Black stork Ciconia nigra: management in Europe

Abstract

A Black stork Ciconia nigra management survey undertaken in 1993 indicated that several variables, including nest type, enclosure mates, cage dimensions, whether the cage is covered and flight status of the birds may be factors in reproductive success. Predation was the primary cause of mortality, with trauma and intraspecific killings also being major causes of death. Reproduction could probably be improved and mortality reduced by taking these factors into consideration when designing Black stork enclosures. A number of Black storks are held singly and are unsexed; sexing and pairing of birds would almost certainly also improve Black stork breeding success in Europe.