 1998).

347 In the central Baltic Sea, the population through 1970s) and of fishing (since the has shrunk under the impacts of heavy 1950s) – from several tens of thousands to winter ice formation (end of the 1920s to hardly 1,000 today. Swedish forecasts in early 1940s), of pollution, probably (1950s the ASCOBANS context indicate that the

Fig. 2.5-1: Chance sightings of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) within the context of seabird surveys in the "Boffwatt" project. The data points represent numbers of individuals sighted per km of patrol (pursuant to GARTHE in lit. 2001).

Individuals / travelled km Harbour porpoise 0 1991-2000 0.0001 - 0.01 April-September 0.01 - 0.1 ESAS-database 0.1 - 0.5 > 0.5

348 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

population will probably die out within 20 In general, the Federal Government and to 30 years, even at the relatively low by- environmental associations, such as WWF catch rates of the past two decades, unless (which recently carried out a campaign to greater efforts to protect it are undertak- publicise this problem), consider by-catch- en. The western limit of the population's es in fisheries to be a particularly serious range is still assumed to lie at the Darsser and urgent problem. Schwelle area.

The population's precarious situation provided the occasion for an ASCOBANS workshop held in Jastarnia (Poland) on 09 - 11 January. At the workshop, a "recovery plan" for the central Baltic Sea was developed that is to be adopted at the ASCOBANS advisory committee meeting in Sweden in June 2002.

Harbour Porpoise

349 Other threats are also being discussed, The Federal Government, represented by including toxic environmental pollution, the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protec- regional noise pollution from increasing tion, Food and Agriculture (BMVEL), plans marine traffic and military activities to intensify its efforts to prevent and re- (VERWEY & WOLFF 1981; KREMER 1990; duce by-catches in fisheries. It urges that BENKE & SIEBERT 1994). this issue be considered in reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. Accumulating contaminants in the bodies of harbour porpoises and other marine As a first measure to protect harbour por- mammals are assumed to be reducing the poises, a special 124.000 ha protected area animals' vitality and fertility (BENKE & was established in the North Sea off the SIEBERT 1994). Some studies seem to con- islands of Sylt and Amrum, as part of the firm this supposition (SIEBERT et al. 1999). Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National On the other hand, it is questionable Park. In this whale protection area, it is whether such pathogenic effects play a prohibited – above and beyond the nation- key role in the species' population size. al park's general protection regulations – to impair the welfare of whales in any sig- Reduction of fish stocks, as a result of nificant way. More precise protection pro- commercial fishing, could also have caused visions are currently being prepared by the historic decline of harbour porpoise the state government, in keeping with populations in the southern North Sea. Article 45 (2) of Council Regulation (EC) Presumably, the herring (Clupea harengus) No 850/98 of 30 March 1998 for the con- was an important food fish for the har- servation of fishery resources through bour porpoise until herring populations technical measures for the protection of collapsed as a result of overfishing juveniles of marine organisms and Article (KREMER 1990). In the 1990s, the animals' 2.2 of the Agreement on the Conservation diets were found to consist largely of flat- of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North fish, sandeels and cods (BENKE & SIEBERT Seas (ASCOBANS). The Federal Government 1994; BENKE et al. 1998), fishes which urges that this protected area be expand- have much lower caloric value than the ed and made into an EU-wide zone (it cur- herring and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) rently is a national zone). the porpoises prefer. In addition, finds of porpoises that have choked to death on In light of existing uncertainties about common sole (Solea solea) (BENKE et al. population sizes, trends and limiting fac- 1998; FTZ Westküste, unpubl. data) may tors, it is difficult to monitor the success of indicate that harbour porpoises are poorly protection measures. Currently, a range of adapted to this prey. While harbour por- instruments that could improve popula- poises can eat a considerable variety of tion surveys, including ultrasound detec- fish, as current studies show (this has also tors and underwater microphones, are been observed to be the case for other being tested. With these new methods, fish-eating marine mammals), food quality both the whale protection area and possi- is still presumed to have an effect on pop- ble sites of offshore wind farms in the ulation. North Sea and Baltic Sea are to be studied with regard to their importance for harbour porpoises.

350 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

The German governmental and scientific In light of the fact that fisheries pose the sectors strongly welcome plans, in the main threat for harbour porpoises, the Fe- ASCOBANS framework, for a new survey of deral Ministry of Consumer Protection, small cetaceans in the North Sea, Baltic Food and Agriculture (BMVEL) is initiating Sea and adjacent waters ("Small Cetacean two research projects aimed at improving Abundance in the North and Baltic Seas the scientific basis for porpoise protection. and Adjacent Waters, Second Estimation": One project will study the effectiveness of SCANS II), to be carried out from 2003 - acoustic signals in warning porpoises 2004. The plan is also welcomed by scien- away from gill nets, and thus in prevent- tists of other countries. ing by-catches. A second project seeks to generate maximally precise statistics on harbour-porpoise by-catches in German

Tab. 2.5-1: Current research projects with relevance to protection of harbour porpoises

Topic Executing institution Sponsor Causes of sickness and death in harbour SH: FTZ Westküste State governments porpoises in the North Sea and Baltic NI: Norden-Norddeich Sea (monitoring of beached animals) seal station Statistics on beaching of harbour SH: FTZ Westküste State governments porpoises along the German North MV: Stralsund marine museum Sea and Baltic Sea coasts NI: Norden-Norddeich seal station Studies of harbour porpoises' echo- University of Tübingen Federal Ministry for the location behaviour, to provide a Environment (BMU) basis for protection measures Influence of contaminants harbour FTZ Westküste Federal Ministry for the porpoises' immune systems in Environment (BMU) on European waters Acoustic search for harbour Stralsund marine museum Federal Ministry for the porpoises in the Baltic Sea Environment (BMU) Impacts of offshore wind energy FTZ Westküste Federal Ministry for the systems on marine mammals – Environment (BMU) including effects of noise and vibrations Surveys of harbour porpoise FTZ Westküste State government of SH populations in the whale protection (national park authority) area (line-transect counts carried out from ships) Possibilities for preventing and FTZ Westküste Federal Ministry of reducing disturbance of harbour Defence porpoises caused by defence-related (defence-technical service - testing in the Eckernförd Bight Wehrtechnischer Dienst)

Various surveys of populations of Various Private sponsors of harbour porpoises in potential sites planning for offshore of wind farms wind farms

351 gill-net fisheries in the North Sea and Bal- 2.6 Harbour seals in the German tic Sea. The results of both projects will be Wadden Sea provided to ASCOBANS, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Scientific Technical Com- mittee on Fisheries (STECF). The most important habitats of harbour seals along the North Sea coast are located In closing, one important result of the 5th in the Wadden Sea. In October 1990, Den- International Conference on the Protec- mark, Germany and the Netherlands con- tion of the North Sea in Bergen (Norway), cluded the Agreement on the Conserva- which took place from 20 - 21 March tion of Seals in the Wadden Sea, and the 2002, deserves to be mentioned: after in- agreement entered into force one year tensive preparatory work at the 9th Trila- later. This agreement provides for develop- teral Governmental Conference on the ment of a conservation and management Protection of the Wadden Sea, which took plan for harbour seals, for protection of place in Esbjerg on 31 October 2001, and seal habitats, for measures to reduce envi- which included the participation of Den- ronmental pollution, for co-ordination of mark and the Netherlands, the following research and long-term monitoring, for a breakthrough was achieved: to protect basic prohibition on taking of seals and harbour porpoises in the North Sea, by- for initiatives to enhance public aware- catches are to be limited to no more than ness. The Common Wadden Sea Secreta- 1.7% of the population; a level of 1% is riat, located in Wilhelmshaven, has assumed urged as a precaution. Secretariat responsibilities relative to this agreement.

Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) are fish-eating marine mammals that occur in coastal waters in temperate latitudes throughout the entire northern hemisphere. The world-wide population is likely to lie between 500,000 and one million, while the east Atlantic sub-species P. v. vitulina probably numbers 70,000-75,000 individuals. These figures are based on counts of basking harbour seals and thus are subject to correction, by about 30-50%, depending on location, to account for unincluded animals. Many populations are currently still increasing. In Germany, harbour seals are found primarily on North Sea coastal areas of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. A total of 13,800 counted animals (2001), or 70% of the population found in the Dutch- German-Danish Wadden Sea, live in these areas (Common Wadden Sea Secretariat in lit. 2001). Since counts are assumed to in-

352 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

clude nearly 70% of all individuals (RIES et logical maxima, i.e. al. 1998), the population probably num- three counts are car- bers about 20,000. Harbour seals are ried out in the late much rarer on German Baltic Sea coasts, birthing season, however; the few animals sighted there around the last are vagrants from Swedish and Danish week in June, and populations. two counts are carried out during the The historical development of seal popula- main fur-replace- tions on the German North Sea coast can ment phase in mid- be traced through decades of hunting sta- August (ABT 2001). tistics and count data. On the other hand, for methodological reasons, counts made In Schleswig-Hol- before 1975 are only conditionally compa- stein, counts are rable with modern counts. The current managed by K. Abt, a biologist, while in Harbour Seals monitoring plan provides for five counts Lower Saxony they are carried out by the per year from the air (COMMON WADDEN state hunting association (Landes- SEA SECRETARIAT 1996). These counts take jägerschaft). Furthermore, statistics are place during the populations' two pheno- kept on finds of dead harbour seals and

Fig. 2.6-1: Development of the seal population in the Wadden Sea, 1975-2001

20,000

18,000

16,000

14,000

12,000 estimated 10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0 Total SH

1975 Nds. 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980

1981 DK 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986

1987 NL 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

353 orphaned young animals, and cadavers the 1960s at the latest, increasing tourist and animals captured alive are examined boat traffic, in combination with the seals' for disease and infections. In Schleswig- wariness that had developed over cen- Holstein, this work is the responsibility of turies of hunting, probably began to play the West Coast Research and Technology an important role. Frequent disturbances Centre (Forschungs- und Technologiezen- of basking harbour seals interrupt their trum Westküste) in Büsum, in co-operation nursing phases. They can result in separa- with K. Abt; in Lower Saxony, it is man- tion of young from their mothers, thereby aged by the Norden-Norddeich seal-rear- hampering rearing of young. What is ing and research station; and in Mecklen- more, post-war hunting concentrated espe- burg-West Pomerania, it is carried out by cially on young harbour seals (REIJNDERS the German Oceanographic Museum 1981), whose fur was used in a number of (Museum for Marine Research and Fishery products. Initial comprehensive studies of - Deutsches Museum für Meereskunde und the population situation in the 1970s Fischerei) in Stralsund. As far as can be showed that weak population growth, as a determined by the available data, the seal consequence of increased young-animal population declined between the early 20th mortality, was the direct cause of the century and the 1970s (REIJNDERS 1992). decline (WIPPER 1974). In addition, certain types of symptoms were correlated For the western part of the Wadden Sea with frequent crawling on land to escape (Lower Saxony and the Netherlands), the disturbances (flight from sand bars into negative development in the 1960s is espe- the water) (DRESCHER 1978). In 1974/75, cially well-documented (REIJNDERS et al. only 2,800 harbour seals, presumably a 1981). Hunting pressure was long the historical minimum, were counted in the dominant factor influencing population size (WIPPER 1974; REIJNDERS 1992). By

Fig. 2.6-2: Seals in the GermanWadden Sea, 1975-2001

Seals in the German Wadden Sea 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000

Number 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 1981 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 1975 1977 1979 1983 1985 1987 1989 2001

354 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

German Wadden Sea. The negative trend (SCHWARZ & HEIDEMANN 1994). The epi- was then stopped by complete, or near- demic was caused by a virus related to complete, suspension of hunting (Lower canine distemper (phocine distemper virus). Saxony: 1973, Schleswig-Holstein: 1974). In The virus was probably transmitted by addition, a number of protected areas harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) that in were established, and recovery soon ensued: 1987 had wandered into the region from data from the end of the 1970s to 1987 the Barents Sea, where they had been suf- show an average of 10% growth in the fering a food shortage (GOODHART 1988). seal population per year. In 1988, when a In 1989, only 3,100 harbour seals were count of about 7,000 individuals was counted in the German Wadden Sea. expected, this positive development was interrupted. A European-wide lethal seal The population quickly recovered from epidemic hit the Wadden Sea population this setback, however. Beginning in 1990, and killed about half of its numbers growth rates averaging 12-13% per year

Tab. 2.6-1: Current research projects with relevance to protection of harbour seals

Subject Executing institution Sponsor Surveys of seal populations in the SH: K. Abt State governments: SH Wadden Sea (counts from the air) NI: Landesjägerschaft (national park authority), (hunting association) NI (Weser-Ems district government) Causes of sickness and death in SH: FTZ Westküste State governments seals in the North Sea and Baltic Sea NI: Norden-Norddeich (monitoring of beach finds) seal station Health of wild harbour seals in FTZ Westküste State government of SH Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea (Supreme hunting areas (monitoring of animals authority) captured alive) Statistics on beached seals on the SH: FTZ Westküste State governments German North Sea and Baltic Sea MV: Stralsund marine museum coasts NI: Norden-Norddeich seal station Effects of offshore wind energy Institute for Marine Science, Federal Environment systems on marine mammals. Kiel / FTZ Westküste Ministry Impacts of noise and vibration, and use of offshore areas, by harbour seals, as feeding habitats

Population dynamics of harbour seals Institute for Marine Science, Dissertation in the Wadden Sea - phenology, Kiel / FTZ Westküste demography and mortality Studies of seal immune systems FTZ Westküste Dissertation

355 were recorded. These growth rates are North Sea fisheries more and more in- among the highest ever documented tently. Recently, fishing associations called world-wide for harbour seals and related for re-introduction of hunting and a reduc- species, and they indicate that the animals tion of the increased population. Doing so are very healthy. The reason for the slower could not be reconciled with the Agree- growth from 1979-1987 is not reliably ment on the Conservation of Seals in the known. Possibly, environmental contami- Wadden Sea, however. The governments nants (heavy metals, organic halogens) of the relevant Länder have rejected the had accumulated in the seals' bodies and fishing associations' demands and have negatively affected their health and fertili- reaffirmed their support for natural devel- ty prior to the mass die-off (cf. REIJNDERS opment of seal populations, in keeping 1986). The surviving group either had with the national park laws (National- lower accumulations of such chemicals parkamt 2001). (Hall et al. 1992) or was more resistant to their effects. Significantly, pollution dis- The Agreement on the Conservation of charges into North Sea have decreased Seals in the Wadden Sea was developed considerably since the 1970s and 1980s and adopted, as the first regional agree- (BAKKER et al. 1999). And yet the immune- ment under the aegis of the Bonn Conven- weakening effects of certain chemicals tion (CMS), in response to the seal die-off. were also held responsible for the enor- It came into force on 1 October 1991 and mous number of seals that died in 1988 merges the efforts of Denmark, Germany (SCHUHMACHER et al. 1993). Only in this and the Netherlands to protect seals. light does the population's immunological susceptibility to the epidemic seem a plau- Pursuant to the Federal Hunting Act (Bun- sible explanation. Possibly, the higher desjagdgesetz) seals in Germany are sub- growth levels measured after 1989 result- ject to hunting law. Although the Federal ed from establishment of the Wadden Sea hunting season ordinance (Bundesjagdzei- national parks, which enhanced protec- tenverordnung) has established a hunting tion of seals' nursery areas (Lower Saxony: season for seals (1 September – 31 October), 1986, Schleswig-Holstein: 1985). no hunting of harbour seals is currently taking place, since the animals occur in Currently (2001), the seal population is the Wadden Sea national parks. Under about twice as large as it was in 1987/88, hunting law, no taking of game animals and it will probably continue to grow for by other than appropriately licensed per- some time. It will be up to the continuing sons is permitted. trilateral monitoring programme to document the population's long-term development. Ultimately, the available food supply is likely to be the factor that limits the population's size, and this is why policy-makers and scientists alike are watching the conflicts between seal populations and

356 Conservation status and protecting measures 2

Officially appointed seal rangers (Seehund- In addition to studies of population devel- Jagdschutzbeauftragte) decide on the opment health, within the framework of treatment of animals found alive – usually, monitoring, the Institute for Marine Re- young seals no more than several days or search in Kiel and the West Coast Re- weeks old. Depending on such animals' search and Technology Centre in Büsum condition, and the circumstances relating are currently carrying out studies of habi- to the find, they take one of the following tat use, food ecology and demography actions: a) leave the animal at the site (mortality and age composition) of har- where it was found; b) transport it to a bour seals in the Wadden Sea. In co-opera- more favourable location; c) transport it to tion with partners in the UK, Denmark, a rearing station for rehabilitation; or d) Sweden and the Netherlands, these institu- kill it in keeping with animal-welfare prin- tions have applied for EU funding for a ciples. The increasing numbers of aban- comprehensive project on conflicts with doned baby seals found each year (known North Sea fisheries. in German as "Heuler" (criers) when still in the nursing stage), confronts authorities and seal rangers with certain problems. Apart from the seal stations' limited capacities, there are good reasons, from scientific and conservation-oriented perspectives, for minimising the numbers of harbour seals raised in stations and then returned to the wild. The most serious problem cited is the epidemiological risk that animals released from human captivity pose for the wild population (REIJNDERS & REINEKING 1999). In 2000, a total of 97 harbour seals were returned to the wild in the German Wadden Sea (Lower Saxony 69, Schleswig-Holstein 28).

357 3 Other native migratory bird species listed in CMS Annex II

In addition to listing a range of water- or at least 25 years, without outside popu- birds, bats, small cetaceans and seals, lation support (GEBHARDT et al. 1998, Annex II of the Bonn Convention on the BAUER & BEZZEL 2001). MOOIJ (2000) Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild placed the Canada goose's breeding popu- Animals (CMS) lists numerous other migra- lation in Germany at 600 to 800 breeding tory bird species that are native in Ger- pairs in 1999. In the same year, the maxi- many. No regional agreement is in place mum winter population of resting Canada for these birds. geese in Germany reached about 17,500 Western Marsh Harrier individuals (MOOIJ 2000). BAUER et al. Germany is obligated to provide the meet- (pub. pend.) estimated the breeding popu- ing of the parties with data relative to the lation in 1999 to number 470-560 pairs. population trends and colony developments for these species. The following overview provides this information: Gruiformes Rallidae Phoenicopteriformes and Anseriformes. CORN CRAKE (CREX CREX). The corn crake breeds in the temperate zone of the west Palaearctic and west Siberia Common Stonechat (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). It migrates PHOENICOPTERIDAE AND ANATI- across the eastern Mediterranean (Egypt) DAE. Of the species not included in the to wintering areas in the savannas of cen- Agreement on the Conservation of Afri- tral and south-east Africa. The most impor- can-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), tant wintering areas are located in Zaire, the Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus Zambia, Malawi, Simbabwe and South chilensis) and the Canada goose (Branta Africa (STOWE & GREEN 1997). canadensis), among other species, appear in Germany as so-called "neozoa". This Russia (> 400,000 calling males), Belarus term refers to species that, via the direct (26,000 – 30,000 calling males) and or indirect agency of human beings, be- Ukraine (25,000 – 55,000 calling males) come established, and successfully repro- harbour the largest share of the total duce, in habitats they had previously not European population, estimated to num- occupied (GEBHARDT et al. 1998). ber 505,000 to 1,100,000 calling males. Spotted Flycatcher Other large populations are found in Currently, only the Canada goose can be Poland, the Baltic (Estonia, Latvia, Lithua- considered well-established in Germany, nia), Bulgaria and Romania (GREEN et al. i.e. a species that has been reproducing in 1997). With about 800 calling males, Ger- its new habitat for over three generations, many has the second largest corn-crake

358 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

population, after France (1,100 – 1,200 Charadriiformes calling males), in western Europe (GREEN et al. 1997). The corn crake's breeding Burhinidae population in Germany, like its breeding population throughout its entire European range, has been declining significantly STONE-CURLEW (BURHINUS since at least the 1970s (BAUER & BERT- OEDICNEMUS). The stone-curlew's HOLD 1996, GREEN et al. 1997, HAGEMEI- breeding range comprises the south-west JER & BLAIR 1997). The bird's population Palaearctic, and the European breeding decreases have been estimated to be on population is concentrated on the Iberian the order of 20% to over 50% in most peninsula and in France. Small numbers European countries (BAUER & BERTHOLD of the bird are also found in Italy, south- 1996, BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL/EURO- east-Europe (Greece, Romania, Hungary, PEAN BIRD CENSUS COUNCIL 2000). Bulgaria, Croatia) and south England. Other scattered breeding groups, each The population declines are due primarily numbering no more than ten pairs, are to destruction of breeding habitats, as a found in Austria, the Czech Republic and result of intensification of agriculture and the Slovak Republic, Belarus and Poland extensive landscape drainage, and to sig- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, BIRDLIFE nificant losses of nests and young birds to INTERNATIONAL/EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS early, mechanised mowing of meadows COUNCIL 2000). (GREEN et al. 1997). Changes in the bird's African flyway and wintering areas have The south European breeding birds are pre- contributed only insignificantly, in spite of dominantly stationary. Birds that breed in regular taking by bird hunters – especially northern areas migrate to southern Eu- on the Egyptian Mediterranean coast – to rope (Iberian peninsula) for the winter, as the decline of the corn crake's population well as to north, west and east Africa in Europe (STOWE & GREEN 1997). (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997).

BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) estimated the As a result of widespread habitat losses, breeding population in Germany to num- the stone-curlew's breeding population at ber between 2,000 and 3,100 pairs in the northern limit of its former breeding 1999. A national survey carried out by the range has decreased considerably since Bavarian state bird protection association the turn of the century, and central Eu- (Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern) rope now harbours only residual colonies found at least 734 calling males in 1998, with just a few pairs each (BAUER & and only 470 and 329 calling males in BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1999 and 2000, respectively (although the 1997). Since the 1970s (at the latest), the survey intensity was considerably lower in bird has also suffered considerable de- the latter two years) (MAMMEN & REICH clines in its south-west European core 2001). range areas (BIRDLIFE INTERNATIONAL / EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS COUNCIL 2000).

The stone-curlew's last breeding population in Germany, located in Saxony, disappeared in 1987 (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, STEFFENS et al. 1998a).

359 Scolopacidae Falconiformes Accipitridae EURASIAN WOODCOCK (SCOLO- PAX RUSTICOLA). The Eurasian woodcock breeds in the temperate and boreal WESTERN HONEY BUZZARD zones of the entire Palaearctic. Its Euro- (PERNIS APIVORUS). The western pean range extends northward from the honey buzzard's range comprises large Pyrenees and Alps to Scandinavia and the regions of Europe and west Asia. It regu- British Isles and eastward to Russia. The larly breeds throughout Germany Eurasian woodcock's largest breeding pop- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The species' ulations in Europe live on the Scandinavi- European breeding population numbers an peninsula and in Belarus. While breed- some 41,000 to 48,000 breeding pairs ing birds of Scandinavia and Russia mi- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). grate to southern and western Europe for The western honey buzzard, a long-dis- the winter (Spain, Italy, France and the tance migrant, winters in sub-Saharan Af- British Isles), birds that breed in central rica. It remains in its European breeding Europe are predominantly stationary birds areas for a total of only about four months, or short-distance migrants (BEZZEL 1985, from early May to the end of August. On HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). their journey to their African wintering areas, European breeding birds concen- The Eurasian woodcock's population trate within the west Mediterranean mi- trends are inadequately known for much gration "funnels" (Gibraltar, Tunesia- of Europe, because its populations are dif- Sicily); on the eastern route, they concen- ficult to inventory with current methods. trate within flyways over the Bosporus and Reports of largely stable populations in in Israel (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). most European countries (BIRDLIFE INTER- NATIONAL/ EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS In 1999, the western honey buzzard's COUNCIL 2000) contrast with reports of breeding population in Germany was esti- decreases – considerable, in part – of the mated to number 3,800 to 5,200 pairs bird's breeding and wintering populations (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). For the second (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & half of the 1990s, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER BLAIR 1997). BAUER & BERTHOLD (1996) (2001) report a population level fluctuat- assumed that the central European popu- ing around about 3,600 pairs. In spite of lation has undergone a general decline in regional differences, the western honey comparison with its size in the 1970s. The buzzard's current population situation in reasons they list for the decline, in addi- Germany can be assumed to be stable tion to habitat loss, include intensive hunt- (MAMMEN & STUBBE 2000, KOSTRZEWA & ing in the bird's breeding and (especially) SPEER 2001). wintering areas. In 1999, the Eurasian woodcock's breeding population in Ger- many was estimated to number 12,000 to BLACK KITE (MILVUS MIGRANS). 24,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). In The black kite is one of the most common the 1999/2000 hunting season (16 October birds of prey worldwide. Its European to 15 January), a total of 7,578 Eurasian range covers nearly the entire continent, woodcock were shot in Germany (DJV with the exception of the British Isles and 2001). the Scandinavian peninsula. The entire European breeding population numbers between 25,000 and 29,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997).

360 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

European black kites are strongly migrato- Over half of the species' European and ry, and their wintering areas are located world population, which numbers some in sub-Saharan Africa (KOSTRZEWA & 22,000 breeding pairs, breeds in Germany, SPEER 2001). with a pronounced concentration in the northern Harz foreland of Saxony-Anhalt The species is found throughout Germany, (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, KOSTRZEWA in relatively low densities and with a con- & SPEER 2001). The red kite's population, centration in east German Länder following a minimum of about 2,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, KOSTRZEWA in the 1950s, has grown continually. It did & SPEER 2001). Its population trends have not begin decreasing until about 1990, been negative in most Länder since the when agricultural structures changed in 1960s (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, KOST- eastern Germany as a result of German RZEWA & SPEER 2001), and only in the reunification. Although there are indica- early 1990s did it begin recovering slight- tions that this trend is now being rely, especially in eastern German Länder versed, the decline was still continuing as (MAMMEN & STUBBE 2000, KOSTRZEWA & of the end of the 1990s (MAMMEN & SPEER 2001). BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) STUBBE 2000, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). estimated the species' breeding population BAUER et al. (pub. pend. ) placed the the in Germany, in 1999, to number 2,700 to red kite's breeding population in Germany 4,100 pairs, while ORTLIEB (1998, cited about 10,500 to 14,000 pairs in 1999; for from KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001) considers the second half of the 1990s, estimates are the population to be somewhat larger, somewhat more precise, specifying levels between 3,500 and 4,000 pairs. from 10,350 to 12,500 pairs (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001).

RED KITE (MILVUS MILVUS). The red kite's entire worldwide range consists WESTERN MARSH HARRIER (CI- of a relatively small area, extending north- RCUS AERUGINOSUS). The western east, in a broad belt, from the Iberian marsh harrier is found throughout all of peninsula to Poland. Europe, with the exception of northern parts of Scandinavia and Russia. Its breed- The red kite winters in the southern re- ing range is concentrated in central and gions of its breeding range. The largest eastern Europe (Germany, Poland, Ukraine, part of the total population winters on the Russia). The entire European population, Iberian peninsula (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR not including the Russian breeding popula- 1997, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). Recent- tion (about 31,000 pairs), numbers between ly, a wintering population averaging about 25,000 and 35,000 breeding pairs. In Ger- 80 to 90 individuals has become estab- many, the western marsh harrier is now lished in the center of the bird's range, in found throughout almost the entire coun- the northern Harz foreland; this group try. The highest population densities of the leaves for other regions only during partic- species occur in the waterrich Länder of ularly inclement weather (GEORGE 1994). northern and eastern Germany (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The western marsh harrier's migratory behaviour in Europe varies in keeping with the location of its breeding areas. Breeding birds of northern Europe, including most German breeding birds, migrate in a south-westerly direction, to wintering areas in west Africa, south-west Europe and the Mediterranean (BEZZEL 1985, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001).

361 The western marsh harrier's breeding pop- and 1999 – 53 and 47 breeding pairs, re- ulation in Germany has recovered signifi- spectively (SÜDBECK & HÄLTERLEIN 2001). cantly, in most relevant areas, since the Apart from six other breeding pairs in beginning of the 1970s, when its main Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea areas, all threats – hunting and pesticide pollution – breeding populations, especially those in were reduced. Persisting local threats in- eastern German Länder, disappeared in clude destruction of suitable habitats, hu- the second half of the 1990s (KOSTRZEWA man-caused disturbances and the bird's & SPEER 2001). increasing use of fields with winter grain crops as nesting locations – in most cases, the bird cannot breed successfully in such MONTAGUE'S HARRIER (CIRCUS fields without human assistance (protec- PYGARGUS). The range of Montague's tion of nests during harvest) (KOSTRZEWA harrier extends across the Mediterranean, & SPEER 2001). In spite of these continu- temperate and steppe zones of Europe and ing threats, the species' population in Ger- west Asia. The bird's European population, many was considered larely stable as of numbering 6,900 to 9,600 breeding pairs the end of the 1990s – at a level of about outside of Russia (20,000 to 30,000 pairs), 5,000 breeding pairs (KOSTRZEWA & is concentrated in the Iberian peninsula, SPEER 2001) – and as of 1999 – at a level France and Belarus (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR of 5,500 to 8,400 breeding pairs (BAUER et 1997). al. pub. pend.). MAMMEN & STUBBE (2000) do call attention to a negative trend in the Montague's harrier is a highly migratory 1990s, however. bird. Central European breeding birds leave their breeding areas no later than September and fly to west African winter- HEN HARRIER (CIRCUS CYANEUS). ing areas (Chad, Mali, Benin, Ivory Coast). The hen harrier breeds throughout the They return to their breeding areas start- entire Palaearctic, from the British Isles to ing at the end of April (KOSTRZEWA & the Kamchatka peninsula on the Siberian SPEER 2001). Pacific coast. The European breeding population outside of Russia numbers about The breeding population of Montague's 8,000 to 10,000 breeding pairs, of which harrier in Germany, like the species' bree- over two-thirds breed in France, Finland ding populations in almost all European and Sweden (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). countries, is in a sharp decline. In the mid-1990s, larger groups of more than ten The species' central European breeding breeding pairs were found only in Schles- birds are short-distance migrants that win- wig-Holstein (33-40 pairs), Lower Saxony ter in south-west Europe. The hen harrier's (about 40 pairs), North Rhine-Westphalia winter population in Germany consists of (40-50 pairs) and in Bavaria, whose popu- birds that breed in northern and north- lation increased significantly in the second eastern-Europe (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER half of the 1990s – from ten pairs in 1995 2001). to 28 pairs in 1998 (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000). Montague's harrier's total popula- Following considerable declines, the hen tion in Germany has stablised recently, harrier's breeding population in Germany thanks to intensive efforts to protect bree- is now confined almost exclusively to the ding populations in agricultural areas dune islands in Lower Saxony's Wadden (GLIMM et al. 2001). In 1998, the popula- Sea areas, islands on which about 90% of tion numbered between 185 and 223 pairs the total population were sighted in 1998 (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). For 1999,

362 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) placed the popu- NORTHERN SPARROW HAWK lation at 234 to 283 breeding pairs. On (ACCIPITER NISUS). The northern the other hand, most breeding birds are sparrow hawk is found throughout the en- found in grain fields, with the result that tire European continent. Its European the population requires continuing hu- breeding population numbers between man assistance (protection of nests from 148,000 and 167,000 breeding pairs (HA- mowing) if it is to survive. GEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In Germany, the northern sparrow hawk is largely a stationary bird that is joined in the winter by NORTHERN GOSHAWK (ACCIPITER other birds from northern populations GENTILIS). The northern goshawk is (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). Its breeding found virtually throughout all of Europe. population in Germany, like those in all In Germany, as in large parts of its Euro- European countries, has recovered signifi- pean breeding range, it is highly station- cantly since the 1970s, when use of DDT ary; only the north and north-east Euro- and other chlorinated organic pesticides, pean populations are migratory, in de- and hunting, were prohibited, and the grees that depend on locations of breed- current population is estimated to number ing areas, age and food situation (BEZZEL about 15,000 pairs (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, 2001). This figure is at the lower end of KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). the range found by BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) for 1999, 14,400 to 21,000 pairs. The entire European breeding population The northern sparrow hawk's general outside of Russia is estimated to number recovery in Germany continued through 62,000 to 90,000 breeding pairs, of which, the end of the 1990s, according to moni- so HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR (1997), about toring programme data for birds of prey 19,000 pairs (as of the 1980s), or the lar- (including owls) (MAMMEN & STUBBE gest population of any single European 2000). country, breed in Germany. For reasons of methods, this figure is considerably larger than the more recent, and more precise, EURASIAN BUZZARD (BUTEO BU- figures of other authors, who place the TEO). The Eurasian buzzard is the most German breeding population at 11,500 to common bird of prey in Europe and in 15,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) or Germany (the common kestrel is the sec- only 8,500 pairs (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER ond-most common bird of prey). It is 2001). found throughout all of Europe, with the exception of the far north (HAGEMEIJER & In spite of counter-trends in some regions, BLAIR 1997). The species' central European the northern goshawk's population in breeding birds exhibit no pronounced mi- Germany has recovered considerably from gratory behaviour. In cold winters, local its nadir of 2,000 pairs in the 1970s, which concentrations can occur through regional had resulted from pesticide pollution and movements, concentrations that are en- hunting by humans (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER larged by winter guests from Scandinavia 2001). MAMMEN & STUBBE (2000) also (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). term the northern goshawk's population in Germany as stable, on the basis of mon- In 1999, BAUER et al. (pub. pend.), draw- itoring programme data for birds of prey ing on survey data, estimated the German (including owls) in the 1990s. breeding population to number 67,000 to 110,000 pairs. Estimates of KOSTRZEWA & SPEER (2001), at 50,000 to 69,000 pairs,

363 are at the lower end of this range. The dis- comprised in 45 to 50 pairs in the middle- crepancy between these two estimates is to-late 1990s, can currently be considered due largely to differences in methods, and stable (BAUER et al. pub. pend., BAUER & thus the species can be considered to be BERTHOLD 1996, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER stable in Germany, in spite of local declines 2001). On the other hand, the bird's repro- and fluctuations in keeping with fluctua- duction rate does not suffice to maintain tions in the populations of the small mam- the population, and thus the population mals on which it feeds (KOSTRZEWA & depends on regular influxes from neigh- SPEER 1997, MAMMEN & STUBBE 2000). bouring countries (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001).

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD (BUTEO LAGOPUS). The European breeding area LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE (AQUILA of the rough-legged buzzard is confined to POMARINA). The lesser spotted eagle's the Scandinavian peninsula and the north- range in Europe is confined to a relatively Russian tundra zone. The species' Euro- small area in central and eastern Europe pean breeding population numbers about (Belarus, Poland, the Baltic countries and 13,000 to 20,000 pairs, while the much the Czech Republic). The European breed- larger Russian population comprises about ing population consists of about 7,100 to 80,000 to 120,000 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & 8,100 pairs, and the Russian population BLAIR 1997). In Germany, the rough- comprises about 50 to 200 additional pairs legged buzzard is a regular winter guest, (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). especially in open landscapes of the north- German low plain (BEZZEL 1985). The European breeding birds are highly migratory. In September, they fly in a south-easterly direction, across the Bospo- GOLDEN EAGLE (AQUILA CHRY- rus and Israel, to wintering areas in south- SAETOS). The golden eagle breeds pre- ern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, dominantly in mountain regions of the Namibia, South Africa), and beginning in Iberian and Scandinavian peninsulas, in mid-April they return to their European the Scottish highlands and in the Alps. breeding areas (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER Other populations are found in France, 2001). Italy, Russia and in the Baltic countries and south-east Europe. The total European The lesser spotted eagle's breeding popula- breeding population has been estimated tion in Germany is located at the western to number 5,200 to 5,600 pairs (HAGEMEI- limit of the species' European range. Wes- JER & BLAIR 1997). Breeding birds of the tern German breeding populations disap- Alps are stationary the year round, apart peared by the mid-20th century, as a from local dispersal movements of non-ter- result of hunting pressure, habitat destruc- ritorial young birds (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER tion and disturbances at their breeding 2001). sites (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, KOSTRZE- WA & SPEER 2001). Currently, breeding The golden eagle's breeding population in populations are found only in the Länder the Alps reached a nadir around the turn Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (90-96 of the century, as a result of intensive hun- pairs), Brandenburg (30-32 pairs) and ting, and with the species' slow reproduc- Saxony-Anhalt (four pairs), and the total tion rate it recovered only during the German population in the second half of course of the 20th century. The breeding the 1990s was estimated to number no population in the German Alps, which more than 130 to 135 pairs (KOSTRZEWA

364 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

& SPEER 2001). For 1999, BAUER et al. The osprey population in Germany has re- (pub. pend.) placed the population at 134 covered from a minimum of fewer than to 143 pairs. In areas of Mecklenburg-West 100 breeding pairs in the 1970s to a level Pomerania where the population is con- of 346 pairs in 1998 (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER centrated, the population suffered a fur- 2001, SCHMIDT 2001). In 1999, BAUER et ther slight decline in den 1990s, as a real. (pub. pend.) placed the breeding popu- sult of increasing intensity of agriculture lation at 350 to 380 pairs. The reasons for and forestry, infrastructure development this population growth include intensive and recreationers' disturbances in the nest protection and installation of man- breeding areas (SCHELLER et al. 2001). made aeries on high-voltage power lines, as well as the considerable reductions in pesticide use that have occurred since the 1970s. More recently, reductions of mortal- Pandionidae ity during migration and in wintering areas have also been cited as additional reasons (SCHMIDT 2001). OSPREY (PANDION HALIAETUS). In Europe, the osprey is found primarily The largest breeding populations are locat- on the Scandinavian peninsula and in Ger- ed in the two Länder that remained popu- many, Belarus, Scotland, the Baltic coun- lated by the bird even during its lowest tries, Poland and France (HAGEMEIJER & population levels – Brandenburg and BLAIR 1997). The wintering areas of os- Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. As the pop- preys banded in Germany, according to a ulation has grown, the bird has also new analysis of recoveries of banded birds expanded its range and returned to the by SCHMIDT & ROEPKE (2001), are found Länder Saxony-Anhalt, Lower Saxony, primarily on the coasts and inland waters Saxony, Thuringia and Bavaria (SCHMIDT of west Africa. In addition, some ospreys 2001). winter on the Iberian peninsula and in north Africa, along the species' main migratory route, which extends in a south- westerly direction. Falconidae

The total European population has been estimated to number 4,700 to 5,300 pairs PEREGRINE FALCON (FALCO PERE- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). These figures GRINUS). The peregrine falcon is un- are likely to be too low in reality, however, evenly distributed in Europe, with concen- given the species' population growth, even trations in southern Europe (Spain, France, considerable growth, in other parts of its Italy), on the British Isles and in northern European range (LOHMUS 2001, ODSJÖ & Scandinavia. Central European breeding SONDELL 2001, SCHMIDT 2001). birds are predominantly stationary. Only young birds leave the breeding areas, in order to fly to wintering areas in France and on the Iberian peninsula (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). The European atlas of breeding birds (Brutvogelatlas) places the entire European population at 5,600 to 6,000 breeding pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997).

365 Thanks to intensive protection (nest pro- COMMON KESTREL (FALCO TIN- tection, protection against hunting and NUNCULUS). The common kestrel is disturbances), and to the ban on DDT and found throughout most of all European related pesticides, the breeding population countries. Its European breeding popula- in Germany recovered from a low of about tion numbers about 256,000 to 324,000 50 pairs in 1975 to 620 to 640 pairs in pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In 1999, although it has not completely much of central Europe, common kestrels reached its 1950s level of about 830 pairs. are short-distance migrants or stationary Some of the new establishments and pop- birds. Breeding birds from higher eleva- ulation growth are due to release of pere- tions of central Europe, and the northern grine falcons raised in captivity populations, winter in west and central (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). Europe, the Mediterranean and east and central Africa (BEZZEL 1985, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). NORTHERN HOBBY (FALCO SUB- BUTEO). The northern hobby is spread In Germany, the common kestrel, with a throughout Europe, with the exception of population of about 35,500 pairs, is the the Scandinavian highlands and the north second-most common bird of prey, after of the British Isles. Its wintering areas are the Eurasian buzzard (KOSTRZEWA & located in southern Africa (HAGEMEIJER & SPEER 2001). BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) BLAIR 1997, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). place the population for 1999 at 41,500 to The European breeding population com- 68,000 pairs. Population trends for the prises about 19,000 to 23,000 pairs. The common kestrel depend to varying de- species is found throughout almost all Ger- grees on food-related and weather-related many, with low population densities. Its fluctuations that mask long-term trends large-area population trends in Germany and make them difficult to recognise. In are difficult to assess, because the bird is general, the population can be assumed difficult to inventory. Nonetheless, a gen- stable at present, however (BAUER & eral decline in breeding populations must BERTHOLD 1996, MAMMEN & STUBBE be assumed for the past few decades 2000, KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). (KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). According to data from the programme for monitoring birds of prey (including owls), the popula- MERLIN (FALCO COLUMBARIUS). tion stabilised in the second half of the The merlin's European breeding range 1990s, at a level lower than that seen comprises Iceland, the British Isles, Scan- between 1988 and 1993 (MAMMEN & dinavia and the northern part of Russia, STUBBE 2000), and in the second half of and the Baltic countries and Belarus. The the 1990s it numbered 2,700 to 3,600 total European population is estimated to breeding pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend., number about 10,000 to 16,000 pairs KOSTRZEWA & SPEER 2001). (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The merlin is a regular winter guest in Germany, especially in open landscapes of the north-Ger- man low plain (BEZZEL 1985).

366 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

Galliformes Coraciformes Phasianidae Meropidae

COMMON QUAIL (COTURNIX EUROPEAN BEE EATER (MEROPS COTURNIX). The common quail's breed- APIASTER). The European bee eater's ing range covers large parts of Europe, contiguous European breeding area ex- with the exception of northern regions tends across the entire Mediterranean, of the British Isles, of Scandinavia and of from the Iberian peninsula to south-east- Russia. The European population is con- ern and eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Roma- centrated on the Iberian peninsula, in nia, Ukraine), and across southern France France and in south-east Europe. Its win- and Italy. The wintering areas of south- tering areas are located in the Mediterra- west European breeding birds are located nean, in north Africa and in the Sahel in west Africa (Gambia to Ivory Coast), zone south of the Sahara (BEZZEL 1985, while eastern European breeding birds HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). migrate to east and south Africa (BEZZEL 1985, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The common quail's breeding range and breeding population in Germany are sub- In the course of the 20th century, the ject to species-specific, irregular fluctua- European bee eater repeatedly visited and tions that hamper assessment of the bird's briefly established itself in northern cen- long-term population trends. The species' tral Europe, actions that may be related to breeding population in Germany was esti- climate changes (BAUER & BERTHOLD mated to number 12,000 to 32,000 pairs 1996). In the 1990s, incidences of estab- in 1999 (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). In gen- lishment and breeding increased in fre- eral, common quail populations must be quency in many regions of Germany assumed to have declined in recent de- (BEZZEL 1994, BUNDESDEUTSCHER cades, both on the European level and in SELTENHEITENAUSSCHUSS and DEUTSCHE Germany (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, SELTENHEITENKOMISSION 1992, 1994, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The reasons 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000). The breed- for the decline include climatic factors, ing populations are concentrated in habitat damage as a result of intensifica- Saxony-Anhalt and in the Kaiserstuhl area tion of agriculture in the bird's breeding of Baden-Württemberg; in these areas, areas, hunting by humans and habitat between 1990 and 1998 the population destruction along the bird's migration increased from two and seven pairs to 40 routes and in its wintering areas (BAUER & and 60 pairs, respectively (TODTE et al. BERTHOLD 1996). 1999).

In one study area in Saxony-Anhalt, in the course of the population's growth young birds from the local population established themselves in new colonies in the nearby surroundings, and thus the population can be considered self-sustaining (TODTE et al. 1999).

367 Population estimates for all of Germany, distance migrants that winter in western dating from the mid-1990s – 50 to 70 pairs Europe and the Mediterranean. During in 1994 (WITT et al. 1996) and 107 to 109 the winter, they are replaced by winter pairs in 1996 (MÄDLOW & MODEL 2000) – guests of northern and eastern origins are now likely, in light of the significant (BEZZEL 1993, GATTER 2000). The Euro- population growth and numerous local pean robin's breeding population in Ger- incidences of breeding establishment, to many, like the breeding populations of represent the lower limit of the actual po- other parts of Europe, is stable and has a pulation. For example, BAUER et al. (pub. slightly increasing trend (BERTHOLD et al. pend.) placed the population in 1999 at 1999, GATTER 2000). At the end of the 120 to 190 pairs. 1990s, BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) estimated the total population of the species to number from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 pairs.

Coraciidae THRUSH NIGHTINGALE (LUSCINIA LUSCINIA). The thrush nightingale is EUROPEAN ROLLER (CORACIAS found in the eastern half of central Eu- GARRULUS). In Europe, the European rope and in eastern Europe. Within its roller has two more or less separate range range, it is concentrated in Ukraine, Bela- concentrations – on the Iberian peninsula, rus, Romania, Poland and the Baltic coun- including southern France, and in eastern tries. In Germany and Denmark, it reaches and south-eastern Europe. Its main winter- the eastern limit of its contiguous breeding area is located in the east African ing range. As a result, in Germany the savannah region (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR bird is found primarily in the north-east 1997). Länder Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg- West Pomerania and Brandenburg (HAGE- In the 1960s, the European roller's breed- MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). For the winter, the ing population in Germany had declined thrush nightingale, a long-distance mi- to about 150 to 200 pairs, in eastern grant, migrates predominantly to east and Germany. Following further declines into south-east African countries – to Kenya, the 1980s, and after the last breeding Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and, to a lesser sighting in 1990, it finally disappeared extent, to South Africa and Namibia completely (ROBEL 1991, BAUER & (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). BERTHOLD 1996). The German breeding population in 1994 was placed by WITT et al. (1996) at 13,500 to 17,500 pairs, with an increasing trend and range expansion to the west (BECKER Passeriformes 1995, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). As a result, BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) found a Muscicapidae population of 9,600 to 36,000 pairs in a second national survey.

EUROPEAN ROBIN (ERITHACUS RUBECULA). The European robin occurs throughout almost all of Europe. It is one of the most common breeding birds of central Europe (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Germany's breeding birds are short- European Robin

368 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

NIGHTINGALE (LUSCINIA MEGA- Central European bluethroats' wintering RHYNCHOS). The nightingale supplants areas are located in south-west Europe the thrush nightingale throughout all of (Portugal) and the Mediterranean, and in western and southern Europe. Its breeding north and west Africa (BEZZEL 1993). range, with a broad overlapping zone shared with the thrush nightingale's range, ex- In Germany, the breeding population of tends eastward to Poland, the Slovak Re- the (white-starred) bluethroat has dwin- public, Hungary and Romania. Its winter- dled to a few residual groups, as a result ing areas are located in Africa, in a belt of habitat destruction lasting into the situated between the southern boundary 1970s (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). Begin- of the Sahara and tropical rain forest, and ning in about the mid-1980s, however, this extending from the west coast of Senegal trend was reversed in Germany – as well and Guinea to Kenya, Tanzania and So- as in neighouring countries such as the Ne- malia (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR therlands, France, Austria and the Czech 1997). Republic and Slovak Republic – and considerable increases and new establishment In Germany, the nightingale has a breed- were observed (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, ing population on the order of 80,000 to HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In about 130,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) 1994, the bluethroat's breeding popula- and is distributed throughout the country, tion in Germany was estimated to number especially in areas with milder climates. 1,400 to 2,900 pairs (WITT et al. 1996). In Its range thus exhibits gaps in upland ele- keeping with this rapid population growth, vations and in parts of Bavaria (BAUER & FRANZ (1998) arrived at an estimate, for BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR the second half of the 1990s, of at least 1997). The nightingale's population trends 3,300 breeding pairs, with concentrations in Germany have exhibited long-term fluc- in Bavaria (1,700 pairs), Rhineland-Pala- tuations that are primarily climatically tinate (250 pairs) and the following Länder influenced. In spite of regional variations, of the north-German low plain: Mecklen- the nightingale's population in Germany burg-West Pomerania (200 pairs), Lower can currently be considered stable to Saxony and Bremen (500 pairs together). increasing (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, In 1999, the bluethroat's breeding popula- BERTHOLD et al. 1999). tion in Germany was between 3,300 and 4,600 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.).

BLUETHROAT (LUSCINIA SVECI- CA). The bluethroat, including several BLACK REDSTART (PHOENICURUS sub-species, is found throughout Europe: OCHRUROS). The black redstart's range the northern breeding population of the covers all of southern, western and central nominate form L. s. svecica (red-starred Europe. The northern and north-eastern bluethroat) is concentrated in the Scandi- limit of its European breeding range pass- navian countries and in high Alpine eleva- es through south Sweden, the Baltic coun- tions, while the sub-species L.s. cyanecula tries, Belarus and Ukraine, and it shows a (white-starred bluethroat) is scattered, in- trend to expand to the north and east completely, throughout the central Euro- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997, LANDMANN pean lowlands (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, 1996). Central European breeding birds HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). are predominantly short-distance migrants that winter in the Mediterranean. They do

369 not leave central Europe until October, WHINCHAT (SAXICOLA RUBETRA). and they return to their breeding areas as In Europe, the whinchat breeds predomi- early as March. Birds of the species have nantly in open landscapes of the temper- also been known to winter successfully in ate and boreal zones. It is relatively rare in central Europe (BEZZEL 1993). the far north and the Mediterranean. The bird winters in the African savannah zone, An adaptable bird that breeds near or in south of the Sahara, in an area extending human settlements, the bird is found from Gambia and Senegal to Ethiopia and throughout all of Germany, and its popu- north Zambia, and crossing Sudan (BEZZEL lation in Germany numbers about 600,000 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). to 1,000,000 breeding pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). The black redstart's breeding The whinchat is found throughout all Ger- population in Germany, like its breeding many, with considerable regional varia- populations in other parts of central Eu- tions in breeding-population densities. As rope, has considerably increased in recent of the end of the 1990s, BAUER et al. (pub. decades (BERTHOLD et al. 1999, GATTER pend.) estimated the whinchat's total pop- 2000). ulation in Germany to number 37,000 to 90,000 pairs. BASTIAN & BASTIAN (1996), in a more precise survey, placed the breed- COMMON REDSTART (PHOENICU- ing population within a range of 40,000 RUS PHOENICURUS). The common to 50,000 pairs. The species' greatest popu- redstart is a breeding bird throughout all lation densities occur in eastern German of Europe. It winters in the savannah zone Länder (especially Mecklenburg-West Po- of west and central Africa, south of the merania, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony) and Sahara (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & in the two north-west German Länder BLAIR 1997). Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony (BAS- TIAN & BASTIAN 1996). The whinchat's In contrast to black redstart populations, breeding population has decreased consid- the common redstart's breeding popula- erably in recent decades, as a result of tion in Germany, and in large parts of habitat loss due to intensification of grass- Europe, has suffered population decreases, land cultivation (BERTHOLD et al. 1999), especially in the 1970s. The declines have although differences in management have been due to destruction of breeding habi- led to considerable differences in popula- tats, negative changes in the bird's winter tion trends between eastern Germany and areas and droughts in the African Sahel western Germany (BASTIAN & BASTIAN zone (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). Follow- 1996, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). ing these decreases, in the 1990s, the population stabilised at a lower level or even recovered slightly (GATTER 2000, SCHWARZ COMMON STONECHAT (SAXICOLA & FLADE 2000). BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) TORQUATA). The European range of estimated the species' breeding population the common stonechat comprises south in Germany to number 94,000 to 185,000 and central Europe, including an area ex- pairs. tending north to about northern Germa- ny, northern Poland and parts of Ukraine. Some more northerly populations are found in Scotland and on the Norwegian coast. The species' central European breeding birds are predominantly short-distance migrants; they winter primarily in the

370 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

west Mediterranean, on the Iberian penin- RING OUSEL (TURDUS TORQUA- sula and in north Africa (BEZZEL 1993, TUS). The ring ousel's range is limited to HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). the higher mountain elevations of the Py- renees, the Alps, and the Carpathians (sub- In Germany, the common stonechat's species T. t. alpestris), as well as the high- range has become highly fragmented, fol- lands of Scotland, north-west England and lowing sharp declines as a result of habi- Scandinavia (nominate form). Both sub- tat changes in the face of agricultural in- species winter in southern France, Spain tensification since the 1960s and 1970s. Its and the Atlas mountains of north-west current German population is concentrat- Africa (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR ed in the western half of Germany, with 1997). the greatest concentrations in Lower Sa- xony and Rhineland-Palatinate (BAUER & In Germany, large breeding populations of BERTHOLD 1996). As of the mid-1990s, the the ring ousel – apart from smaller WITT et al. (1996) estimated the breeding breeding populations in upland areas – population in Germany to number no are found only in the Bavarian Alps (BEZZEL more than 2,000 to 2,800 breeding pairs. 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) provide a higher ring ousel's total breeding population in estimate for 1999 – 3,500 to 4,900 pairs. Germany, as of the end of the 1990s, numbered about 11,000 to 16,000 breeding pairs and showed no clear trends (BAUER NORTHERN WHEATEAR (OENAN- et al. pub. pend., BAUER & BERTHOLD THE OENANTHE). The northern whea- 1996, WITT et al. 1996). tear is widespread as a breeding bird throughout all of Europe, although its breeding range is highly fragmented on BLACKBIRD (TURDUS MERULA). regional levels. In Germany, the bird's The blackbird is found throughout all Eu- breeding range is concentrated in north- rope, with the exception of the far north. ern and eastern Länder. It is very rare or Central European breeding birds are large- does not occur in south-west Germany ly stationary birds and short-distance mi- (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Nearly the grants; in winter months, they also move entire Holarctic northern wheatear popu- from open landscapes to milder urban lation winters in the African savannah habitats. The percentages of migratory zone, in an area extending eastward from individuals within any given population Mauritania and Senegal to Ethiopia, Kenya fluctuates in keeping with weather-related and Tanzania (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER differences in mortality between migrato- & BLAIR 1997). ry and non-migratory individuals. Nor- thern and eastern populations migrate in The northern wheatear's breeding popula- south-westerly to westerly directions, to tion in Germany has declined considerably wintering areas in western Europe and the since the 1950s as a result of intensifica- Mediterranean (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER tion of use of cultural landscapes. In the & BLAIR 1997). mid-1990s, the population numbered 9,000 to 20,000 pairs (BAUER & BERTHOLD Thanks to the blackbird's ability to adapt 1996, WITT et al. 1996). In 1999, the total to anthropogenic habitats, and to its in- population was estimated to number creasing tendency to occupy human settle- about 7,000 to 13,000 pairs (BAUER et al. ments, its population in Germany has in- pub. pend.). creased considerably since the turn of the century (BEZZEL 1993, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). The bird's urbanisation is clearly

371 still continuing (SCHWARZ & FLADE 2000), SONG THRUSH (TURDUS PHILO- and thus the blackbird's population in MELOS). The song thrush's range ex- Germany can be considered stable to in- tends from the northern Iberian peninsu- creasing (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). In la, across all of Europe, to the far north of 1999, the bird's breeding population was Scandinavia and Russia. Its breeding popu- estimated to number 8,000,000 to lations are concentrated in heavily forest- 16,000,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). ed countries in the temperate and boreal zones. The bird is found throughout all of Germany. The northern and eastern popu- FIELDFARE (TURDUS PILARIS). In lations of the song thrush consist predomi- the course of the 20th century, the field- nantly of migratory birds that winter in fare has extended its breeding range – Atlantic parts of western Europe, on the which originally covered only northern Iberian peninsula and in the Mediterra- and eastern Europe and large parts of nean. Western European breeding birds Russia – in a south-westerly direction. As a are largely stationary (BEZZEL 1993, HAGE- result, its range now covers all of central MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Europe and the eastern part of France (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The song thrush's population trends in Germany, like its population trends in In central Europe, the fieldfare is predomi- other European countries, vary by region, nantly an occasional migrant – within its with population increases and movements breeding range, it migrates in a south-wes- into human settlements (cf. the blackbird) terly direction, over varying distances, in contrasting with clearly negative trends in keeping with food supplies and weather other areas (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, conditions. During particularly cold peri- GATTER 2000, SCHWARZ & FLADE 2000). ods, large portions of northern and east- In general, the population in Germany ern populations may move into western can be considered relatively stable to Europe, with its Atlantic climate, in search slightly decreasing, and it numbers of warmer weather (BEZZEL 1993). 1,200,000 to 2,500,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). Along with the continuing expansion of the bird's range, the fieldfare's breeding population is again increasing in some REDWING (TURDUS ILIACUS). The areas it already occupies (BAUER & BERT- redwing is a common breeding bird in HOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). boreal forest areas of Scandinavia and In Germany, the bird's population has Russia. The southern limit of its breeding increased in most of its areas, in a process range passes through Scotland, Poland, continuing into the 1990s, and the bird Belarus and northern Ukraine (HAGEMEI- has filled in a number of the gaps in its JER & BLAIR 1997). Population trends for range (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). As of the bird, in recent decades, have clearly the end of the 1990s, the breeding popu- been positive in large parts of its breeding lation numbererd between 350,000 and area, and the species has expanded its 600,000 pairs (WITT et al. 1996). breeding range in a southerly direction (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In Germany, it is a regular passing migrant and winter guest – apart from isolated instances of breeding – and the numbers of passing migrants, according to data from migratory bird monitor-

372 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

ing at the Randecker Maar, have exhibited ment of the bird's population situation a slightly negative trend, in spite of popu- (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). After a period lation increases in the bird's breeding of gradual increases and range expan- areas (GATTER 2000). sions, considerable population decreases occurred in some regions, probably caused in part by negative impacts in the birds' MISTLE THRUSH (TURDUS VIS- African wintering areas (BAUER & CIVORUS). The mistle thrush's breeding BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR range extends over large parts of the Euro- 1997). Other regions, by contrast, show pean continent. The bird is not found sole- positive trends, due in part to an abun- ly in the treeless Scandinavian and Russian dance of habitats in the form of sites tundra zones and in south-east European undergoing succession and reforestation, steppe regions. Breeding birds of central as a result of wind damage, clear-cutting Europe are short-distance migrants; they and immissions-related forest damage winter at the western and southern peri- (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). BAUER et al. phery of their breeding range (BEZZEL (pub. pend.) estimated the grasshopper 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). warbler's breeding population in Germany at the end of the 1990s at about 55,000 to The mistle thrush occurs throughout Ger- 120,000 pairs. many, in considerably lower densities than other thrush species, to which it is closely related. Its breeding population, following RIVER WARBLER (LOCUSTELLA considerable increases and range expan- FLUVIATILIS). The river warbler's bree- sions in past decades – trends which to ding range in the west Palaearctic is con- some extent are still continuing – num- centrated in Belarus, Poland, the Baltic bers about 300,000 to 550,000 breeding countries, Hungary and the European part pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend. BAUER & of Russia. In Germany, the species reaches BERTHOLD 1996, GATTER 2000). the western limit of its contiguous breeding range. The river warbler's wintering areas are located in a relatively small re- GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (LOCU- gion of south-east -Africa, extending south STELLA NAEVIA). The grasshopper from Zambia and Malawi to the north-east warbler is found predominantly in temper- of South Africa (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER ate climate regions of west and central Eu- & BLAIR 1997). In recent decades, and rope. It does not occur in Mediterranean beginning as early as the 1950s, the spe- regions or in northern regions of Scandi- cies has expanded its breeding range in a navia. Pursuant to data of the European westerly direction. This development has Atlas of Breeding Birds, Germany harbours been continuing, in spite of considerable the largest share of the European breed- fluctuations at the western periphery of ing population. The bird is found through- the bird's range, and it has had the effect out almost all of Germany (HAGEMEIJER & of filling in gaps in the bird's existing, BLAIR 1997). The grasshopper warbler's occupied range; as a result, the river war- wintering areas are located in tropical bler's population in Germany has probably west Africa (BEZZEL 1993). increased considerably in recent decades (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). In about 1994, The grasshopper warbler's regional popu- the breeding population in Germany was lation trends in central Europe are charac- estimated to number about 1,550 to 2,100 terised by frequent fluctuations and local pairs (WITT et al. 1996). In light of recent shifting, effects which hamper any assess- increases, these figures are likely to repre-

373 sent the lower limits of the population's SEDGE WARBLER (ACROCEPHALUS real size. In 1999, the breeding population SCHOENOBAENUS). As a breeding in Germany was already being placed at bird, the sedge warbler is widespread in about 3,500 to 10,000 pairs (BAUER et al. the temperate and boreal climate regions pub. pend.). of Europe. In Germany, it is found primarily in the water-rich northern and eastern German Länder, and in Alpine forelands, SAVI'S WARBLER (LOCUSTELLA in keeping with its habitat requirements. LUSCINIOIDES). Savi's warbler's Euro- The species' range exhibits large gaps in pean range is fragmented. The largest west and south-west Germany. Breeding numbers of the species are concentrated birds of western Europe migrate predomi- in a few extensive reedy wetlands in cen- nantly in southerly and south-westerly tral and eastern Europe (Romania, Hunga- directions, to wintering areas in tropical ry, Poland). In Germany, its breeding west Africa, while eastern populations win- range is concentrated in the water-rich ter in east and central Africa (BEZZEL regions of northern and eastern German 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Länder. Savi's warbler winters in Africa, throughout a broad belt between the The sedge warbler's breeding population southern edge of the Sahara and the tropi- in Germany and in other central European cal rain-forest zone (BEZZEL 1993, countries has decreased continually, since HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). the 1960s, as a result of destruction of the bird's wetland habitats in both its Euro- Savi's warbler populations, like those of pean breeding areas and African winter- other warbler species, fluctuate – considering areas (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, ably, in part – over small areas and short BERTHOLD et al. 1999). In about 1994, the periods of time, and such fluctuations sedge warbler's breeding population in hamper assessment of population changes Germany was estimated to number 6,000 over long periods of time and large areas. to 10,000 breeding pairs, although popula- While the species has suffered population tion declines of sometimes more than 50% declines as a result of destruction of bree- were found to have occurred in all Länder ding habitats and of negative changes in since the 1970s (WITT et al. 1996). The lat- conditions for wintering in the African est estimate for 1999 places the popula- Sahel zone, it has increased its population tion at 6,000 to 12,000 pairs (BAUER et al. and expanded its range, in some central pub. pend.). European regions, since the 1970s (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). Between 1970 and 1994 in Germany, population increases MARSH WARBLER (ACROCEPHA- occurred in Schleswig-Holstein, Hesse and LUS PALUSTRIS). The marsh warbler's Baden-Württemberg, while decreases range comprises the temperate climate occurred in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, zones of western, central and eastern Lower Saxony, Saxony and Rhineland- Europe. The bird is found throughout Palatinate; as a result, by the end of the Germany. According to population esti- 1990s, the population was considered sta- mates of the European atlas of breeding ble at about 3,300 to 7,500 pairs (BAUER birds, Germany harbours the second-larg- et al. pub. pend.). est (after Romania) European breeding population. The marsh warbler is a pronounced long-distance migrant. It winters primarily in south-east Africa, in an area

374 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

extending from south-east Kenya to South but these trends gave way, thanks to suc- Africa, across Zambia and Malawi (BEZZEL cessful nature conservation efforts, to pop- 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). ulation stability in the 1980s and 1990s (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & Since about 1900, the marsh warbler has BLAIR 1997, BERTHOLD et al. 1999). In extended its range – primarily to the keeping with its habitat specialisation, the north, but also at the western periphery of reed warbler, with 120,000 to 250,000 its range – and has increased its total pop- breeding pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) is ulation. This trend was still continuing in considerably rarer in Germany than its the 1990s, in spite of local contrary trends close relative, the marsh warbler. (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). On the other hand, findings from the Mettnau-Reit-Illmitz programme, GREAT REED WARBLER (ACROCE- carried out between 1972 and 1993, point PHALUS ARUNDINACEUS). The great to a significant decrease in marsh warbler reed warbler's fragmented range covers all populations in central and northern Eu- of Europe, with the exception of the Bri- rope (BERTHOLD et al. 1999). In spite of tish Isles, Scandinavia and the northern these conflicting trends, overall the popu- half of Russia. Its wintering areas extend lation in Germany can be assumed to be across all of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding relatively stable, at about 400,000 to only the tropical rain-forest zone. Breeding 800,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). birds of western Europe migrate in a south-westerly direction, to wintering areas in west Africa (BEZZEL 1993, REED WARBLER (ACROCEPHALUS HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). SCIRPACEUS). The reed warbler's breeding range stretches across all of south, To an even greater extent than the reed west and central Europe, in an area reach- warbler, the great reed warbler requires ing north to about southern Finland and large areas of undisturbed, pure reedbeds the Baltic countries. A highly specialised located on the water sides of water bodies' species, its relatively fragmented range terrestrialisation zones; as a consequence, marks areas with suitable reedbeds (Phrag- in Germany large colonies are now found mites). As a result, the largest densities in only in eastern German Länder and in Ba- Germany are found in the north-German varia (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGE- low plain, while gaps in the bird's range MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The great reed war- are found especially in upland locations. bler also initially profited from reedbed The reed warbler winters in the wet-savan- expansion resulting from nutrient dis- nah and wet-forest zone of west and cen- charges. In the 1960s, a lasting population tral Africa. It also reaches areas further decline began, however – a decline that south, as far as Botswana and Namibia continued, in spite of local recoveries into (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). the 1990s (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). In 1994, the great reed warbler's breeding Like the marsh warbler, the reed warbler population in Germany was estimated to increased its population and expanded its number about 2,800 to 3,700 pairs (WITT range as of the first half of the 20th centu- et al. 1996). A more recent estimate for ry, in large parts of Europe, since increas- 1999 places the population at 4,500 to ing water-body eutrophication initially 7,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). promoted the growth of reedbeds. Begin- ning in the 1960s, initial declining trends began, as a result of habitat destruction,

375 ICTERINE WARBLER (HIPPOLAIS Since the 1950s, the melodious warbler ICTERINA). The icterine warbler's Euro- has expanded its range in a north-easterly pean range extends from the Benelux direction, and it now breeds in Belgium, countries, eastern France and Switzerland Luxembourg, south-west Germany, across all of central and eastern Europe. In Switzerland and Slovenia and Croatia south-western Europe, it is supplanted by (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The largest the melodious warbler, a close relative. For populations of the melodious warbler in the winter, the icterine warbler migrates Germany are found in the south-west in a south-easterly direction, to wintering Länder Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland and areas in forest regions of central and Baden-Württemberg. Since the first inci- south-east Africa (Zaire, Ruanda, Tanzania dences of breeding were documented in to Botswana) (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER the mid-1980s, the breeding population & BLAIR 1997). In terms of the total popu- has continually increased, and by the mid- lation, the icterine warbler's German 1990s the breeding population was placed breeding population is the second-largest at 250-350 pairs; by 1999, it was being in Europe, after the population of Belarus estimated to number 480 to 690 pairs (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Apart from (WITT et al. 1996). The reasons for the short-lived fluctuations and population continuing increases at the eastern periph- declines – possibly climatically related – at ery of the bird's breeding range are not the western periphery of its range, well understood. Apart from climatic fac- declines compensated by increases in tors, an increasing availability of suitable other regions, the icterine warbler's popu- secondary habitats may be a promoting lation in central Europe is currently large- factor (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). ly stable (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, BERTHOLD et al. 1999). In Germany, the breeding population in 1999 was estimat- BARRED WARBLER (SYLVIA NISO- ed to number 200,000 to 400,000 pairs, RIA). The barred warbler's range com- without exhibiting any clear trends prises the continental climate regions of (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). central and eastern Europe, and Germany contains the western limit to the bird's contiguous breeding range. The species MELODIOUS WARBLER (HIPPO- migrates across the east Mediterranean to LAIS POLYGLOTTA). The melodious a relatively small wintering range in the warbler supplants the icterine warbler in east African region comprising Sudan, Barred Warbler south-west Europe. Its breeding range is Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania (BEZZEL limited to the Iberian peninsula, France 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). and Italy. The bird's wintering range extends across the west-African savannah Over the past century, the barred warbler zone, from Senegal to Cameroon (BEZZEL has repeatedly expanded its breeding 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). range westward during warm periods. Such expansions, which also brought the bird to western Germany, tended to be reversed as Atlantic climate influences pre- dominated. In the 1980s and 1990s, the German breeding population exhibited a negative trend, caused by climatic factors

376 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

as well as by habitat destruction as a re- cline continued unchanged during the sult of agricultural restructing (BAUER & period 1989 to 1998 (SCHWARZ & FLADE BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 2000). The reasons for the population de- 1997). The barred warbler's breeding pop- cline include destruction of breeding habi- ulation in Germany, which WITT et al. tats and negative changes in the birds' (1996) estimated to number about 7,000 to east African wintering areas (BAUER & 9,600 pairs in 1994, is concentrated in BERTHOLD 1996). the eastern German Länder Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Saxony- Anhalt, Saxony and Thuringia (BAUER & WHITETHROAT (SYLVIA COMMU- BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR NIS). The whitethroat's breeding range 1997). In 1999, a new survey showed a extends across the entire European conti- population of about 7,000 to 16,000 pairs nent, with the exception only of northern (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) regions of Scandinavia and Russia and, in the south, the Iberian peninsula. Western populations of the whitethroat winter in LESSER WHITETHROAT (SYLVIA west Africa, in areas further north than CURRUCA). The lesser whitethroat is those chosen by other trans-Sahara mi- widespread throughout Europe, with the grants – in dry thornbush savannahs at exception of the Iberian peninsula, south- the southern edge of the Sahara. Eastern western France and Italy and the subarctic populations migrate in a south-easterly regions of Scandinavia and Russia. Like direction, to similar wintering habitats in the barred warbler, and unlike most Euro- east and southern Africa (BEZZEL 1993, pean long-distance migrants, the lesser HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Population whitethroat migrates in a south-easterly trends for the whitethroat are difficult to direction, to its main east African winter- assess, due to strong annual fluctuations. ing areas, in Sudan and Ethiopia (BEZZEL At the end of the 1960s, serious droughts 1993). The German breeding population is in the African Sahel zone, the bird's main the second-largest national breeding popu- wintering areas, caused the population to lation of the lesser whitethroat in Europe, decline considerably in large parts of after the Romanian population (HAGEMEI- Europe. Since then, the bird's population JER & BLAIR 1997). At the end of the 1990s, in Germany, like the populations of most the breeding population in Germany was other European countries, has been estimated to number 250,000 to 500,000 unable to recover to its former size, since pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.) continuing habitat losses in the bird's European breeding areas are having an The Mettnau-Reit-Illmitz programme re- additional negative impact on the overall vealed that the population of the lesser population. In recent decades, the popula- whitethroat decreased significantly in cen- tion has fluctuated around a low level tral Europe in the 1970s and 1980s; the (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & numbers of lesser whitethroat recorded by BLAIR 1997). In the mid-1990s, the white- two of the three capture stations dropped throat's breeding population in Germany significantly (BERTHOLD et al. 1999). was estimated to number 250,000 to 500,000 pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). According to findings of the national monitoring programme, this population de-

377 GARDEN WARBLER (SYLVIA population was estimated to number BORIN). The garden warbler is widely about 200,000 to 350,000 pairs BAUER et distributed throughout Europe, with the al. pub. pend.) exception of Ireland, the southern part of the Iberian peninsula, Italy and south-east- The blackcap's breeding population is sta- ern Europe. Breeding birds of western ble throughout much of Europe, and it Europe winter in a broad spectrum of dif- exhibits an increasing trend. The numbers ferent habitat types in wet savannahs of of passage migrants in south-west Ger- west and central Africa (BEZZEL 1993, many have increased significantly, accord- HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). ing to sightings at the Randecker Maar site (1974-1998) as well as to monitoring- The garden warbler is widespread in related captures at the Mettnau station Germany as a breeding bird, with a popu- (1972-1993) (BERTHOLD et al. 1999, lation of about 800,000 to 1,400,000 pairs GATTER 2000). Data from the monitoring (BAUER et al. pub. pend., HAGEMEIJER & programme of the Umbrella Association of BLAIR 1997). It is less strongly affected German Avifaunists (Dachverband Deu- than other trans-Saharan migrants by neg- tscher Avifaunisten) points to further pop- ative changes in its African wintering ulation growth in the 1990s (SCHWARZ & areas. Due to the breadth of the bird's FLADE 2000). With its relatively unspecific habitat preferences, landscape changes in habitats requirements, the blackcap profits its central European breeding areas have from changes in forest management, from not yet had a negative effect on its popula- its increasing use of urban habitats (cf. tion, and thus the species' current popula- blackbird) and from its ability to shift its tion situation in Germany can be consid- wintering areas to Atlantic western Eu- ered stable (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). rope, which lowers its winter mortality rates (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, GATTER 2000, SCHWARZ & FLADE 2000). BLACKCAP (SYLVIA ATRICAPILLA). The blackcap's range comprises all of Eu- rope, with the exception of northern re- BONELLI'S WARBLER (PHYLLOS- gions of the Scandinavian peninsula and COPUS BONELLI). The European range Russia. Central European blackcaps are of Bonelli's warbler extends across south- predominantly medium/long - distance western Europe (Iberian peninsula, France), migrants; they winter in Atlantic climate Italy and the Alps region, as well as – via areas of western Europe, as well as in the another, possibly completely separate sub- Mediterranean and in an area extending species, across the southern half of south- south to west Africa. Since the 1960s, a eastern Europe (Greece, Bulgaria). The increasing share of the population has wintering area of the western European shifted its migratory route to the west and nominate form lies in the west African now winters on the British Isles (BEZZEL Sahel zone, in an area extending from the 1993, BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996). Senegal estuary to the Chad basin. The south-east European sub-species P. b. orien- With a breeding population on the order talis winters in a separate area in east Af- of 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 pairs, Germany rica, in Sudan and Ethiopia (BEZZEL 1993, harbours the largest share of the total Eu- HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). ropean population (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). WITT et al. (1996) report a some- In Germany, Bonelli's warbler occurs only what lower estimate, for the mid-1990s, of in warm, deciduous mixed forests in the 1,300,000 to 3,000,000 pairs. For 1999, the extreme south-west of the country (Baden-

378 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

Württemberg, Bavaria) (GATTER 1997, CHIFF-CHAFF (PHYLLOSCOPUS HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). WITT et al. COLLYBITA). The chiff-chaff is wide- (1996) and BAUER et al. (pub. pend.) esti- spread throughout Europe, with the ex- mated Bonelli's warbler's breeding popula- ception of range gaps in southern Spain, tion in Germany, in the middle and end of on the Scandinavian peninsula and in the the 1990s, to number 21,000 to 40,000 arctic tundra. Central European breeding pairs, while BAUER & BERTHOLD (1996) birds are predominantly medium-distance report a lower estimate of 10,000 to or long-distance migrants that winter in 20,000 breeding pairs. the Mediterranean and in sub-Saharan Africa. Some individuals also winter regu- While the entire south-western European larly in central Europe (BEZZEL 1993, population has remained largely stable or HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Some shown slightly increasing trends, the 2,400,000 to 4,000,000 pairs of the bird south-western German breeding popula- breed in Germany (BAUER et al. pub. tion has declined continuously, over the pend.), a figure that represents a majority last three decades, by 75 to 90 % (BAUER of the entire European breeding popula- & BERTHOLD 1996, GATTER 1997, HAGE- tion (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Apart MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The presumed rea- from natural fluctuations, the chiff-chaff's sons for this decline include possible breeding population in Germany and changes in the species' African wintering throughout Europe has not experienced areas (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996) and, any significant changes in recent decades especially, changes in forest management (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & and climatic factors (GATTER 1997). BLAIR 1997).

WOOD WARBLER (PHYLLOSCOPUS WILLOW WARBLER (PHYLLOS- SIBILATRIX). The wood warbler is found COPUS TROCHILUS). The willow war- in forests of European temperate and bore- bler's breeding range extends across the al zones. It winters in the rain forests and entire temperate and boreal zones of the wet savannahs of equatorial Africa, in an European continent, and it has an obvious area extending eastward, from Guinea concentration on the Scandinavian penin- and the Ivory Coast, to Sudan, Uganda sula. The bird's wintering range comprises and Kenya (BEZZEL 1993). Its European large parts of sub-Saharan Africa breeding population is concentrated in (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). Its breeding Belarus, the Baltic countries and Germany population in Germany numbers 1,700,000 (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1996), where BAUER to 2,800,000 pairs, and the bird is found et al. (pub. pend.), drawing on survey find- throughout the country (BAUER et al. pub. ings, placed the breeding population at pend.). 320,000 to 600,000 pairs for the reference year 1999. Although the willow warbler's breeding population in large parts of Europe has Apart from weather-related fluctuations – been considered largely stable in recent considerable, in part – the wood warbler's decades, the species suffered considerable breeding population in Germany and in regional population declines in the second large parts of Europe is currently stable, half of the 1980s; these declines, which with a slightly increasing trend (BAUER & clearly were due to increased adult-bird BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR mortality, create a need for further moni- 1997). toring of the species' long-term population trends (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997).

379 GOLDCREST (REGULUS REGULUS). ing population is relatively stable at pres- The goldcrest occurs primarily in conifer- ent, immissions-related forest damage in ous forest in temperate and boreal zones its central European core range could lead of western, central and northern Europe. to population decreases (BAUER & In large parts of its breeding range, it re- BERTHOLD 1996). mains present year-round. Some populations – especially northern populations – carry out short migrations in keeping with SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (MUSCICA- weather conditions and food availability PA STRIATA). The spotted flycatcher is (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). found virtually throughout the entire Eu- Together with the Scandinavian countries, ropean continent, apart from arctic tundra Germany, with a breeding population of areas. Its wintering areas are located in 740,000 to 1,200,000 pairs, harbours a ma- suitable habitats in the entire southern jority of the entire European breeding po- half of Africa (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). pulation (BAUER et al. pub. pend., HAGE- The spotted flycatcher's breeding popula- MEIJER & BLAIR 1997). To date, the gold- tion has decreased significantly since the crest's breeding population in Germany 1960s in parts of north-west and central and Europe has not exhibited any clear Europe. The reasons cited for this trend changes, apart from natural declines include destruction of the bird's breeding occurring after cold winters, although habitats, climatic factors and biocide use there are indications of regional declines in both its European breeding areas and as a result of immissions-related forest African winter habitats (BAUER & BERT- damage (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996) HOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). In 1999, its breeding population in Ger- many was estimated to number about FIRECREST (REGULUS IGNICAPIL- 200,000 to 440,000 pairs (BAUER et al. LUS). The relatively small range of the pub. pend.). firecrest is concentrated in central and western Europe, in an area that includes the Iberian peninsula, Italy and parts of RED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (FI- south-eastern Europe. The firecrest mi- CEDULA PARVA). The red-breasted fly- grates predominantly in a south-westerly catcher breeds in the temperate and bore- direction, to wintering areas on the al forests of Eurasia. Its European breeding Iberian peninsula, in the west Mediterra- range is concentrated in Belarus, the Bal- nean and in north Africa (BEZZEL 1993, tic countries, the Slovak Republic and Ro- HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). mania. European breeding birds winter in south Asia, primarily in Pakistan and India The firecrest's breeding range is concen- (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). trated in the Alps region and south-west Germany lies at the western edge of the German uplands. Low densities of the bird bird's contiguous breeding range. In 1999, are also found in northern and eastern the entire German breeding population Germany (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). was estimated to number about 2,000 to Since the 1950s, the firecrest has expand- 4,500 breeding pairs, and these birds were ed its breeding range to the north and located predominantly in eastern German north-east. According to BAUER et al. (pub. Länder, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Hol- pend.), its breeding population in Germa- stein (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). The red- ny numbers about 520,000 to 830,000 breasted flycatcher's population situation breeding pairs and exhibits no clear in Germany and throughout its overall change trends. Although the bird's breed- European range can be considered largely

380 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

stable at present (BIRDLIFE INTERNATION- pean population and the German breed- AL/ EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS COUNCIL ing population can be considered largely 2000). stable (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGE- MEIJER & BLAIR 1997, BIRDLIFE INTERNA- TIONAL/EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS COUN- COLLARED FLYCATCHER (FICEDU- CIL 2000). On the other hand, modern for- LA ALBICOLLIS). The collared flycatch- est-management techniques have made er's range is limited to a small area in cen- the pied flycatcher dependent on artificial tral and eastern Europe. Its breeding pop- nesting facilities, in large parts of its ulation is concentrated in Romania, Hun- breeding range; if such facilities were no gary, Czech Republic and Slovak Republic longer provided, a sharp decline could (HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The species thus not be ruled out (BAUER & migrates in a south-to-south-easterly direc- BERTHOLD 1996). tion, to wintering habitats in tropical Af- rica (Zaire, Uganda, Zambia). In Germany, its breeding population is concentrated in BEARDED REEDLING (PANURUS the two Länder Baden-Württemberg and BIARMICUS). The bearded reedling Bavaria, and extensive surveys in 1994 occupies a fragmented range within the placed the population in these areas at Mediterranean and temperate zones of about 4,000 to 5,500 breeding pairs (BAUER Europe. Because it has highly specific ha- & BERTHOLD 1996, WITT et al. 1996). In bitat requirements, its breeding range, 1999, the collared flycatcher's population which extends northward from Spain, Ita- in Germany was estimated to number ly and Greece to south Sweden, the Baltic about 2,800 to 3,900. In spite of large re- countries and Ukraine, shows the areas gional population declines at the western that have suitable, extensive reedbed areas. periphery of its range, the collared fly- Under favourable conditions, the bearded catcher's total European population can be reedling can winter throughout its entire considered stable at present (BAUER & breeding range. It does carry out irregular BERTHOLD 1996, BIRDLIFE INTERNATION- migrations, however, in keeping with food AL/EUROPEAN BIRD CENSUS COUNCIL availability, population density and weath- 2000). er conditions, and such migrations can lead to establishment in new breeding areas (BEZZEL 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR PIED FLYCATCHER (FICEDULA HY- 1997). In Germany, bearded reedlings POLEUCA). The pied flycatcher's Euro- breed predominantly in the water-rich pean breeding range extends across the northern German Länder Schleswig- forests of the temperate and boreal zones Holstein, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania of western, central and northern Europe. and Brandenburg, as well as in Baden- The bird's wintering areas are located in Württemberg. The species' breeding popu- tropical west Africa, in an area extending lation has recovered from the sharp de- from Gambia to Cameroon and central Af- cline it experienced during the cold win- rica, across Ivory Coast and Ghana (BEZZEL ter of 1978/79, and by the mid-1990s the 1993, HAGEMEIJER & BLAIR 1997). The bearded reedling's breeding population in pied flycatcher is widespread in Germany, Germany was estimated to number 1,400 in suitable habitats, and its breeding pop- to 2,700 pairs (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, ulation there numbers about 170,000 to BAUER et al. pub. pend.). 300,000 breeding pairs (BAUER et al. pub. pend.). In spite of regional differences in In the 1980s and 1990s, the bearded reed- population trends, both the overall Euro- ling's population in Europe, outside of the

381 bird's core range – where its population (SCHMIDT 2001), Montague's harrier was largely stable – exhibited strong, non- (GLIMM et al. 2001) and the peregrine fal- directed fluctuations and population in- con (working group on peregrine falcon creases, connected in part to the species' protection (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wander- establishment in new breeding range areas. falkenschutz) and action group on pere- At the same time, the bearded reedling grine falcon and owl protection (Aktions- has suffered population declines as a re- gemeinschaft Wanderfalken- und sult of habitat changes and cold winters – Uhuschutz)). in the Netherlands, Ukraine and Moldavia (BAUER & BERTHOLD 1996, HAGEMEIJER & For the corn crake, a research and devel- BLAIR 1997). opment project entitled "Assessment of the contribution of national and international nature conservation projects in Ger- c) Measures carried out in conformance many to the protection of highly endan- with Article III (4), including conserving gered bird species (for example, corn and restoring habitats, eliminating ob- crake) on extensively managed agricultur- stacles to migration and eliminating al land – conflicts of aims and potential factors that endanger species. solutions" was carried out in Germany, from 1997 to 2000, by the Bavarian state Measures to conserve and restore habitats bird conservation association (Landesbund are being carried out, within the frame- für Vogelschutz). Among its results, the work of the general nature conservation project developed means of improving activities of the responsible Länder, for protection for the corn crake in Germany most of the CMS Annex II species that oc- (MAMMEN et al. in prep.). cur in Germany. The most important element of nature conservation efforts in Ger- many consists of creation of a system of d) Measures carried out in conformance nature reserves, national parks, biosphere with Article III (5), taking of animals, reserves, landscape reserves and nature including: parks, covering all existing biotope types and, thus, the habitats of species listed in l Prohibition of taking Annex II CMS. Section 2.3.3.2 provides an overview of legal provisions to protect l Exceptions (reasons for the excep- areas in the Federal Republic of Germany, tions, duration of the exceptions, with an emphasis on waterbird habitats, legal basis, statistics). in the context of implementation of Agree- ment on the Conservation of African-Eura- All CMS Annex II species that occur in sian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). Germany are protected by law. In general, all European bird species are protected in The information provided above, on the Germany, under the Federal Nature Con- population situations of relevant individ- servation Act (Bundesnaturschutzgesetz - ual species, includes details about species- BNatSchG) (Art. 20 a (1) No. 7 b)bb), as conservation measures carried out for spe- "specially protected" species. All birds of cific species, especially for certain birds of prey (Accipitriformes) that regularly occur prey (Accipitriformes). Examples include in Germany are also "strictly protected" successful efforts to protect nests of osprey species (Art. 20 a (1) No. 8 a BNatSchG).

382 Native migratory bird species – Annex II 3

This status makes it illegal to trap the 2. With regard to species added to birds, to capture, injure or kill them, and Annex II to remove (from their natural surround- Steps taken to develop and conclude ings), damage or destroy their develop- regional agreements pursuant to mental forms, or their nesting, breeding, Article IV (3) and under Article IV (4). living and refuge sites (Art. 20 f (1) No. 1 BNatSchG). ENQUIRY SUBMITTED TO Exceptions are permitted in the Federal BMU/BFN Republic of Germany only in the cases set forth by Art. 20 g of the Federal Nature 3, Actions taken to implement other Conservation Act. resolutions of the Conference of the Parties. Pursuant to Art. 2 Federal Hunting Act (Bundesjagdgesetz - BJG), birds of prey The resolutions adopted at the sixth Con- (including falcons) (Accipitriformes) and the ference of the Parties to the Convention common quail (Coturnix coturnix) are sub- on the Conservation of Migratory Species ject to hunting law. Since the currently of Wild Animals (CMS), which took place applicable Ordinance on hunting seasons in Cape Town, South Africa, have no rele- (ordinance of 2 April 1977, amended by vance Annex II (CMS) species that occur in the ordinance of 22 March 2000) does not Germany, where such species are not al- specify any hunting season for these birds, ready covered by the other agreements, they may not be hunted at any time of the including AEWA, ASCOBANS, EUROBATS year. and Wadden Sea Seals.

The Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is also a game species. Except in the Länder Berlin, Hesse and Saxony, it may be hunted from 16 October to 15 January (Lower Saxony: 16 October to 31 December).

383 3.1 Example: Peregrine Falcon

Translated reprint from BayLfU 156 (2001), pages 269-275, reproduced with kind permission from the Bavarian Environmental Protection Agency (BayLfU)

BayLfU 156 (2001) The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

Ulrich Lanz

1 Introduction und Umweltfragen (StMLU)). This section presents the content, aims and successes of this programme. The current Red List of Bavaria's endangered birds (NITSCHE in BAYERISCHES LANDESAMT FÜR UM- WELTSCHUTZ 1992) places the peregrine falcon (Falco 2 Population decline and threats peregrinus; Fig. 1) in category 2. This status, that of "endangered" species, normally signals a grave popu- SCHILLING (1995) estimates that in 1950 the pere- lation trend. For the peregrine falcon, this now grine falcon's population numbered some 900 breed- applied only to a limited extent. While the Bavarian ing pairs in the area that is now the Federal Republic peregrine falcon still faces considerable threats, its of Germany . By the mid-1970s, this population had conservation status has actually been downgraded dwindled to no more than 60 pairs. This group was from "critically endangered" – for many years, it faced concentrated in two main areas in southern an immediate threat of extinction – and this recate- Germany: the Schwäbische Alb area and the Bavarian gorisation must be considered a success of many years Alps, with each area harbouring a residual population of 25 to 30 pairs. In 1975, outside of these two last refuges, a single pair was sighted on the lower Neckar River, and an equally isolated residual frag- ment with two breeding pairs was found in the Untermain area. Today, we know that the main factor behind this unprecedented population decline was an accumulation of environmental toxins – especially the pesticides DDT and lindan – in the bodies, eggs and young of peregrine falcons, raptors at the top of their food chain. The toxins undermined the birds' fertility and reproductive success. Profit-hungry nest robbers and aggressive pigeon breeders – who considered the peregrine falcon an unwelcome competitor – are considered to have been responsible, during the final phase of the population's collapse (at least), for further decimation of the already greatly weakened population (cf. FISCHER 1973, SCHILLING & KÖNIG 1980, RATCLIFFE 1993, BAUM & HÄDRICH 1995).

3 Range of the peregrine falcon in Bavaria

As a bird that breeds on rocky crags, the peregrine falcon was formerly found throughout Bavaria's upland and Alpine areas (cf. Fig. 2): • The sandstone quarries in Bavaria's Untermain region, which have not been worked for decades, Fig. 1: Adult peregrine falcon of species protection. The population's nascent recov- 1) Both names – “Bats” conservations programme (“Artenhilfspro- ery, as reflected in this recategorisation, has made fur- gramm Fledermäuse”) and “Develpment and Protection of Bat ther progress since the currently applicable Red List Populations in Bavaria in Bavaria” (research project) – are used was prepared. This success is due largely to a species interchangeably in this article; technically speaking, the species- conservation programme involves additional conservation assistance programme supported by hundreds of com- aspects, however, because of the broad range of activities of natu- mitted volunteers and funded by the Bavarian State re conservation authorities that it provides for. 2) Ministry for State Development and Environmental Issues The addresses of the co-ordination offices are included within the (Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Landesentwicklung authors´ addresses, which are listed at the end of the article

BayLfU 156 (2001) 269 The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

order of 25 to 30 breeding pairs (WÜST 1981). Breeding came to an end there in 1974; it is not known whether the last documented breeding attempt in this former range centre, which

Ma occurred in 1976 – after two Aschaffenburg in N years with no documented n i F ö r r a a d Bayreuth breeding – was successful or U m Bamberg n l nter k ic Würzburg e h not (KRAMER 1991). n e a lb • The Bavarian Forest was always on the border of the peregrine

Nürnberg b falcon's range in Bavaria. a

N Nonetheless, at least four bree- Ba yer ding sites were always perma- isc A h ltm b e nently occupied there (KRA- l Regensburg r ü a W hl n a MER 1991). This breeding e Franke l ich d Südl group of the peregrine falcon in the Bavarian Forest is consi- Donau dered to have disappeared by r Isa 1968. • The true size of the peregrine falcon's breeding population in Augsburg Inn the Bavarian Alps around 1950

München is not known. Various more or h

c less vague estimates place it e L between "at least 35 breeding pairs" (MEBS 1986) and a maxi- lpen mum figure of at least 100 e A isch Bayer breeding pairs (KRAMER 1991). This broad range in population figures reflects the topographic and climatic difficulties encountered by a complete-coverage survey under Alpine con- Fig. 2: The peregrine falcon's traditional breeding areas in Bavaria. ditions, but it is also due to the secrecy – usually justified with reasons of species protection – with which those familiar with have long contained breeding sites for the species. Prior to the collapse of its population, the peregrine falcon had a nationally unparalleled population density in this areas of six breeding pairs in a valley section 12.5 km in length (MEBS 1955). By 1981, the population trend reached a nadir of only one reproducing pair (Cavallo, orally reported). • In the northern Frankenalb region, the peregrine falcon tends to prefer the limestone cliffs of the Fränkische and Hersbrucker Schweiz area, while in the southern Franken- alb region it is found in the valleys of the Altmühl, Naab and Danube rivers (cf. Fig. 3). Prior to the declines of the 1960s and 1970s, the population throughout the Frankenjura region was probably on the Fig. 3: Peregrine falcon breeding biotope in the Weltenburger Enge area (Danube valley).

270 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

the area treat many nest locations. As a result, the young birds leave the nest (cf. Fig. 4). low figure for the population, about 35 breeding • Regular checks of non-guarded breeding sites, by pairs (MEBS in CADE et al. 1988), must probably be full-time and volunteer staff. taken with caution. • Measures to promote new establishment (creation of artificial, optimised breeding sites in quarries and on buildings on which peregrine falcons have 4 Species assistance programme already established themselves independently, exposure of rocks and natural breeding niches, for the peregrine falcon etc.) • Measures to enhance public awareness, and dis- In 1965, the "working group for peregrine falcon pro- cussion and agreements with relevant groups – tection" (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Wanderfalkenschutz - especially rock-climbing associations. AGW), a pioneering effort that set a national example in peregrine falcon protection, was founded in Baden- This package of measures should address the three Württemberg. In 1969, the campaign "peregrine fal- main threats that currently are preventing popula- con and owl protection" (Wanderfalken- und tions from expanding their ranges and re-establishing Uhuschutz - AWU) was launched in Bavaria, with ini- themselves at former breeding sites and that are pos- tial protection measures in the Untermain region and ing new threats to growing populations: in parts of the Bavarian Alps. As time passed, these organizations were joined in efforts to protect the peregrine falcon by numerous persons and small groups – including district and local chapters of the Bavarian State Bird Conservation Association (Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. (LBV). A lack of overall co-ordination and consultation greatly impaired the effectiveness of these efforts, however. In 1982, the LBV responded to this problem by initiating a Bavarian-wide species assistance programme that has continued to the present day, with financial support from the Bavarian State Ministry for State Development and Environmental Issues. The LBV functions as a coor- dinator and carries out measures in the Frankenjura area, in the Bavarian Forest and in parts of the Alps, while the AWU, as partner of the LBV, continues working in its Fig. 4: Guarding a peregrine falcon nest in the Danube valley (Poto: LBV Archives). traditional work areas in the Untermain region and in the western and eastern parts of the Bavarian Alps. • The threat of illegal nest-robbing for purposes of In its first years, the species assistance programme for falconry; while this threat has diminished, the peregrine falcon was oriented strongly to the because nests are being guarded and because example set by the AGW and to its proven measures black-market prices have dropped considerably, it for protecting breeding sites in the Schwäbische Alb is still serious enough, as the recent incidences of region, although it also drew on the AWU's first pro- nest-robbing in the southern Frankenjura region tection measures in the Untermain area. From this prove, basis, the following current emphases of the species • Persecution by pigeon breeders, which has assistance programmes have evolved: reached sorry new heights in recent years (in the Palatinate, for example) in the form of intentional • Bavarian-wide population monitoring via breed- poisoning of peregrine falcons, and other raptors, ing-site monitoring and collection of all available with poison bait (specially prepared pigeons), and data, the indispensable basis for planning and car- • Disturbances now being caused by increasing rying out any protection measures. numbers of recreationers in the peregrine falcon's • Around-the-clock guarding of particularly endan- natural breeding habitats, which happen to be gered breeding sites throughout the entire breed- located in classic, popular hiking and rock-climbing season, from the time breeding begins until ing areas in the Frankenjura area.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 271 The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

occupied outside of the Alps; of 80 these, 40 pairs actually bred, and PaareUnsuccessfully ohne Bruterfolg breeding pairs 79 young falcons, from 32 success- 70 PaareSuccessfully mit Bruterfolg breeding pairs ful broods, were able to leave their juv/Jahryoung / year nests (cf. Fig. 5). 60 According to recent estimates of 50 persons familiar with the area (Fünfstück, orally reported), in the 40 Bavarian Alps the population is now likely to number 100 to 120 30 breeding pairs – a number that is probably comparable to the popu- 20 lation figure prior to the population declines of the 1960s and 10 1970s. At present, no complete- coverage population surveys that 0 could provide more precise data ´69 ´71 ´73 ´75 ´77 ´79 ´81 83 ´85 ´87 ´89 ´91 ´93 ´95 ´97 are being carried out there. Detailed figures on population and breeding success, at least Fig. 5: Development of the peregrine falcon population in non-Alpine breeding area in approximating complete coverage, Bavaria, 1974–1998 (Database: Eschwege 1993, Cavallo by letter and own data). are available only for sub-areas such as the Werdenfelser Land. Additional data can be expected from the ongoing surveys for the 18 new Bavarian atlas of breeding LowerUnterfranken Franconia birds. This much is already clear, 16 SouthernSüdliche FrankenalbFrankenalb however: in the 16th year of the NorthernNördlicher Frankenjura Frankenjura 14 species assistance programme, 30 BavarianBayerischer Forest Wald of 71 Bavarian rural districts now 12 again have peregrine falcon populations. 10 Re-establishment in the species' 8 traditional non-Alpine distribution centres took place in several steps 6 (cf. Fig. 6). The population recov- 4 ery began with the isolated residual population in the Untermain 2 region. The first indications that the trend was being reversed came 0 in the early 1980s, and since then ´69 ´71 ´73 ´75 ´77 ´79 ´81 83 ´85 ´87 ´89 ´91 ´93 ´95 ´97 the population throughout all Lower Franconia, comprising 14 breeding pairs Fig. 6: Development of the peregrine falcon breeding population in the bird's traditional (1998), has reached a level that is range concentrations in the Bavarian uplands (database: Eschwege 1993, Cavallo by letter even higher than the population and own data). levels of the 1950s (Cavallo, by letter). While the population density 5 Population development in the Untermain region probably cannot increase any further, new establishment near the border to through 1998 Hesse, in the Spessart area and in the greater Würzburg area clearly indicates that expansion into In its many years, the species assistance programme neighbouring, potentially suitable habitats has for the peregrine falcon has achieved good successes begun. with its measures: beginning in the early 1980s, the numbers of young birds leaving their nests gradually In the south Frankenalb region, the first new (in this began to increase. In 1989, a clear upswing took place modern era) breeding attempt was noted in 1988. The in numbers of breeding pairs in non-Alpine breeding two young birds that resulted, like the same pair's areas – numbers which until then had stagnated at a brood in the following year, were killed by predators low level – and this upswing has continued into the (cf. FRANZ 1988). But once this pair moved to a present and has reached new maxima from year to known breeding site in the Weltenburger Enge area, year: in 1998 a total of 47 breeding sites were already LBV staff were able to report a successful brood with

272 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

four fledglings. This brood became the start of rapid re-establishment 25 in the south Frankenalb area. FelsbrutplätzeBreeding sites on rocks Today (1998), the south Fran- GebäudebrutplätzeBreeding sites on man-made structures kenalb area has surpassed Lower 20 Steinbruchbrutplätze Franconia in population develop- Breeding sites in quarries ment; it now has 17 breeding territories. 15 In the third traditional breeding area, the northern Frankenalb region, new establishments were observed as of the early 1990s, 10 although their numbers were far below expectations. In 1998, only six breeding pairs were known – 5 far fewer than would have been expected in light of the rich availability of natural breeding sites 0 there. There is reason to presume 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 that the peregrine falcon's re- establishment in the Fränkische and Hersbrucker Schweiz areas is Fig. 7: Peregrine falcon breeding habitats in Bavaria, outside of the Alps, 1992–1998 being prevented by high breeding (Database: Cavallo by letter and own data). densities of owls there, since the owl competes with the peregrine falcon for breeding ferred breeding habitat for the peregrine falcon. In sites. It is also conceivable that high levels of distur- addition, since the early 1990s increasing numbers of bance by hikers and rock-climbers are preventing re- birds are breeding on buildings – especially in west establishment in some former breeding sites. Lower Franconia and in some breeding areas outside Through 1997, no new breeding pair established itself of the bird's traditional range concentration. This in the Bavarian Forest, even though the neighbouring development is also apparent in other Länder (cf. Fig. Bohemian Forest, in the Czech Republic, has had an 7). As of 1998, buildings accounted for 31.9% of all occupied breeding site for a number of years and breeding sites. The structures chosen by the peregrine even though peregrine falcons were regularly falcon, as secondary habitats, include nuclear power observed on the Bavarian side. Not until 1998 were stations (46 % of all structures used for breeding), as successful broods – two – confirmed on the Bavarian well as industrial chimneys, bridges, agricultural stor- side of the border. As in parts of the Frankenalb area, age facilities, etc.. intensive tourism probably reduces the suitability of most of the former breeding sites. 7 Outlook All in all, the development confirms the experience gained in other parts of the bird's range, and repeat- Bavaria-wide, the peregrine falcon's population can edly documented in the literature: new establishment currently be considered secured. This is proven by the tends to occur in the vicinity of existing breeding pop- relevant population figures, which have been increas- ulations (cf. NEWTON & MEARNS in CADE et al. 1988, ing for years, and by the levels of documented breed- LUBER 1992, WEGNER 1993). Exceptions to this rule ing success, which are still higher than long-term lev- exist in the form of eight instances, as of 1998, of els in Baden-Württemberg (cf. Fig. 8). This develop- establishment on structures outside of traditional ment represents one of the few major successes that range areas. Among these structures, for example, are species protection has been able to achieve in this all three Bavarian nuclear power stations. country in the past few years. On the other hand, it cannot be ignored that two of the bird's traditional range areas – the northern Frankenalb area and the 6 Habitat use Bavarian Forest – are still sparsely populated. What is more, the threats faced by Bavarian peregrine falcon The peregrine falcon's primary breeding habitats in populations – at least at their natural breeding sites – Bavaria have always consisted of natural rock walls in are increasing in Bavaria, as they are in other Länder. the Bavarian Alps and in upland areas – especially in the Frankenjura region. The peregrine falcon has In particular, conflicts between species protection and used quarries as secondary habitats – at least in the rock-climbing interests, which cannot be avoided as Untermain area – even before the population declines the peregrine falcon returns to former breeding sites of the 1960s and 1970s. The unused, and unclosed, on exposed rocks, will require all concerned authori- red sandstone quarries in question have been partial- ties and associations to make significant efforts in ly reclaimed by nature, and in some of these AWU has coming years, if the peregrine falcon is to enjoy long- improved the availability of breeding sites by term security in its natural breeding habitats. Some installing nesting boxes. These quarries are still a pre- approaches to date have been promising: for exam-

BayLfU 156 (2001) 273 The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

8 Summary 4,5 juv./erfolgreichesyoung/successful pairPaar In 1982, the Bavarian State Bird 4,0 juv./Paaryoung/pair Conservation Association (Landes- bund für Vogelschutz in Bayern 3,5 e.V. (LBV) initiated a Bavaria-wide 3,0 species assistance programme for young/successful instance the peregrine falcon, a pro- juv./erfolgreicheof breeding Brut 2,5 gramme that is still being contin- Bad.-Württ. ued today, with the support of the 2.0 Bavarian State Ministry for State young/broodjuv./Brut Development and Environmental 1,5 Bad.-Württ. Issues (Bayerisches Staatsministeri- 1,0 um für Landesentwicklung und Umweltfragen (StMLU). As of 1998, 0,5 the number of non-Alpine breeding sites monitored and found 0 occupied increased back up to 47. 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 A total of 40 pairs attempted to breed in 1998, and 32 successful instances of breeding produced 79 Fig. 8: The peregrine falcon's breeding success in Bavaria (not including the Alps), in com- young birds that were able to leave parison with long-term averages in Baden-Württemberg (upper and lower horizonal lines; their nests. This represents a high database: ESCHWEGE 1993, Cavallo by letter and own data). point in the upward trend of the Bavarian peregrine falcon popula- ple, the German Alpinists' Association (Deutscher tion, which has continued since the end of the 1980s. Alpenverein) has been helping to guard peregrine fal- The population in the Bavarian Alps is estimated to con breeding sites, and agreements have been number 100 to 120 breeding pairs. In spite of the con- reached, via intensive discussions between the in- tinuing population recovery, the recovering popula- volved nature conservation authorities, conservation tions continue to face considerable threats. In addi- associations and rock-climbing organisations, on re- tion to the threat of illegal taking, increasing con- stricting rock-climbing in the Frankenjura area. The flicts with rock-climbers require the species protection most recent examples of such agreements include: a measures to be continued. rock-climbing concept for the Pegnitztal (dating from 1997), developed by the LBV working group on "rock- climbing and nature conservation", and a climbing concept, completed in 1998, for the lower Altmühltal 9 Literature and the Danube's transverse valley. BAYERISCHES LANDESAMT FÜR UMWELTSCHUTZ In spite of such highly welcome progress – which also (1992): Rote Liste gefährdeter Tiere Bayerns. – is within the meaning of confidence-building meas- Schr.-R. Bayer. Landesamt für Umweltschutz ures involving conservationists and climbers – con- 111 (Beiträge zum Artenschutz 15). ventional, around-the-clock monitoring will probably BAUM, F. & J. HÄDRICH (1995): CKW- und PCB- remain indispensable, for some time to come, in pro- Kontamination. Rückstände von Chlorkohlen- tecting the peregrine falcon. In particular, compli- wasserstoff-Pestiziden und polychlorierten Bi- ance with climbing prohibitions, and with agreed vol- phenylen in Eiern wildlebender Vögel, insbe- untary climbing restrictions (established by climbers sondere südwestdeutscher Wanderfalken. – themselves), must be monitored at very popular Beih. Veröff. Naturschutz Landschaftspflege climbing rocks that attract climbers from around the Bad.-Württ. 82: 351-373. country, since such compliance is not always immedi- CADE, T. J. et al. (1988): Peregrine Falcon Populations. ately forthcoming. What is more, the fact that Their Management and Recovery. – The Pere- between 1995 and 1997 five nest-robbing attempts – grine Fund, Inc. Boise, Idaho. of which four were successful – occurred in the south ESCHWEGE, C. V. (1993): Entwicklung der natürlichen Frankenjura area alone, shows that site-guarding will Wanderfalkenbestände in Bayern, Hessen und have to continue for the time being, at least at certain Rheinland-Pfalz. – Vogel und Umwelt 7: 247- particularly endangered breeding sites. 254. FISCHER, W. (1973): Der Wanderfalke. Neue Brehm- Bücherei, Band 380. – Ziemsen-Verlag, Wittenberg-Lutherstadt. FRANZ, D. (1988): Sperber (Accipiter nisus) schlägt junge Wanderfalken (Falco peregrinus) im Horst. – Anz. Orn. Ges. Bayern 27: 287-289.

274 BayLfU 156 (2001) The Species Assistance Programme for the Peregrine Falcon

KRAMER, S. (1991): Die Situation des Wanderfalken SCHILLING, F. (1995): Verbreitung und Bestandsent- (Falco peregrinus) in Bayern – Bestands- wicklung des Wanderfalken in Deutschland. – entwicklung, Populationsökologie, Schutzkon- Beih. Veröff. Naturschutz Landschaftspflege zept. – Ber. ANL 15: 177-216. Bad.-Württ. 82: 163-178. LUBER, H. (1992): Der Wanderfalke (Falco peregrinus) SCHILLING, F. & C. KÖNIG (1980): Die Biozidbelastung wieder im Aufwind – ein Situationsbericht aus des Wanderfalken (Falco peregrinus) in Baden- der Steiermark. – Egretta 35: 111-116. Württemberg und ihre Auswirkung auf die MEBS, T. (1955): Zum Brutvorkommen des Wanderfal- Populationsentwicklung. – J.Orn. 121: 1-35. ken in Süddeutschland. – Anz. Orn. Ges. Bayern WEGNER, P. (1993): Die Populationsdynamik des 4: 343-362. Wanderfalken in Baden-Württemberg von MEBS, T. (1986): Die Wiederkehr des Wanderfalken 1965–1991. – Vogel und Umwelt 7: 209-217. (Falco peregrinus) im Bereich der Bundesrepu- WÜST, W. (1981): Avifauna Bavariae, Bd. 1. – blik Deutschland. – DFO-Berichte 1986: 8-12. München. RATCLIFFE, D. (1993): The Peregrine Falcon. – T. & A. D. Poyser, London.

Author's address:

Ulrich Lanz Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. Eisvogelweg 1 D-91161 Hilpoltstein

The present article is based largely on a manuscript from November 1988.

BayLfU 156 (2001) 275 4 Current national projects that benefit migratory species of the Bonn Convention

The German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) is responsible for implementation of various nation-wide support programmes in the area of nature conservation. Many of these programmes also support migratory species within the CMS framework.

Major nature conservation projects of ably develop cultural landscapes with out- nationally representative importance are standing habitats of important, endan- aimed primarily at protecting large habi- gered plant and animal species. tats in natural and cultural landscapes. Research and development projects gen- In 1989, this support area within the "ma- erate new findings in nature conservation jor nature conservation projects" category that serve the Federal Government as a was expanded to include a programme to basis for decisions in the area of nature promote natural vegetation along water conservation. Test and development bodies (Gewässerrandstreifenprogramm). projects implement and refine concepts The purpose of this programme is to help for nature conservation policy. enhance the ecological quality of watercourses and their catchment basins.

MAJOR NATURE CONSERVATION Projects are selected in accordance with PROJECTS. The Federal programme for the criteria representative nature, large "Establishment and safeguarding of valu- size, semi-naturalness, threat level and ex- able parts of nature and landscapes with emplary character. Major nature conserva- nationally representative importance" tion projects differ from other nature con- ("Errichtung und Sicherung schutzwürdi- servation projects especially in terms of ger Teile von Natur und Landschaft mit the large areas they cover. The importance gesamtstaatlich repräsentativer Bedeutung") of large protected areas is that they min- was established in 1979. Within this pro- imise the impacts of negative external in- gramme, Germany protects nationally im- fluences, which can weaken or even un- portant landscapes, in order to help pro- dermine the protective functions of small tect Germany's natural heritage and to ful- protected areas. fil Germany's international nature conservation obligations. The support programme The stated aim of the Federal support pro- helps protect natural landscapes on a last- gramme is to legally secure the core areas, ing basis, and it helps secure and sustain- within project areas, by the time projects

392 Current national projects 4

terminate. A total of 743 km2 of core areas planning, execution of biotope-manage- have been set aside to date as nature re- ment measures and personnel and equip- serves (not including areas temporarily set ment costs. Shoreline vegetation projects aside). This area corresponds to 0.2 % of also require long-term compensation pay- Germany's territory. ments. For major nature conservation and shoreline-vegetation projects, the Federal The support funding is used primarily for Government assumes up to 75% of the land purchases, as well as for long-term incurred costs, while the relevant Länder leases, management and development normally assume 15%, and project spon-

Tab. 4. -1: Completed and ongoing major nature conservation projects with important populations of CMS migratory species.

Projects Migratory species groups/species Completed projects Ochsenmoor (NI) Limicolae, incl. European golden plover Altrheinarm Bienen-Praest (NW) Ducks (incl. geese) Meerbruch (NI) Ducks, limicolae Alte Sorge-Schleife (SH) Ducks, limicolae Flumm/Fehntjer Tief (NI) Limicolae Bislicher Insel (NW) Arctic wild geese (white-fronted goose, bean goose) Nigehörn/Scharhörn (HH) Limicolae, terns Borgfelder Wümmewiesen (HB) Limicolae Hainholz (NI) Bats Wollmatinger Ried (BW) Ducks (especially common pochard, gadwall) Wurzacher Ried (BW) Ducks (incl. green-winged teal, northern pintail, garganey, northern shoveller) Haseldorfer Marsch (SH) Limicolae Hohe Rhön/Lange Rhön (BY) Corn crake Neustädter Moor (NI) Limicolae Ongoing projects Schaalsee-Landschaft (SH/MV) Ducks, common crane, bats, Eurasian bittern Ostrügensche Boddenlandschaft (MV) Bats, ducks, limicolae Kyffhäuser (TH) Bats Muschelkalkhänge Mittl. Saaletal (TH) Bats Drömling (ST) Limicolae, such as European golden plover; bats, common crane Teichgebiete White-fronted goose, bean goose, bats; ducks Niederspree-Hammerstadt (SN) Mündungsgebiet der Isar (BY) Ducks Mittlere Elbe (ST) Ducks Unteres Odertal (BB) Limicolae, sedge warbler, corn crake, ducks, geese Regentalaue (BY) Limicolae Nuthe-Nieplitz-Niederung (BB) Ducks (incl. geese) Uckermärkische Seen (BB) Cranes, bats Fischerhuder Wümmeniederung (NI) Limicolae Hammeniederung (NI) Limicolae Peenetal/Peene-Haff-Moor (MV) Ducks Murnauer Moos (BY) Bats, corn crake

393 sors (for example, rural districts, interest l Survey of the distribution, abundance groups or associations) pay 10 % of the costs. and migrations of seabirds and waterbirds in the German North Sea, and Table 4.-1 provides an overview of complet- development of a concept for imple- ed and ongoing Federal major nature con- mentation of international conserva- servation projects with project areas in tion objectives (see Chap. 1.2.2) which important populations of CMS migratory species occur. l Seabirds and waterbirds in the German Baltic Sea, and their protection within the framework of international agree- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ments (see Chap. 1.2.2) (R+D) PROJECTS. R+D projects provide a basis for, and facilitate, the Federal Go- l International support for protection of vernment's decisions in the area of nature- important resting areas of migratory conservation and environmental protec- birds in Middle Eastern countries. tion policy. In particular, they are used to prepare, review and refine national and l Assessment of environmental factors in international legal provisions and pro- breeding success of meadow birds (see grammes and national nature conserva- Chap. 1.2.3) tion tasks. l Assessment of the contribution of The following projects, which initiated or national and international nature con- supported measures to protect migratory servation projects, in Germany, to con- species, were supported by the BfN and servation of endangered bird species executed or completed within the report- on extensively managed agricultural ing period: areas (for example, corn crake): conflicts of aims and potential solutions l Global analysis of migratory endange- (see Chap. 1.2.3) red species, with the aim of producing a Global Register of Migratory Species l Development of biochemical methods (GROMS) for determining the age of caviar of the species beluga, sevruga and osietra, l High Sea Marine Protected Areas (con- and for determining origin of caviar ference)

l Survey and assessment of ecologically TEST AND DEVELOPMENT (E+E) valuable North Sea habitats PROJECTS. The purpose of test and development projects is to contribute to pro- l Studies and recommendations relative tection of biodiversity. Projects that com- to conservation of forest bats bine protection and use aspects are of particular importance. E+E projects provide a l Model for an overall concept for way to illustrate the Federal Government's Federal monitoring of animal popula- concepts in nature conservation policy, to tions, using the example of avifauna refine such concepts in practice and thus to enhance the bases for making decisions l Scientific assessment of German EU spe- in future work. The relevant funding bud- cial protected areas for birds (see Chap. get is managed by the BfN, in keeping 1.3.3) with both scientific and administrative criteria.

394 Current national projects 4

The following E+E projects with relevance for CMS migratory species were carried out or completed during the reporting period: l Creation of a roost network for building-dwelling bat species l Restoration of a meadow-breeder habitat in the Osterfeiner Moor (fen) l Re-establishment and conservation of the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) l Establishment of a centre for Wadden Sea monitoring and information (Multimar Wattforum Tönning)

OTHER PROJECTS. In addition to the above projects, the German Federal Agen- cy for Nature Conservation, working in co- operation with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), has supported additional projects to further the aims of the Bonn Convention (CMS) and its regional agreements: l Training of bat experts in eastern European countries l European bat festival l Preparation of a status report on the European golden plover

395 5 Germany's contributions to supporting and developing the Bonn Convention

Germany as Depositary for the Bonn Convention.

The Federal Republic of Germany is the The German Federal Government, the Depositary for the Bonn Convention. United Nations and the CMS Secretariat Within the German Federal Government, are currently consulting regarding a new this function is performed by the Federal agreement that will define the privileges Foreign Office. The Depositary holds the and immunity of these Secretariats. original versions of the Convention, in their various language versions. It also As a result of the CMS Secretariat's loca- provides notification of accessions and tion in Bonn, various bodies – especially other significant events relative to the including the Standing Committee – Convention. choose Bonn almost regularly as the location for their meetings.

GERMANY AS HOST COUNTRY FOR THE SECRETARIATS OF CMS, GERMANY'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO EUROBATS, ASCOBANS AND PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT AEWA. The Secretariat of the Bonn Con- OF THE CONVENTION. The Federal vention has been located in Bonn, without Government is working to enhance the interruption, since 1984. Since December effectiveness of the Bonn Convention on 1996, it has been located on a beautiful the Conservation of Migratory Species of United Nations property in Bonn (Address: Wild Animals (CMS) as an international Martin-Luther-King-Str. 8). conservation instrument. One important aim in this connection is for the number The same office building houses the of parties to the convention, currently 79, Secretariats of the AEWA, EUROBATS and to grow; migratory species can be compre- ASCOBANS agreements. This close proximi- hensively protected throughout their habi- ty enhances co-operation between the tats only if the relevant range states partic- Secretariats. ipate in measures for the species' protection. The Federal Government, and especially the Federal Ministry for the Environ- ment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and the Federal Foreign Office, support the efforts of the Secreta- riat, the Standing Committee and other parties, to approach other countries

396 Germany´s contributions to CMS 5

For the occasion of this jubilee, a film was specially produced on the need to protect migratory animal species and the ways in which the Bonn Convention can help these species. This film was shown to a large TV audience. English and French versions of the film were also produced and are available to interested national representatives.

The contributions regarding the Conven- tion's substantial development include the motions for inclusion of additional animal species in Annex II of the Convention, in Executive Director Prof. Dr. Töpfer of UNEP on the order to enable development of special re- occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Bonn gional agreements. At the 4th Conference Convention in Bonn, 23 June 1999 of the Parties (Nairobi, Kenya, 7 – 11 June 1994), a total of 50 waterbird species were regarding accession to the Bonn Conven- listed in Annex II of the Convention at tion or to its regional agreements. Germany's initiative. These species were then later included in the relevant region- On 23. June 1999, on the occasion of the al agreement, the Agreement on the 20th anniversary of the Bonn Convention, Conservation of African-Eurasian Migra- the Federal Government held a reception tory Waterbirds (AEWA). in the Redoute in Bonn-Bad Godesberg in order to review the Convention's successes At the 6th Conference of the Parties (Cape to date and to outline the perspectives for Town, South Africa, 10 – 16 November its further development. Some 300 guests 1999), the Federal Government proposed of international and national nature con- the inclusion of 18 species of sturgeons in servation institutions, representatives of Annex II. This motion was unanimously the parties and of non-party countries, adopted. Since then, the Federal Environ- specialised authorities, international and ment Ministry (BMU), in co-operation with national associations, policy-makers and the IUCN's centres for environmental law, press representatives took part in this has been working on a draft of a Memo- event. The Executive Director of UNEP, randum of Understanding on exchange of Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, State Secretaries information about sturgeons. This work Baake (Federal Environment Ministry) and was temporarily suspended in April 2000, von Ploetz (Federal Foreign Office) and Mr. however. The reason for this decision was Kolodziejcok, formerly the responsible the decision taken at the 11th Conference department director for nature conserva- of the Parties to the Convention on Inter- tion in the agriculture ministry (and then national Trade in Endangered Species of in the Federal Environment Ministry, Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) (Gigiri, Ken- which was founded in 1987), all spoke at ya, 10 to 20 April 2000, CITES), to carry the event, along with the Chairman of the out a "Significant Trade Review" for stur- Scientific Council, Dr. Pierre Devillers, and geon species, which are also covered by the Chairman of the Standing Committee, CITES, and to make efforts to protect stur- Prof. Abdulaziz Abuzinada. geons. Parallel continuation of both initiatives would have led to confusion among the parties, especially among the sturgeon

397 range states. In order to sharpen the inter- which they use as perches. To reduce this national focus of efforts to protect stur- threat, and to gradually eliminate it, the geons, the BMU financially supported a Federal Nature Conservation Act (Bundes- meeting of the sturgeon experts' group Naturschutzgesetz) was amended to in- within the IUCN Species Survival Commis- clude a provision calling for new masts sion – the "Meeting to prioritise Sturgeon and components of medium-voltage power Conservation Actions" (Moscow, Russian lines to be designed to protect birds Federation, 10 - 11 February 2001). against electrocution. The necessary retro- fits of existing bird-threatening masts and Germany is also working to protect its medium-voltage power line components own native sturgeons. A test and develop- are to be carried out within ten years. The ment project, which is running from 1999 planned resolution would urge the parties to 2003, on the topic of "Exemplary meas- to the Bonn Convention to take similar ures to protect and support populations of steps to eliminate this threat. the nearly extinct Atlantic sturgeon (Aci- penser sturio L.) in Germany" is being car- Concrete support has been initiated for ried out by the Society for the rescue of eastern European countries. The German the sturgeon (Gesellschaft zur Rettung des Nature Conservation Association (NABU) is Störs), Rostock. With international partici- carrying out intensive studies there of pation, population-genetic, reproduction- threats to birds from power line networks. biological and diet-physiological studies Findings from this work will go into rec- are being carried out and supported by ommendations for measures. The meas- relevant field work. Relevant issues are ures, then, will be described in a brochure being studied with regard to closely relat- that will be provided to decision-makers ed species (Acipenser ruthenus, A. oxyrhin- and other interested parties in eastern chus). Activity patterns are being explored Europe. This work is being financially sup- by means of telemetric studies. In addi- ported by the BMU. tion, potential suitable habitats in the Elbe At the 7th Conference of the Parties, a and Oder rivers are being studied with the working group of the Standing Committee help of relevant publications, maps and will present a report on development of sampling. All activities are being support- regional agreements under the Bonn Con- ed by measures to enhance public aware- vention. This working group was chaired ness at the national and international lev- by Germany. In addition, the BMU brought els. in and financed external experts who en- riched the overall results of the effort. To prepare its report, the working group sur- CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 7TH veyed all "focal points" regarding the diffi- CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES. For culties that persist in development of re- the 7th Conference of the Parties, the Fe- gional agreements and ways to overcome deral Environment Ministry is considering these difficulties. It is assumed that the entering a motion relative to prevention report and its recommendations will proof electrocution of large birds on outdoor vide useful support in preparation of fur- power lines. Many bird species with large ther regional agreements. wingspans (white and black stork, owls and many other raptors) meet their death – also in Germany, to some extent – on masts of medium-voltage power lines,

398 Germany´s contributions to CMS 5

GROMS (GLOBAL REGISTER OF The multi-lingual register contains 2,880 MIGRATORY SPECIES). Although migratory vertebrate species. It also lists protection of migratory species that cross their threat status pursuant to the Inter- international boundaries must be based national Red List and their conservation on international co-operation, our knowl- status pursuant to CMS and CITES, and it edge about animal migrations is inade- classifies species by migratory types. While quate. The number of migratory animal bird migrations are comprehensively in- species can only be estimated at present; cluded, mammal, fish and insect migra- it is likely to lie between 5,000 and 6,000. tions are adequately known only for eco- To help eliminate this deficit, the Execu- nomically important species. Considerable tive Secretary of the UNEP/CMS Secretariat gaps in knowledge have been found in the has initiated the development of a rele- areas of bats, Asian antelopes, small vant database. The Federal Environment cetaceans, fish species of tropical rivers Ministry has embraced this idea and is and insects. financing a project, scientifically supported by the German Federal Agency for Na- Global-scale distribution maps for 545 ture Conservation, entitled "Global Regis- species, as well as point data for resting ter of Migratory Species" (GROMS). This areas of Eurasian ducks, have been en- project is gathering all available current tered into a geographic information sys- knowledge within a relational database tem. This map set now makes it possible to that is integrated with a Geographic Infor- answer the deceptively simple question of mation System (GIS). The project is thus what species occur within a defined area. helping to support the Bonn Convention, The system is user-friendly and supports its regional agreements and the Conven- area-specific species searches as well as tion on Biological Diversity. In their generation of species profiles. efforts, project staff are co-operating with the Zoological Research Institute and the Linking of distribution data with political Museum Alexander Koenig in Bonn. boundaries, for example, does not shows the frequently observed biodiversity in- GROMS draws on data from several other crease in tropical latitudes – it shows a information systems, and it co-operates multitude of species in temperate latitudes with other systems, including CHM, GBIF, (cf. Fig. 5-1). For this reason, the current Species 2000 (especially "Fishbase"), IUCN / concentration of biodiversity-conservation SSC (2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened measures on tropical diversity centres Species), UNEP-WCMC, BCIS, Wetlands In- ("hotspot areas") is not adequate to the ternational and the African Mammal Data- task of protecting migratory species; a base (AMD). Structured on this basis, the large part of the responsibility lies with new database will provide information the industrialised countries and countries about migratory species, GIS maps, popu- in transformation. lation data and a bibliography. The data model's basic unit is the "population", in Other possible applications for GIS analysis each case defined taxonomically as a sub- include diagnosis of potential threats from species or defined geographically. This dif- land-use changes and development, risks ferentiation results from the considerable from environmental disasters, habitat differences in migratory behaviour often destruction and impacts of climate found between different populations of change. the same species. All of the information is completely referenced; a total of over 4,500 sources are used.

399 EXAMPLES OF QUESTIONS 2) Identification of gaps in knowled- ALREADY CONSIDERED WITH THE ge relative to biology and conserva- HELP OF GROMS INCLUDE: tion status of individual species. Such gaps are found in the area of 1) Identification of threatened migra- migratory behaviour, distribution and tory species not yet covered by population figures (for example, the CMS. "data deficient" category used by Following integration of threat levels IUCN). They provide a basis for speci- pursuant to the most recent Interna- fic questions directed to the parties; tional Red List of the IUCN (2000), 95 the parties may be able to help ans- endangered species were listed that, wer such questions within the frame- as "critically endangered", "endange- work of their reporting obligations. red" or "vulnerable", have an "unfa- GROMs is thus an effective tool for vourable conservation situation" or administrating and documenting must be considered "endangered" data exchanges between parties and (within the meaning of CMS Art I, 1d, the Secretariat. e), but were not yet protected by the Bonn Convention.

Fig. 5-1: Number of migratory bird and mammal species per administrative unit (provinces). This map was produced by intersecting GIS range maps of 530 species with political boundaries.

0 Km 4000

3 to 101

400 Germany´s contributions to CMS 5

3) Automatic calculation of range sta- In addition to its core database functions, tes by integration with GIS maps GROMS provides a comprehensive collec- ("range states"; better: "range terri- tion of literature and documents in digital tories"). format (for example, applications of indi- This option has been used to prepa- vidual countries for inclusion of species in red range-state lists for 545 species. the Annexes to the Bonn Convention), ad- An even more important aspect is ministrated within an integrated literature that a system is now in place for database. It also includes a fund of 300 transparent, easily updated admini- digital photographs of museum exhibits stration of range-state lists, the prepa- and ornithological photographs taken in ration of which is one of the main the field. Finally, the GROMS-CD provides tasks of the CMS Secretariat. This software for animated presentation of system now supports migration routes. This material is particu- - effective recalculation of lists follo- larly suited to the Secretariat's efforts to wing changes in boundaries or enhance public awareness (integration in accession of new parties (states) websites, brochures). - recalculation following receipt of updated distribution data. Standard use of the described GROMS components is fully documented and re- Traditional types of party data can also be quires no special training. Once the Secre- administrated with the system. GROMS is tariat staff have completed a training thus a tool for CMS administration of course, many other types of applications range state lists. will become possible (preparation of reports, maps, document administration). To date, data has been entered on a global Since GROMS uses ACCESS and ArcView, scale. The GROMS data model is fully scal- which are standard software components, able, however, and it can also be used for staff can be trained within the context of administration of regional data and data regular training measures. series. This means that the system would also be highly useful for the Secretariats of A comprehensive presentation of the regis- the regional agreements. On the other ter's structure, content and potential is hand, these Secretariats would have to provided by RIEDE (2002). organise and finance their own data input, since input of finely structured data Plans call for delegates to the 7th CMS CoP can be very time-consuming and require and the 2nd AEWA MoP to receive the larger numbers of staff. Conversely, data database in CD-ROM form, along with an records generated in individual studies accompanying handbook. "Power user can be relatively easily integrated in training" will also be offered to guests. GROMS, once such data is in the proper format. The Convention Secretariats are urged to use this system.

401 6 Appendix

6.1 Bibliography

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416 Appendix – Bibliography 6

VEREIN ZUR FÖRDERUNG V. NATURERLEB- WERNER, M. & BAUER, H.-G. (2000): Zur WOIKE, M. (2001): Schutz und Entwicklung NISSEN (2001): Verein zur Förderung v. Situation wandernder Vogelarten in Deutsch- des Nationalparks Djoudj in der Republik Naturerlebnissen. - http://www.naturerleb- land - Konzeption für einen Zug- und Rast- Senegal. Europäisch-afrikanische Koopera- nisse.citymap.de/city/print/de/Niedersachsen/ vogelatlas. - Die Vogelwelt 121: S. 223-228. tion zum Schutz wandernder Vogelarten. - Landkreis_Stade/Kunden/Verein_zur_Förder LÖBF Mitteilungen (1): S. 42-51. ung_v._Naturerlebnissen/1.html (27.11.01). WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL (1999): Re- port on the Conservation Status of Migra- WÜST, W (1990): Avifauna Bavariae. - Die VERWEY, J. & WOLFF, W. J. (1981): The tory Waterbirds in the Agreement Area. - Vogelwelt Bayerns im Wandel der Zeit. - common or harbour porpoise. - In: REIJN- Wageningen, The Netherlands (Wetlands München. DERS, P. J. H. & WOLFF, W. J. [Hrsg.]: International) 147 S. Marine Mammals of the Wadden Sea. Final WÜSTNEI, C. (1903): Die Adler Mecklen- report of the section „Marine Mammals” of WIETFELD, J. (1998): Der Große Knechtsand burgs. - Archiv des Vereins der Freunde der the Wadden Sea Working Group, Leiden, im Nationalpark Wattenmeer. - Seevögel 19 Naturgeschichte Mecklenburgs 57: S. 51-58. - Sonderheft: 1. Deutsches See- und Küsten- S. 45-104. vogelkolloquium: S. 23-26. VIABONO GMBH (2001): Presse. - ZANDER, R. (1998): Der „Nationalpark http://www.viabono.de/presse/presse.php WILKENS, S. (1997): 1996 erstmals Löffler Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer”: Ziele des (27.11.01). (Platalea leucorodia) -Brut auf der Insel Großschutzgebietes und die besondere Be- Mellum (Nationalpark Niedersächsisches deutung der Seevogelschutzverbände bei VLUGG, J. J. (2000): Zur Brutbestandsent- Wattenmeer). - Seevögel 18: S. 45-46. der Erfüllung seiner Aufgabe. - Seevögel 19 wicklung und Ökologie des Rothalstauch- - Sonderheft: 1. Deutsches See- und ers (Podiceps grisegena) in Schleswig- WILLE, V. (1997): Besucherlenkung der Küstenkolloquium: S. 14-16. Holstein und Hamburg 1969-1998 - mit Gänsetouristen. - LÖBF-Mitteilungen (1): ergänzenden Bemerkungen zur früheren S. 56-62. ZANG, H.; GROßKOPF, G. & HECKENROTH, Situation und zu den Verhältnissen in den H. (1995): Die Vögel Niedersachsens. Nachbarländern. - Corax 18: S. 160-179. WINK, M. (1990): Die Vögel des Rheinlan- Austernfischer bis Schnepfen. - Naturschutz des, Atlas zur Winterverbreitung. - Beiträge und Landschaftspflege Niedersachsen 8 WASSER- UND SCHIFFFAHRTSVERWAL- zur Avifauna des Rheinlandes 31/32. (2-5) 340 S. TUNG DES BUNDES (2001): Ablaufdiagramm. - www.wsv.de/Schifffahrt/Bekaempfung_von_ WIPPER, E. (1974): Die ökologischen und ZEISKE, O. (1992): Die Rastbestände des Meeresverschmutzungen/Organisation/ pathologischen Probleme beim europä- Sichelstrandläufers in den nördlichen Ablaufdiagramm/Ablaufdiagramm.html ischen Seehund (Phoca vitulina Linne 1758) Küstenvorländern des Elbeästuars. - (03.12.01). an der niedersächsischen Nordseeküste. - Unveröffentlichte Staatsexamensarbeit am Dissertation, Universität München. 211 S. Zoologischen Institut und Zoologischen WAWRZYNIAK, H. & SOHNS, G. (1977): Der Museum der Universität Hamburg Seggenrohrsänger. - Wittenberg (A. WITT, H. (1969): Kleines Sumpfhuhn (Por- (Hamburg) 59 S. Ziemsen) 100 S. zana parva) und Seggenrohrsänger (Acro- cephalus paludicola) in den Spätingen des ZIESEMER, F. (1986): Die Situation von Ufer- WEISS, J.; MICHELS, C.; JÖBGES, M. & KET- Adolfkooges. - Corax 3: S. 37. schnepfe (Limosa limosa), Rotschenkel TRUP, M. (1999): Zum Erfolg im Feuchtwie- (Tringa totanus), Bekassine (Gallinago galli- senschutzprogramm NRW - Das Beispiel Wie- WITT, K.; BAUER, H.-G.; BERTHOLD, P.; nago), Kampfläufer (Philomachus pugnax) senvögel. - LÖBF Mitteilungen (3): S. 14-26. BOYE, P.; HÜPPOP, O. & KNIEF, W. (1996): und anderen Wiesenvögeln in Schleswig- Rote Liste der Brutvögel Deutschlands. - Holstein. - Corax 11: S. 249-261. WENDT, W. (1997): Empfehlungen für eine Berichte zum Vogelschutz 34: S. 11-35. bundesweite Bestandsüberwachung von ZINTL, H (1998): Bestandsentwicklung der Fledermaus-Populationen als Basis für ein Flußseeschwalbe Sterna hirundo in Bayern. Monitoring-System auf nationaler und - Die Vogelwelt 119: S. 123-132. internationaler Ebene. – Mitteilungsblatt der BAG Fledermausschutz 1/97: S. 4-6.

417 Contributions to the Report

Compiled and edited by Karsten Lutz, Ralf Joest, Michael Kruse and Christel Grave, with contributions by Kai. F. Abt (small cetaceans and seals), Margret Binot-Hafke, Dr. Peter Boye, Rainer Dröschmeister, Dr. Horst Gruttke, Heiko Haupt, Jutta Illmann, Tobias Klöcker (bats), Klaus Riede and BfN section I 2.3 "National, representative projects", and with contributions from the Länder as follows:

BRANDENBURG Dr. Martin Flade Aquatic Warbler Conservation Team, Landesanstalt für Großschutzgebiete Brandenburg Dr. Roland Maier Ministerium für Landwirtschaft, Umweltschutz und Raumordnung (Oberste Jagdbehörde) Dr. Torsten Langgemach Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte Heide Filoda Biosphärenreservatsverwaltung Flusslandschaft Elbe-Brandenburg Helmut Schmidt Nationalparkverwaltung Unteres Odertal Sebastian Körner Biosphärenreservatsverwaltung Schorfheide-Chorin Thomas Heinike Naturschutzstation Buckow Torsten Ryslavy Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte BERLIN Herr Wehner Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung BADEN- Peter Linderoth Wildforschungsstelle des Landes Baden-Württemberg WÜRRTEMBERG BAYERN Günter von Lossow Bayerisches Landesamt für Umweltschutz Referat Artenschutz Vögel (Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte) Heiner Schöpf Bayerisches Landesamt für Umweltschutz Referat Artenschutz Vögel (Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte) HANSESTADT Henrich Klugkist Senator für Bau und Umwelt BREMEN Peter Werner-Harves Senator für Bau und Umwelt HESSEN Herr Apel Hessisches Ministerium für Umwelt, Landwirtschaft und Forsten HANSESTADT Anke Hahn Umweltbehörde der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg HAMBURG Bianca Krebs Umweltbehörde der Freien und Hansestadt Hamburg (Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte) MECKLENBURG- Beatrix Gebhard Biosphärenreservatsverwaltung Schaalsee VORPOMMERN Dr. Lothar Wölfel Landesamt für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Geologie Frank Tessendorf Landesamt für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Geologie Gunther Rohde Staatliches Amt für Umwelt und Natur Ueckermünde Katrin Runze Landesamt für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Geologie Herr Spindler Ministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Fischerei NIEDERSACHSSEN Peter Südbeck Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte Herr Westermeier Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten NORDRHEIN- Dr. Bernd Conrad Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte WESTFALEN Heimo van Elsbergen Ministerium für Umwelt und Naturschutz, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz Michael Jöbges Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte RHEINLAND- Rüdiger Kassel Ministerium für Umwelt und Forsten PFALZ

418 Contributions to the Report 6

SCHLESWIG- Bernd Hälterlein Landesamt für den Nationalpark Schleswig-Holsteinisches HOLSTEIN Wattenmeer Fritz Maurischat Ministerium für Umwelt, Natur und Forsten des Landes Schleswig-Holstein SAARLAND Herr Speicher Ministerium für Umwelt SACHSEN Dr. R. Steffens Sächsisches Landesamt für Umwelt und Geologie Friedrich Schneider Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Landwirtschaft Steffen Rau Sächsisches Landesamt für Umwelt und Geologie SACHSEN-ANHALT Dr. Wolfgang Wendt Ministerium für Raumordnung, Landwirtschaft und Umwelt Gunthard Dornbusch Staatl. Vogelschutzwarte THÜRINGEN Herr Hoffman Ministerium für Landwirtschaft, Naturschutz und Umwelt and with the help of contributions from the following institutions and private persons:

FEDERAL Peter Bradhering BMVEL INSTITUTIONS Dr. Richard Lammel BMVEL Herr Dr. Braun Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde Dr. Karl-Hermann Kock Bundesforschungsanstalt für Fischerei Gerhard Adams Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit Dr. Bettina Reineking Common Wadden Sea Secretariat ASSOCOATIONS, Dietrich Sellin PRIVATE PERSONS Jochen Bellebaum Oliver Krone Peter Hauff Jörg Schmiedel Büro für Landschaftsplanung und Umweltgestaltung Johannes Wahl Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten Martin Boschert Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten Dr. Armin Winter Deutscher Jagdschutz-Verband e.V. Dr. Stefan Garthe Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Büsum Herr Kubenz Grüne Liga Sachsen e.V. Günter Nowald Kranichschutz Deutschland GmbH Dr. Andreas v. Lindeiner Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. Ulrich Lanz Landesbund für Vogelschutz in Bayern e.V. Axel Jahn Naturschutz & Bildung Bernd Struwe-Juhl Projektgruppe Seeadlerschutz Schleswig-Holstein e.V. Uwe Schneider Verein Jordsand e.V. Dr. Christoph Sudfeldt Zentralstelle für Wasservogelforschung und Feuchtgebietsschutz Dr. Joachim Ulbricht Sächsische Vogelschutzwarte Neschwitz Winfried Nachtigall Sächsische Vogelschutzwarte Neschwitz

419 Editors and Contributors: The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Division for Wildlife Regulations D-53048 Bonn List of text authors Texts/Editing/Revision Dipl.-Biol. Karsten Lutz, Biodiversity & Wildlife Consulting: Karsten Lutz Michael Kruse Ralf Joest Christel Grave

The Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), Division N I 3 "Wildlife Regulations" ("Artenschutzregelungen") Gerhard Adams Joachim Schmitz Conception/Editing Erik Schmidt-Wergifosse

Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN): Dr. Peter Boye Heiko Haupt with contributions by Margret Binot-Hafke Rainer Dröschmeister Jutta Illmann Fachgebiet I 2.3 „Gesamtstaatlich repräsentative Vorhaben” Dr. Horst Gruttke

Non-governmental organisations: Nicolas Entrup (WDCS) Dr. Markus Nipkow (NABU) Andrea Horn (EURONATUR) Dr. Christoph Sudfeldt (DDA) Dr. Armin Winter (DJV)

Other editors and contributors: Tobias Klöcker Kai Abt Klaus Riede

Design and Production: VISOMEDIA, Bonn

Photos: Greenpeace, Projektgruppe Seeadlerschutz, Natur-Bildarchiv Robert Groß, Hirning-Naturbild, Kai Abt, Karsten Lutz, Euronatur-Archiv, Ralf Joest, Stefan Pfützke, Thorsten Stegmann, Karl Tempel

Print: Daemisch Mohr GmbH & Co. KG, Siegburg

Edition: September 2002, Number of copies 700 “Wild animals in their innumerable forms are an irreplaceable part of the earth`s natural system which must be conserved for the good of mankind.”

Extract from the Bonn Convention Preambula

Contact: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Division for Wildlife Regulations D-53048 Bonn Fax. +49 1888 305 2684 www.bmu.de E-Mail: [email protected]

This publication is available free of charge as part of the public relations work of the Federal German Government. It is printed on 100% recycled paper.