Category Archives: News

This year, we once again took part in the St. Dömötör’s Day Herd-in Festival, where shepherds and their livestock—including Hungarian Racka sheep, Noniusz horses, and teams of buffalo and Hungarian Grey cattle—made their way from the pastures of the puszta to their winter shelters, continuing a tradition that has endured for centuries.

October is not only the time when livestock are driven in from the pastures; it is also a season of celebration in nature. Every autumn, hundreds of thousands of cranes migrating from the north stop over in Hortobágy before continuing their journey south. This seasonal phenomenon, known as crane migration, involves the cranes’ daily flights at dusk to their roosting sites. It lasts only a few weeks, yet offers an unforgettable experience to visitors taking part in the programmes organised around it.

The traditional herd-in, also known as beszorulás, is one of the major annual celebrations in the lives of shepherds. It marks the end of the grazing season, when farmers bring their livestock in from the pastures and into barns and winter shelters. During the annual stocktaking, shepherds account for livestock losses and young livestock, providing a record of the herd or flock at the end of the grazing season.

Historically, the herd-in was associated with St. Dömötör (St. Demetrius), the patron saint of shepherds, and his feast day became an important occasion for celebration. Farmers settled their accounts with the shepherds, who would then spend several days dömötörözés—celebrating with feasting, merrymaking and traditional shepherds’ balls.

Today, the herd-in traditionally associated with 26 October has largely become symbolic. By late October, livestock no longer necessarily return from the pastures with snow on their backs, as the old saying goes. Weather permitting, animals may remain out on the pastures throughout November, sometimes until 1 December. After that, the lambing and calving season begins, and the livestock need to be brought under shelter.

St. Dömötör’s Day was also known as the Shepherds’ New Year. In many areas, this was the customary date for shepherds to settle their accounts with their employers and renew or terminate their service agreements.

Around Hortobágy, estate shepherds and peasant grazing associations organised festivities to mark St. Dömötör’s Day. The celebrations held at the end of the shepherds’ annual accounting period were known by various names, including juhászbál (shepherds’ ball), juhásztor, juhtor and dömötörözés. The festivities often lasted an entire week, known as dömötörhét (St. Dömötör’s Week).

For several years, the St. Dömötör’s Day Herd-in Festival, Craft Fair and Crane Festival have been held at the same time and venue through cooperation between Hortobágyi Nonprofit Kft. and the Hortobágy National Park Directorate. This joint event gives visitors the opportunity to discover the region’s natural heritage and experience the cultural traditions and way of life of Hortobágy’s shepherds.

The Municipality of Hortobágy also organises a craft fair for the occasion, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the region’s distinctive heritage. The all-day event featured a craft fair, traditional shepherds’ dishes cooked in a bogrács (a traditional Hungarian cauldron), folk dance performances, nature-themed educational games and hands-on craft activities.

Our project stand welcomed numerous children and adults, giving us an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of our project’s objectives, our nature conservation activities and grazing practices that support biodiversity conservation. We were particularly pleased to exchange professional knowledge and practical experience with several farmers and shepherds.

We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand and contributed to the exchange of ideas with their questions, insights and experience!

Written by: Renáta Gál

Between October 20 and 23, 2026, Debrecen hosted the jubilee 15th Hungarian Conference on Conservation Biology (MTBK), centered around the theme “Pollution, Biodiversity, and Nature Conservation.” The four-day event served as a major forum for the domestic professional community in conservation, biology, and ecology, where researchers, conservation practitioners, and experts from related fields shared their latest findings, experiences, and ideas.

The conference held particular significance as it marked the first time in the history of the MTBK series that the topic of pollution took center stage. The issue is especially pressing today: industrial, agricultural, and other sources of pollution, along with urbanization and various anthropogenic pressures, pose severe challenges to biodiversity preservation. The conference program sought to address these issues not only by presenting scientific research, but also by discussing viable conservation solutions and practical field experiences.

The scientific program was diverse, offering plenary lectures, symposia, poster presentations, and panel discussions. The first full day focused primarily on pollution and its conservation significance. Discussions addressed agricultural pollution, the soil biological effects of ivermectin, insect-friendly grazing practices, pressures on wetland ecosystems, the impact of wastewater on fish fauna, and the ecological consequences of light pollution and urbanization.

The second day took a broader look at current challenges in nature conservation. The agenda covered wetland restoration, conservation aspects of forest management, approaches to controlling invasive alien species, species and genetic conservation, conservation priorities, and assessments of diverse habitats and management interventions. The day concluded with panel discussions focusing on the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law, as well as the relationship between soil life, science, and public outreach.

Alongside the oral presentations, poster sessions also played a prominent role. The displayed research covered an extensive variety of habitats, taxonomic groups, and conservation challenges—ranging from the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics, pollinator monitoring, and amphibian community surveys, to conservation issues surrounding forests, grasslands, wetlands, and rare plant and animal species. The poster sessions also provided an ideal setting for informal networking and collaborative discussions.

The scientific program was complemented by two optional field trips closely aligned with the conference themes. One excursion took participants to Hortobágy National Park to observe common cranes and other migratory birds, offering an inside look into the wetland habitat restoration of the Hortobágy-Halastó (Fishponds). The second trip highlighted environmental monitoring issues tied to recent industrial and economic developments in and around Debrecen, including visits and discussions concerning the Civaqua program, the Nagy-legelő (Great Pasture), environmental monitoring systems, and local industrial parks.

The event was also a milestone for the host city: the jubilee 15th MTBK returned to Debrecen exactly 15 years after the city hosted the 7th conference.

The conference was organized by the Hungarian Biological Society, the University of Debrecen, the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, and the Hortobágy National Park Directorate. Scientific support was provided by the Section of Biological Sciences of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA), the MTA Ecological Scientific Committee, and the Society for Conservation Biology Europe Region.

Additional institutional and project support came from the Competence Center for Biodiversity, Water Management and Climate Change at the University of Debrecen; the Institute of Aquatic Ecology of the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research and the LIFEforBUGSandBIRDS project; the Hortobágy National Park Directorate; the Herman Ottó Institute Nonprofit Ltd. through the Vadonleső (WildWatch) Program and the Grassland-HU LIFE integrated project; and the European Union’s NoPlanetB project.

We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers, poster presenters, invited experts, attendees, sponsors, and partners for contributing to the success of the 15th Hungarian Conference on Conservation Biology!

The abstract volume is available online HERE.

Written by: Máté Tóth

On 17 October, as part of the LIFE for BUGS & BIRDS project, we held an educational session on the ecology, ecological role and conservation of dung beetles at the Open Day of Horhos Valley Organic Farm (Horhos Völgyi Ökobirtok) in Tardona, Hungary.

Visitors had the opportunity to discover first-hand the vital role these often-overlooked insects play in the functioning of grassland ecosystems. They learned how dung beetles utilise the dung of grazing livestock, contribute to organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, and why preserving their habitats is essential. Participants also had the opportunity to try out some of the equipment used in entomological research, gaining practical insight into the methods employed in scientific fieldwork.

The Open Day featured a diverse programme highlighting the natural heritage of the Bükk region, sustainable farming practices and local products. Among other activities, participants could attend a bird-ringing demonstration, learn about the biodiversity of the Bükk region, and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of an organic farm.

For us, it was particularly important to use dung beetles as an example to raise awareness of the ecological importance of insects and the role of insect-friendly grazing management in biodiversity conservation.

We would like to thank the organisers for the opportunity to take part in the event, and all visitors for their participation, thoughtful questions and engaging discussions!

Written by: Renáta Gál

On 7–8 October, the professional conference entitled The Future of Pannonian Grasslands – Harmonising Nature Conservation and Sustainable Grassland Management was held in Gödöllő, with members of our project team among the participants. The event, organised in connection with the Grassland-HU LIFE Integrated Project, attracted considerable interest. Over the two days, a total of 250 researchers, nature conservation professionals, land managers, agricultural experts, educators and decision-makers came together to discuss opportunities for conserving and sustainably managing grasslands in Hungary.

Pannonian grasslands are habitats of outstanding nature conservation importance, providing a home to numerous protected plant and animal species while also playing a vital role in the ecological functioning of the landscape. However, their long-term survival is increasingly threatened by climate change, more frequent and severe droughts, changes in water balance and shifts in land use.

One of the conference’s central themes was how grassland management can adapt to these changing environmental conditions. The presentations and professional discussions highlighted the complexity of developing management practices that adequately address nature conservation requirements. The methods, timing and intensity of mowing and grazing must be tailored to the ecological characteristics of each habitat, the requirements of the species present and the prevailing environmental conditions.

Aligning research findings with practical experience, alongside the long-term monitoring of management interventions, is essential to developing appropriate management practices. Monitoring and the evaluation of results make it possible to review management methods in light of the evidence gathered and adjust them where necessary.

The event also placed particular emphasis on conserving grassland biodiversity, the habitat requirements of protected species, habitat restoration, the control of invasive plant species, and the application of modern monitoring and geospatial technologies.

The issues discussed at the conference clearly demonstrated that grassland management cannot focus solely on the requirements of individual species or conservation features in isolation. Habitat structure, vegetation composition, the needs of insect and bird communities, and the effects of grazing and other management interventions form an interconnected system. Consequently, the planning of nature conservation measures must take account of ecological processes and the needs of different groups of organisms in an integrated manner.

One of the conference sessions that was particularly important to us was the roundtable discussion entitled Living Soil, Resilient Grasslands – The Role of Soil Life in Grassland Management. Among the invited experts was Dr Szabolcs Lengyel, the leader of our project. Moderated by agricultural adviser Adrienn Gyenes, the discussion featured contributions from Dr Endre Dobos, Dr Szabolcs Lengyel, Ferenc Palik, Dr Szilárd Szentes and Dr Aliz Márton. Among other topics, the participants explored the role of nutrient replenishment in improving grassland condition during periods of drought, when fertilisation is justified, and which forms of nutrient application are most appropriate.

Another key topic was the relationship between soil biota and grassland management, as well as the timing and potential ecological impacts of veterinary treatments, particularly the use of ivermectin-based anthelmintic preparations. This issue is also of major importance for insect-friendly grazing. The dung of grazing livestock is an integral component of organic matter cycling in grassland ecosystems, providing a food source, breeding substrate and developmental habitat for numerous arthropods. Dung beetles and other dung-dwelling organisms contribute to dung decomposition and nutrient cycling, while also indirectly influencing soil functioning and food availability for insectivorous birds and other animals.

In addition, we participated in the conference poster session with our poster entitled The LIFE for BUGS & BIRDS Project – How Does Insect-Friendly Grazing Promote and Maintain Biodiversity in Pannonian Salt Steppes and Loess Steppe Grasslands?

One of the key messages of the two-day event was that nature conservation objectives and sustainable grassland management are not separate, unrelated fields. Appropriate, well-planned agricultural use can contribute to the persistence of many valuable grasslands, particularly where grazing practices take nature conservation considerations into account. Developing suitable management practices, however, requires the integration of research findings, nature conservation experience and local land management knowledge. Dialogue among researchers, nature conservation professionals, land managers and decision-makers can help ensure that ecologically beneficial solutions are also feasible in everyday practice.

The conference provided an opportunity for representatives of different disciplines to exchange experience and discuss shared challenges and potential solutions relating to grassland conservation.

The Future of Pannonian Grasslands conference reaffirmed that the long-term conservation of grasslands of high nature conservation value requires continuous adaptation, up-to-date knowledge and collaboration. The practical application of scientific findings, monitoring the effects of management interventions and taking local experience into account can all contribute to more effective nature conservation.

For our team, attending the conference also provided an opportunity to share our experience with insect-friendly grazing with a wider professional audience and to contribute to the ongoing professional dialogue on issues of common concern to grassland management and nature conservation.

The long-term survival of Pannonian grasslands is a shared responsibility. Achieving this requires a concerted effort in which nature conservation objectives, sustainable land management and cooperation across different disciplines all play a decisive role.

The conference Book of Abstracts can be accessed HERE, and the poster presenting our project is available HERE.

Written by Renáta Gál

As part of the LIFE for BUGS and BIRDS project, our team conducted a dung beetle survey at the Horhos-Völgyi Estate. During the fieldwork, we searched for characteristic species of hilly and mountainous pastures while collecting valuable data on pasture ecosystems and the impacts of nature-friendly farming. Simultaneously, we learned about agricultural practices operating in harmony with nature, alongside the advantages and challenges of rearing the Carpathian Brown cattle breed.

The Horhos-Völgyi Estate recently joined the partner network of the LIFE for BUGS and BIRDS project. The farm operates with an exemplary approach: it integrates nature conservation aspects as a fundamental part of its everyday agricultural operations. The management of the pastures and the rearing of the Carpathian Brown cattle are guided by an ethos that mutually serves animal welfare and biodiversity conservation.

Dung beetles are key actors in the ecological functioning of pastures. They rapidly decompose cattle dung and incorporate it into the soil, thereby contributing to nutrient cycling, improving soil structure, and providing a food source for numerous insectivorous bird species. Even a single dung pat hosts a rich ecological community, making it essential for these insects to find suitable living conditions. Responsible veterinary practices play a significant role in this. The estate pays special attention to ensuring that veterinary medicinal products containing ivermectin are administered only when strictly justified. This is critical because residues of the substance can persist in the dung, where they can harm dung beetles and other beneficial arthropods. This nature-friendly approach allows the ecological processes of the pastures to function undisturbed, ensuring the long-term preservation of the area’s rich biodiversity.

We would like to thank the staff of the Horhos-Völgyi Estate for their warm hospitality, the insightful professional discussions, and the glimpse into the daily operations of near-natural farming. It was a pleasure working in such a unique environment, and we trust that the jointly collected data will further advance the protection of pasture ecosystems and dung beetles.

Written by: Renáta Gál

This joint effort not only yielded valuable data on the insect fauna of the area but also provided us with an excellent opportunity to deepen our understanding of the potential and practical applications of regenerative agriculture. It was truly inspiring to learn about the principles of regenerative farming and the management practices aimed at improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting natural ecological processes.

During a single sampling event, we recorded nearly 20 dung beetle species within the study area. Although these organisms often go unnoticed, they perform essential ecosystem functions and play a key role in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting the productivity of grazing systems.

We are sincerely grateful for this collaboration and for the warm hospitality we received. One of the most important lessons from this experience is that nature conservation and agricultural production are not inherently conflicting objectives. On the contrary, the openness and commitment of farmers are indispensable for developing effective conservation solutions that are both ecologically meaningful and practically applicable.

Written by: Máté Tóth

This year, the 30th National Cattleherders’ Competition and Shepherds’ Gathering was held at the Pusztai Állatpark in Hortobágy. The jubilee event aims to showcase and pass on the traditions that are still alive among the herders of Hungarian Grey cattle kept under extensive, free-range conditions, as well as the practical skills of traditional pastoralism.

Cattle herders and young apprentices representing the next generation, who travelled to the event from all over the country, competed in traditional contests based on the skills and tasks of everyday pastoral life. These included catching cattle, drawing water from a traditional well, throwing a lasso, and handling the traditional herder’s stick and whip. At the same time, visitors were given an authentic insight into one of the most important living traditions of Hungarian pastoral culture.

The programme was complemented by a competition featuring traditional herdsmen’s dishes, folk music and traditional cultural performances, as well as a fair showcasing traditional crafts and folk art. The event not only contributes to preserving the values of Hungarian pastoral culture, but also draws attention to the close relationship between pasture management and nature conservation—an increasingly important aspect of sustainable land use today.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness among farmers and visitors about the importance of insect-friendly grazing and to introduce the objectives of our project. The event attracted a large number of livestock farmers, small-scale agricultural producers, local residents, and professionals, providing an excellent platform for presenting nature-friendly farming practices. The strong attendance of agricultural professionals allowed us to engage directly with farmers whose everyday management practices have a significant influence on grassland biodiversity.

At our stand, we demonstrated how nature-friendly grazing practices can contribute to the conservation of decomposer insects and grassland biodiversity. We discussed the benefits of using veterinary antiparasitic treatments responsibly, the role of insect hotels, and how sustainable grassland management and the conservation of beneficial insect species can simultaneously support both nature conservation and farming objectives. Particular emphasis was placed on providing participating farmers with practical examples of conservation measures that can help support the survival of decomposer and soil-dwelling arthropods, as well as other beneficial insect species.

We were delighted to see that many farmers showed a keen interest in nature-friendly grassland management practices, and numerous valuable professional discussions took place throughout the event. During our conversations, several farmers expressed their openness to adopting insect-friendly management practices and their willingness to try out the methods presented by our project on their own farms.

Thank you to everyone who visited our stand and contributed to the exchange of ideas through their questions, experiences, and insights!

Written by: Renáta Gál

Hortobágy hosted the 8th Hungarian Wool Festival, which once again offered a diverse programme for those interested in traditional pastoral culture, wool processing, and sustainable livestock farming. The event aims to bring visitors closer to the traditions surrounding sheep farming and the journey of wool from sheep to finished product, while also providing a platform for showcasing modern, nature-friendly approaches to livestock management.

Our project team also took part in the two-day event. On the first day, Dr Szabolcs Lengyel gave a presentation at the professional conference entitled “The LIFE for BUGS and BIRDS Project and Insect- and Bird-Friendly Grazing Practices.” The presentation highlighted how appropriately managed grazing practices can contribute to the conservation of grassland biodiversity, with particular emphasis on protecting insect and bird communities. The key topics of the conference included sustainable grazing, the diverse uses of wool, and the preservation and transmission of traditional pastoral culture. The professional programme provided an excellent opportunity for dialogue and knowledge exchange among experts working in nature conservation, livestock farming, and traditional crafts.

On the second day of the event, we participated in the festival as exhibitors. At our stand, visitors could learn more about the objectives of our project, our nature conservation activities, and grazing practices that support the conservation of biodiversity. Many visitors expressed interest in the practical possibilities of nature-friendly farming, and we were pleased to see growing attention being paid to the conservation of grassland biodiversity.

The 8th Hungarian Wool Festival was not only about preserving traditions, but also about exploring how the values of the past can be connected with sustainable solutions for the future. We are proud that our project could be part of this inspiring event and contribute to raising awareness of the importance of nature-friendly grazing practices.

Written by: Renáta Gál

“On St. George’s Day, when the livestock is driven out, anyone can be a herdsman; but on St. Michael’s Day, when they are brought back in, only those who can account for them remain herdsmen” – as the old folk wisdom says.

In the recent period, we participated in two events of outstanding professional and community importance. We attended as exhibitors at the St. George’s Day Livestock Drive-Out Festival in Tarnaszentmiklós, organized by the Bükk National Park Directorate, as well as at the St. George’s Day Drive-Out Festival, Craft Fair, and “Our World Heritage, the Puszta” Day in Hortobágy.

On April 24, celebrating spring and renewal, the landscape near Tarnaszentmiklós—on the protected pastures of the Hevesi Füves Puszták Landscape Protection Area—once again came to life. The traditional drive-out festival, organized by the Bükk National Park Directorate, provided an excellent opportunity for direct dialogue between farmers and nature conservation professionals. The professional program included several presentations on nature-friendly farming practices and ongoing conservation projects. Professor Lengyel Szabolcs, the leader of the Conservation Ecology  Reserach Group of HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, and the project manager of our Life projects was among the speakers, and held a presentation about the practical use, importance of insect friendly garzing and its positive effects on grassland biodiversity.

On the following day, April 25, the St. George’s Day drive-out festival took place in Hortobágy, one of Hungary’s most longstanding events showcasing pastoral traditions. With a history spanning several decades, the event vividly presents one of the most characteristic moments of steppe animal husbandry: the spring drive-out of livestock. The program featured herdsmen, Hungarian Grey cattle, and equestrian demonstrations. After several years’ hiatus, the event was once again held at the Hortobágy market square, realized through broad professional cooperation.

Both events provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with farmers and to collect information through a questionnaire survey on the use practices of veterinary medicinal products containing ivermectin. Interest was considerable, and we received a wealth of valuable insights and feedback from local farmers.

The events were held in a positive atmosphere and proved highly successful from a professional perspective. The data collected provide an important foundation for the further implementation of the project, contributing to the alignment of nature conservation and farming practices.

Thank you to the organizers for the invitation!

Written by:  Renáta Gál, Csaba P. Nagy