Importance of Natura 2000 sites for wintering waterbirds: Low preference, species' distribution changes and carrying capacity of Natura 2000 could fail to protect the species
Changes in abundance and foraging habitat selection in Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) in the south Bohemia
Ardea -Wageningen-
The breeding population of the Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in south Bohemia increased ... more The breeding population of the Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in south Bohemia increased since its establishment in 1983. However, numbers of breeding pairs began to decrease after 1988. The relationship between Cormorant numbers during the breeding season and habitat and fish stock characteristics was investigated on 197 ponds in Tfebon Landscape Protected Area. Out of 749 Cormorants recorded, 92.3% were observed on (1) ponds located in distance less than 10 km from the breeding colony, and (2) ponds with water surface area larger than 20 ha. The Cormorants preferred ponds with water depth of 1-2 m, surrounded by wood and well developed shore line. 87% of Cormorants occurred on ponds with Carp Cyprinus carpio older than 1 year. Among ponds without breeding colony, the Cormorants prefer fish sized between 100-200mm.
Status and population development of breeding Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in central Europe
Ardea -Wageningen-
his paper describes distribution and population development of the continental race of the Cormor... more his paper describes distribution and population development of the continental race of the Cormorant in its central and eastern European breeding range. After a period of severe human persecution until halfway this century, the populations started to rise from about 1980 onwards, parallel to the rise in the western breeding range. Mean annual growth rates ranged from 14% in Poland to 27% in Sweden. Systematic disturbances of newly established settlements have locally lowered the overall growth rate, but may have been responsible for further eastward expansion of the breeding range. Considering the timing of the population growth and the level of the growth rate, the recent developments of this population do not seem to be caused by the increase of the western population. Contaminant levels, though at least locally high, are unlikely to have had any noticeable negative influence on reproduction and/or population development. The role of eutrophication is suspected to be of importance...
Nest survival in the Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus in fragmented wetland habitats: the effect of nest-site selection
Ornis Fennica
Nest survival in fragmented wetlands is usually affected by micro-habitat variables. The main aim... more Nest survival in fragmented wetlands is usually affected by micro-habitat variables. The main aim of the study was to investigate the factors affecting Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus nest survival in wetland habitats within a mosaic Central European land-scape. In total, we monitored 95 nests on five separate fishponds in South Bohemia, Czech Republic during a six-year study between 2002 and 2007. In order to determine the effects on nest survival of nest site characteristic, the first egg laying date and nest age, we estimated daily survival rate (DSR) and built models using program MARK. DSR was significantly higher in nests located in Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea and tall vegetation Cattail Typha latifolia and Common Reed Phragmites australis than in sedges Carex spp. Surprisingly, expanding Reed Canary Grass was occupied later in the breeding season and likely less preferred vegetation type than sedges. Structure of sedge tussocks changed due to eutrophication and l...
Long-term trends, total numbers and species richness of increasing waterbird populations at sites on the edge of their winter range: cold-weather refuge sites are more important than protected sites
Wintering ducks in the Czech Republic: changes in their population trends and distribution
Wildfowl Special Issue, 2009
The Czech Republic, as an inland Central European country, is not part of the core wintering area... more The Czech Republic, as an inland Central European country, is not part of the core wintering area for most duck species in the Western Palearctic. Nevertheless, inter-seasonal changes in numbers and distribution of particular species are recorded, which may reflect climatic ...
The breeding population of the Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in south Bohemia increased ... more The breeding population of the Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis in south Bohemia increased since its establishment in 1983. However, numbers of breeding pairs began to decrease after 1988. The relationship between Cormorant numbers during the breeding season and habitat and fish stock characteristics was investigated on 197 ponds in Tfebon Landscape Protected Area. Out of 749 Cormorants recorded, 92.3% were observed on (1) ponds located in distance less than 10 km from the breeding colony, and (2) ponds with water surface area larger than 20 ha. The Cormorants preferred ponds with water depth of 1-2 m, surrounded by wood and well developed shore line. 87% of Cormorants occurred on ponds with Carp Cyprinus carpio older than 1 year. Among ponds without breeding colony, the Cormorants prefer fish sized between 100-200mm.
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