The botanical characteristics of the approximately 400 hectare area outlined on the map suggest that it perhaps has never been ploughed. When traditional grazing ceased at the end of the 20th century, reed vegetation started to spread over the area, and it pushed out the animal species associated with the traditional short-grassed vegetation. In order to restore the desired nature protection state of this landscape in 2013 a large-scale habitat management programme has started.

Reed-footed falcons feed their young with insects, frogs, lizards, and small rodents. They breed successfully only in those areas, where prey is abundant, and they are easy to fi nd and catch. The short-grassed and mosaic-like pastures created by grazing are especially important hunting grounds for birds of prey.

The strictly protected Red-footed falcon is one of the most signifi cant characteristic species of this area, therefore the protection of its habitats is especially important. Its present population number is only the tenth of that recorded during the previous century. The nesting colonies of rooks disappeared, and hence the natural nesting opportunities seriously declined for the Red-footed Falcon. Moreover, the area of natural habitats declined, and the management of the remaining ones considerably changed, too.

HAMVAS-JÁRÁS is one of the most valuable parts of the HEVESI FÜVES PUSZTÁK LANDSCAPE PROTECTION AREA

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Further detailed information on this program and continuously renewed advancements are available at www.bnpi.hu and www.falcoproject.eu websites.

The Red-Footed Falcon Protection Program (LIFE11 NAT/HU/000926) is supported by the LIFE Fund of the European Union and the Hungarian Ministry of Rural Development.

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The Directorate of the Bükk National Park to preserve the characteristic native open grass-land communities started experimental grazing with Hungarian grey cattle.

In the RED-FOOTED FALCON CONSERVATION LIFE+ PROJECT the BNPD and its partners investigate what intensity of grazing and alternative management (mowing, management of wet habitats, forest plantation) can transform the area primarily into a red-footed falcon friendly habitat, and besides the applied farming techniques should remain economically sustainable.

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