A census of the Lesser Kestrel population was carried out in 56 villages, and a rapid population evaluation in 9 other villages. The foraging habitat around the villages and the availability of nesting sites on buildings within the villages were also evaluated.
The preliminary results were encouraging for the species in the Kilkis area since in 6 out of 12 villages colonies were recorded, and good to excellent habitat, and good to very good availability of nesting sites were found in some villages.
On the other hand, the preliminary results in the Evros and Ardas areas were less positive but scientifically important. The species was found to be present only in the known colony of Orestiada and absent from all the other 43 villages that were surveyed in the area. Suitable sites were found in some settlements, however foraging habitat was initially assessed as moderate or unsuitable.
Τhe data gathered should be analyzed in correlation with further external measurements regarding the habitat, in order to draw final conclusions.
