News
Small-flowered asparagus
Every summer survey of the small-flowered asparagus (Cirsium brachycephalum) was completed, visiting previously known habitats of the species at a total of 8 sites. Based on the results of the survey, the population of the Miklapuszta is estimated to be at least 15 000 hectares. The small-flowered asparagus is a biennial plant, developing only an […]
Exhibition in Hódmezővásárhely
We have participated in the Alföld Animal Husbandry Days in Hódmezővásárhely, southern Hungary, where visitors could find us at two stands. In three days, we have consulted with numerous livestock farmers and promoted insect-friendly and bird-friendly grazing among them. More than one hundred farmers have filled out our questionnaire at the event. If you are […]
Pied Avocet
One of the ornithological values of the area is the Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), which has a population of 10-20 pairs in Miklapuszta. Its abundance is mainly influenced by the water level of the alkali lakes. It uses its characteristic upcurved beak to scythe in the shallow water, collecting crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates. It […]
Kentish Plover
One of the target species of the project is the Kentish Plover, a small shorebird of outstanding conservation value not only in the area, but in Hungary as a whole. Its population varies a lot between 0 and 20 pairs in Hungary. The bird can be observed on bare alkali surfaces, alkali lakes and beaches. […]
Sheep grazing has returned to the Miklapuszta
Sheep grazing has returned to the Miklapuszta project area after several decades. Currently, around 200 Grey Cattle and 500 sheep are roaming the landscape, effectively implementing habitat management in the protected area. Once upon a time, 2000 to 2500 sheep grazed in Miklapuszta. As livestock farming declined, sheep-grazing gradually disappeared from the core project area, […]
The first kentish plovers in the project area
Grassland management last year and abundant rainfail this spring have brought the expected results. We have observed the first pair of Kentish Plovers in the core project area that had been managed by cattle and sheep-grazing last year. We hope that they start nesting and breed successfully to contribute to the re-establishment of this threatened […]
Dorcadion surveys
We have completed surveys of arthropod species and communities in the project area. We will use the results to compare the current arthropod community with the community found in a similar survey 31 years ago. We also conducted the first surveys of the population of Dorcadion fulvum cervae, a beetle subspecies endemic to Hungary, which […]
Implementing a conservation project in “Miklapuszta”
The “Miklapuszta” landscape unit of Kiskunság National Park is located in the centre of the country, in Bács-Kiskun County. It is a nationally protected natural area, covering more than 6,000 hectares. Perhaps the country’s most beautiful alkali grasslands are found here: kilometres of bare alkali surfaces, separated by loess plateaus up to 1-1.5 metres high […]