Press Release Bratislava

In January, ornithologists controlled the places of occurrence of rare raptor species. The number of Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Imperial Eagle and Saker Falcon is known already, the data obtained will be used for protection of these endangered species. Monitored areas and habitats of verified presence of mentioned species are illustrated in the map http://bit.ly/2k6i5PS.

“As usual, the census of critically endangered Red Kite was accomplished as first at the beginning of January. Only 10 – 15 pairs of Red Kite occur in the territory of Slovakia, they nest in western and eastern part of the country. In winter, the number of birds increases. The number of 25 Red Kites was observed during the bird census at Záhorie. Besides these, two other Red Kites spent the night in this area. They were identified thanks to transmitters given to them by ornithologists from Austria and Czech Republic in 2016,” informs Ján Svetlík from Raptor Protection of Slovakia.

“We noticed 30 individuals of Saker Falcon and 52 those of Imperial Eagle. The number is slightly lower in comparison with past seasons. In the case of White-tailed Eagle the number increased (78 individuals), since these birds have enough food, such as animal cadavers, during this hard winter,” Jozef Chavko explains.

The census of rare bird of prey species was carried out in the territory of SPA, which is included in the LIFE Energy Project area. Within the project more than 100 nest boxes and artificial nests were put in this area. The nesting conditions will improve this way and new habitats will be more attractive for rare birds. Also, the serious threatening barrier of electric wires in the country is being eliminated within the Energy Project. Special technical elements are installed on wires to avoid the collisions of birds in cooperation with partner energy companies,” adds Lucia Deutschová from Raptor Protection of Slovakia.

• Imperial Eagle Imperial Eagle
• Red Kite Red Kite
• White-tailed Eagle White-tailed Eagle
• Saker Falcon Saker Falcon
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Slovak version