Dalmatian pelican  (Pelecanus crispus)

Declines in the past have been due to wetland drainage, shooting, and persecution by fishermen who believe that the dalmatian pelican competes with them for food. Fishermen continue to threaten this bird only in a few areas, as does disturbance from tourists. Currently, habitat degradation from wetland alteration and water pollution are serious threats, which are compounded by over-exploitation of fish stocks by the fishing industry and hunting by Mongolian livestock herders. The bill of the pelican is traditionally used by the Mongolian nomads as a pouch (2).

Conservation efforts have been successful in controlling some of the more important threats in Europe. Actions include marking and removing power lines, providing breeding platforms in Turkey and Bulgaria and rafts in Greece, as well as guarding key sites. A European action plan was produced in 1996. Continued action is necessary, including the sustainable management of wetlands, complete legal protection of dalmatian pelicans and a halt to the traditional Mongolian use for the pelican bill (2).