EURAPTOR

Monitoring with and for raptors in Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The two complimentary objectives of this ERG project are: 1) To further develop and establish an emerging European network for monitoring with and for raptors; 2) to further advance monitoring with and for the lanner falcon Falco biarmicus feldeggi in Sicily, Italy. These build on the activities and outputs of Dr Movalli Duke’s Intra-European Fellowship (IEF) which ended Jan 2007. Expected results are: 1) a European network for monitoring with and for raptors established, contributing to enhanced understanding of raptors as sentinels of environmental health, contamination and environmental change and to strengthened recovery plans for endangered European raptor species; 2) enhanced understanding of environmental pressures on the lanner in Sicily, and of the ability of the lanner to cope with these pressures, contributing to strengthened recovery plans for this endangered species. Objective 1 will be achieved by: a) coordinating publication of a Special Edition of Ambio (contract already signed) on monitoring with and for raptors in Europe; b) building on a network proposal produced and strongly supported by a core group of leading research and conservation organisations, at a workshop convened by the applicant under her IEF. Objective 2 will be achieved by ecological fieldwork, sampling and laboratory analysis of contaminants in lanner and their prey. The project is highly relevant to the work programme in that it will significantly consolidate the applicant's reputation and opportunities for longer-term re-integration through original research and high profile publications and by placing her at the centre of a network of leading groups. The project is highly realistic, building on solid outputs and relationships established during the applicant's IEF, notably between CEH UK and the University of Palermo, with the signatory groups to the Ambio and network initiatives, and with national and regional authorities in Italy.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, perform an important role by acting as environmental indicators. Their presence reflects a healthy ecosystem, while a decline in their numbers can signify contamination of the local environment.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The 'Monitoring with and for raptors in Europe' (Euraptor) project is developing a Europe-wide network for monitoring birds of prey. The initiative built on the success of the Raptor Ecotox initiative (funded by the Intra-European Fellowship (IEF)) by helping to secure the long-term viability of the European network. The consortium has also supported recovery plans for threatened species such as the lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus feldeggi).

A recent study at the University of Palermo in Italy has led to a greater understanding of the environmental pressures on the lanner falcon, something that will contribute to its recovery. Presence or absence of the species can be used as an indication of the condition of the local environment. The project has also coordinated a special edition of the academic journal 'AMBIO' concerning the monitoring of European birds of prey.

Researchers have conducted studies into contaminants in lanner falcons and their prey through fieldwork and the use of sampling techniques. Laboratory analysis is employed when a statistically significant number of lanner samples have been collected, something that takes time due to the birds' rarity. Samples have also been collected from peregrine falcons for comparative purposes.

Work carried out by the Euraptor initiative can contribute to greater biodiversity and improved environmental and human health. The creation and growth of a European network will help in the maintenance and recovery of raptor populations and their habitats, together with a reduction in chemicals threatening the ecosystem and human population. Euraptor will therefore aid environmental and human health policymakers, environmental law enforcement bodies, and conservationists.