Improving the conservation status of the Red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis) by implementing measures envisaged in the Species Action Plan.

The red-breasted goose (Branta ruficollis) has high conservation status according to the IUCN categorization - "Vulnerable" and is classified as a species of global conservation significance. Bulgaria has become a key country for the conservation of the species since the mid-1990s. A large part of the world's population winters on its territory, which is currently estimated at an average of about 50,000 birds. Up to 70 - 90% of the world's population of the red-breasted goose concentrates for a short period of time in the area of ​​Shabla Lake Complex and Durankulak Lake. These protected areas lay entirely on the territory of Shabla municipality. Despite nearly 20 years of research, there is still significant lack of data on the biology, ecology and migrations of the species. This cause problems in planning integrated measures for species protection. The current project envisages conducting 5 studies related to: environmental requirements, daily and seasonal migrations, "bottlenecks" in the life cycle of the species and the factors of concern, which will create conditions for improving the conservation of the species in our country. Conservation measures of each species are related to the involvement of the general public in its protection. The project envisages the printing and distribution of species guides for students and hunters to increase the knowledge and commitment to the conservation of the red-breasted goose. It is planned to provide material and technical base and to hold two goose-related festivals annually in the town of Shabla - Autumn Festival of Kites and Winter Festival. Target areas of the project are: BG0002050 Durankulak Lake 3 356.0 ha .; BG0000156 Shabla Lake Complex 3 174.9 ha., BG0002051 Kaliakra 16 171.8 ha .; with a total area of ​​22 702.70 ha. Project organization, management and ancillary activities are also envisaged.

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