Objectives

During the second half of the 20th century and for many reasons, Corncrake numbers have continued to decline from 2 800 singing males in the mid-1970s to just 300 in 2011 ... a loss of 90% of the numbers in 40 years ! Thus, the flagship of floodplains has become an endangered species.

Although several national action plans and conservation programmes have been implemented for 20 years, the species always remains highly threatened.

The new LIFE+ Nature programme "Protection of breeding sites and producing innovative and demonstrative actions favourable to Corncrake" (2011-2015) coordinated by the LPO France should avoid this loss by restoring the species’ breeding capacity in Pays de la Loire (LPO Anjou), Poitou-Charentes and Picardy (CEN Picardie) regions.

This programme aims at fulfilling two objectives: updating and strengthening work on the biology and habitat study while implementing concrete actions to avoid outright disappearance of the species in national level.

<media145|insert|center>

Where? Three pilot sites which are hosting the last major population strongholds:

– the Basses Vallées Angevines (Anjou)
– the Moyenne Vallée de l’Oise (Picardie);
– the Moyenne Vallée de la Charente (Charente et Charente-Maritime)

The programme thus provides the implementation of 33 actions to meet five main objectives:

– providing more efficient and attractive agri-environmental measures;
– protecting nests and broods;
– protecting and restoring breeding sites;
- enhancing the scientific inputs in nature conservation;
- sharing experience and knowledge.

For more information, download the Technical Summary of this Life + programme

<media144|insert|center> <media143|insert|center>