METHODS TO REDUCE CROP DEPREDATION BY CRANES IN SIBERIA (TRANS-BAIKAL REGION)

Methods of reducing crop depredation by cranes were tested in Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve on the steppes of southern Siberia. The Torey Lakes and numerous small lakes support autumn gathering of cranes and waterfowl. Croplands (mainly oats and wheat) attract staging cranes, geese, and ducks. Up to 42,000 demoiselle (Anthropoides virgo) and 1,100 hooded cranes (Grus monacha) (\u3e10% of world populations for these species) can feed in the fields near the reserve and cause significant damage (up to 70% in some wheat fields). We investigated the problem during 1992-2004 and suggested various methods to reduce damage. The first suggestion was to move grain fields farther from wetlands (especially from crane roost sites). Second, cultivate lure fields at locations most convenient for birds (near roosts). Millet and wheat (millet being better), could be planted in small lure plots (5-10 ha). A third method was to provide alternative food, such as foxtail grass (e.g., Setaria viridis), and grow it on fallow lands near wheat fields. A fourth suggestion was to adjust the period and technology of harvest. Experimental trials of our recommendations during 2000-2003 showed good results. At crop fields moved 10-15 km from roosts, cranes fed 15-30 times less than at fields located 1-2 km from the Torey Lakes. Lure millet fields attracted cranes, and the birds stayed out of adjacent wheat until after harvest. Before harvest, cranes ate mainly millet and Setaria viridis (about 90% of diet), with wheat comprising 10%. Cooperative farms cultivated lure fields without government subsidies, as the lure crop program cost about 1 tenth of the previous damage

Solution to a Raptor Electrocution Problem in the Daurian Steppe, Russia

The results of the study and solving the problem of electrocution of birds of prey and other bird species on the power lines (PLs) in the Daurian Steppes in the South-Eastern Transbaikalia (Zabaykalsky Kray) are presented in the report. Period of works: 2010–2018

Состояние популяции и проблемы сохранения степного орла в Даурской степи, Россия

В Забайкальском крае степной орел (Aquila nipalensis) распространен на юго-востоке в зоне Даурских степей. Работы по изучению вида в 1990–2009 гг. проводились в основном попутно с другими орнитологическими работами, в 2010–2018 гг. данному виду уделяется более пристальное внимание

REDUCTION OF CROP DEPREDATIONS BY CRANES AT DAURSKY STATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE, SIBERIA

The Daursky State Biosphere Reserve (SBR) in southern Siberia includes the Torey Lakes, the largest lakes in the Trans-Baikal region. The Torey Lakes support tens of thousands of breeding waterbirds and about a million waterbirds during migration. Peak numbers of birds staging during fall coincide with grain harvest. Crop fields around the Torey Lakes attract 50,000 to 70,000 waterbirds, primarily cranes with lesser numbers of waterfowl, causing significant crop damage in fields near Daursky SBR. Investigations of the problem have been ongoing since 1992. Field consultation by Cornely and Bouffard in 2001 resulted in recommendations to reduce depredations. The consultation was initiated by The International Crane Foundation with funding from The Trust for Mutual Understanding, and with support from the Daursky State Biosphere Reserve and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Implementation of the recommendations resulted in a significant reduction of crop damage. Changes in management practices implemented included moving main grain fields 10-15 km from roost sites, cultivation of lure crops near roost sites, and leaving fallow fields uncultivated to facilitate the growth of green bristlegrass (Setaria viridis), a preferred food item of cranes. The program is currently supported by the cooperative farms without government subsidies, as the lure crop program costs about one tenth of the previous damage

CROP DEPREDATIONS BY CRANES AT DAURSKY STATE BIOSPHERE RESERVE, SIBERIA

Crop depredations by staging cranes have been an annual problem at Daursky State Biosphere Reserve in southern Siberia. In September 2001 we met at Daursky when crane populations peaked to investigate the problem and suggest methods to reduce damages. Peak of crane staging coincided with grain harvest. We counted ≈ 30,000 cranes of 5 species, primarily demoiselles (Anthropoides virgo), in the area. Poor grain yields and cooperative farming systems discouraged efforts to reduce damage. Moving crops further from roost areas may be the most reasonable short term control method, but it’s effectiveness is yet untested. Hazing, lure crops and alternate food plants also may work

The First Results of the Artificial Nests Program for Birds of Prey in the Daurian Steppe (South-Eastern Transbaikalia, Russia)

The first results and the analysis of the effectiveness of the program aimed on installation of artificial nests in the Daurian steppe in the vicinity of the Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve (South-Eastern Transbaikalia; Russia) for the period from 2016 to April 10; 2019 are presented in the article. The goal of the program is to assist in the restoration of populations of Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) and of the Upland Buzzard (Buteo hemilasius) which are strongly affected by negative anthropogenic factors. The program is carried out in conjunction with activities aimed to eliminate the mass bird electrocution on power lines. This is the first experimental stage of the program that should help us in choosing the optimal design for artificial nests. Ten artificial nests were installed in April of 2016 and10 in September of 2017. Four types of nests made of willow rods; water-resistant chipboard and wood were used. The Saker Falcons occupy preferably the closed-type nests; the Upland Buzzards - open platforms. The artificial nests ensure successful breeding of birds. The results of occupation of artificial nests; the breeding success and the causes of death of offspring both in artificial nests and in nature are discussed in the article

Results of the monitoring of the Steppe Eagle population in Trans-Baikal Territory (Zabaikalsky Kray) in 2015, Russia

Ornithological survey was carried out in July–August 2015 in steppe areas of Russian part of Dauria (Trans-Baikal Territory, or Zabaikalsky Krai) in the frames of monitoring the population of the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis). Research was conducted at 13 study sites in 10 administrative districts of the region, including 11 study sites which were surveyed repeatedly (after first survey in 2010). A total of 57 nesting territories with 95 nest structures were identified in 2010 and 2015 together. Additionally adult birds were recorded in 24 points but nests were not found. In 2015 we checked 35 of 40 nesting territories that were identified in 2010 while other 35 nesting territories (including 17 ones with nest structures) are localized for the first time. A total of 27 nestlings and fledglings (1.4±0.5 nestlings and fledglings produced per successful nest) in 19 nests were recorded during the 2015 survey. In 2010, the status of Steppe Eagle in Dauria was assessed as extremely unfavorable. The main population characteristics had not essentially changed to 2015. Actual average nesting density slightly increased but still is close to 1 pair per 100 km2. An average distance between neighbor active nests in Dauria is unexpectedly long as comparing with such figures in other regions of the Steppe Eagle nesting. More than a half of potentially available nesting territories remain unoccupied, and the share of unoccupied nesting territories almost did not change. The productivity of successful nests (average brood size) remains low – on average 1.4±0.5 fledglings and nestlings per successful nest in 2015. The negative factors such as power lines that are dangerous for birds and steppe wild fires are still acting. More than 40 % of all the nesting territories were affected by fires in 2015; the nest structures were completely burnt at 17% of the known nesting territories visited in 2015. Meanwhile the following positive trends can be noted: the population number increased more than by 30 % (estimating 219 vs. 152 breeding pairs); breeding efficiency increased by 24 %; the breeding efficiency was 0.93 fledglings per 1 breeding pair in 2015 vs. 0.55 in 2010, which represents a 60 % increase; the share of successful pairs of potential population size increased from 20 % to 32 %; the share of subadults (under the age of 4–5 years) in the breeding pairs was reduced almost twofold – from 76 % to 35 % what means the mortality of adults significantly reduced. The population trend of the Steppe Eagle in Dauria should be considered in the framework of significant land use and climate changes that had a place and continue in the region

Introgression at the emerging secondary contact zone of magpie Pica pica subspecies (Aves: Corvidae): integrating data on nuclear and mitochondrial markers, vocalizations, and feld observations

Zones of secondary contact provide a good opportunity to investigate the origin and dynamics of reproductive isolation between related populations. We analyzed genetic and phenotypic patterns and gene fow between two subspecies of the Eurasian magpie Pica pica s.l. which recently came into contact after presumably long periods of isolation. We describe the distribution of subspecies in a young contact zone at Argun’ river basin in southern Siberia where populations occur in parapatry and an older hybrid population in eastern Mongolia. Based on genome-wide SNP data, we analyzed patterns and strength of gene fow between the subspecies. Our results indicate occasional hybridization with backcrossing and asymmetric introgression along a wide range in Transbaikalia and locally in eastern Mongolia. Males of P. p. jankowskii apparently exhibit higher dispersal ability towards the west compared to P. p. leucoptera (towards the east). The former occasionally migrates to eastern Mongolia and Transbaikalia where introgression of nuclear, but not mitochondrial DNA was evident. Bioacoustic investigations showed diferences between the subspecies in speed and structure of vocalization. We discovered intermediate calls of hybrid magpies and bilingual birds alternating calls that are typical for the two taxa. Furthermore, we found dramatically decreased reproductive success in hybridogeneous populations. By complementing our results with established phylogeographic patterns of P. pica s.l. based on a mitochondrial marker sequence, and considering indications of sterility of hybrids in the contact zone, we propose to elevate the two corresponding subspecies to species level: P. pica for the western form and P. serica for the eastern form.Open access funding provided by University of Vienna.Peer reviewe