Four nesting attempts of a Great Bustard Otis tarda female in one reproductive season

A mature Great Bustard (Otis tarda) female tagged with a satellite transmitter in Devavanya made four breeding attempts in 2019. A total of seven eggs were laid on the four occasions. None of the breeding attempts were successful, and the bird was killed by a predator, presumably a Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), during the fourth breeding attempt. The four egg-laying attempts are a new experience in the reproductive biology of the species. The failure of the nestings and the death of the bird itself confirm that the conservation measures of the species, as emphasised in international and national conservation plans - controlling predators and egg predator populations, ensuring undisturbed breeding conditions - are important conservation biology actions serving for the protection of the species.

Automated summary

A mature Great Bustard female made four breeding attempts in Devavanya, but all failed and the bird was killed by a predator. This new experience confirms the importance of conservation measures.