Diet of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Slovakia

2008 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav Dravecký ◽  
Štefan Danko ◽  
Ján Obuch ◽  
Ján Kicko ◽  
Boris Maderič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rana Temporaria ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Lepus Europaeus ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Mustela Nivalis ◽  
Aquila Pomarina

Diet of the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Slovakia In the period 1964-2007, data on 1472 ex. of prey was acquired from whole Slovakia. It was confirmed that the location of the breeding population on the foothills and mountains of the Carpathian Arc has a cardinal contribution to diet diversity. The breeding sites and hunting-grounds were found from 100 to 1 000 meters above sea level. The dominant part of the diet created mammalian species (88.11 %, 19 species and Sorex sp., Apodemus sp., undetermined Artiodactyla). Birds were less represented but with higher diversity of species (6.25 %, 24 species and Columba sp., undetermined Passeriformes). In comparison with birds, the share of Amphibia, Reptilia and Pisces together (4.89 %, 5 species and Rana sp., Lacerta sp., undetermined Serpentes and Reptilia) was lower. Pisces constituted only 0.007 % with 1 ex. of prey species Cyprinus carpio. Evertebrata constituted 0.75 % and species from orders Orthoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera were found. The dominant prey of A. pomarina in Slovakia was Microtus arvalis (69.57 %), followed by Arvicola terrestris (5.16 %) and Microtus agrestis (3.94 %) constituting significantly lower proportion. These three species from the category small rodents composed 75.67 % of diet. Less abundant species in range 2.24-1.00 % were Talpa europaea (2.31 %), Rana temporaria (2.24 %), Cricetus cricetus (1.70 %), Phasianus colchicus (1.15 %), and Lepus europaeus (1.09 %). In lesser extent (1.0-0.5 %) also other mammalian species such as Apodemus flavicollis (0.88 %) and Mustela nivalis (0.88 %) were represented. The most frequently encountered birds were Galliformes such as P. colchicus (1.15 %), Gallus gallus domesticus (0.48 %), and Coturnix coturnix (0.54 %). Other more abundant prey bird species were Alauda arvensis (0.48 %), Columba sp. (0.48 %), and Crex crex (0.34 %). From the class Reptilia relatively high share of Anguis fragilis (0.95 %) and Lacerta sp. (0.68 %; most probably Lacerta agilis) were recorded. Other species with representation lower than 0.3 % were a random prey of A. pomarina.

scholarly journals The Borki Primeval Forest as an important forest bird area

2015 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-107
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Rąkowski
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Forest Bird ◽  
Primeval Forest ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Birds Directive ◽  
Rare And Endangered

Abstract This paper presents an overview of bird research carried out in the Borki Primeval Forest during the last 30 years. The Borki Primeval Forest can be considered as one of the most important forest bird sites in Poland. Its avifauna comprises 139 breeding species, including 11 rare and endangered species listed in the Polish Red Data Book of Animals as well as 30 species listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive. Despite its relatively small area, the Borki Primeval Forest holds at least 1% of Polish breeding population of as many as 12 bird species. For seven out of these species it is one of the most important breeding sites in the country. The avifauna of the Borki Primeval Forest consists mostly of typical forest birds including 24 indicator species which are associated with natural forests. The richness of bird species in the Borki Primeval Forest and the abundance of several valuable groups of breeding species are the result of a high landscape and habitat diversity as well as a relatively small anthropopression combined with a high degree of naturalness of forest stands.

scholarly journals Migration and wintering of Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) in southeastern Hungary

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-99
Author(s):  
László Bozó
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Migration Pattern ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Central European ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Palearctic Region ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Local Weather

Abstract The Fieldfare is a bird species widely distributed in the Palearctic region. In Hungary, the species is considered as a rare breeder and common, sometimes abundant migrant in autumn and spring, and also as winter visitor. It is prone to invasion, since northern breeding populations leave the breeding sites in large numbers only when the available food is inadequate or inaccessible to the birds. Most populations follow a southern-southwestern migration pattern, and in the course of their movement they also migrating through the Carpathian Basin. In this study, we examined the migration and wintering of the species in an area of southeast Hungary between 2004 and 2019. Data were collected between the beginning of October and the middle of April and during that period we saw Fieldfares a total of 416 times. In addition to the description of migration, the effect of weather on bird numbers was also investigated. According to our results, the species appears in the area in October and disappears in late March and the first half of April. The individuals that migrate in October are likely belonging to the Central European breeding population, while from November the Scandinavian birds can be seen. The maximum number of birds observed during the different years showed significant differences, as did the patterns of movements within the seasons. The relationship between the local weather and the number of birds has been demonstrated over several seasons, which is typical of species with an escape migration.

scholarly journals Diet Diversity and Dietary Overlap of Two Sympatric Vulture Species in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-190
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Dietary Overlap ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Diet Diversity ◽  
Bearded Vulture ◽  
Frequency Occurrence ◽  
Himalayan Species

Bird species that use similar resources are expected to use variant foraging approaches and segregate in order to minimize a possible competition among them. However, if they fail to attain this exclusion, competition results. We studied the diet composition and dietary overlap between two sympatric vulture species: Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) and Bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), the two important avian scavengers of Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary of Kashmir Himalaya. Analysis of pellets collected from feeding and roosting sites of these vulture species revealed a significant variation in their food consumption with Himalayan species consuming mostly larger dead mammalian species with higher frequency occurrence of 66.66% of Bubalus bubalus and bearded species the smaller dead mammalian ones with highest frequency occurrence of Ovis aries (83.82%). Diet spectrum of Himalayan vulture was more diverse (H’=1.97) than that of Bearded vulture (H’=1.64). The values of Berger-Parker index (Pimax) follows the reverse order of diversity with Pimax=36.2% for Himalayan vulture and Pimax =48.7% for Bearded vulture. There was very low dietary overlap between the two species (Ojk=0.466; C=0.457) which may favor their co-existence. The management of carrions of livestock and setting up of vulture restaurants is the need of the hour for the conservation of these scavenging birds which are facing high risk of extinction in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary.

scholarly journals Mosquitoes of the Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Calzolari ◽  
Rosanna Desiato ◽  
Alessandro Albieri ◽  
Veronica Bellavia ◽  
Michela Bertola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Abundant Species ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Distribution Data ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Ecological Niche Models ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Anopheles Atroparvus ◽  
Species Inquirenda ◽  
Maculipennis Complex

AbstractThe correct identification of mosquito vectors is often hampered by the presence of morphologically indiscernible sibling species. The Maculipennis complex is one of these groups that include both malaria vectors of primary importance and species of low/negligible epidemiological relevance, of which distribution data in Italy are outdated. Our study was aimed at providing an updated distribution of Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy through the sampling and morphological/molecular identification of specimens from five regions. The most abundant species was Anopheles messeae (2032), followed by Anopheles maculipennis s.s. (418), Anopheles atroparvus (28) and Anopheles melanoon (13). Taking advantage of ITS2 barcoding, we were able to finely characterize tested mosquitoes, classifying all the Anopheles messeae specimens as Anopheles daciae, a taxon with debated rank to which we referred as species inquirenda (sp. inq.). The distribution of species was characterized by Ecological Niche Models (ENMs), fed by recorded points of presence. ENMs provided clues on the ecological preferences of the detected species, with An. daciae sp. inq. linked to stable breeding sites and An. maculipennis s.s. more associated to ephemeral breeding sites. We demonstrate that historical Anopheles malaria vectors are still present in Northern Italy.

Quelea quelea (weaver bird).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Cheke
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Grain Crops ◽  
The World ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Economical Losses

Abstract The red-billed quelea is a small weaver bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and renowned for its attacks on small-grain crops within Africa. It is the most numerous bird species in the world, with peak post-breeding population estimated at 1,500,000,000. The red-billed quelea is mainly granivorous, except when feeding its chicks insects or when eating insects prior to migration or breeding, and it relies on a supply of grass seeds to survive. When unable to find grass seeds or when opportunities arise, quelea will attack crops. It is a major pest throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and can cause significant economical losses.

scholarly journals Awifauna wodno-błotna środkowej Wisły w okresie lęgowym: wpływ działalności człowieka na rozmieszczenie, liczebność i bogactwo gatunkowe

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dariusz Bukaciński ◽  
Monika Bukacińska ◽  
Arkadiusz Buczyński
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
River Channel ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Vistula River ◽  
Breeding Habitats ◽  
Natura 2000 Site ◽  
River Bottom

The inventory of birds was conducted in the years 2005-2010 on the Vistula River section between Dęblin (388 km of the river) and Podwierzbie (435 km of the river). The study area includes a southern section of the European Ecological Natura 2000 Site in Poland PLB140004 „Middle Vistula River Valley” (IBA, PL083). In most areas the Vistula flows here within unregulated or relatively little modified riverbed, having features of natural, lowland, braided river. Sandy islands and braid bars within the main channel, steep banks, and old riparian afforestation create the unique breeding habitats of the Vistula River Valley. Especially the river channel habitats provide suitable breeding sites for many rare bird species, constituting some of them the key-breeding sites. There are, however, fragments of several kilometers, where people transformed the Vistula River in a more visible way (Table 1). These are, among others: an urban section within Dęblin boundaries (km 388-393 of the river), a fragment adjacent to Kozienice Power Plant (km 421-426), and the area, where since 2007 gravel for the industry has been mining from the river bottom (km 426-431). The aim of this inventory was the comparison of richness and abundance of breeding bird species associated directly with the river channel on fragments mentioned above. It will allow us to estimate soberly how very the intensity of human utilization of the river affects the distribution of avifauna of the Vistula, determining the richness and abundance of valuable and/or endangered species breeding in a given area.

scholarly journals Black Kite Milvus migrans in Slovenia – its distribution, phenology, breeding and habitat

Acrocephalus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (178-179) ◽  
pp. 71-83
Author(s):  
Dejan Bordjan
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Breeding Density ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite

Abstract Between 1984 and 2017, 1,388 Black Kites were recorded, mostly in lowlands with 70% of observations made at Dravsko polje. They were observed from sea level to around 1,600 m a.s.l. with an average elevation of 271 m a.s.l. The species was present in Slovenia from mid-March to early December with indistinct spring and autumn migrations. The highest number of observations was recorded in May. The Black Kite was observed in 71 out of 238 10x10 km grid squares in Slovenia (29.8%), with more observations around known breeding sites and at sites with higher observer effort. Both the number of observations and the number of probable and confirmed breeding pairs increased. In 2011–2018, 10 breeding pairs were found at 7 sites (3–7 per year). Additionally, 11 probable breeding pairs at 9 sites (0–6 pairs per year) were found. The breeding population in 2011–2018 is estimated at 10–21 pairs with an average breeding density of 0.3–0.9 breeding pairs per 100 km2. The highest density was recorded at Dravsko polje with 0.6–2.2 breeding pairs per 100 km2. If possible breeding (breeding attempts) were also taken into consideration, the estimate would be up to five breeding pairs higher. The species was recorded at known breeding sites in most years after the breeding was confirmed. Black Kites were observed closer to larger water bodies and to rubbish tips than expected by chance. More Black Kites were recorded in areas with a lower percentage of forest and arable land and a higher percentage of meadows, settlements and wetlands.

scholarly journals Population dynamics of five riverbed breeding bird species on the lower Drava River, NE Slovenia

Acrocephalus ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (174-175) ◽  
pp. 85-126
Author(s):  
Luka Božič ◽  
Damijan Denac
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Population Increase ◽  
General Situation ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Main River Channel ◽  
Extreme Flood ◽  
Gravel Bars ◽  
Gravel Bar

AbstractIn 2006–2017, annual censuses of breeding bird species regarded as indicators of natural rivers were carried out on the 38.9 km long lowland stretch of the Drava riverbed between Maribor and Zavrč with altered flow regime due to the operating hydropower plants. Gravel bar habitats were surveyed in four years of the study period by combining orthophoto analysis and analysis of field photographs. Effects of gravel bar management were evaluated based at 20 locations. The Little Ringed PloverCharadrius dubiusoccurred on 39.8% of the gravel bars, but most were occupied only in a few years and held just one breeding pair. Low numbers between 2009 and 2012 (< 30 pairs) were followed by a steep population increase from 2014 onwards to a maximum of 66–73 pairs (1.7–1.9 p/km). Such population dynamics was attributed to the lack of large discharges (>500 m3/s) and consequent overgrowing of riverbed in the first part of the study period, while the increase in the second part was due to the creation of extensive shingle areas (from 20,6 ha in 2009/10 to 37,8 ha in 2014) by the extreme flood in early November 2012, subsequent regular occurrence of large discharges outside the breeding seasons and large-scale removals of woody vegetation. Breeding population of Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucosremained at a rather similar low level (<20 p) during most of the period studied after an initial decline, and did not reflect changes in the overall surface area of riverbed habitats. Contrary to the general situation, the number of breeding pairs on gravel bars subjected to management increased several-fold. Maximum number of pairs on these bars was reached up to four years after the initiation of management measures, as only then the optimal mosaic of early successional stages interspersed with shingle areas developed at main sites. The species was widespread only on lower part of the Drava. KingfisherAlcedo atthiswas fairly widely distributed along the riverbed, but occurred in rather low densities throughout (c. one pair on 2–3 km of the studied riverbed on average), probably as a result of limited bank erosion and consequent overgrowing/lack of suitable nest sites. The population was estimated as stable with effects of harsh winter conditions on breeding numbers in some years. The majority of nest holes were excavated in eroded river banks along the main river channel (77.8%), followed by similar sites located in mouth areas of small tributaries of the Drava (14.8%). Regular breeding of Sand MartinRiparia ripariasince 2012 (up to 259, mostly at only one location annually) was almost exclusively the result of the annual artificial nest site preparation programme. Fairly large gravel bar-breeding population of White WagtailMotacilla alba, monitored since 2013 and predominantly ground nesting in sparsely vegetated areas, seems unusual considering the prevalent breeding habits of the species at the European scale. Conservation implications and guidelines for future management efforts are discussed.

scholarly journals Relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial mammals in Pacuare Nature Reserve, Costa Rica

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21
Author(s):  
Stephanny Arroyo-Arce ◽  
Ian Thomson ◽  
Carlos Fernandez ◽  
Roberto Salom-Perez
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Central American ◽  
Leopardus Pardalis ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
History Of

Located in Costa Rica, Pacuare Nature Reserve has a long established history of wildlife monitoring programs primarily focused on species of nesting marine turtles and the Agami herons (Agamia agami) found within the reserve. Our research represents the first as­sessment on the local terrestrial mammal populations. Data was col­lected by using seven camera trap stations distributed within the boundaries of the reserve. From April 2015 to March 2016, and after a total of 1 643 camera trap nights, we were able to identify 11 terres­trial mammalian species distributed in six orders and nine families. The most abundant species was the common opossum (Didelphis marsu­pialis), followed by the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). A noticeably ab­sent species, otherwise common throughout the area, was the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata). Our results are similar to those from other protected areas in the Northeastern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

scholarly journals Indirect methods of identifying mammals: a case study from Shivapuri National Park, Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 43-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Shrestha ◽  
K. Basnet
Keyword(s):  
Relative Frequency ◽  
National Park ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Black Bear ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Encounter Rate ◽  
Indirect Methods ◽  
Characteristic Features ◽  
Basic Characteristics

The main objective of this study was to explore diversity of mammalian species in Shivapuri national Park (ShNP) through indirect method. Specific objectives were (i) to identify and describe characteristic features of different signs as key to species identification, and (ii) to determine occurrence and abundance of mammalian species based on the signs. Survey was conducted by walking through fixed 11 transect lines of total 229 km long, collecting and recording of footprints, feces, scrapes, scratches, shelters of burrows, calls and quills of mammals. Altogether 344 indirect signs were collected and observed through fixed transect lines and 25 signs through random searching of mammals from Kakani, Panimuhan, Shivapuri Peak, Baghdwar, Sundarijal, Chisapani and Manichur in ShNP. Basic characteristics of identified signs of different mamals as key to their identification have been described. The occurrence of species was confirmed through indirect signs and abundance was estimated on the basis of encounter rate (number/km/day) and relative frequency percentage of the signs. Among 20 species, 18 species belonging to six orderas and 14 families were recorded confirming by different indirect validation techniques. The study also identified large civet, a new record for ShNP. The highest percentage relative frequency (35%) and encounter rate (0.53/km) of signs of wild boar and house rat implied these species were the most abundant mammals in the park. This was followed by barking dear (17% and 0.26), common leopard (17% and 0.25), jungle cat (9.6% and 0.14), Himalayan squirrel and rhesus monkey, which were intermediate in abundance. Himalayan goral (6.7% and 0.10), Indian hare (4.3% and 0.06), yellow throated marten (4% and 0.06), golden jackal (3.5% and 0.05), large civit (2.6% and 0.04), black bear (0.3% and 0.004), Chinese pangolin, hanumal langur, royel's pika, porcupine and small mongoose were the least abundant species. Key words: Mammals; Identification; Footprints; scrapes; Feces; Shelters doi: 10.3126/eco.v12i0.3196 Ecoprint: An International Journal of Ecology 12: 43-58, 2005

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