Research paper. Factors That Attract Birds within the Area of the International Airport Craiova, Romania, and Certain Control Measures
Abstract The present study renders the results of the observations made in the biotopes located within the perimeter of International Airport Craiova and its close proximity (0-3 km), during all the seasons between 2013 and 2014. During the research, we recorded a total of 58 species of birds, many of them showing a high degree of adaptability to the environmental conditions marked by an increased anthropogenic impact. Large-sized species that fly highly and the species characterized by a gregarious behaviour, represent a real threat to aircraft safety. The temporary or longer presence of birds in the area of the airport is due to the optimum living conditions generated by a series of natural and anthropogenic factors. Besides the enumeration and presentation of the way these factors act, we developed a series of measures that can reduce or counteract the area attractiveness to birds by eliminating or restricting to a minimum the trophic resources and opportunities for rest.