CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2010
| Author | Kmetova, Elena Veselinova |
|---|---|
| Title | Habitat model for the restoration of Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) in Bulgaria |
| Summary | Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni, Fleischer, 1818) is globally threatened small falcon species. Despite the secured legal protection and conservation efforts in Bulgaria there are presently no confirmed breeding of Lesser Kestrels. It is, however, considered that the main threats for the species have been eliminated and it might be feasible to restore Lesser Kestrels through human-induced reintroduction. To support the planning and implementation of the reintroduction programme the current study has aimed to compile a general methodology for determining the habitat suitability for Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria, identify potential restoration areas and develop a set of recommendations for the successful re-establishment of the species. In order to achieve this aim a general overview of the habitat preferences of Lesser Kestrel was completed through literature review, field visit to existing Lesser Kestrel colonies and expert consultations. Based on these a general habitat suitability model was developed to identify potential Lesser Kestrel habitats. The model was then implemented in Geographic Information Systems for a target area in Southeastern Bulgaria and potentially suitable areas were found, compared and analyzed. It was concluded that there are suitable areas for Lesser Kestrel restoration in Southeastern Bulgaria. Furthermore, considering the data collected on field on the nearest confirmed breeding colonies of the species human-induced reintroduction was suggested as a feasible strategy for re-establishing the species as opposed to the uncertain possible natural recolonization. The findings of the study are included in the Feasibility Study for the Potential Reintroduction of Lesser Kestrel in Bulgaria conducted by the Green Balkans NGO. |
| Supervisor | Lagutov, Victor Vladimirovich |
| Department | Environment Sciences and Policy MSc |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2010/kmetova_elena.pdf |
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