Lake Skadar Rewilding Follows Pelican Recovery

Rewilding Europe and partners are expanding conservation efforts at Lake Skadar National Park, located on the border of Montenegro and Albania, after a successful recovery of the Dalmatian pelican population. Over the last two decades, the park saw a rise in pelicans, reaching an estimated 306 individuals in 2026, the highest number since monitoring began.

The initiative, part of the Wilder Parks program, focuses on restoring natural processes and strengthening wildlife, while also supporting local communities through sustainable tourism. Priorities include restoring aquatic food webs, aiding fish migration, and controlling invasive species.

Lake Skadar, a transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, faced threats from visitor pressure, illegal fishing, and unsustainable development. The partnership aims to address these issues and ensure the long-term health of this important wetland ecosystem, building on past successes with nesting platforms and no-disturbance zones.