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The Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) is listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List. It has been breeding in the Hortobágy area since 1970. The peak was 700 singing males. Partly due to the degradation of suitable habitats (wet sodic meadows), it became extinct in 2010. Reintroduction is taking place within the framework of a LIFE project supported by the European Union, the preparation for which is to bring the habitats to a favorable condition.
This amount will be used to mow the special habitat of wet sodic meadows which will increase the breeding area of the aquatic warbler
Have donated the initial amount of 5.000 euro that is doubled by SNP to 10.000 euro
With the donation, more than 40 acres of wet sodic meadows can be mowed
The wet sodic meadow has significantly declined and degraded in Hortobágy, therefore urgent conservation action is needed. Fortunately, the degradation can be reversed, for which HEA has the experience and methods from previously implemented projects. With the help of special pre-management, the conservation status of the wet sodic meadow will improve on 250 hectares and create an opportunity for further management (conservation grazing). In addition to the Aquatic Warbler, the area also provides habitat for several species of community interest (e.g. Bombina bombina, Porzana pusilla, Gallinago gallinago), which will also benefit from the management.
The donation will be used for the restoration of the specific habitat of the aquatic warbler. Here, in the Hortobágy National Park , there are vast areas of wet sodic meadows which are preferred by the birds. However, to protect these meadows, mowing is needed by expert people in a very careful way to keep the habitat intact.
The Hortobágy Environmental Association is motivated to improve the conservation situation of the Hortobágy region, as evidenced by the 30 years of operation of the association. Sodic wet meadows habitats are particularly important to us, as in addition to being vulnerable habitats, they are also the habitat of several priority bird species. The logo bird of our association is the Aquatic Warbler, for which we feel a special responsibility in saving the species and restoring its habitats. We have extensive experience in the restoration of the species’ habitat and related methods
Find out more on their own website: Hortobágy Environmental Association
© 2026 Giving Back To Nature i.s.m. Marieke Haver