Sand martins are the smallest European hirundines (the collective name for martins and swallows). They are migratory passerine birds in the swallow family. This bird species has a wide range in summer, embracing practically the whole of Europe and the Mediterranean countries
Their habitats are farmlands and wetlands.
The mayor of Đelekovec, Lara Samošćanec, said today that the local authorities and local farms had signed contracts aimed at protecting sand birds' habitats.
Sand martins nest on cliffs and steep banks of rivers and lakes.
The state-run Hrvatske Vode water management company is also included in the implementation of the project.
Tanja Nokowitz of the WWF Austria explained that sand martins are an important indicator of the health of river eco-systems.
DRAVA LIFE is being implemented by the Hrvatske Vode company, WWF Austria, the Zeleni Osijek Green association, and the local public institution for the protection of nature in three northern Croatian counties: Koprivnica, Varaždin and Virovitica.