White stork population reaches new high in Austria

In Austria’s Marchegg wetlands, white storks achieved a record number of breeding pairs and young birds this year.

A monitoring project by AURING, a conservation group working with WWF, tracked 46 breeding pairs, matching a record from 1994, and an average of three chicks per pair. Jurrien Westerhof of WWF stated the numbers represent a major success for species protection and highlight the importance of the WWF wetlands reserve for biodiversity.

Biologist Karin Donnerbaum explained that Marchegg provides both suitable nesting sites and ample food sources for the storks. The quality of the habitat also benefits from the natural management of the reserve, including grazing by cattle and Konik horses, a breed of primitive horse, which create valuable landscape features. The 1,100-hectare Marchegg wetlands reserve provides a home for over 500 endangered animal and plant species, including white storks, sea eagles, black storks, and red kites.

WWF is now calling for a nationwide restoration initiative across Austria, pointing to Marchegg as an example of long-term conservation efforts.