Curly Pelicans, a Rare Red-List Species, Have Arrived in Ukraine.

Curly Pelicans Spotted at the Tuzly Estuaries

According to TSN.ua: Following the arrival of pink pelicans, the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park in the Odesa region has welcomed a new group of curly pelicans. Known scientifically as Pelecanus crispus, this species is one of only two pelican types found in Ukraine. These birds are notably large, weighing up to 12 kilograms and boasting a wingspan of nearly three meters.

Curly pelicans rarely nest in Ukraine, with ornithologists estimating only about 14 breeding pairs in the country. They feed on fish, hunting both alone and in groups. Listed in Ukraine’s Red Book, the species is recognized for its rarity and vulnerability. Key threats to their population include:

• drainage of wetlands,
• water pollution,
• human disturbance of the birds.

This information was provided by Dr. Ivan Rusev, a Doctor of Biological Sciences.

The arrival of curly pelicans at the Tuzly Estuaries National Nature Park signals positive shifts in the region’s ecosystem, which could aid in the recovery of their population.

Significance for Ukraine’s Biodiversity

The presence of curly pelicans at the Tuzly Estuaries marks an important step in preserving Ukraine’s biodiversity. It reflects improving conditions for rare bird species and highlights the urgent need to protect wetlands, which are critical for their survival. The recovery of such bird populations can serve as an indicator of the overall health of the region’s ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining ecological balance in Ukraine.