Milestone in bustard conservation

(Photo: Pixabay)

The international bustard conservation plan (Bustard Multi-species Action Plan, Bustard MsAP) submitted by Hungary was adopted at the 15th decision-making meeting of the Parties to the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals held in Campo Grande, Brazil, on 23-29 March 2026. In addition to the EU and its Member States, the proposal was supported by Eritrea, Iran, Mongolia and Nigeria as co-sponsors. The strategically important document was prepared by the international consortium “Bustards without Borders” under Hungarian coordination. The decision-making session, as the main decision-making body of the Convention, reviews the conservation status of migratory species and the steps taken to protect them, discusses possible amendments to the text of the Convention and its appendices, and approves the budget for the next financial period. The species conservation plan covers the population size, conservation status and threats of 26 species of bustards found in 102 countries on four continents – Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. The document sets out coordinated measures, including habitat conservation and restoration, bustard-friendly agriculture, reducing mortality from collisions with overhead power lines, reducing poaching, and research.

The Hungarian bustard (Otis tarda) is under increased protection

Its population is showing an increasing trend, and the sharing of Hungarian good practices included in the international species conservation plan also helps to improve the conservation status of bustard species with similar needs, but with declining populations. In addition to the above, important decisions have also been made with active Hungarian involvement in the protection of the symbolic bird of our country, the Saker Falcon.

AM