The first lesser spotted eagle national species action plan (SAP) was preprared in 2000 and was supposedly valid for 5 years. During the project SAP was revised and updated, using the latest information on species distribution, protection level and ecology aspects. 

In course of SAP’s updating, special emphasis was paid to the evaluation of the measures taken for species protection since the elaboration of first national action plan as they can not be evaluated as sufficient. The aim of the plan is to achieve favourable conservation status of species. 

The work of SAP updating was led by Dr. Uģis Bergmanis and supervised by Nature Conservation agency. It is prepared for the time period of 10 years. SAP was finalised in 2019.

Uģis Bergmanis. Presentation about lesser spotted eagle SAP (in Latvian) 

Species protection plan for lesser spotted eagle Clanga pomarina in Latvia (in Latvian).

Nest site inventories is an essential precondition for further providing of necessary protection arrangements for the LSE. Therefore experts during the first four fieldwork seasons of the project will search for nests, using also the existing information about the potencial nest sites. Experts will also exaluate the nests and surrounding grounds and evaluate the stability of nest and make decision about the necessary managment activities and necessity to build artificial supports. 

The nest inventories were carried out all over the country with an aim to fill the gaps between the existing Natura 2000 sites. Each of the found nest sites was be individually evaluated from the point of view of necessary protection. 

Expected results – preconditions created for ensuring a proper protection regime for 12.5% of national LSE population. At least 500 newly found nests.

During the four years of project activities 543 new lesser spotted eagle nests were found in all Latvia.

Map: nests found in Latvia during project activities 

Detailed studies of lesser spotted eagles have been carried out in Latvia since 1980ies, however, the efficiency of applied conservation measures has not been scientifically evaluated so far. Therefore a comprehensive study will be made on breeding productivity, nest longevity, resttling and using of backup nests in relation to the applied conservation measures. Results of the evaluation will be published in an international scientific magazine, thus providing scientifically reasonable arguments for future planning of LSE conservation activities in Latvia and elsewhere in the species distribution range. 

The results of the evaluation are published in journal Forest Ecology and Managment.

Full publication available here. 

Before actual habitat restorations are started in action C.5, the necessary technical drawings, designs will be prepared for road reconstruction and closing of the drainage diches in floodplain meadows. 

The technical project was prepared in summer 2018.