The Romanian Dalmatian Pelican population is one of the most important in Europe, estimated at around 400 breeding pairs, of which four individuals were shot. Romania is also home to nearly half the world%u2019s population of Pygmy Cormorant.
The two species are strictly protected from hunting by Romanian legislation, and accidental shooting can be ruled out because the species that were shot are easy to identify. The fact that their killing occurred in a protected area also increases the severity of the case. The Danube Delta is a Biosphere Reserve, a Ramsar site (Wetland of International Importance), and a Natura 2000 site (Special Protected Area).
The Romanian BirdLife Partner has notified the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, the Regional Environment Protection Agency, the Environment Ministry and the Regional Game Associations. All these institutions are responsible for law enforcement and are empowered to find and sanction those responsible for the illegal hunting activities in the Danube Delta.
%u201CThe fact that deliberate massacre of Globally Threatened Dalmatian Pelican is still taking place in Europe is a clear call for more efforts to educate and enforce control on the side of authorities, but media and civil society must play their part too%u201D, said Boris Barov, European Conservation Manager at the European Division. %u201CSuch appalling news reminds us how deep-rooted poaching is in human behaviour - despite many years of conservation and awareness-raising work%u201D.
The Dalmatian Pelican is qualified as a %u2018Nature Monument%u2019 in Romania, listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, and is classified as Vulnerable by BirdLife - the Red List Authority for birds on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
We the undersigned ,ask you to take action and protect the Danube Delta!
