Assessing threats to bird conservation in proposed Important Bird Areas of Macedonia

Danka Uzunova

Declining and unsustainable populations of lesser kestrel, imperial eagle and Egyptian vulture in proposed IBAs in Macedonia indicate severe human impact and lack of conservation measures and efforts. Assessments of resource availability and threats in the region will help to identify potential conservation measures and will improve local knowledge about the birds, which is expected to improve breeding opportunities and reduce mortality in the bird population. We will develop surveys to determine species status, as well as habitat and food availability. Efforts to determine solutions to decrease the number of animals deceased by electrocution, wind farm impact and poison will be discussed and developed with relevant stakeholders and the local community.