Landau, November 26, 2021
In July 2021, the research project "Breeding success on the Ballestas?" began, or to be more precise, should have begun. Though ACOREMA had provided all the equipment to get started, it first had to go through a bureaucratic hurdle race to obtain the necessary licences and permits. To be allowed to use a drone, it was necessary to apply for a licence. To get one, a course had to be completed first and an exam had to be taken. Usually, fifteen working days after the test, the Ministry of Transport and Communications then issues the licence. However, the Ministry needed more than 45 days. Only with this licence could a permit for research work in the "National Protected Area of Islands, Islets and Puntas Guaneras" be applied for. After the application was submitted, it was again a case of waiting, waiting, waiting.
In November, SERNANP (State Conservation Agency) approved the research plan. However, the written approval was again a long time in the coming. The agency garnished the wait with the comment that the research came at a very favourable time and was eminently important. Important for the development and design of activities and guidelines to be observed in the protected areas, e.g. to preserve the population of Humboldt penguins.
Finally, on November 21, Milagros Ormeno and her team were able to take the first photos (see below) and film sequences (https://vimeo.com/user22728219). Among other things, the ACOREMA team located several nests with chicks that are just fledging.
W.K.
translated by Angelika Veelken
(1) The research is funded by Frankfurt Zoo and Marlow Bird Park.
(2) see also article "Breeding success on the Ballestas Islands?"
Click to enlarge:
