Luca Eberle
New Hope for the City of Falcons
Release of lesser kestrels, Italy, 2024
Category - Change Makers: Reasons for Hope
Volunteers from the San Giuliano Wildlife Recovery Centre release some lesser kestrels that were rescued in Matera. The city, known for having the largest colony of the species in the Mediterranean basin, hosts over 1,000 breeding pairs. However, their population is at serious risk due to the renovation of old buildings, which serve as ideal nesting sites, and rising summer temperatures that threaten the survival of chicks. These factors have contributed to a significant decline in their population, reducing it by approximately two-thirds in the last decade. Fortunately, collaborative efforts by several universities, the municipality of Matera, and recovery centres are positively impacting the conservation of the lesser kestrel population in the city.
15 mm f/4 Lens - 1/1250 sec at f/8 ISO 6400