Objective
Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus) have declined worldwide to the point that the species has been classified "vulnerable" according to the IUCN-ICBP Red Data Book and "endangered" by the Council of Europe. Severe degradation of the wetlands from various anthropogenic sources is the main cause of this decline. Presently the majority of the world population of the species is found in the wetlands of S.E. Kazakhstan, while Greece is the second country worldwide hosting Dalmatian Pelicans.
The PC as been the scientific and administrative co-ordinator on this EC program, presently funded by the Greek Government. At Kazakhstan monitoring of Dalmatian Pelicans has been carried out for the past 10 years without integrated approach leading to the conservation and management of the species and of its habitats. The gained experience by both teams will be used to implement joint efforts for the global protection of the species.
The goal of the proposed project is to carry out integrated research in S.E. Kazakhstan wetlands in order to collect all needed scientific information concerning Dalmatian Pelican populations in each wetland so that proper conservation and management measures are proposed to reverse the decline of the species and of its habitats. This goal will be fulfilled with detailed research on Dalmatian Pelican populations and on their habitats. Breeding populations and performance will be investigated and the limiting factors will be determined. Chemical analysis for heavy metals and pesticides on pelican eggs and on fish used as food will show the effect of pesticide pollution on species status.
Research will also be carried out on Dalmatian Pelican habitats -breeding, feeding and roosting-resting- mapping of these sites and recording of disturbance. Special care will be given on the determination of the effect of the hydrological conditions and human activities such as fishing, poaching, reed-cutting, fires and agricultural or other uses on these habitats. On pelicans found dead necropsies will be carried out and investigation on the mortality causes. All the above research will lead to the formulation of measures necessary for the conservation and management of the endangered species.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
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540 06 Thessaloniki
Greece