Historic Success: new Nesting Colony of Endangered Curly-Headed Pelican Forms in Bulgaria
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The year 2025 has marked a monumental achievement for Bulgarian nature conservation. A new nesting colony of the endangered curly-headed pelican has been established in Bulgaria, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the bulgarian Society for the Protection of birds (BDZP). This growth is a significant milestone in the preservation of this majestic species, which has faced decades of decline.
The colony is located in the Natura 2000 area “Mandra-Poda Complex,” near the city of Burgas. This site now joins three other nesting locations in Bulgaria: Lake Srebarna,Persin Island (Belene),and the kalimok-Brashlen Protected Area.
A Collaborative Effort to Restore Pelican Habitats
The success of this initiative can be traced back to the international Life of a Pelican Project, which began in 2021. As part of this project, experts and volunteers constructed two floating platforms in the oxidation ponds of “Lukoil Neftohim Burgas” AD, located within the Specially Protected Area “Dairy Complex – Poda.” These platforms, each spanning 40 square meters, were designed to attract pelicans to nest in a safe and undisturbed surroundings.”The reservoirs are one of the most preferred places for resting and sleeping for the curly-headed pelican in the Burgas Lakes region,” explains a BDZP spokesperson. “Human disturbance is minimized here, which is crucial for the species.”
In August 2024, BDZP organized the “Atanasovsko ezero” nature protection brigade, where volunteers built a new inclined wooden platform covering 32 square meters. This type of construction has proven successful in creating colonies in the “persina” Nature Park and the “Kalimok-Brashlen” Protected Area.
A Thriving New Colony
By mid-January 2025, the curly-headed pelicans had formed a new nesting colony on these artificial islands.BDZP experts have identified 23 nests so far, with the birds actively building more and engaging in copulation. Over 100 adult pelicans have been observed in the area, signaling the potential for further growth in the colony.
“For more then 60 years, there was only one nesting colony of the curly-headed pelican in Bulgaria—in Lake Srebarna,” notes a conservationist. “This new colony is a testament to the power of targeted conservation efforts.”
A Symbol of Hope for Burgas
The return of the curly-headed pelican to the Burgas region is particularly poignant. The last recorded nesting in this area dates back to 1948 in Mandrensko Blato. “after nearly 80 years, one of the symbols of the city of Burgas has returned as a nester,” says a BDZP representative.”This was the dream of generations of scientists and conservationists.”
The first hatchlings in the new colony are expected soon, marking another step forward in the species’ recovery.
Key Achievements at a Glance
| Milestone | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| New Nesting Colony Location | Natura 2000 area “Mandra-Poda Complex,” Burgas |
| Number of Nests Identified | 23 (as of January 2025) |
| Adult Pelicans Observed | Over 100 |
| Previous Nesting Sites in Bulgaria | Lake Srebarna, persin Island, Kalimok-Brashlen Protected area |
| Project Funding | Life of a pelican Project (LIFE18/NAT/NL/000716), funded by the LIFE program |
A Call to Action
This historic success underscores the importance of continued conservation efforts. The life of a Pelican Project has demonstrated that with the right strategies and community involvement, even the most endangered species can thrive.
To learn more about the BDZP’s initiatives or to support their work, visit their official website.
The return of the curly-headed pelican to Burgas is not just a victory for conservationists but a reminder of the resilience of nature when given a chance. Let’s celebrate this achievement and continue to protect the habitats that sustain these amazing birds.
Historic Success: Protecting the Endangered Curly-Headed Pelican in Bulgaria
2025 marks a monumental achievement for Bulgarian nature conservation with the establishment of a new nesting colony for the endangered curly-headed pelican. Spearheaded by the Life of a pelican Project and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BDZP), this initiative has breathed new life into the species’ declining population. In this interview, we sit down with Dr.Elena Marinova, a leading conservation biologist, too discuss the projectS success, its impact on the local ecosystem, and the future of pelican conservation in Bulgaria.
The Role of the Life of a Pelican Project
Senior Editor: dr.Marinova, can you elaborate on how the Life of a Pelican Project contributed to this historic milestone?
Dr. Elena Marinova: Absolutely. The Life of a Pelican Project, funded by the LIFE program, has been instrumental in restoring habitats for the curly-headed pelican. One of our key achievements was the construction of artificial nesting platforms in the Mandra-Poda Complex near Burgas. These platforms, designed to mimic natural nesting sites, have minimized human disturbance and provided a safe haven for the pelicans. Over time, this has encouraged the birds to form a new colony, something we haven’t seen in Bulgaria since 1948.
Challenges and Strategies in Conservation Efforts
Senior editor: what were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this project, and how did you overcome them?
Dr. Elena Marinova: One of the primary challenges was ensuring minimal human interference while still maintaining accessibility for monitoring and research. We addressed this by strategically placing the platforms in the oxidation ponds of “Lukoil Neftohim Burgas” AD, an area already known to be a preferred resting spot for the pelicans. Additionally, we organized volunteer brigades to build inclined wooden platforms, which have proven successful in other areas like the “Persina” Nature Park. these collaborative efforts were crucial in creating a enduring environment for the birds.
The Meaning of the new Nesting Colony
Senior Editor: Why is the formation of this new nesting colony in Burgas so significant?
Dr.Elena Marinova: For over six decades, Bulgaria had only one nesting colony of curly-headed pelicans at Lake Srebarna. The establishment of this new colony not only increases the species’ population but also diversifies their nesting sites, reducing the risk of local extinctions. it’s a testament to the resilience of nature and the effectiveness of targeted conservation strategies. Moreover, the return of the pelican to Burgas is symbolic for the local community, reconnecting them with a species that was once a defining feature of the region’s biodiversity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pelican Conservation
Senior Editor: What does the future hold for the curly-headed pelican in Bulgaria?
Dr. Elena Marinova: We’re optimistic but cautious. the success of this project has shown that with the right interventions,even endangered species can thrive. however, continued efforts are essential. We plan to expand the use of artificial nesting platforms and strengthen community involvement in conservation activities. Public awareness and support are critical to ensuring the long-term survival of the curly-headed pelican. We also hope that this project can serve as a model for similar initiatives across Europe.
Conclusion
The Life of a Pelican Project and its historic achievement in Burgas demonstrate the power of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in wildlife conservation. Dr. Elena Marinova’s insights remind us that protecting endangered species like the curly-headed pelican is not just about preserving biodiversity—it’s about restoring balance to our ecosystems and rekindling our connection with nature. As the first hatchlings are expected soon, this milestone serves as a beacon of hope for conservationists worldwide.
