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Winter bird census begins in Prespa/ Rare species "mergus merganser" discovered

2026-01-17 13:40:00, Aktualitet CNA

Winter bird census begins in Prespa/ Rare species "mergus merganser"

This Saturday, the census of wintering birds in Lake Prespa began, an important monitoring process for assessing the state of biodiversity and the changes that occur from year to year. Field specialists and representatives of environmental institutions are engaged in several observation points along the lake.

According to ornithologist Klajdi Duro, preliminary data show almost the same figures as last year, both in the number of individuals and in the types of species observed.

In the monitored areas, mainly gannets and several species of ducks were observed, including the scaly-necked duck and the four-eyed duck, which are considered rarer species and of particular interest to researchers.

Meanwhile, in the southern part of Lake Prespa, the presence of the white or curly pelican has not been detected.

"So far, in the four spots that I have covered, there are more or less the same numbers as last year, both in number of individuals and species. Generally, there are gannets, some species of ducks such as the heron-like duck or the four-eyed duck, which may be slightly rarer and more charismatic species for people, but also of interest to us as ornithologists. In the southern part of Lake Prespa, I have not observed any pelicans, neither the white nor the curly."

Duro emphasizes the importance of conserving these species, as they are an essential part of the lake's ecosystem, while factors such as disturbance from human activity, climate change, and habitat alteration can directly affect the reduction of their numbers.

"It is very important that we show care for the conservation of species as they are an important part of the ecosystem, of Lake Prespa, and we need to look at all possible parameters that could affect the change in numbers. Here we mention human disturbance, climate change, habitat alteration, etc."

On the other hand, the head of the Management Sector at the AdZM Korça, Vasil Male, announces that monitoring has also been carried out in the Gorica area, at five observation points. According to him, the figures are similar to previous years, but this year the presence of four individuals of the swan has been ascertained. Also, the rare species “merganser mergus” has been observed, which has found peace on the shores of Lake Prespa, specifically near Gollomboç.

"Our group monitored birds in the Gorica area, at five monitoring points and compared to other years, we have found an approximate number, but this year we have found four individuals of the whooper swan. In terms of species, there is a good presence of birds, but we cannot give a figure in advance. We have had the presence of the "merganser mergus", which is a rare species in Lake Prespa. It is present here because it has also found peace on the shores of Lake Prespa and we found it at point five near Gollomboç."

Male emphasizes that the more favorable temperatures this year have influenced the presence of several species, especially the tern, while climate change and the decrease in lake level have led to the degradation of reed beds, reducing suitable habitats for birds that nest or live in these areas.

"I want to say that this year, compared to last year, especially for the part of the sedge species, the temperatures that were optimal have had an impact. Migratory species are affected because the temperature forces them to move and also climate change has caused the lake level to decrease. For this reason, the reed beds have emerged on dry land and are no longer a habitat for birds that nest or live in these habitats."

The census of winter birds in Prespa is expected to continue in the coming days, while tomorrow it will start in the morning at Lake Pogradec. The final data will serve for the drafting of concrete policies and measures for the protection of nature and biodiversity in this important natural area./ CNA





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