ANNALES • Ser. hist. nat. 11 • 2001 • 1 (23)
professional paper	UDC 598.9(497.5)
received: 23.5.2001
ELEONORA'S FALCON (FALCO ELEONORAE, GENE 1839) IN CROATIA: RANGE, THREATS AND THE PROPOSAL OF ACTION
AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Gvido PIASEVOU
Public institution for the Management of Protected Areas in the County of Split artd Oalmatîa, HR-21000 Split, Prilaz braCe Kaliterna 10
E-mail: Gvido.Piasevoii@dalmatian-nature.hr
Vlatka sCETARiC "Kamtks Eko ci.o.o.", HR-10250 Kagreb-l.u£ko, F ran je PuSkariea 18
ABSTRACT
Eleonora's Falcon is classified as rare in Europe. This species is also included in the first group of priorities for the protection of biological diversity by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of Croatia. Croatian population of Eleonora's Falcon has not been sufficiently researched and its nest sites have not been protected so far. We have been investigating Eleonora's Falcon population in Croatia for three years. The research consisted of two main parts - study of the breeding ecology of colony F3 and census of the entire Croatian population. The population was estimated at 58-68 breeding pairs in six colonies and we made a proposal as to the action and management plan for this species in Croatia.
Key words: Falco eleonorae, Eleonora's Falcon, Croatia, action plan, management plan
FALCO DELLA REGINA {FALCO ELEONORAE GENE 1839) IN CROAZIA: DISTRIBUZIONE, PERICOLI E PROPOSTA DEL PIANO DI AZIONE E GESTIONE
SINTESI
II Falco delta Regina in Europa é classificato come specie rara. II suo nome é stato inserito net primo gruppo delle priorita per ¡a tutela della diversita biologica da! Ministero per I'ambiente del I a Repubblica di Croazia. la popoiazione del Falco della Regina in Croazia non é stata studiata a sufficienza e i suoi siti di nidificazione non ven-gono ancora tutelad. Da tre anni gli autori studiano la popoiazione del Falco della Regina in Croazia. La ricerca comprende lo studio delle moda I i ta di riproduzione della colonia fJ nonché i I censiinento dell'intera popoiazione. Si siima che questa comprenda 58-68 coppie in sei colonie. Cli autori hanno ultimata la proposta per il piano di azione e gestione di questa specie in Croazia.
Parole chiave: Falco eleonorae, Falco della Regina, Croazia, piano di azione, piano di gestione
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ANNALES • Ser. hist. nat. 11 • 2001 • 1 (23)
Gvido PIA5EVOLI i Vlaíka SČETAKlO; tlEONORA'S FA1.CON (M/, CO Flf.ONORAf., GFNí IfiíS; .... ai-86
INTRODUCTION
Eieonora's Falcon {Falco eleonorae, Gene 1839) breeds mostly in the Mediterranean region. The total population of this species, which is classified as rare at the European level (Tucker & Heath, 1994), is estimated at some 6320 pairs (Ristow, in print). The species is also included in the first group of priorities for the protection of biological diversity by the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of Croatia (Državna uprava za zaštitu prirode i okoliša, 1999). The Croatian population of Eieonora's Falcon has not been sufficiently researched enough and most of the data are based on accidental and occasional observations (jova-novič, 1972; Krpan, 1965, 1980; Lukač et al.. 1997).
It's nest sites have not been protected so far.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We have been studying the population of Eieonora's Falcon in Croatia for three years 1998, 1999 and 2000 (Tab. 1). The research consisted of two main parts -study of the bird's breeding ecology in colony F3 and census of its total Croatian population.
Tab. 1: Years, locations and dates of the carried out fieldwork.
Tab. 1; Leta, lokacije in datumi terenskega dela.
The codes of the colonies are according to Walter (1978). During the research, the birds were observed by binoculars BPC 7x50 and BPC4 6x30 and the telescope Opticron HR66 45R from boat cruising along the cliffs and, in some cases, from various islands. During observations from the boat, birds were startled by a special siren in order to make them fly away from their nest sites and thus to enable us to make all the necessary records.
The census was made with t|?e aid of eleven metres long sailing ship and a small boat at the following Centra! and South Adriatic islands: Dugi otok, Komati Isles, Jabuka, Kamik, Svetac, Bisevo, Vis, Greben, Susac, Bi-jelac, Lastovo, KorCula, Mljet and Elafiti isles. The 1997 data from Palagru2a are also included in the census.
Foreign experience and recommendations (Ristow, in print) were used, too.
RESULTS
Population of Eieonora's Falcon in Croatia
During the first census of Eieonora's Falcon in Croatia, six colonies were registered (Tab. 2).
Tab. 2: Colonies and a number of breeding pairs estimated during the 2000 census. Tab. 2: Kolonije in število gnezdečih parov, ugotovljenih med štetjem leta 2000.
COLONY	NUMBER OF PAIRS
F2	6-8
F3	38-42
F4	2
F 6	3-4
F7	5-7
F8	4-5
The colonies are situated on five Central Dalmatian islands and defined according to Walter (1979) and Ristow etal. (1989).
The area of distribution
Island A covers 4.6 square kilometres. It is temporarily inhabited, with a low level of agriculture, mostly vineyards and Mediterranean vegetation, predominantly maquis and pine forests.
Island B covers 0.08 square kilometres, it is uninhabited and with very poor vegetation. These two islands are the sites of colony F3.
Fig. I: Eieonora's falcon (Falco eleonorae). (Photo: D. Ristow)
SI. 1: Sredozemski sokol (Falco eleonorae). (Foto: D. Ristow)
YEAR	LOCATION	DATE
1998	Cofony F3	July 25-30 September 10-11
1999	Colony F3	August 03-08 September 13
2000	Colony F3 Islands of the Central and South Adriatic (census)	August 07-13 September 12-21 August 19-31
		
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Cvido PIASEvOl.) .V Vblkn SCETARIČ: [LEONORA'S FALCON l/ALCO ELEONOKAE, GENE 18391..., 81-86
Island C covers 90.3 square kilometres and is inhabited, with various activities practised there, such as tourism, agriculture, hunting, traffic and fishing. Colonies F2 and F6 are situated on this island.
island D is 5.3 square kilometres large with several permanent inhabitants and a low level of agriculture. During the summer there are some tourist activities practised on this island and around it. Colonies F7 and F8 are situated on this island.
island £ is 0.4 square kilometres large, uninhabited and with some low vegetation. Colony F4 is situated on it.
DISCUSSION Potential threats and limiting factors Natural factors
Nests of the Eleonora's Falcon could be naturally endangered by various predators, such as snakes, ravens, gulls or some raptor species. Adult falcons are able to defend their nests, and the predators mentioned above should thus not threaten the population. Some parasites and diseases, such as Mallophaga, Haemaphy-salis hoody and a form of malaria, were also registered in some colonies (Ristow & Wink, 1985), but they do not essentially affect the size of the colonies.
Introduction of allochtonous species to the islands with Eleonora's Falcon colonies
Over 90% of the Croatian population breeds on large inhabited or temporarily inhabited islands. Various predators or other alfochtonous spccics (cats, dogs, rabbits, rats, sheep and so on) were colonized on those islands long ago, and it is likely that their density on some islands has declined due to the depopulation.
Hunting and illegal trade
in the past, the locals were known to eat the nestlings.. but this custom has practically disappeared. There is some possibility or an occasional, accidental poaching, and this species could also be interesting for egg collectors due to its rarity Eleonora's Falcon is not interesting for falconry purposes.
Pressures on the bird's nest sites
Intensive urbanization and sea traffic close to the colonies could be very detrimental for the breeding birds. During the parents' absence, the eggs or you.ng could be attacked by predators, and embryos in eggs could be destroyed due to overheating, if eggs are directly exposed to the sun
Fig. 2: Nestling of the Eleonora 's falcon. (Photo: G. Pia-sevoli)
Si 2: Mladič sredozemskega sokola. (Foto: G. Piasevoli)
Habitat degradation
Disappearance of natural vegetation and intensive agriculture could reduce the food sources for falcons, f orest fires could be a potential cause of disappearance of natural vegetation. Drinking water is also important for the bird's colonies. Small pools, the only reserves of drinking water for falcons, are not maintained nowadays and are rapidly disappearing due to depopulation and decreasing agriculture.
Poisoning
Irresponsible usage of agricultural chemical agents could cause poisoning. This, however, has not been registered in Croatia so far, but it has certainly been recorded in some other countries (Ristow, 2001) and could thus be expected here as well.
Aims and proposed actions
Trends and oscillations regarding the size of the population are completely unknown due to the insufficient research so far. It is necessary, however, that at least the Falcon's present numbers are retained through protection.
The following measures should be undertaken: I. Legal aspect
1. 1. To declare protection of all nest sites by the Nature Protection Law as special reserves or nature monuments and to include them in large marine and pelagic islands as a protected and sustainably managed area;
1. 2. to prevent eventual nest plundering with certain
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C vide ñASEVOLI & Viatica ŠČETARIČ: FIFONOKA'S FALCON {FALCO tUONOP.AE, CENE IS391.... 81-86
protection measures in every reserve or nature monument;
1. 3. not to allow hunting activities^n the hinterland of the colonies before November I ;
1. 4. to authorize persons to monitor and guard the colonies, i.e. to immediate intervene and prevent people breaking the law;
1.	5. to include the protection of the colonies in the complete regional and national strategy of the coastal zone development.
2.	Economic activities development policy
2. 1. To protect colonies from various pressures caused by too heavy traffic of tourist ships and aircraft; to stimulate development of sustainable, ecological tourism, whose main resource should be well preserved nature; to prevent any extensive building of new tourist accommodation capacities and other structures on the low urbanized small islands with the Falcon's colonies, especially close to them;
2.	2. to stimulate organic agriculture on the islands, with minimal use of pesticides and herbicides.
3.	International cooperation
3. 1. To ensure a coordination of the national action plan with the adequate plans at the international level.
Fig. 3: Nest of the Eleonora's falcon with huge remains of feathers of preys in front of it. (Photo: G. Piasevoli) Si 3: Gnezdo sredozemskega sokola z lepo vidnimi ostanki perja različnih vrst njegovega plena. (Foto: G. Piasevoli)
4. Habitat protection
4. 1. To ensure natural succession of vegetation in the large parts of the islands, which are known as the Falcon's hunting grounds. Forrest management should be under control by nature conservation institutions;
4. 2. to ensure continuos maintenance of small water habitats, in order to prevent them from drying up during the summer;
4.	3. to prevent introduction of allochthonous species to
the small islands.
5.	Research and monitoring
5.1. To carry out a census of the entire population every year;
5. 2. to carry out a detailed research in one colony. Research should include counting of eggs and chicks, establishing the breeding success, taking samples of blood and food remains, measuring the eggs, bird ringing and other methods of marking (including satellite tracking), registering the losses in the colony and reasons for them, and observation of any other parameters of the breeding ecology;
5. 3. To observe any eventual changes in all colonies, by temporary short surveys and to react if necessary;
5.	4. to ensure financial and technical conditions for the
planned research and monitoring.
6.	Pvblic awareness raising
6. 1. To raise the awareness - especially of the locals, young people and boat owners - of the need to protect the Eleonora's Falcon,
6. 2. to raise the awareness that preserved nature is a potentially important economic, primarily tourist, resource;
6. 3. to prepare printed and other materials in Croatian and foreign languages;
6. 4. to cooperate with NGOs;
6. 5. to set up tourist information centres for the natural riches of pelagic islands and marine ecosystems;
6. 6. to cooperate with the maritime police and to train their officers.
Proposed implemented and the duration of the plan
This plan should be implemented by the Ministry of
Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of
Croatia and the Public Institution for the Management of
Protected Areas in the County of Split and Dalmatia. it
should be continual.
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Cvido PI ASE VOL! S, V)al.ka SČETARIČ: EI.EONORA'S FALCON (MICO SLÍONORAF, GENE 1 8.19!..., 81-86
CONCLUSIONS
Eieonora's Falcon is classified as a rare species in Europe and, during the first census, the Croatian population was estimated at 58-68 breeding pairs. This is the reason why this species can be considered as potentially endangered in Croatia. Therefore, it is necessary to make an action and management plan for its population in Croatia.
The plan is based on the data collected so far. it con
sists of the data on the number of birds and colonies, potential threats and limiting factors as well as aims with proposed actions.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank Dr Dietrich Ristow for his friendly and selfless suggestions, advice and help during our work.
SREDOZEMSKI SOKOL {FALCO ELEONORAE, GENE 1839) NA HRVAŠKEM: NJEGOVA RAZŠIRJENOST, OGROŽENOST IN PREDLOG ZA AKCIJSKI NAČRT
iN NAČRT UPRAVLJANJA
Cvido P!ASE VOL!
Public Institution for the Management ot Protected Areas in theCounty of Split and Dalmatia, HR-.J1Q00 Split, Prilaz brate KaJitema 10
E-mail; GvidaPiasevoli@dalmatiaii-n3ture.hr
Vlatka ŠČETARIČ "Kamiks Eko d.o.o.", HR-10350 Zagneb-LuCko, Franje PužkariCa 18
POVZETEK
Sredozemski sokol je opredeljen kot redka evropska ptica in vključen v/ prvo skupino prioritet v ohranjanju biot-ske raznovrstnosti kot jih navaja hrvaško Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor. Hrvaška populacija sredozemskega sokola še ni bila ustrezno raziskana in tudi gnezdišča te ujede Še niso zaščitena. Glede na to, da je ta vrsta redka in zatorej potencialno ogrožena, je bilo treba pripraviti ustrezen akcijski načrt in načrt upravljanja.
Populacijo sredozemskega sokola na Hrvaškem smo raziskovali tri leta, in sicer v sklopu preučevanja njegove gnezditvene ekologije v koloniji F3 in štetja celotne hrvaške populacije. Potem ko je bilo ocenjeno, da v šestih kolonijah gnezdi od 58 do 68 parov, je bi! pripravljen osnutek akcijskega načrta in načrta upravljanja za to vrsto na Hrvaškem.
Potencialne nevarnosti za hrvaško populacijo sredozemskega sokola so naravni dejavniki, naseljevanje alohtonih vrst na otoke, kjer gnezdi ta ptica, lov in nelegalna trgovina, posegi v prostor s sokolovimi gnezdišči, degradacija habitats in zastrupljanje narave. Glavni namen načrta je ohraniti vsaj današnjo populacijo sredozemskega sokola, kar naj bi dosegli s pripravo in uresničevanjem zakonskih predpisov, nadzorom nad gospodarskimi dejavnostmi, mednarodnim sodelovanjem, zaščito ha bi lata, raziskovalnimi dejavnostmi, spremljanjem stanja (monitoringom) in z ozaveščanjem javnosti.
Ključne besede: falco eleonorae, sredozemski sokol, HrvaŠka, akcijski načrt, načrt upravljanja
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Gvidû PiaSCVOLI & Vljekii ŽCETARIČ: FUONORA S FALCON (FrUCO UtONQRAÏ. CENE I«39).... R I-36
REFERENCES
Državna uprava za zaštitu prirode i okoliša (1999):
Pregled stanja biološke i krajobrazne raznolikosti Hrvatske sa strategijom i akcijskim planovima zaštite. Zagreb, lovanovid, V. (1972): Nova posmatrsnja sokola mrkog, Falco eleonorae, na jadranskim otocima. Larus, 24, 161162.
Krpan, M. (1965): Ptice otoka Visa i njemu bližih oto-čiča. Larus, 16-13, 106-150.
Krpan, M. (1980): Srerfnjodaimatinska omitofauna. Larus, 31-32, 97-156.
Leikač, C.., M. Sfipčevii & N. Tvrtkovič (1997): The
status and distribution of Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae, Gene 1834) in Croatia. Natura Croatica, 6(3), 323-333.
Ristow, D. (2001): Poison Is Causing the Sudden Population Decline of Eleonora's Falcon. Internationa! Hawkwatcher, 3, 10-17.
Ristow, D. (in prinl): Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae Action Plan.
Ristow, D. & M. Wink (1985): Breeding Success and Conservation Management of Eleonora's Falcon. ICBP Technical Publication No. 5, 147-152. Ristow, D., W. Scharlau & M. Wink (1989): Population Structure and Mortality of Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae. Raptors in the Modern World, p. 321-326. Tucker, G. M. & M. F. Heath (1994): Birds in Europe, Their Conservation Status. Birdlife Conservation Series No. 3, 194-195.
Walter, H. (1978): Breeding Locations of Falco eleonorae. University of California, Los Angeles, USA. Walter, H. (1979): Eleonora's Falcon: Adaptations to Prey and Habitat in a Social Raptor. University of California, Los Angeles, USA.