Le martin-pêcheur (Alcedo atthis) va-t-il bientôt manquer de sites de nidification ? ; Will the Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, soon lack of breeding sites ?

In south-west Belgium, the breeding of the kingfisher was monitored for more than 10 years. During this period, 158 banks were regularly surveyed. Alterations or potential threats were identified: natural erosion, cattle trampling, disturbance from kayak-riders or anglers and, last but not least, consolidation works. Only 56 banks (35.4 %) can de considered as "safe". However, since the recent (2001) legal restrictions about the navigation on small rivers, 12 more banks are now safe too. Cattle trampling appears as the main threat (55 sites). However, the enforcement of the law regulating the... Mehr ...