Download Step 2

Is it possible to relocate a
cormorant roost affected by new
transport infrastructures?
Ferran Navàs, Ramon Griell, Miguel Ángel Pindado, Carme Rosell
A cooperation and innovation project
Authors
Ferran Navàs
Ramon Griell
Miguel Ángel Pindado
Carme Rosell
Minuartia
Barcelona Port Authority
Barcelona Port Authority
Minuartia
University of Barcelona, Department of Evolutionary
Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Acknowledgements
Albert Burgas, Dani Burgas, Marc Fernández, Xavi Larruy, Sergi Sales, Minuartia
José Maria Velasco, Amatria engineering
Xavier Ferrer, University of Barcelona
Ricard Gutiérrez, Directorate General for Environmental Policy, Government of
Catalonia
Montserrat Barniol, Directorate General for Forestry, Government of Catalonia
Xavi Santaeufèmia, Consortium for the Protection and Management of Natural
Areas of the Llobregat Delta
Noelia Bravo, Juan José Hita, Safety Department, Barcelona-El Prat Airport
Jordi Boltà, Molins de Rei city council
2
Minuartia
Barcelona Port Authority
Albert Burgas - Minuartia
Albert Burgas - Minuartia
The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
3
The location
Llobregat
river
Cormorant
roost
Port of
Barcelona
Barcelona-El Prat
Airport
4
The problem
New road, railway lines and a train station are planned over the old riverbed.
They will not be compatible with the cormorant roost
The Ministry of
Environment obliged
to relocate the
Cormorant
roost
cormorant roost of
Barcelona Port Authority
the old riverbed to
another location
previously to the
works.
5
The solutions
Options
Pros
Cons
Scare the birds and cut
down the trees
Easy to achieve
Cheap
Can lead to an
uncontrolled dispersion of
birds and they can move
close to the airport, being
a threat to air safety
No fully compliant with the
environmental statement
To provide alternative
roosts, including the
construction of
artificial ones

Roost can be located
No previous experience
where birds will not create was found
any problem
Expensive and difficult
Long term
6
Step 1 (2006-2007)
Several types of structures were designed (based on knowledge of cormorant’s
ecological requirements) and tested at the main roost.
It was planned to place the most effective type in suitable places previously
Minuartia
selected to promote alternative cormorant roosts.
7
Minuartia
Step 1 (2006-2007) – Selected structure
8
Step 2 (2007-2016)
Three new roosts have been equipped with 34 tree-shape structures.
Minuartia
Monitoring has been in place every wintering period (October to April)
9
Step 2 (2007-2016) - New roosts (1)
Breakwater in the current river mouth:
o 2006: 4 structures.
o 2012: 6 structures.
Minuartia
o Max. No. using the structures: 198
Island in the current riverbed:
o 2008: 14 structures (7 tree-shaped)
10
Minuartia
o Max. No. using the structures: 49
Step 2 (2007-2016) - New roosts (2)
Molins de Rei wetlands
o 2016: 10 structures.
11
Minuartia
Minuartia
Minuartia
o Monitoring will start in October.
Step 2 (2007-2016) - Results
In the last winter, 463 cormorants were censed on the whole delta, 46% of which
were using the old riverbed roost.
In this roost, 65% of cormorants where using the structures and 35% the trees.
The use of artificial structures has increased steadily over the years.
12
Conclusions
• Artificial structures have been fully accepted by the cormorants.
• The three roosts equipped with artificial structures are expected to host
up to 600 individuals, so the old riverbed roost can be eliminated.
• This successful, innovative approach to a human wildlife conflict has
been the result of strong cooperation between engineers and experts
on wildlife and ecology.
13
Questions?
Thanks for your atention
For further information:
Ferran Navàs
[email protected]
14