Establishing a bird ringing program in Ulcinj Salina

 

Organization: Center for Protection and Research of birds (CZIP)
Award Amount: €34 000
Project Type: PROZHUM Small Project
Duration: January 2024 – December 2026
Project Contact: Nevena Petkovic, nevena.petkovic@czip.me
Keywords: ornithology; ringing; monitoring; education

Summary

Nature park “Ulcinj Salina” is located on the outermost southeastern part of Montenegro. It lies just 1 km from the city of Ulcinj and the same distance from the border with Albania. The Salina was created in 1926 by draining the former Zogaj lagoon mudflats, which were converted into salt pans. Interestingly, the word “zog” means “bird” in Albanian, suggesting that this wetland was historically rich in birdlife. Situated in a region with the highest insolation on the Adriatic coast – receiving 2,567 hours of sunlight annually – in combination with salt water from the sea, Ulcinj Salina has become the most important site for bird migration, wintering, breeding, and feeding along the eastern Adriatic coastline. To date, 250 bird species have been recorded at the Salina, 55 of which breed there.

Collecting data on bird populations provides valuable information for decision making related to wetlands. Montenegro’s location on the Adriatic Flyway and its richness of ornitofauna makes it an important site for bird monitoring, and CZIP has become a national expert. Already, prior data collected as a result of bird ringing has been used to advocate for protection of the buffer zone at the Ulcinj Salina site. As this important protected area is currently lacking a management body, further data is needed to advocate for the establishment of such a body as well as for understanding the importance of the site in migration paths for clearly defined conservation measures.

Through this project, CZIP will establish a bird ringing program at the Ulcinj site to collect and prepare data for local and national stakeholders. During bird ringing activities, CZIP brings together licensed ornithologists, colleagues from the region, students, volunteers, and representatives of relevant institutions. While illegal hunting has fortunately decreased within the Ulcinj site, it is still active along the borders, and an active presence on the site will also help identify and dissuade illegal activities. Beyond enabling data collection, bird ringing events also encourage and train future ringers to increase the capacity for these efforts to continue and increase the awareness of wetland habitats and species among citizens.

Objectives

• Establish the bird ringing program, enhancing functions and capacities of ornithologists
• Increase awareness about the importance of protection of Ulcinj salina among the wider population
• Collect, analyze, and share data and conclusions to the management body and decision-makers

Resources

• Learn more about the PROZHUM project

Funding

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.