Action A.9: Study of the population status of five Annex I Greek resident mountain bird species: Alectoris graeca, Dryocopus martius, Dendrocopos leucotos, Picus canus and Aegolius funereus

The action will take place within the SPA site GR2440007 "ETHNIKOS DRYMOS OITIS - KOILADA ASOPOU". This study aims to evaluate the population status of one game species Alectoris graeca, three woodpecker species, Dryocopus martius, Dendrocopos leucotos and Picus canus, and to verify the presence of the nocturnal raptor Aegolius funerus as well as to assess its population dynamics.

Furthermore, the study will produce the scientific and technical specifications necessary for the appropriate management actions and monitoring protocols. Additionally, information concerning forest practices and their effects on bird fauna will be collected, processed and used as a decision support tool for forest management.

The study will be carried out by an ornithologist, working for the project as a subcontractor, visiting appropriate habitats once a month for the 1.5 year study period, covering 2 reproductive seasons. During the period mid-March to end-May (when activity is at its peak because of mating and nesting), visits of the study area will take place every 15 days. Data will be collected by the line transect method, with emphasis on aural detection, as visual detection is not always easy in dense forest. Overnight stays in the Mt. Oiti study area are obligatory since Aegolius funerus is strictly nocturnal.

The study will be completed in the second year of the project. However, should the first year results provide adequate information to design management actions, the implementation of such actions may start earlier.

Note: This action will certify the presence of the species Aegolius funerus and Alectoris graeca on Mt. Oiti. These species are not listed in the “Birds listed in Annex I of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC” section of the Standard Data Forms of the site. The HSPN will undertake the responsibility to provide the information necessary for the update of the official Standard Data Form of the Natura 2000 site GR2440007 “ETHNIKOS DRYMOS OITIS - KOILADA ASOPOU” .