In memory of Primož Kmecl

In May, we received heartbreaking news about the passing of our colleague Primož Kmecl, coordinator of the Slovenian monitoring of common farmland birds in DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia. In the reflections, friends and collaborators share their memories of a man whose life was devoted to birds, data, and the people around him.

Primož was a devoted conservationist and an exceptionally kind and warm-hearted person. His character, knowledge, and wisdom inspired deep respect. Though soft-spoken, he had a wonderful and always gentle sense of humour. He was genuine and unassuming.

Primož had been a member of DOPPS for 36 years and was employed by the organisation for the last 20. He was an experienced field ornithologist, an outstanding researcher and a leader. He established the Farmland Bird Monitoring Scheme, served as editor of the scientific journal Acrocephalus, coordinated the national Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (VOS), was a member of international bird monitoring bodies, and served as scientific director – but above all, he remained a sincere and dedicated conservationist. He wrote and led major conservation projects. His passion lay in data analysis and ecological modelling, where his remarkable intellect enabled him to master complex mathematical approaches and draw meaningful conclusions.

He mentored and co-mentored numerous researchers and students, resulting in over 30 original scientific articles, the most recent of which was published this year in the esteemed journal Bird Study. A few years ago, he founded and led a research group within the organisation, which gave him great joy and reflected his strong belief in the importance of research for successful conservation.

Though Primož is no longer with us, he remains ever-present. His work, his name, and his insights will forever live on—in the freedom of birds and in our hearts.

Glory to his memory.

Tomaž Mihelič, conservation ornithologist, DOPPS – BirdLife Slovenia

In memoriam Primož Kmecl | DOPPS

Primož and Vlatka Dumbović Mazal in Luzerne, Switzerland, during the EBCC conference Bird Numbers in 2022

Primož was one of the kindest and most good-natured individuals I have ever had the privilege of meeting. He played an invaluable role in helping us establish bird monitoring programmes, research initiatives, and species conservation projects in Croatia. With patience and generosity, he was always ready to explain, advise, and encourage—no request was ever too great, and no effort too small in his eyes.
Dear Primož, the world is a better place for knowing you, and we are deeply grateful for all you gave. May the soft meadows of heaven embrace you, dear friend.

Vlatka Dumbović Mazal
coordinator of the Common Farmland Bird Monitoring Croatia, Croatian Agency for Environment and Nature

I hardly remember when I met Primož for the first time. Certainly, it was at an EBCC conference or one of the PECBMS workshops we organised in the past in Czechia. Primož was not a person who would be loud and conspicuous. He was rather calm and gentle, but always deeply interested in the topic, perfectly prepared and listening to others. Last time, we discussed the development of the forest bird indicator in Slovenia. The indicator has been badly needed, and Primož tried to make it relevant and high-quality. He will not finish this job. We will miss him.

Petr Voříšek, EBCC office manager, PECBMS coordinator 2002–2018

Primož during the monitoring of birds in Slovenia; photo by DOPSS

Primož was one of approximately 40 PECBMS coordinators, but specific in his way, as each of our colleagues is. The first impression when meeting Primož was that one was meeting a definition of a dear man and kindness. This is precisely what Primož represented. Always friendly to everyone, always helpful, prompt and smiling. Primož was more a friend than a colleague to me. My last email conversation with him was three weeks before his passing, mentioning how much we missed him at the EBCC conference in Riga. We knew about his illness, but all of us hoped he would win. We had no idea… All of us were struck by the message about Primož’s passing away. We are missing you, Primož.

Eva Šilarová, PECBMS coordinator