White storks (Ciconia ciconia) have been studied intensively over the years as their habits and survival is closely connected to how we treat or manage our environment. They are one of the key species used to promote public awareness in the fight for nature conservation.
The White Stork Census
Bird Life International, along with many supporters for wildlife preservation, has been responsible for organizing the White Stork Census, the last one taking place in the 2004-05 year. So far there have been six censuses: 1934, 1958, 1974, 1984, 1994-05, 2004-05. Most of Europe as well as Northern Africa participate.
Breeding Paradise
White storks travel south to the warmer climates of Northern Africa for the winter and return to various parts of Europe to breed in summer. According to the last census, Poland is by the far the most popular host for White Storks with over 50,000 breeding pairs. Spain follows second as an attractive host with Portugal and France showing an increase in numbers.
Current Status of the White Stork
Between the years 1970 and 1990, there was a sharp decline in the White Stork population and the census count was at its lowest in 1984. There has since been an increase in breeding pairs, particularly in the western part of their nesting regions but their numbers have not reached what it was before the decline. Their status is therefore listed as ‘depleted’.
Hazards of Life
Out of the many factors that affect the White Stork’s survival, mankind has the largest impact.
- Development in areas that were previously natural breeding grounds displaces them.
- Uses of chemicals in modern agricultural practice.
- Electrocution by high voltage power lines, especially those along the White Stork migratory path. Learn about Donna.
Reasons for Re-population
Between 1984 and 1994-05, the population increase along the western migratory path has been attributed to favorable winter climates. A number of White Storks also chose to winter in Southern Spain instead of crossing the Strait into Africa. Changes in their feeding habits also led to a rise in number of breeding storks along the Iberian Peninsula (more irrigated fields and large garbage dumps provided alternative feeding).
During this same period , it’s unclear what contributed to the increase along the eastern front as there were economic difficulties in Central and Eastern Europe. However, the difficulties encountered by mankind translated into a success in the breeding capacity for the White Storks.
2004-05 Census Trends
The 2004/5 census again shows an increase in number with more than a 100% increase in population along the western flyway. Although not as significant, the eastern front also increased in number.
The Human Connection
White Storks build their lives close to humans, nesting near populated areas and even on rooftops whereas their counterpart the Black Stork,chooses to remain at a distance and not have human contact. It makes sense that how we live will naturally affect the life of the White Stork thus effectively changing the status of the White Stork from just being another bird to being a lighthouse, warning us of the changes in the environment. In paying attention to their survival, we also help protect the land in which we live.
Sources
Extract from Waterbirds around the world. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh, UK. 960 pp. Boere, G.C., Galbraith, C.A. & Stroud, D.A. (eds). 2006.
Ciconia ciconia, White Stork. www.birdlife.org. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/BirdsInEuropeII/BiE2004Sp3835.pdf
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