Recovery projects for national priority species

The Swiss species recovery programme for birds is principally dedicated to planning and implementing specific species recovery projects. To this end, a better understanding is gained of factors that jeopardise the existence of the species, new support measures are developed, existing measures are evaluated and the various stakeholders are provided with specialist support.

National action plans are underway for the following species: Western Capercaillie, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Common Hoopoe, White Stork, Common Sandpiper, Little Owl and Corncrake.

The aim of the programme is to improve the status of the populations of the 36 priority species.

Coordination of the nationwide promotion of priority species involves motivating, advising and informing key stakeholders (e.g. cantons). Implementation aids such as action plans, fact sheets and courses are used for this purpose. In addition, the possibilities and limitations of specific measures at local to regional level are demonstrated by means of example projects and backed up by means of success monitoring. Species-specific working groups are organised in order to enhance cooperation and knowledge sharing. Where knowledge gaps exist for efficient species recovery, research projects are carried out wherever possible.

Some species and groups of species cannot be sufficiently promoted by means of habitat and area protection alone but require additional specific measures to ensure their populations are able to survive. The Swiss species recovery programme for birds provides a framework for the effective implementation of measures by a wide range of stakeholders.

The Northern Lapwing, the Western Capercaillie, the Little Owl, the Common Tern and the White Stork are examples of species where populations have increased once again throughout Switzerland as a result of coordinated recovery efforts (see also www.vogelwarte.ch/atlas). However, sustainable species recovery usually requires measures to be continued even if they are successful.

In spite of everything, bird species in agricultural areas and natural watercourses in particular are still under considerable pressure. Recovery efforts have to be intensified in these areas.

The website www.artenfoerderung-voegel.ch provides information on:

• the priority species for recovery projects
• their situation and the support measures required
• fundamental resources and information available in relation to these species.

• BirdLife Switzerland
• Federal Office for the Environment FOEN