The rewilding of Lake Skadar builds on the spectacular return of pelicans.

A strong foundation for rewilding

Skadar Lake, located on the border of Montenegro and Albania, is the largest lake in the Balkans and one of the most important freshwater ecosystems in Europe. Last year, Skadar Lake National Park became one of 10 protected areas selected as a Wilder Parks Frontrunner. Wilder Parks is a pioneering parks group working with Rewilding Europe to demonstrate how rewilding can complement traditional protected area management. By restoring natural processes and allowing nature to shape landscapes more freely, the plan aims to help Europe’s protected areas become wilder and more resilient places where nature and people can thrive together.

The remarkable recovery of the park’s iconic Dalmatian pelican population over the past two decades provides a powerful example of what long-term protection and effective conservation can achieve, and provides a strong foundation for amplifying rewilding efforts in and around the lake, building on collaboration between Rewilding Europe, the Montenegrin National Parks Authority and local partners.

unique wetlands

Lake Skadar, a short drive from Montenegro’s Adriatic coast, spreads over an area of ​​over 40,000 hectares, about 80% of which is wetland. Together with Albania’s Shkodra Lake Nature Reserve and the Buna River, it forms a transboundary ecosystem that was recently recognized as a UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.

Rich fish populations, extensive reeds and floating vegetation support exceptional biodiversity, making Lake Skadar one of the most important wetlands for birds in Europe. Among the most iconic residents are the Dalmatian pelicans, which breed in one of the largest colonies in Europe. Surrounded by snow-capped Albanian mountains and home to the unique Skadar oak (blackjack ssp. scutariensis), the lake is especially beautiful in spring. Flowering chestnut trees litter the surface, and Dalmatian pelicans, pygmy cormorants and countless wading birds fill the sky.

For centuries, Lake Skadar has sustained local communities through fishing, agriculture, and tourism. But today, increasing visitor pressure, illegal fishing, barriers to fish migration, invasive species and unsustainable development are putting increasing pressure on the natural processes that have long maintained the lake’s incredible diversity.

From vision to practice

Rewilding Europe, Montenegro National Parks Authority and local partners will now work together to rewild Lake Skadar and the surrounding area by restoring the natural processes that underpin this special wetland ecosystem. Priorities include strengthening aquatic food webs, improving the condition of migratory fish, exploring future reinstatement opportunities for the critically endangered Adriatic sturgeon, and using natural grazing to help control invasive indigo plant.Amorpha fruticosa) around the lake. This partnership will also help protect the lake’s future by supporting long-term monitoring and protection of the lake’s Dalmatian pelican habitat.

In addition to ecological restoration, Rewilding Europe will support the development of wildlife viewing tourism and other nature-based enterprises, while strengthening anti-poaching measures and building the capacity of park staff and rangers to protect the park’s outstanding biodiversity.

“The greatest achievements in nature conservation are achieved when communities, institutions and partners share a common vision of maintaining wild nature as a place of life, inspiration and hope,” says Marinela Djuretic, Director of Montenegro’s National Parks Authority. “Wild nature is not a luxury; it is the foundation of healthy ecosystems, quality of life, and our shared natural heritage.”

A notable return

Few species better exemplify the long-term conservation and rewilding value of Lake Skadar than the Dalmatian pelican, the park’s signature animal and a source of pride for the local community. The park’s pelican population reached about 306 in 2026. This is the highest number since systematic monitoring began and a significant increase compared to about 250 the previous year.

The species never disappeared from the lake, but its breeding success collapsed in 2008 when unusually high water levels flooded nests and human disturbance further reduced productivity. A turning point came in 2014 with the introduction of targeted conservation measures, including no-disturb zones marked by buoys and floating nesting platforms designed to cope with fluctuating water levels. These practical interventions transformed the colony’s fortunes over the past decade, helping its population to steadily recover.

Adapting to a Changing Environment

The Pelicans have also shown remarkable resilience. After the 2022 avian influenza outbreak, which resulted in the loss of around 20 birds and the failure to reproduce successfully, the habitat naturally shifted from its traditional nesting site on Pančeva Oka to Moračnik Island in response to changing environmental conditions.

This year’s breeding season was more challenging, with nesting delayed and some early clutches lost due to unusually high water levels. However, once conditions improved, many breeding pairs extended the breeding season by creating new nests. By June, the monitoring team had recorded 140 breeding adults and 47 chicks at various stages of development, with 23 young birds already fledging and three nests still active.

The ability of the community to adapt to changes in water levels suggests that it has moved beyond simple recovery to a more stable and resilient phase. Nevertheless, continued protection is essential by minimizing disturbance around Moračnik Island, especially during the breeding season. Rewilding Europe and park authorities are looking at ways to increase surveillance and ensure colonies continue to thrive.

Helping Europe’s protected areas become more wild.

Lake Skadar National Park is one of 10 protected areas taking part in Rewilding Europe’s Wilder Parks initiative. By integrating rewilding principles into protected area management, the plan aims to accelerate the recovery of nature across Europe, while demonstrating how healthier, more resilient ecosystems can provide lasting benefits for local people.

As work gathers pace on Lake Skadar, the remarkable recovery of Dalmatian pelicans is an encouraging demonstration of what is possible when long-term conservation is combined with rewilding. This means activating natural processes, amplifying the return of wildlife, and creating thriving landscapes where people and nature can thrive side by side.

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