The Roller (Coracias garrulus) was rather numerous and common species in Belarus till the 1970's. Its number was estimated from 10 till 30 thousand pairs. The rapid, almost catastrophic decrease of the Roller numbers started in early 1970's. Cutting down of old forests, deforestation and wide use of insecticides in agriculture were the mains reasons of population decline for this species. The present population of the Roller in Belarus is 30-50 pairs.

This project is linking research with conservation action. Ongoing conservation initiatives pertaining to the Roller in Belarus focus on investigation on the ecological and biological behavior of the species in its habitat. This project is designed to fill important information gaps regarding causes of the species decline and contribute to improved understanding of the species distribution and initiate some conservation action.

The following results will be obtained consequently:

-Reducing lack of hollows for nesting Roller by installing nest-boxes.

-Increasing of Roller breeding success in revealed breeding sites.

-Revealing of post-breeding dispersion, migration and biological features of the species via individual color ringing of the Roller nestlings.

-Accessing of supplementary data about feeding of the species during breeding season.

-To determine the effectiveness of fledging of Roller via ptilochronology method.

-Organizing seminars to educate people who live near the main habitat roller in Belarus.

-Publication of information about Roller in the popular zoological magazine, scientific journal, in the media and on internet sites.

-Preparation of documentation for protection of Roller breeding site - "Borovoe" and to expand the one under the State protection.