Our ornithologists and forestry experts met at a Task Force Meeting in Sombor (Serbia) organized by the forestry company Vojvodinašume that is responsible for the management of several Protected Areas in Vojvodina Province of Serbia, on December 11th and 12th.
The group of about 35 people from all along the Danube was provided with detailed information on the joint methodology for Black Poplar mapping and genetic as well as morphological analysis on Tuesday morning. This will enable the team to put together a Danube-wide Black Poplar cadastre, as well as to analyse regional phenotypes as base for future reforestation actions. Ideas for involvement of the public in and around the fifteen Protected Areas were discussed as well. The day was finished with an excursion to the forests managed by Vojvodinašume, which gave insight into practical management methods implemented in this part of the Danube and provided opportunitites for further intensive bilateral discussions on the planned activities.
On Wednesday, White-tailed Eagle was the focus of attention: On the one hand, a transnational White-tailed Eagle winter count in 2014 will give coherent data for the whole Danube, and the involvement of the public in this census will raise awareness for the flagship species and its habitats. The main aim of the discussion was to exchange experience from past national winter counts and the public involvement activities, and to start elaborating the common methodology for the transnational winter count in 2014, as well as to analyze synergies with existing winter censuses of other bird species. On the other hand, the Protected Areas started a discussion on the priorities for concrete actions and possible future projects by the Protected Areas, to support the implementation of the White-tailed Eagle Action Plan for the Danube River, elaborated in the first joint DANUBEPARKS project.
As a result of the meeting, the basic scientific methods for the various transnational monitoring, mapping and analysis actions are laid down and discussed with the partners, and will be sent as a detailed written outline to all partners. In future meetings during the project, the further details for the transnational White-tailed Eagle winter count will be finalized and the results for both flagship species will be presented within the group as well as to stakeholders.
