Members of our team from BirdLife Cyprus, with the help of an external expert, completed this year’s check of artificial nests and the recording of natural nests for European Rollers (Coracias garrulus) in the area around the villages of Adrolikou and Fasli. The artificial nests had been placed in April 2023, by the Game and Fauna Service (GFS) and BirdLife Cyprus, within the framework of the Pandoteira project.
The artificial nests were actually built from old ammunition boxes, which had been adjusted in order to be suitable for the specific species to nest in. This ‘refurbishment’ was made possible following the contribution of old ammunition boxes from the Cypriot National Guard to the GFS.
One year after their placement, these ammunition boxes continue to offer a hospitable home for birds. They have in fact become nests for European Rollers and Cyprus Scops Owls (Otus cyprius), which are both important species for Cyprus and for Europe in general. The Cyprus Scops Owl is endemic to Cyprus, whereas the European Roller migrates to Europe in order to nest, with Cyprus being an important nesting site and migration stopover for the species.
What’s more, our team also discovered natural nests of both species in abandoned buildings. In addition, we seized the opportunity to ring a few chicks and young birds, as well as collect useful data, which will assist us in planning targeted conservation actions for these important species.
The results of the artificial nests are very encouraging, as a large percentage of them is already used by Rollers. This goes to show that the specific areas where the nests were placed are indeed important for the species and conservation actions must continue.
The Pandoteira project
The Pandoteira project focuses on managing the Natura 2000 network in Cyprus and its purpose is to make the Natura 2000 network more effective and functional, as well as sustainable. The project is co-funded by the EU’s LIFE Programme, the coordinating beneficiary is the Department of Environment, while the consortium also includes 13 associated beneficiaries from public bodies, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations and private companies.
