Pantelleria island The natural setting of the site Pantelleria is a volcanic island (84 km2), about 110 km SW of western Sicily and 70 km ESE of the Cap Bon Peninsula (Tunisia). Most of the island is covered by Mediterranean scrubs. The migration survey The migration takes place both in autumn and spring. Systematic observations were made in autumn only in 2003, while during spring the migration has been monitored between 2004 and 2013 by LIPU (Birdlife Italy), within the “Progetto Rapaci Migratori”. An observation post is located at the altitude of ca 600 m, along the slopes of Montagna Grande, its highest relief (836 m). About 4000 raptors were counted in autumn and thousand raptors are regularly observed in spring. The main species are: European Honey Buzzards, Black Kites, Western Marsh Harriers. How to get there? There is an airport in Pantelleria. It is possible to reach the island also by boat from Trapani (Sicily). Contact MEDRAPTORS (Mediterranean Raptor Migration Network) Main references Agostini N., Gustin M., von Hardenberg J. & Panuccio M. 2016. Wind patterns affect migration flyways and flock size of a soaring bird over sea. Avian Biology Research 9(3): 159-166. Agostini N., Cardelli C. & Gustin M. 2007. Factors shaping pathways of European Honey Buzzards (Pernis apivorus) during spring migration in the Central Mediterranean basin. Journal of Raptor Research 41(1): 57-61. Agostini N., Premuda G., Mellone U., Panuccio M., Logozzo D., Bassi E. & Cocchi L. 2005. Influence of wind and geography on orientation behavior of adult Honey Buzzards Pernis apivorus during migration over water. Acta Ornithologica, 40: 71-74. Agostini N., Premuda G., Mellone U., Panuccio M., Logozzo D., Bassi E. & Cocchi L. 2004. Crossing the sea en route to Africa: autumn migration of some Accipitriformes over two central Mediterranean islands. Ring, 26: 71-78.
