site.bta Extensive Tree Logging in Ancient Forests Threatens Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker' Population in Bulgaria with Extinction

Extensive Tree Logging in Ancient Forests Threatens Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker' Population in Bulgaria with Extinction

Sofia, August 25 (BTA) - Studies conducted by experts from the
Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (BBF) have found that the
Eurasian three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) could
become extinct in Bulgaria in the next ten years if no urgent
measures are taken, the BBF said on Tuesday.

Comprehensive expert studies have registered populations of the
species in only a few locations in the Rila, Pirin and western
Rhodope mountains. The total population is probably less than
100 nesting pairs. In the past this woodpecker species used to
inhabit the old spruce forests high in the mountains. It is no
longer nesting in 90 per cent of the potentially suitable
habitat.

Among the main reasons for its population decrease are the
extensive forest and sanitary harvesting, the BBF noted. The
three-toes woodpecker feeds only on insects that live in dead
timber and when the dead trees are removed, the woodpecker is
forced to leave the area.

Environmentalists call for urgent measures, such as designating
ten per cent of the ancient forests and including them in
protected areas like the Natura 2000, where no logging is
allowed. According to them, the remaining 90 per cent must be
allowed to contain at least ten per cent dead trees, while those
 with woodpecker holes should be left alone.