Bio-diversity

Black Grouse and Caperkaillie used to be very common in Lithuanian forests. These species are famous due to their complex and interesting behavior. However the species are under extinction as their habitats, breeding, resting and mating areas deteriorated significantly. Special measures for the restoration of these birds populations and habitats need to be taken. The main goal of this project is to protect populations of Black Grouse and Caperkaillie, in the South Lithuania, to improve breeding, resting and feeding conditions for these species. It is intended to cut clear 150 ha and to clean 40 ha of former open military training area. As a result 5 open areas connected each with other will be created in the site of 150 ha. 2 feeding places will be created in the clearings and 3 similar sites will be created in the surrounding forests in the distance of 0.1 0.5 km. 7-8 m3 of gravel (needed for the birds digestion) will be brought to each feeding site. About 9750 shrubs for feeding of birds will be planted in 15 areas (about 0.5 ha each). A 4 m height observation tower will be constructed as well. The breeding-ground for Capercaillie will be established in Musteika village. The public organization Nature Heritage Found will finance breeding and monitoring of Capercaillie, as well as a preparation of technical documentation for this breeding-ground. A 30 x 40 m aviary, utility rooms for breeding and feeding will be constructed. It is expected that 15-20 specimens will be raised each year. Dzukija National Park, Musteika forestry and Druskininkai State Forestry Enterprise will continue these activities after the project.

Lithuania