The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (MARD) informs the public that the monitoring of artificial man-made bird nests, which have been installed both under the National Action Plan (NAP) for rodent management using man-made birds, and nests that have been installed in previous years by competent agencies and organisations, has started.
The National Action Plan for rodent management using man-trap was prepared in 2019 and has been fully implemented for the last two years with a budget of EUR 75,000 for each year by the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry, Game and Wildlife Service, Veterinary Services and the Cyprus Bird Association. The project is reinforced on a proper basis with the placement of artificial nests of mantis birds in all provinces and aims mainly at mapping the nests already placed and those planned to be placed, studying the biology of the mantis bird, as well as informing the farming community about the importance of biological control and the need to reduce the use of chemical preparations that are often used uncontrollably in the countryside.
During the monitoring of the nests, the reproduction of mantis birds is recorded. In the next period satellite transmitters will be placed mainly on young individuals to better study the biology of the species. The artificial nests of human birds have been placed by communities, hunting clubs, organized groups as well as by private individuals, in cooperation and guidance from the competent services, while a large number of these nests have been provided free of charge by the YMCA following a written request under the NAP.
It should be noted that the human bird is a key ally of farmers and nature, since it feeds almost exclusively on a huge number of rodents every year (3000-6000).
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
