2010

The Swiss Action Plan for the White Stork describes the framework (aims, strategies, measures, protagonists a their roles, etc.) for the protection and conservation of this species in Switzerland. This means preserving and restoring appropriate habitats, creating and connecting new ones, so that the Swiss population can reach 300 breeding pairs (estimated potential) by 2024.

Future conservation efforts in favour of the White Stork must aim at improving breeding success and reducing losses during migration and in the winter quarters. In Switzerland, it will be crucial to create and secure enough open and near natural grasslands. This can be achieved with the support of the land owners and the local and cantonal authorities. On the breeding grounds as well as along the migratory routes, accidents with electric power lines are the most common avoidable cause of mortality. Here, it is technical measures which can bring efficient remedy; they must be implemented in cooperation with power companies.