Objective
The project aims, in the short term, at tackling the main limiting factors for the gull populations by wardening its colonies, fencing off two colonies, providing artificial cover to reduce predation of the chicks and, to prevent Larus cachinans expanding, banning the dumping of garbage in open tips. At the beginning of the project, breeding success, population size, quantification of threats etc. will be measured, to be used for the assessment of the success of the project after its completion.
For the long-term conservation of Larus audouinii and the other important species in these areas, the basic preparatory actions in favour of protected site management will be undertaken. The ultimate output will be the preparation of Presidential Decrees establishing legal protection for these sites.
Greece boasts the largest population of Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) in the eastern Mediterranean and the third largest in Europe (at least 250 pairs). This is a population distinct and largely isolated from the one in the western Mediterranean. The Greek population is dispersed over 13 colonies, with strongholds in the Dodecanese and on Kithera. These colonies are located within sites proposed for inclusion in the NATURA 2000 network.
The species is threatened in Greece mainly during the breeding season, by disturbance, depletion of fish stocks, competition with another gull, Larus cachinans, and habitat degradation through grazing. Fishing activities and tourism are the two main factors from which most threats originate. The conservation of this dispersed population can only be achieved through protection and management measures applied to the full range of NATURA 2000 sites where the gull occurs.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
10681 Athens
Greece