The river bottom deepening near Lipliunai is coming to an end
24-05-2020
In 2009 – 2010 the population of Little Tern has reached the biggest number ever registered on the site – 55 pairs were breeding on the sandy island in Nemunas river near Lipliunai. It was app. 20% of the national species population. However, later the island overgrew with woody vegetation, valuable breeding habitat was lost and birds abandoned the site. A few years ago, the LOD started management works on the island, woody vegetation and high grasses were exterminated from the site. These actions in 2019 resulted in 48 pairs of Common terns, 23 pairs of Little terns, 5-6 pairs of Little Ringed plovers, 10 pairs of Northern lapwings and a dozen of Back-headed gulls. However, due to the draught in 2019, the island became accessible from the mainland and mammal predators have destroyed late clutches.
Photo by Eugenijus Drobelis
This spring the water level in Nemunas river was below the average, therefore the risk of draught in June was very high. The situation was discussed by the project staff, representing LOD, VVKD and EKO STOMA and it was taken a decision to deepen the river bottom and thus to ensure that island won’t be connected with the river shore in case of dry summer. Recently these practical conservation actions coming to an end. Breeding birds are not disturbed by the dredger, as actions are performed in a safe distance from the island. The project staff has noticed big colony of Little Tern, numerous Common terns, Little Ringed plovers, Northern lapwings, Back-headed gulls, Common redshanks, Common sandpipers, mallards and other birds.
