Indicator Specification
Indicator Set
Date 15.10.2013
National Environmental Indicators MK-NI 009
Authors: Sasko Jordanov, M.Sc,
Robertina Brajanoska M.Sc.
Indicator Title
Abundance and distribution of selected species
Rationale
Justification for indicator selection (namely environmental context)
[text]
Scientific references (with valid link for publically available ones)
[text]
Indicator definition
Indicator definition
The indicator will show the trend in the number and distribution of selected species or species
groups at national level, as relative assessment compared to the baseline year of the monitoring
commencement.
At the moment, species groups considered are the birds. The indicator shows the trend of selected
species of birds of prey.
Units
Population index
Policy context and targets
Policy context description
The Second National Environmental Action Plan (2006), in its Chapter on Nature,
emphasizes the goal of the establishment of integrated system for nature and biological
diversity protection, in line with the EU standards and multilateral agreements. One of the
actions envisaged for achievement of the goal is development of national monitoring
programme for biological diversity components and elaboration of national biodiversity
indicators.
The National Strategy for Biological Diversity Protection with Action Plan (2004)
defines integrated approach to the protection and sustainable use of components of
biological diversity. The Action Plan outlines the specific actions to be taken to achieve the
goals. The strategic commitment “Research and monitoring” includes action for national
biodiversity indicators development. (D.1.11). The revision of NBSAP Is ongoing, and the
new Action Plan will include target related to protection of endangered species in
accordance with the Aichi Target 12.
The Law on Nature Protection (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013) provides
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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the legal basis for establishing monitoring of nature and biodiversity. According to article
154 monitoring of the state of nature is carried out through: measurement, observation,
assessment and control of the status of species, their habitats, habitat types,
environmentally important areas, ecosystems, landscape types, monitoring and assessment
of geological values and monitoring of the state of natural heritage. Monitoring methodology
shall be specified and adopted in a secondary legislation. Also, the Law on Nature
Protection provides the legal basis for protection of endangered species through declaring
strictly protected and protected wild species (article 35).
Law of Hunting (2009, 2011 and 2012) regulates breeding, conservation, hunting and the
use of the game and its parts. This law provides permanent prohibition of hunting for the 85
species, including birds and mammals.
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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Targets
Identification of population trend for selected bird species and identification of the causes
leading to decreasing in their number, and development and implementation of measures to
halt the negative trend (contribution to the achievement of the Aichi Target 12).
Related policy documents
Second National Environmental Action Plan
http://www.moepp.gov.mk/WBStorage/Files/Second%20NEAP,%20en,%20finalen%20dokument%2
0za%20pecatenje,juni%202007.pdf
National Strategy for Biodiversity Protection and Action Plan
http://www.moepp.gov.mk/WBStorage/Files/Biodiversity%20strategi%20of%20the%20RM.pdf
Policy Question(s)
Key policy question
What is the trend in the populations of selected bird species? Which are the main causes
leading to decreasing of the populations?
Specific policy question (s) (if applicable)
[text]
Methodology
Methodology for indicator calculation (including description of data used)
Methodology used by the British Trust for Ornithology for conducting the census of breeding
birds on the territory of the United Kingdom was applied.
With reference to birds of prey, full census of breeding pairs and their breeding success
have been monitored.
Methodology for gap filling
The following actions needs to be implemented aiming to develop the full indicator:
- Build capacity for monitoring procedures
- Select indicator species for birds (and other species groups)
- Establish monitoring scheme for selected species
- Provide regular financing for monitoring
Methodology references
[text]
Data specifications
EEA data references –, please provide dataset name, provider/owner, URL and path.

Data set 1

Data set 2
External data references –please provide dataset name, provider/owner, URL and path.
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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Data set 1. Unedited database of NGO Macedonian Ecological Society
Data set 2.
Uncertainties
Methodology Uncertainty
Data sets uncertainty
Rationale uncertainty
Further work
Short-term work
-
Preparation of Monitoring Programme for biodiversity
-
Capacity building for monitoring of biodiversity
Long-term work
Establishment of monitoring system for biodiversity at national level
Indicator Assessment
Indicator Set (if applicable)
Date
National Environmental Indicators MK-NI 009
Author (s)
Indicator Title
Abundance and distribution of selected species
Key policy question
What is the populations trend of the two selected species of birds of prey (Griffon Vulture
and Egyptian Vulture)
Key message
According to the available data for the 10 years period declining of populations for both bird
species (Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture) is evident.
Key figure(s) – A copy of the figures (graphs or maps) should be inserted here, together with the
Forum link to the respective data package files containing the drill-down data, underpinning data
and metadata checklists (use excel template for graphs).
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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Figure 1. Population trend of Griffon Vulture in Macedonia (by colonies)
Figure 2. Population trend of Egyptian Vulture in Macedonia (in pairs)
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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Key assessment text
Key assessment text
Richness and heterogeneity of species and ecosystems are the main features of biological
diversity in the Republic of Macedonia. According to the available information, this wealth
comprises the imposing number of 17.604 species, out of which 976 are endemic species.
Ornitofauna of the Republic of Macedonia is represented by 338 taxa (309 species and 19
subspecies) of birds. 66 bird species that are found in Macedonia have been included in the
European Red List and 117 bird species in the Birds Directive (Annex I)
13 birds that are found in Macedonia have been included in the IUCN Red List of globally
threatened species (2009)
According to their seasonal status in Macedonia, 210 bird species are present in Macedonia in the
most significant part of their life cycle - breeding. 84 out of them are European conservation priority
species.
In the period from January 2003 until 2013, in the framework of the Vultures Conservation
Project, monitoring of the populations of two species of birds of prey, namely Griffon Vulture
and Egyptian Vulture has been carried out. At the same time, monitoring of the Imperial
Eagle, Golden Eagle, Mediterranean Falcon and Long-legged buzzard is conducted;
however, this data should be updated and analyzed again.
The trends in populations of Griffon Vulture and Egyptian Vulture based on detailed
monitoring of nesting sites of the two species on the whole territory of Macedonia are
presented in Tab.1 and 2.
Table 1. Population trend of Griffon Vulture in Macedonia (in pairs)
Demir Kapija
Mariovo
Tikves Lake
Osogovo
Matka
Total
2003
4
4
9
6
1
24
2004
9
3
9
4
1
26
2005
7
4
4
0
1
16
2006
3
4
5
0
0
12
2007
3
5
5
0
1
14
2008
5
8
8
0
0
21
2009
7
4
6
0
0
17
2010
6
8
6
0
0
20
2011
6
10
0
0
0
16
2012
4
10
0
0
0
14
2013
4
6
0
0
0
10
Table 2. Population trend of Egyptian Vulture in Macedonia (in pairs)
Year
Pairs
2003
38
2004
34
2005
32
2006
31
2007
31
2008
28
2009
27
2010
25
2011
22
2012
21
2013
21
References in key assessment text
Grubac, B. & Velevski, M. (2004-2012): Survey and monitoring of the status, breeding
success and threats to the Egyptian Vulture in Macedonia- Report to BVCF/FZS.
Grubac B., Velevski M., Lisicanec T., Lisicanec E., Rolevski, D.&Andevski, J. (2007):
Decrease of population size of the Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Macedonia and
assessment of conservation measures. III Congress of Ecologists of Republic of
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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Macedonia,06-09.10.2007, Struga. Abstract Book, 101-102. Macedonian Ecological
Society.
Database of Macedonian Ecological Society and Wild Flora and Fauna Fund
Velevski M. and others (2012): State of the birds of Macedonia. Macedonian Ecological
Society, Skopje
Petkovski S. (2009). Assessment and Evaluation of Biodiversity on National Level. Final
Report for the UNDP/GEF/MEPP Project “Strengthening of ecological, institutional and
financial sustainability of the system of protected areas in the Republic of Macedonia”.
Skopje
Specific policy question(s) (if applicable)
Specific figure(s) - A copy of the figures (graphs or maps) should be inserted here, together with the
link Forum to the respective data package files containing the drill-down data, underpinning data
and metadata checklists (use excel template for graphs).
Figure 1 [title + name and link in Forum of data package file containing map or graph, underpinning
data, drill-down data and associated information, and metadata]
Specific assessment text
Specific assessment text
[text]
References in specific assessment text
[text]
Adapted from “EEA guidelines for indicator profile review and update, May 2012”
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