Ornithologists plan joint action as Baltic eagle owls decline

Baltic eagle owl numbers are falling sharply, prompting ornithologists to call for coordinated research and conservation measures across the region, LSM reported.

At the first Baltic meeting on eagle owl research and protection, held in September, ornithologists from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia discussed the population’s condition, its main threats and possible protective measures. They agreed that the countries should set shared conservation goals and develop research and practical measures as part of a Baltic-wide protection programme.

The birds face threats from people and predators during the nesting season, die near power lines and are also affected by avian flu. Research indicates that eagle owls move between the Baltic states, making coordinated action important, said Pēteris Daknis, head of the Latvian Ornithological Society’s eagle owl programme.

Researchers in Latvia know of 13 breeding pairs, while the country’s total population is estimated at up to 43 pairs. To improve nesting conditions, conservationists have recently installed artificial nests raised above the ground. Natural ground nesting is often unsuccessful, Daknis said, and nests remain vulnerable to people, wild boar and foxes for four months. He added that conservation work needs more funding, through projects or public donations.

Lithuania also releases captive-bred eagle owls into the wild, but many die near power lines. Researchers there currently know of one breeding pair, in Šiauliai; other pairs may be present, but sightings have not been confirmed, biologist Petrs Adeiķis said.

Tags: wildlife, conservation, Baltic states