In the waters of Prespa National Park and Lake Ohrid, there has been a decrease in the number of birds this year, but the diversity of species has significantly increased. According to specialists from the Administration of Protected Areas, the variety of bird species has a clear cause.

“From on-site monitoring, it appears that in January 2025, the number of waterbirds is lower, while species diversity has grown. This is a result of global warming and also due to the retreat of the lake’s water levels, leaving reed beds on dry land,” explains Vasil Male, a specialist at ADZM.

In Lake Ohrid, three species of aquatic mollusks have reappeared this year, which were almost extinct from this ecosystem.

“The bird census conducted at Lake Ohrid shows a lower overall number due to climate changes but an increase in species diversity. Sandy and muddy shorebirds have returned. A species not seen in recent years has reappeared, and the kingfisher was also present at Lake Ohrid,” says Adnand Bego, a specialist at PPNEA.

The waterbird census focused on Lake Ohrid, Prespa, Gjanci, and, for the first time, Lake Moglica.