From January we will restart the exotic Turtle Measuring Day! This is an initiative of the Amphibian and Reptile Protection Group in collaboration with Trachemys Adoption – Romanian Coalition. Every turtle lover who keeps an exotic turtle can participate. Active participants will have to measure in every 23th day of the month 4 data of the turtle and these must be sent to the project coordinator (tibor.sos(at)gmail.com). Read the rest of this entry »

Milvus Group is launching the Milvus scholarship dedicated for student researchers interested in biology, ecology or nature conservation for year 2010. Our main objective is to help students to implement original research or conservation projects built upon original ideas and implemented by the new generation of researchers. The projects should be in line with the mission of the Milvus Group (protected animal and plant species, protected areas, future Natura 2000 sites, species monitoring, etc.)  The maximum funding for individual projects is 850 RON while for “team projects” is up to 2000 RON.
Deadline for submission: 22nd February 2010
Further details and the application forms can be downloaded from here (in romanian) or required from the office@milvus.ro or istvan.komaromi@milvus.ro email addresses.

International Long-eared Owl Network (ILEON) decided to initiate for winter 2009/2010 a synchronous winter census of Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) in Central and Eastern Europe. Till now, several countries from this geographical region manifest the willingness to participate in this program. Synchronous shall be done by a standard method, identical for each country and it is addressed for all volunteers who want to get involved in it. Read the rest of this entry »

On the 28th of November 2009, we have inaugurated in the Tg. Mures ZOO a bilingual (Romanian and Hungarian) information panel about bears. The panel – located next to the bears’ paddock – is intended for the education-information of the wider public (visitors) by presenting facts about the species’ biology, ecology, threats, etc. The panel also has some interactive features, namely 2 wooden boxes mounted on its bottom, in which children can get a “hands-on” experience by touching and feeling a bear’s teeth and footprint (both exact replicas after natural samples). Read the rest of this entry »

On the 25th of November 2009, the Trans European Wildlife Networks Conference was held in Bucharest, at the Rin Grand Hotel. The conference – organized in partnership by the Milvus Group, the National Environmental Protection Agency, as well as Euronatur – was the closing event of a one and a half year long project, bearing the same title. Read the rest of this entry »

On 21st November 2009 Milvus Group organized the second examination for persons who wanted to obtain ringing license for wild birds. The examination was held at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Targu Mures. A number of eight persons expressed their willingness to participate on the examination. A total of six participants had take the exam only for birds of prey and owls, and two people the general test which is focused on Passeriformes. Read the rest of this entry »

Last month was held the opening ceremony of the “My favourite waterfowl” drawing contest at Iernut elementary school. More than 190 drawings sent to the contest were prized in two categories classes I-IV and V-VIII. The event was organized as part of the project “Popularization of the Elesteele Iernut Cipau Natura 2000 site and preparation of its managemnt plan involving local stakeholders” financed by the Environmental Partnership Foundation and MOL Romania.

On 15^th July 2009 has come to us a satellite telemetry transmitter to be mounted on a Red-Footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus). The transmitter with only five grams is currently the smallest existing transmitter can be mounted on birds.
In total purchased eight transmitters of which seven were mounted birds in Hungary and one in Romania. We believe that this event is a very important step in knowledge of the migration of this endangered species.

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In the last month, the rehabilitation of birds from our center has seen a remarkable success. After the birds were kept under continuous observation for a sufficient period of time for total recovery, six birds has been released. The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) was confiscated wit the help of Lucian Pârvulescu from an illegal owner, approximately one year ago.

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During the school year 2008-2009, environmental education trainings were held in 30 classes from the Iernut elementary school. The pupils had the oportunity to learn about birds on field at the SPA-Iernut fishponds. These activities were organizet as a part of the project “Popularization of the Elesteele Iernut Cipau Natura 2000 site and preparation of its managemnt plan involving local stakeholders” financed by the Environmental Partnership Foundation and MOL Romania.