Counted now and less than ever are the nests of silver pelicans that remained this year in Prespes after the huge ecological disaster and the death of 1,700 birds from bird flu
The few silver pelicans rescued look “puzzled” and isolated. They lost the arrogant opening of their wings and in the waters of the lake their … loneliness has been reflected for a long time. The repeated losses last winter have caused their numbers to drop to such an extent that it is even difficult to reproduce, as many lost their mate and were left alone in the lake that was by far the largest colony of this particular pelican species in the world.
Today there are only one hundred occupied nests compared to the one thousand three hundred that existed last year at the same time. The surviving birds stand on the islets, in the reedbed, without taking care of their nest, – an unprecedented spectacle for the nesting season – as their reproductive cycle has been disturbed and some may have fallen ill and not understood it.
«The birds that have survived the disaster and which have been trying to re-nest since the end of April are few, 70% less is their population this year. Silver pelicans have avoided the danger, abandoned their nests and can not reproduce, either because they have lost their mate or for reasons that may be related to the disease“, Speaking speaking on the radio station of the Athenian / Macedonian News Agency” Agency 104.9 FM “, the Olga Alexandrouforester-ornithologist and member of its research field Prespa Protection Company. In fact, he points out that 1,300 nests were lost and it is extremely important next year where the reproductive population of this species will be numerically recorded.
The people of Prespa, which attracts hundreds of tourists all year round, were also faced this year with the huge disaster and the disgusting spectacle. They are all shocked and much more perhaps than others, as they know that it is not easy for the area to return to its former form, with the beautiful wild birds flying over the waters and offering their enchanting spectacle to the visitors.
Avian fluthe disease that has hit the region is an infectious disease, which affects the planet in recent decades, but in recent years is showing greater intensity in Europe.
«It is something that mainly concerned the populations of Southeast Asia. Now we see it more in our neighborhood and it has a negative impact on wild birds as well. Until now the domestic birds were affected, it was a very big blow for the industrial poultry, where geese and ducks were sick while now the wild birds are also infected.“, Notes Mrs. Alexandrou.
The colonies in Prespes at high altitudes favor the spread of the virus that can not withstand high temperatures as it is a virus associated with cold and low temperatures. The infection became progressive and the first pelicans that arrived in February began to get sick after the first few weeks. Initially the dead pelicans were 11. Then the number rose to fifty. It gradually reached five hundred and now with the last count in our country, including the rest of the wetlands, it was found that 2,300 birds were lost in Greece, out of a total of 2,500 that died in all the silver pelican colonies of southeastern Europe.
Rose pelicans are durable
They have been arriving in Prespes for many years, together with the silver pelicans and the rose pelicans that travel from the sub-Saharan region and choose the lakes for their reproduction. It seems that their species is much more durable as there were no losses or diseases for the heaviest and largest migratory bird that visits Greek wetlands.
«We had very few deaths, only three, across the country. It is noteworthy that in the same area where 1700 silver pelicans died, the rose pelicans had not suffered anything even though their nests are side by side with those who had become ill. They are in the same area fed by the same lake“, Notes the ornithologist.
The members of the Prespa Protection Society are in constant contact with specialist researchers and veterinarians. They have already proceeded to collect the bodies from the lake in cooperation with the authorities and have proceeded to cremation, observing all the sanitary protocols.
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