Great bustards Otis tarda in Morocco: status in spring 1999 and evidence of a decline in recent decades

A spring (1999) census was conducted of great bustards Otis tarda in north- western Morocco, where a poorly known population of this species occurs. Si xty-four birds were seen in four distinct areas. Adult males were seen disp laying at three of these areas, indicating that they are probably tradition al lek sites. No adult males were observed in the fourth area and its statu s as a lek site is uncertain. Two further sites were visited but no birds w ere seen. Two 1st-year males were seen with their mothers, demonstrating su ccessful breeding in 1998. We argue that the small number of birds, a popul ation sex ratio of 1 : 3.3 in favour of females, evidence for a range contr action, and probable isolation from other great bustard populations mean th at this population is now extremely endangered and will decline to extincti on unless conservation measures are implemented immediately.