Initial situation:

The Ural Owl, being extinct in Austria through hunting and destruction of its habitat, is to be reintroduced to Austria, starting in Lower Austria, in the course of a project of several years, by selective measures. This species of owl, not being of relevance for hunting any more, favours forest habitats rich in beech, where it nests in hollow tree trunks and occasionally in old raptor nests. It is a typical forest dweller, just like the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco). Ideal locations for resettling therefore are the natural forests of "Wilderness Dürrenstein“ and the Biosphere Reserve "Wienerwald“. The resettlement project has been carried out under guidance of the Research Institute of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Verterinary Medicine, Vienna, in close cooperation with "Wilderness Dürrenstein“ and Biosphere Reserve "Wienerwald“, Austrian Federal Forests plc./ÖBf, the states of Lower Austria and of Vienna, the Owl – and Raptor Station "Haringsee“/EGS, a number of Zoological Gardens/ÖZO and private citizens. The project aims at establishing a survivable population of Ural Owls in Austria in the near future.

Aims of the project:

• establishing a breeding stock with the incorporation of the Austrian Zoo Organisation/ÖZO, especially the Zoological Garden of „Schönbrunn“, the Owl- and Raptor Station „Haringsee“/EGS, managed by Dr. Hans Frey, and private citizens (e.g. Nursing – and Research Station for Owls and Birds of Prey of Reinhard Osterkorn).
• annual release of 10 to 20 owls within the forests of „Wilderness Dürrenstein“ and the Biosphere Reserve „Wienerwald“.
• establishing an initial population of owls originating in the above mentioned release – areas.
• connecting the population to existing ranges in Europe.
• the project is an effective step towards meeting the requirements of the principle of sustainability and of the convention of biodiversity as laid down in the programme of government.
• the educational aspect is covered by illustrating sensitive processes within the forest ecosystem.

Scheduling:

First stage of the project, including first releases of owls: 5 years (2008 to 2013)

Project management:

Further information on the project can be obtained at http://www.habichtskauz.at and subsequently at the following websites:

State of Lower Austria: http://www.noe.gv.at/

EU: Austrian Programme for a Development of Rural Areas 2007 to 2013: http://www.noe.gv.at

Austrian Federal Forestry Ltd: http://www.oebf.at

Research Institute for Wildlife and Ecology: http://www.fiwi.at

Project partners:

Austrian Zoo Organisation: http://www.ozo.at

Protection of Owls and Birds of Prey in Austria: http://www.egsoesterreich.org

Department of Forestry and Farming, City of Vienna: http://www.wien.gv.at/wald

Biosphere Reserve "Wienerwald“: http://www.bpww.at

„Wilderness Dürrenstein“: http://www.wildnisgebiet.at

Profile of Ural Owl