White Stork Along the River Dart?
We are thrilled to host Ursula at Ambios this summer. Thanks to funding from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), Ursi is working to assess and evaluate the feasibility and desirability of reintroducing White Storks to the banks of the River Dart.
The History of the White Stork in Britain
The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia L.) is an iconic bird with a rich cultural heritage. Unfortunately, it became extinct in the UK during the Middle Ages, with the last breeding pair recorded in Edinburgh in 1416. The primary causes of their extinction were hunting and habitat loss. White Storks thrive in wet meadows rich in invertebrates and small vertebrates, but with around 75% of the UK’s wetlands drained, suitable habitats have become scarce.
In mainland Europe, White Storks faced similar threats, and their numbers plummeted in the 1980s. However, reintroduction programs in Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands have helped their populations recover. Recently, the UK has joined these efforts, with reintroduction initiatives beginning at the Knepp rewilding estate in southeast England.
Reintroductions and the Study Area
Reintroducing species like the White Stork is a crucial but complex conservation tool that requires careful planning. The first step is to assess whether the target area has the right conditions to support a healthy population. We are currently evaluating the River Dart area for this purpose. Historical evidence, such as the discovery of stork bones (Harrison 1980), indicates that these birds once lived in the south Devon landscape.
Our assessment will determine if the area can currently support White Storks by checking for sufficient food and suitable habitat. This may involve restoring parts of the habitat, such as rewetting certain areas, or determining if such restoration is feasible.
Conservation Outcomes
Once we complete the habitat suitability assessment, we’ll have a clearer picture of the available habitat. This will help us develop strategies to improve the area for White Storks, which will also benefit other species, like amphibians, that depend on wet areas. Ultimately, this project will provide valuable insights into the habitats along the River Dart and contribute to broader conservation efforts.
Stay tuned for updates on our progress as we work towards bringing the White Stork back to the River Dart!
✍ Ursula Heinze
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