What can I do to save the great bustard?

What can I do as a farmer?

One of the most important threats to species survival is presented by adverse effects of certain farming technologies. Agrenvironmental schemes in effect across great bustard habitats as well as certain obligatory actions on Natura 2000 grasslands target the protection of these birds. The present project shall also provide agritechnological guidelines on reinforcing the populations. The guideline will shortly be available from the website.

In case you detect great bustards on your land and you cultivate areas that are otherwise not known as great bustard habitat / not already in contact with the local national park directorate (e.g. on account of the relevant agrienvironmental programme), please contact us on tuzok@mme.hu. In your e-mail, please indicate the nearest settlement, but geographical coordinates are the most useful for the protection of the individuals.

What can I do as a game warden / wildlife manager?

Strong populations of mammalian predators (red fox, badger, stray domestic cats and dogs), certain corvids (magpies and hooded crows well-known for preying on nests) as well as wild boars are an imminent threat to nesting females and the eggs or chicks. The aforementioned species are all legal to hunt, therefore, the project will prepare guidelines for management practices regarding the protection of the great bustard. This guideline will shortly be available from the website. 

In case you detect great bustards in areas that are otherwise not known as great bustard habitat, please contact us on tuzok@mme.hu. In your e-mail, please indicate the nearest settlement, but geographical coordinates are the most useful for the protection of the individuals.

We are really grateful for those who have already provided information to us!

What can I do as a layman?

In Hungary, all the present habitats are well known. The populations are regularly censused by means of synchronous counts. However, we also know of sites that used to be inhabited by this species only a few decades ago and by now have lost their bustard populations. Occasional sightings may greatly contribute to the exploration of has-been or unknown habitat patches.

In case you spot a great bustard or receive information on the whereabouts of these birds, please communicate this with us by means of the application Madárhatározó alkalmazás or via e-mail to tuzok@mme.hu. In your e-mail, please indicate the nearest settlement, but geographical coordinates are the most useful for the protection of the individuals. We are also grateful for any communications regarding the species by means of our contacts given on this website.

If you spot a great bustard, please, do not go closer. If you spotted the bird(s) from a car, stay on (beside) the road, and we kindly ask you not to get closer to it (them) on dirt roads. If the spotted bird is very close, whithin 100 m, please, don't even get out from the car for a photo. Especially in wintertime roused great bustards loose energy rapidly and scaring them may cause collision with power lines. The species is also sensitive in mating and nesting times (April-June), please use set roads and trails in great bustard habitats, do not cross meadows, arable lands during hiking.

What can I do as a photographer, wildlife photographer?

Great bustard, especially males during mating time very beautiful, decorative species, however globally endangered and strictly protected. Taking picture of it can be considered as a challenge and award for a photographer. If a photographer aims taking picture on this species, please ask for opportunities from local National Park Directorate. The advices are the same as in the previous - for laymans - points.If you spot a great bustard, please, do not go closer. If you spotted the bird(s) from a car, stay on (beside) the road, and we kindly ask you not to get closer to it (them) on dirt roads. If the spotted bird is very close, whithin 100 m, please, don't even get out from the car for a photo. Especially in wintertime roused great bustards loose energy rapidly and scaring them may cause collision with power lines. The species is also sensitive in mating and nesting times (April-June), please use set roads and trails in great bustard habitats, do not cross meadows, arable lands during taking photoes, videos. Using other locations as public roads for photography on protected areas require nature conservation permit!

Using drones for great bustard photoes arise two issues. One, drone usage is connected to special permits in Hungary. Two, great bustard is sensible to drones, even more than to human presence. Nature conservation permit - besides the normal drone permits - is a must for this activity, we suggest to contact the local National Park Directorate in advance!