LA CICOGNA BIANCA CICONIA CICONIA (Aves Ciconiidae) IN SICILIA: AGGIORNAMENTO A TRENT'ANNI DALLA COLONIZZAZIONE

The White Stork Ciconia ciconia in Sicily: updating after 30 years of colonization. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in population size, breeding success and nest location of a local White Stork Ciconia ciconia population in Sicily from 1991 to 2020. We gathered all the available data and field records regarding the species in Sicily and carried out several distribution maps outlining the status of the White Stork in Sicily. Field work was then concentrated on studying and monitoring the two most numerous colonies (“Piana di Gela” and “Piana di Catania”). During the 29 years, population size (HPa) varied from 1 breeding pair (1991) to 82 breeding pairs (2013). The Sicilian population of 2018-2020 is 64-71 pairs, i.e. 22.77% of the Italian breeding population. Many pairs build a nest on top of medium voltage pylons. The highest numbers were noted in “Piana di Gela”, which resulted to hold the largest colony in Italy. Censuses of breeding pairs showed a sharp increase in the population between 2010 and 2011, with a modest increase in the following years. Since 2016 there was a decline in the number of pairs. Among the greatest risks is foraging in landfill and subsequent resting spots on nearby power poles, which increases the risk of electrocution. During the research, conservation measures (mowing of grasslands due to increase the food supply for nestlings, creation of a mosaic of native grasslands and meadows, wetland restoration) were implemented. A new protected nature reserve was established to safeguard the agroecosystems and wetlands of the “Piana di Gela”.