Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai are ready for the return of birds
07-11-2019
The breeding season 2019 showed that Nemunas river islands near Lipliūnai, which are situated close to the stage border with Beralus, are an important breeding site for Common and Little Terns and in spring this area was occupied by large colony of terns. However due to the summer draught, a part of chicks didn’t survive. Level of Nemunas river was also critical and predators were able to access the islands from the mainland. Currently the situation has improved, as autumn rains have increased the water level in the river and the islands are not accessible from the mainland anymore.
This valuable site was lost for numerous years as terns breeding sites due to the rapid changes of the habitats. The open sandy islands overgrew with high grass and shrubs. The LOD has restored initial conditions on the island and the birds have returned. This autumn practical conservation actions were repeated, and vegetation was removed from the island. The islands are ready for the next breeding season.
