Black Stork Back: Species distribution model predictions of potential habitats for Black Stork Ciconia nigra in Sweden

Abstract

Increased understanding of the need to save endangered and locally extinct species has led to restoration or preservation of populations through reintroductions. Reintroduction of a species is worthwhile if the prerequisites for existence at the historical location have improved. Thus, background information about the habitat requirements of a target species is important for introduction programmes to be successful. The Black Stork Ciconia nigra was lost as a breeding species in Sweden during the 20th century, but recent observations and reports of potential breeding indicate that habitat conditions for Black Stork in Sweden may have improved. In this study, we used species characteristics and references to identify habitats in Sweden suitable for potential reintroduction of Black Stork. We identified several suitable areas in the former distribution range of this species in southern Sweden. Seven Swedish counties contained more than 18 % suitable habitat within their total area, with highest proportions in Jönköping County (25.8 %), Blekinge County (23.9 %), Västra Götaland County (22.1 %) and Kronoberg County (20.7 %). We suggest these areas to be made the primary targets for Black Stork reintroduction in Sweden.