The fourth synchronous winter count of the Great Bustard in Central Europe took place between 13-14 January 2024. The Austrian organizers, in cooperation with national coordinators from 7 European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia), carried out a population census of Great Bustards in the Pannonian region.

The first coordinated survey of this kind took place in 2017, when 1.751 individuals were recorded. This was followed by a longer break and the census became annual from 2021.

Fortunately, the 2024 data show a slight increase. The 2.723 individuals represent an increase of about 11% compared to the previous years.

In Romania, Great Bustards can still be seen mostly in the area of Salonta. Our colleagues saw a group of 73 individuals at the time of the count. These birds may have been gathered from a wider area, as confirmed by the presence of a coloured ring-marked individual from Dévavanya (Hungary) in the flock.

The full report of the event can be found here and for more information visit www.grosstrappe.at.