Alondra, conservation of the species
Introduction
The lark is one of the 26 species of Iberian steppe. This group is characterized by forming their nests on the ground, by their typically terrestrial locomotion and having cryptic coloration, that is, very similar to their surroundings. An emblematic case is that of the Ricotí -Hersophilus duponti- because the European population lives in Spain. Celebres authors like Chaucer and Shakespeare have highlighted this little bird in literature- a good part due to its morning song- symbolizing in their works the dawn. In this article we will know a bit of life and the dangers facing this little singer.
Developing
Characteristics of the Alondra
The Ricotí Alondra is a member of the bird family called aláudidos, belonging to the Panseriforms, or Cantoras Birds. They are small size of around 11 centimeters. His plumage is brownusco, which helps him go unnoticed. In fact, his camouflage is so successful that, among bird observers, it is known as the ghost of the Páramo. The lark prefers cleared spaces, large plains, in arid and semi -arid environments. In Spain we find it mainly in the Páramo de Layna or in the Ebro Valley, but also in the Rincón de Ademuz and ever are rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis.
- Singing
The allon is a morning singer, concentrates its song first hour before dawn. His trill is very melodious and he does it with great vehemence. The varied vocalization includes alarm and stress calls, but the most used for detection are songs and territorial claims. The males sing on the flight, and with it they defend their breeding territories and attract their partners. Although the song in the females has been reported for other species of Alondra, in the case of the Ricotí Alondra there is no evidence that females sing.
- Alondra feed
This little girl is omnivorous and feeds when she is on the floor. His favorite food is insects, of which he eats a wide variety. It also eats seeds, pastures, leaves, shoots, fruits and flowers.
- Nest and reproductive biology
How we commented before the Ricotí Alondra builds the nests on the ground. They locate the nests so that they are protected by a scrub, strands of grass, earth lumps or stones. The nest shape is cup. As for the number of eggs it is known that it is between 3 and 5, and that the female incubates them alone. Although the information about the incubation is limited, it is estimated that it lasts 12 days. It is known that chickens leave the nest after a period of 8 days. Also that the reproductive season of the species extends from the end of March to the beginning of July. These birds remain in the breeding areas the entire year. It is interesting to know that for this species, the predation rate the occurrence of attack by predators- in nest ranges between 46% and 84%.
- The Alondra qualified in danger of extinction
The species has suffered a 4% annual population decrease for at least the last 10 years, it has made it a kind of priority care. At the national level, Alondra is classified as in danger of extinction in the Red Book of the Birds of Spain. The criteria used for classification include the population size and the surface of its distribution. Thus the classification of the Ricotí Alondra is due to the fact that the surface of its occupation area is less than 500 km². In addition, its population is very fragmented, being most individuals distributed in just 14 locations.
Additionally, it is classified as a vulnerable species in the Spanish catalog of threatened species. At European level, it is included in Annex I of the Bird Directive (DIR. 79/409/EEC) as a species subject to conservation measures.
- Causes that violate the Alondra
Experts consider that the Esteparias bird group is the most threatened group in Europe and with the greatest risk of disappearing in the next decades. Among them, the Ricotí Alondra is the bird that is suffering the greatest decline in Spain.
It is undeniable to point as an unfavorable condition for change in climatic conditions. Other causes of equal weight are, obviously, food shortages and habitat loss. The lar. Human activity, through agricultural intensification, has modified the habitats of the Ricotí Alondra throughout Europe. As a consequence, the steppe has suffered deterioration and decrease in its area.
conclusion
The pronounced decline of the populations of the Ricotí Alondra has turned on the alarms about the urgent need to develop a national conservation strategy. The strategy includes measures to protect populations and ensure their long -term viability. The conservation strategy of the Ricotí Alondra includes protecting the areas where the species lives, avoiding new impacts in these areas and performing habitat handling. In addition, it is considered essential to execute a monitoring program based on effective census methods of the population.
Experts have been raising the duty to protect, as far as possible, a series of potential habitat spots that could act as natural runners between the remaining populations and allow recolonization events to occur. Experts estimate that 200 hectares is the minimum desirable extension for habitat spots that host populations of Alondra Ricotí. Recently, the situation of this endangered bird has been favored by a research and conservation program of the species by the Spanish government.
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