The Challenge
Global migratory birds face immense hazards, including habitat loss and human-made structures, during their biannual journeys across the Mediterranean. The Cyclades serve as an essential stopover for these “citizens of the world” to rest and recover; however, many birds are found injured or exhausted, unable to survive without intervention.
While the hospital on Paros provides critical care to hundreds of birds annually, the successful return of these animals to their specific migratory routes is a high-stress operation. Any error in the location or timing of their reintroduction can negate months of specialized rehabilitation and threaten the survival of rare species.
The Solution
By collaborating with a broad network of partners, including Necca and Action for Wildlife, Alkioni ensures that recovered wild birds are released at the precise moment and habitat required for their survival. Alkioni is of great importance to biodiversity conservation in Greece, due to its key geographic location, unique way of work, and open collaboration with focal points around Greece.
Activities
With the support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund, Alkioni:
- Coordinated the safe transportation of rehabilitated raptors and aquatic birds to release sites across Greece, including Northern Greece and Crete.
- Procured specialized size-6 transport cages to ensure the safety and comfort of large birds during travel.
- Organized public release events with school participation to foster environmental education.
About the Grantees
The Aegean Wildlife Hospital, known as Alkioni (Kingfisher in English; a beautiful bird that symbolises tranquillity, protection and the calm of the sea), is based on the island of Paros hosting and rehabilitating between 600 to 1000 wild animals per year.
What You Can Do
- Report injured or exhausted wildlife to Alkioni immediately to ensure they receive professional care.
- Attend a public release event to learn about the challenges migratory birds face and see them return to the wild.
- Support the “Cyclades Care for Wildlife” program to raise awareness about wildlife protection on your island.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The project directly supports the restoration of threatened bird populations and the protection of global biodiversity.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Success is achieved through extensive collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and local volunteers.
