site.btaInternational Census Registers 341 Dalmatian Pelicans, 647 Great White Pelicans in Bulgaria

The 7th International Pelican Census in the Balkans registered 341 Dalmatian and 647 great white pelicans in Bulgaria. The census was conducted on June 1 and 2 within the Pelican Way of LIFE project, coordinated by the Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS), said the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB), whose teams also participated in the census.

The highest number of Dalmatian pelicans was observed in the three nesting sites of the species in Bulgaria: the Kalimok-Brashlen protected area near Toutrakan (118 birds), the marshes of Persin Island (62), and the Srebarna Lake (24).

The highest number of great white pelicans were registered in the Burgas Lakes area (408 birds) and in the Yatata protected area near Varna (on the Black Sea). 408 individuals, the marshes on Persin Island – 63 individuals, the marshes of Persin Island (63), and the Yatata protected area near Varna (33).

After the census, a BSPB team successfully equipped with transmitters two young Dalmatian pelicans from the Kalimok-Brashlen colony.

The data collected during the international census will contribute to a better understanding and implementation of conservation activities for both species of pelicans in the Balkans. Cross-border cooperation is key to their protection, the BSPB said.