Welcome to Alsace, land of traditions and majestic storks. But did you know that the heavy rains that fall on our region have a devastating impact on these iconic birds? More than 50% of baby storks lose their lives here. Let yourself be surprised by the shocking response to this ecological tragedy!
Heavy rains in Alsace cause a massacre among storks
The residents of Alsace witnessed a tragedy this year, as more than 50% of baby storks perished due to the heavy rains that fell on the region. This phenomenon has caused significant concern among observers from the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds), who have noted numerous empty nests.
Exceptional mortality related to the weather
The heavy rains that hit in May had dramatic consequences for the young storks. Indeed, at this age, they have not yet developed a thick enough down to protect them from the cold, nor a thermo-regulation system. They therefore died from the cold in their soaked nests. A real massacre that affected half of the broods this year.
Losses likely underestimated
It is still difficult to accurately measure the losses due to this massive mortality of young storks. Indeed, some small ones may be hidden deep in inaccessible nests, where parents prefer to nest high up. Nevertheless, experts agree that this year will be marked by a significant demographic decline in the stork population.
Long-term impact on the stork population
The consequences of this massacre will not be felt immediately. Indeed, the young storks born this year will not reach maturity for three years. It is only at that time, when they too will need to nest, that a potential decrease in the stork populations in Alsace can be assessed.
A population increasing despite these losses
Despite this difficult year, the stork population in Alsace is steadily increasing. Data from LPO observers show a 30% increase in numbers in just three years. Some municipalities, such as Neuwiller-lès-Saverne, have also seen an increase in their number of nests. These losses could therefore help stabilize the stork population in Alsace, which would not necessarily be bad news given the saturation of some territories.
Young storks now more resilient
The nesting period is now over, and the baby storks that survived the heavy rains are strong enough to withstand the whims of the sky. The coming weeks should therefore no longer pose a threat to their survival.
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