Literature type: Scientific
Journal: Karatekin University Journal of Science
Volume: 04 , Pages: 34-41
Language:
English
with Turkish summary
Full reference: Özkoc, Ö.Ü. 2025. Evaluating the wintering distribution of the Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) in Türkiye using citizen science data Karatekin University Journal of Science 04: 34-41
Keywords: wintering, wildfowl, threatened species, Türkiye, citizen science
Abstract:
Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) is globally classified as Vulnerable and one of the rarest goose species recorded in Türkiye. Despite its status as a regular but scarce winter visitor, systematic monitoring is absent, and knowledge relies mainly on citizen science observations and limited telemetry data. To assess the species’ wintering distribution and threats in Türkiye, records from citizen science portals were compiled and filtered for duplicates. Confirmed observations were obtained for 26 wetlands. Lake Erçek in Eastern Anatolia was identified as the only regular wintering site, while Lake Haçlı was identified as a potential regular wintering site; other wetlands hosted only irregular records. The largest flock—1,234 individuals—was reported from Lake Haçlı in 2021; however, insufficient monitoring prevents classification of the site as a regular wintering area. Poaching may represent the most severe threat. As both major Western Palearctic flyways intersect Türkiye, the conservation of key eastern wetlands, particularly Erçek and Haçlı are essential. The study underscores the need for systematic monitoring and targeted conservation measures for wintering goose species.
Literature type: Scientific
Journal: GSC Advanced research reviews
Volume: 17 , Pages: 87-103
Full reference: Aghababyan, K., Khachatryan, A., Baloyan, S., Grigoryan, V., Khechoyan, A., Hambardzumyan, K., Ghazaryan, A., Gevorgyan, V. & Rostron, C. 2023. Influence of public hunting lands on water birds of internationally recognized conservation areas in Armenia. GSC Advanced research reviews 17: 87-103
Keywords: AEWA, Emerald Sites, hunting lands, Important Bird Areas, threatened species, waterbird migration
Abstract:
The paper is aimed at identification of the use of the Public Hunting Lands (PHL) by hunters in Armenia, and determination of the risks for priority waterbird species. In Armenia, the Government has allocated 40 PHLs, with a total area of 5,426.48 square kilometres, which do not overlap with the nationally protected areas, but overlap with the internationally recognized conservation sites, important for protection of breeding populations of waterbird species and their congregations during migrations: Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), Emerald Sites protected under Bern Convention, and critical sites for migratory waterbirds, recognized under African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA sites). Thus, PHLs overlap with 40,660 ha or 10% of the total IBA’s area, 84,933 ha or 8% of Emerald Sites, and 14,864 ha or 8% of AEWA sites. Some of the most frequently visited PHLs overlap with all three categories of the mentioned conservation sites, imposing threat of illegal shooting of the priority waterbird species (listed in national legislation and/or in international agreements). Among 200 priority bird species recorded within the overlapping areas, there are eight species with 50-100% of their Armenian population inside the overlapping areas. To reduce the risks of illegal hunting for the priority bird species it is necessary: *To review the PHLs and exclude overlapping areas, *To set up other alternative PHLs, and *To begin a process of wetland restoration instead of lost ones, with the main aim to increase breeding habitats and stopover points for the waterfowl and waders.
Literature type: Thesis
Language:
English
External Link:
Full reference: Niemelä, M. 2009. Biotic interactions and vegetation management on coastal meadows. , Acta Universitatis Ouluensis. A Scientiae Rerum Naturalium 360. Faculty of Science, University of Oulu, Finland.
Keywords: cattle, coastal meadow, diet of geese, grazing, management, plant\ncompetition, plant parasitism, threatened species, vegetation succession, Finland, Bothnian Bay
Abstract:
Conservation of rare habitats and species are central elements in the management of semi-natural grasslands of high biodiversity. Understanding the impacts of various abiotic and biotic interactions and management methods on threatened species is fundamental to their conservation. In the present study, effects of competition, plant parasitism, grazing and mowing were studied at the community level in Bothnian Bay coastal meadows and in greenhouse. This was the first time when the impacts of various biotic interactions on the critically endangered creeping alkali grass (Puccinellia phryganodes) have been explored in detail in one of its rare occurrences in the boreal vegetation zone in Europe. In addition, questions related to ecological and economical sustainability of cattle grazing on coastal meadows were examined. Puccinellia phryganodes was found to suffer severely from competition with taller graminoids. Simulated and actual grazing by greylag goose, Anser anser, as well as infection by a hemiparasitic plant, Odontites litoralis, were found to indirectly benefit P. phryganodes by decreasing the competitive advantage of its competitors. In spite of the relatively intensive grazing by greylag goose in the field, P. phryganodes experienced a drastic decrease during four years in the grazed experimental quadrats and simultaneously the proportion of the taller graminoids increased substantially. Primary succession of coastal meadow vegetation was found to progress rapidly and continuous formation of suitable open habitats is therefore crucial for the subordinate species. Mowing was found to be an effective management method for some threatened plant species in coastal meadows, but not for P. phryganodes, which would probably benefit more, for example, from livestock grazing. Both lightly and rather intensively managed large open meadows could provide optimal habitats for the critically endangered lesser white fronted goose (Anser erythropus) as well as for the greylag goose. The relatively low and variable yield of the coastal meadow vegetation compared to that of cultivated grasslands sets limits how management by cattle grazing can be implemented. Key factors for both the biodiversity management and livestock production in coastal meadows are timing of the grazing season, intensity of grazing and selection of suitable types of animals.
Literature type: Scientific
Journal: Berkut
Volume: 7 , Pages: 30-31
Language:
English
summary in Ukrainian
Full reference: Soultanov, E., Mosley, P., Paynter, D. & Aarvak, T. 1998. Results of geese and swans counts during wintering in Azerbaijan in 1993 and 1996. Berkut 7: 30-31
Keywords: Azerbaijan, wintering, geese, swans, globally threatened species
Literature type: Newsletter
Language:
English
Full reference: Paynter, D., Aarvak, T. & Sultanov, E. 1996. Winter counts of threatened species in Azerbaijan. , Threatened Waterfowl Specialist Group News 9:39-42.
Number of results: 5