Sand martin population in Croatia drops from 30,000 pairs to fewer than 4,000 over the past 30 years

Đelekovec, 9 June 2025 – Over the weekend, the Sand Martin Day was celebrated on the banks of the Drava River near Đelekovec as part of the Municipality Day festivities. The colony of this endangered bird species at the Lubenovec site, downstream from Legrad, is one of the largest along the Drava River. In recognition of this, the village of Đelekovec was named Croatia’s first “Sand Martin Village” in 2024. This title highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats and showcases the successful collaboration between the local community, farmers, and environmental experts.

Sand martins – key indicators of healthy river ecosystems

Sand martins (Riparia riparia), Europe’s smallest swallows, nest exclusively in steep sandy riverbanks. Their presence is an important indicator of the health of river ecosystems. Unfortunately, their population in Croatia has declined from around 30,000 to fewer than 4,000 pairs over the last three decades.

The main causes of this decline include the loss of natural habitats due to river regulation, excessive pesticide use, draining of wetlands (which reduces insect populations), and human disturbance during the nesting season.

Education and community engagement are key to protection

Visitors had the opportunity to attend a presentation by a representative of the DRAVA LIFE project, participate in a creative workshop, and join a boat ride organized by the Rafting Club Koprivnica — all offering a closer look at the life of sand martins. The event emphasized the importance of responsible behavior near nesting colonies — such as avoiding noise, keeping a safe distance, and following guide instructions during the nesting period (late April to mid-July).

A key example of good practice is the collaboration between the Municipality of Đelekovec, the Puhar family farm, WWF Austria, and Croatian Waters. Through lease agreement adjustments, natural erosion of the Lubenovec riverbank is enabled, creating new suitable nesting habitats each year. This initiative stands as a model for successful cooperation between the local community, agriculture, and nature conservation professionals.

Special recognition goes to the school cooperative “Mak” from Đelekovec, whose project “Sand Martins in the Embrace of the Drava” qualified for the National Student Cooperative Fair. Students created educational and creative products to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this species.

DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management

The DRAVA LIFE project focuses on improving river ecosystems in Croatia, particularly in areas that are part of the Natura 2000 ecological network. By restoring the river’s natural dynamics and fostering cooperation among institutions, NGOs, and the local community, the project contributes to the protection of endangered species and habitats — while also helping to safeguard populated areas from flooding.

Objava Sand Martin Day Celebrated in Đelekovec pojavila se prvi puta na Drava Life.