Save Common Redstarts in the Alpes vaudoises
The project focuses on preserving biodiversity in the Alpes vaudoises. The project's ambassador is the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus), a charismatic bird species typical of the traditional mixed orchards and extensive urban gardens. The natural habitats of the above-mentioned species have been severely degraded by the intensification of agricultural activities, the loss of mixed orchards and the intensification of garden and park maintenance. The project area is within the scope of action of the Alpes vivantes association. In spring, ornithologists will be out in the field to identify the main territories colonized by the Common Redstart. This information will enable the precise delimitation of priority conservation areas and properly inform owners of the management measures to be applied in the areas concerned. Awareness-raising activities will be organized to inform local residents and help them appreciate the presence of this magnificent species.
Actions taken to improve the quality of the Common Redstart's habitat will also benefit many other animals, such as hedgehogs, lizards, reptiles and insects. They will thus make a significant contribution to increasing species diversity in the area. Led by the Alpes vivantes association and the Groupe Ornithologique des Ormonts (GODO), the project will be carried out in collaboration with local partner organizations and the Swiss Ornithological Institute for the scientific aspects. They will be assisted by motivated volunteers.
One of the flagship species of theAlpes vaudoises is the White-fronted Redstart (Phoenicurus phoeni-curus). This is a bird that depends on species-rich habitats for feeding and breeding, and whose existence is threatened by social change, the loss of high-stem orchards, the intensification of garden and park maintenance and the development of sterile urban environments.
a) Species status
Status in Switzerland: regular breeder, frequent migrant
Population: 12'000-18'000 pairs
Threat status: potentially threatened (NT) (Source: www.vogelwarte.ch)
b) Habitat requirements
The White-fronted Redstart is a tall orchard bird, nesting in tree cavities, gardens and parks. Its future depends on the presence of a mosaic of suitable natural habitats and structures (tall trees, short grass or bare ground for hunting, meadows, cavities, etc.).
C) Threats
Combined mosaic environments have become rarer since the 1990s. Known populations of the species show that it has adapted to life in villages, taking advantage of their green spaces and wooded edges. It is particularly fond of low-density residential areas. The lack of suitable nesting sites also appears to be a problem. In many places, old trees with cavities where the White-fronted Redstart could nest have disappeared from farmland, gardens, parks and forests.
In short, the survival of this charismatic bird species is threatened by human-induced habitat changes, mainly through agricultural intensification, changes in farming techniques and direct disturbance by human recreational activities.
These developments have progressively reduced the quality and area of suitable habitats for this and many other bird and plant species. Without targeted countermeasures, these developments will continue unchecked and eventually lead to the disappearance of many species, including the White-fronted Redstart, from the Swiss Alps.
Objectives and impacts
By improving the habitat conditions specific to the White-fronted Redstart, it is hoped to be able to sustainably increase the chances of survival of this emblematic species in the region. In addition, the project will have a positive effect on the populations of several other species and on biodiversity in general.
The project's objectives are as follows:
- The diversity of habitats and species in the project area is improved, thus contributing to an increase in regional biodiversity;
- Habitat conditions for the White-fronted Redstart are improved, helping to maintain healthier, more viable populations.
Strategies and actions
Following an analysis of the survival conditions of the White-fronted Redstart populations and the habitat quality deficits, targeted measures will be planned.
These measures will be implemented by local players and volunteers in collaboration with the farmers and/or communes concerned.
The concrete actions planned are as follows:
- Identify and improve knowledge of the distribution of the White-fronted Redstart in the region (Action 1);
- Implement measures in favor of the White-fronted Redstart and support the implementation of measures with citizens, such as the installation of nesting boxes and compliance with the garden charter (Action 2).
- Organize knowledge transfer and raise awareness among target audiences (Action 3).
Each spring, members of the Groupe Ornithologique des Ormonts (GODO) will carry out hours of observation in various localities in the region to identify the main territories colonized by the White-fronted Redstart.
Let's take a step together for nature in the Alpes Vaudoises
Alpes Vivantes
Our long-term goal is to enhance the biological richness and ecologically valuable habitats of the Alpes Vaudoises, by managing projects within a regional organisation.
The Alpes vivantes Association applies a sustainable approach to nature conservation, by implementing projects in collaboration with regional partners.
Our association operates within the commune territories of the Alpes Vaudoises outside the Natural Parc Gruyère Pays-d ‘Enhaut.
Alpes vivantes manages actions in rural, forest and urban areas.
It is committed to nature conservation by:
- Creating citizen projects;
- Conducting awareness-raising actions;
- Carrying out maintenance projects for natural environments;
- Dynamizing the circular economy;
- Transferring knowledge;
- Protecting priority species in the Alpes Vaudoises
Examples of potential projects:
- Maintenance of dry meadows and pastures;
- Organization of field activities with corporate volunteers;
- Setting up of environmental education projects;
- Implementation of action plans for the preservation of a species;
- Organisation of brushing actions with goats or cattle;
- Plantation of native trees and hedges;
- Organization of exhibitions;
- Redaction of articles for the Media (local newspapers, radio, television);
- Organisation of tourist activities to discover the nature of the Alpes Vaudoises.
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