Inspiring results from 4 years of species protection for the Montagu's harrier summarised in a fascinating report
Four years after the start of the species protection programme for the western marsh harrier, a team of area co-ordinators, company planners, field bird experts and farmers has managed to create 326 hectares of suitable habitat. This involves so-called ‘bird boxes’ and ‘bird food crop rotation’, which farmers create with a management agreement with the Flemish Land Agency. Rare species such as the short-eared owl and the hen harrier benefit greatly from the measures.
“The presence of harriers in a landscape is the best example of a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem. ”
Zuhal Demir, Flemish Minister of Nature.
The marsh harrier has had three breeding cases in four years. All the results of four years of species protection are beautifully summarised in a final report. But the story does not end here. Flanders has set the bar higher and is aiming for 15 breeding pairs. Nature and Forests is therefore preparing an extension of the hen harrier species protection programme.
“Hen harriers, which patrol gracefully above fields, reed beds and heaths are true flagship species for a rich landscape with many prey animals. The presence of harriers in a landscape is the best example of a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem. Healthy ecosystems in Flanders are only possible if the quality of the landscape and the pressure on the environment continues to improve. In this respect, measuring leads to knowledge. Species protection programmes, such as those for harriers, are only effective if we measure, evaluate and adjust where necessary. And this report is an incredibly valuable tool for that.”
Zuhal Demir, Flemish Minister of Nature.
Report
‘Plan Kiekendief, naar een landschap met kiekendieven in Vlaanderen’ is a final report that includes all results of the past period 2017-2020. The report can be ordered, while stocks last, or downloaded from the following website www.ecopedia.be/dieren/grauwe-kiekendief. Here you will also find more information about this species.
Podcast
Following the success and extension of the species protection programme, bird expert and stand-up comedian Begijn Le Bleu interviewed Flemish Minister of Nature Zuhal Demir. Listen here to his podcast Fwiet Fwiet!
Movie
Make sure to watch the beautiful movie of the Regional Landscape South-Hageland about the species protection programme of the western marsh harrier.
More info
Looking for more information? Discover it all on the website of Plan Harrier and the website of Nature and Forests.
You can download the report on Ecopedia.
Source: Plan kiekendief
