The populations of many meadow breeders and ground-nesting birds have declined dramatically at all altitudes over the last two decades. The abandonment of agriculture at higher altitudes – where mechanisation is difficult – and in particular the practice of intensive grassland management are two factors that have had fatal consequences for many species which thrive in open grassland. The Whinchat, Eurasian Skylark, Common Quail and Corn Crake are typical bird species of these landscapes that urgently require targeted recovery measures.
Domain
Conservation
Unit
Species Recovery
Topic
Species Recovery, Population Development, Habitat Promotion
Habitat
meadows and pastures
Project start
2020
Project completion
2028
Project status
ongoing
Project management
Alain Jacot
Project region
Valais
Employees
Species concerned
Unit
Species Recovery
Wildlife conservation coordinates the development, improvement and dissemination of measures in favour of priority bird species that cannot be helped by habitat protection alone. Together with BirdLife Switzerland and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the department also coordinates the “Species Recovery for Swiss Birds” programme.