The Curlew Numenius arquata population size and distribution at Ljubljansko barje in 2011 and 2012

Abstract In 2008, the IUCN uplisted the Curlew to near-threatened (NT) on its Red List. The bird’s population in Slovenia is localised and small, thus making it very important to be surveyed every year. Using the point count method, we recorded 9-12 breeding pairs in 2011 and 9-10 pairs in 2012 at Ljubljansko barje. Most of them were distributed in the eastern part of the area between the village of Lipe and the river Iščica, whereas only two occupied territories were discovered in 2011 and one in 2012 in the western part of the area. In a ten-year period, the area underwent agricultural intensification, with lowland non-intensive meadows declining by 50%. As a minimal requirement, meadows within the extent of the Curlew’s current distribution at Ljubljansko barje should be non-intensively managed (late first cut, no fertilizing or sowing of grass mixtures) and all other human activities prohibited from the beginning of March till the end of June (dog walking and training, ballooning, aircraft modelling). Based on the results of 2011 survey, Ljubljansko barje was designated an IBA for breeding Eurasian Curlews under the IBA criteria A1 and C1.