DOCSLIB.ORG

Addis Ababa University School of Graduate Studies Departemnt of Zoological Sciences

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Addis Ababa University School of Graduate Studies Departemnt of Zoological Sciences ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTEMNT OF ZOOLOGICAL SCIENCES The Ecology of Black Crowned Crane (Pavonina pavonina ceciliae) in relation to changes of land use at Lake Tana, Ethiopia By: Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of the Addis Ababa University in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology (Zoological Sciences Stream) Advisor: Professor Afework Bekele Addis Ababa University Addis Ababa, Ethiopia June, 2017 Addis Ababa University School of Graduate Studies This is to certify that the dissertation prepared by Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew, entitled: The Ecology of Black Crowned Crane (Pavonina pavonina ceciliae) in relation to changes of land use at Lake Tana, Ethiopia and submitted to in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology (Zoological Sciences Stream) complies with the regulation of the university and meets the accepted standard with respect to originality and quality. Signed by Examining Committee: External Examiner___________________ Signature_________ Date ___________ Internal Examiner____________________ Signature ________ Date ___________ Chairperson ________________________ Signature ________ Date ___________ Advisor: Professor Afework Bekele ______________Signature ___________Date _____________ i ABSTRACT The Ecology of Black Crowned Crane (Pavonina pavonina ceciliae) in relation to changes of land use at Lake Tana, Ethiopia Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew June, 2017 Black Crowned Crane is a resident species in Ethiopia. However, the available information on the breeding, feeding ecology and its status is in adequate. This study was carried out in Lake Tana area, from 2014-2016. The study aims to investigate the breeding and feeding ecology, distribution, abundance and habitat change of cranes. Different statistical tools were used to evaluate the different parameters. ANOVA and Shannon diversity index, a fixed GLM procedure and MANOVA were applied. A total of 74 and 56 transects in 2015 and 2016 was carried out to estimate the abundance and density of cranes. Multiple Covariate Distance sampling model was employed for distance analysis. Wetland habitat shrinkage was evaluated from the land use land cover change from 1986 to 2016. The result showed that all crane nests were located only in wetlands where water depth ranged 135-220 cm. The active nesting time was September to October. The inter-distance between nests did not vary from site to site. Cranes utilized nest materials collected from the nesting place. The mean vegetation height at which the nest constructed was variable. The nest morphology parameters were not different statistically. The nesting density was 6-7 /100 ha. The average clutch size of Black Crowned Crane was two (n=92). The mean length of eggs was 76.94±.22 mm, and width measured 54.05±.07 mm. The mean weight of eggs (n=92) were 111.99±.65g. There was a positive correlation between egg length and width, and were statistically significant. Hatchability was 91.3%, but the pre-fledged percentage was about 50%. Oryza longistaminata and Leersia hexandra were the dominant macrophytes. The distribution and biomass of macro-invertebrates were significantly different across study sites (P<.05). The most abundant and frequently occurring taxa were Libellulidae, Coenagrionidae, Hydrophilidae, and Culicidae. Grass seeds and crop seeds were major food sources of cranes. Fecal analysis of cranes revealed that the diet contained parts of plants, fragments of animal origin and small quantities of inorganic materials and shells at different proportion. There was spatial and seasonal variation in the distribution of cranes. Crane population was more abundant during the dry season. Chimba and Yiganda wetlands are identified as the main breeding and feeding sites; however, the habitats shrunk by 47% in Chimba and by 25% in Yiganda. Agricultural encroachment, livestock pressure and population growth are the main threats. Keywords/phrases: Breeding, crane density, diet, egg and nest morphometry, land use land cover, nest ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation goes to my advisor Prof. Afework Bekele, for his positive, unreserved suggestion and advice throughout the entire work. Without his intensive support, the study would not have been fruitful. My study was sponsored by Minstry of Education, Bahir Dar University. My research project was partially supported by International Crane Foundation (ICF), USA; The Guinness Family, specially Mirable Helm and Fiona Guiness, UK, Richard and his wife Bea Murray and George Archibald. I would like to thank for their generous support. I would like to appreciate and thank also IDEA WILD http://www.ideawild.org/ specially Ann Marie Gage, IDEA WILD for their support of field equipment without which the work was unthinkable. My regards also goes to Ethiopian Meteorology Agency for meteorological data of Bahir Dar area without payment. Huge thank goes always to Dr. George Archibald co-founder of ICF for his encouragement and support throughout the research period. My special thanks also go to Karen Becker and Jen Stewart from ICF. I would like to thank also the Blue Nile Water Institute and the staffs, my colleagues Abrehet Kahisay, Banchiamlak Getnet, Marshet Mequannet, and Amelework from Fisheries, Wetlands and Wildlife Department during field and laboratory work support. I am grateful to Wubneh Belete for GIS support of the land use study. The support from the Fishery and Aquatic Research Center, Bahir Dar for D-Frame net equipment and the local people from the study area particularly Addisu and Alebachew from Yiganda and Chimba area, and the driver Anmut from Bahir Dar University, I would like to thank all of them for the different type of support they have provided. I am grateful to Wubshet and his wife Gebrelua for their support when I am in Addis, and also to my friends and collegues for their encouragemnt duirng my study time. I would like to thank Prof. Michale Succo and his collegues to bring for me equipment sent from IDEA WILD via ICF. My special heartfelt gratitude and deepest appreciation goes to my mother, W/o Mebrat Asfaw and my brother Agegnehu Aynaelm and sister Askal Aynalem for their unreserved moral and material support throughout my educational career. I am highly indebted to my wife Mazashwork Abebe, for her endurance, enthusiasm and encouragement throughout the study period with patience. My kids were patient during my long absence in the field. iii DEDICATION This Ph.D Dissertation is dedicated to Dr. George Archibald-co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, USA who have spent his entire life for the conservation of cranes and their habitats in the whole world. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES ................................................................................................................. viii LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................... x APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................... xiv LIST OF PLATES .................................................................................................................... xv ACRONYMS .......................................................................................................................... xvi DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................................................... xvii 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Breeding biology of birds ............................................................................................ 5 1.2. Food and foraging behavior ....................................................................................... 10 1.3. Distribution of cranes ................................................................................................ 15 1.4. Significance of the study ............................................................................................ 18 1.5. Research questions .................................................................................................... 19 1.6. Objectives ................................................................................................................. 20 1.7. General objectives ..................................................................................................... 20 1.8. Specific objectives ..................................................................................................... 20 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA ......................................................................... 22 2.1. Study sites ................................................................................................................. 22 2.2. Climate ...................................................................................................................... 24 2.3. Hydrological characteristics ....................................................................................... 26 2.4. Agriculture and farming practice ................................................................................ 27 2.5. Land use land cover ................................................................................................... 28 2.6. Wetlands ..................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Comparative Life History of the South Temperate Cape Penduline Tit (Anthoscopus Minutus) and North Temperate Remizidae Species
    J Ornithol (2017) 158:569–577 DOI 10.1007/s10336-016-1417-4 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Comparative life history of the south temperate Cape Penduline Tit (Anthoscopus minutus) and north temperate Remizidae species 1,2 1 1 Penn Lloyd • Bernhard D. Frauenknecht • Morne´ A. du Plessis • Thomas E. Martin3 Received: 19 June 2016 / Revised: 22 October 2016 / Accepted: 14 November 2016 / Published online: 22 November 2016 Ó Dt. Ornithologen-Gesellschaft e.V. 2016 Abstract We studied the breeding biology of the south parental nestling care. Consequently, in comparison to the temperate Cape Penduline Tit (Anthoscopus minutus)in other two species, the Cape Penduline Tit exhibits greater order to compare its life history traits with those of related nest attentiveness during incubation, a similar per-nestling north temperate members of the family Remizidae, namely feeding rate and greater post-fledging survival. Its rela- the Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) and the tively large clutch size, high parental investment and Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps). We used this comparison to associated high adult mortality in a less seasonal environ- test key predictions of three hypotheses thought to explain ment are consistent with key predictions of the adult latitudinal variation in life histories among bird species— mortality hypothesis but not with key predictions of the the seasonality and food limitation hypothesis, nest pre- seasonality and food limitation hypothesis in explaining dation hypothesis and adult mortality hypothesis. Contrary life history variation among Remizidae species. These to the general pattern of smaller clutch size and lower adult results add to a growing body of evidence of the impor- mortality among south-temperate birds living in less sea- tance of age-specific mortality in shaping life history sonal environments, the Cape Penduline Tit has a clutch evolution.
    [Show full text]
  • Mouse Breeding Colony Management 1. Mouse Reproduction A. General Mouse Information I. the Average Mouse Lives Approximately
    Mouse Breeding Colony Management 1. Mouse Reproduction A. General Mouse Information i. The average mouse lives approximately 2.5 years; however, the reproductive life span of mice is significantly shorter at 7-8 months. ii. Most mice reach sexual maturity (males and females) at 4-7 weeks of age. Younger mice generally produce smaller litters and therefore are not typically mated until they reach 6-8 weeks, of age. Mice that have been housed alone or in same-sex pairs will usually not breed successfully if they are older than 6-8 months. iii. The mouse estrous cycle is 4-5 days in length. Mice cycle continuously throughout the year (non-seasonal breeders). Female mice are only receptive to males when they are in estrus. Mating typically occurs at night (lights off). Ovulation occurs 8-12 hours after the onset of estrous. iv. If fertilization occurs, fetuses can be palpated by day 14. v. Gestation in mice is typically 19-21 days (strain dependent). vi. Parturition in mice may last 1-3 hours and frequently occurs at night. Females will go into estrus within 24 hours of parturition and are sexually receptive during this time. vii. Litter size varies among strains, but averages 4-12 pups. Inbred mice tend to have smaller litters than outbred mice. viii. Mice are typically weaned at 21-28 days or at 10g of body weight. The Purdue Animal Care and Use Committee requires that mouse pups be weaned at 21 days unless PACUC approval is given on an approved animal use protocol. See Policy attached.
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Aspects Ofcaiques and Pionus Parrots
    of unknown age and history. We had Any caging situ:J.tion should have a Breeding Aspects no way of knowing if a particular bird safety area such as a wire safety aisle had been pair-bonded in the wild and built around it. This will prevent ofCaiques and if it had ever bred before. Such birds escape ofthe birds should they get out often took several years to settle down of their breeding cage and prevent Pionus Parrots and to re-pair in captivity. Today there predation by animals such as rac­ are domestic, unrelated birds available coons. Caiques are especially adept at by Gail J. Wolth in the more common species. Both opening cage doors. Aves International, Pionus and Caiques have been bred to Rancho Palos Verdes, CA several generations in captivity. We are Nestboxes finding that domestic birds, even I recommend that nestboxes be con­ handfed ones, are breeding well in structed of wood. I do not like metal captivity. In general, domestic birds nestboxes as they are too cold in win­ he wonderful Pionus parrots have the advantage ofusually being of ter and too hot in summer. Metal con­ and Caiques are interesting known age. Young domestic hens are ducts heat and cold far better than does T groups of psittacines both as full ofeggs and will have a long breed­ wood. Additionally, I think the chewing breeding birds in the aviary and for ing future ahead of them. of the wooden box prompts birds to pets. Four species of Pionus and two Exercise caution when introducing breed.
    [Show full text]
  • Avian Monogamy
    (ISBN: 0-943610-45-1) AVIAN MONOGAMY EDITED BY PATRICIA ADAIR GOWATY AND DOUGLAS W. MOCK Department of Zoology University of Oklahoma Norman, Oklahoma 73019 ORNITHOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS NO. 37 PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION WASHINGTON, D.C. 1985 AVIAN MONOGAMY ORNITHOLOGICAL MONOGRAPHS This series, published by the American Ornithologists' Union, has been estab- lished for major papers too long for inclusion in the Union's journal, The Auk. Publication has been made possiblethrough the generosityof the late Mrs. Carll Tucker and the Marcia Brady Tucker Foundation, Inc. Correspondenceconcerning manuscripts for publication in the seriesshould be addressedto the Editor, Dr. David W. Johnston,Department of Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030. Copies of Ornithological Monographs may be ordered from the Assistant to the Treasurer of the AOU, Frank R. Moore, Department of Biology, University of Southern Mississippi, Southern Station Box 5018, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406. (See price list on back and inside back covers.) OrnithologicalMonographs,No. 37, vi + 121 pp. Editors of Ornithological Monographs, Mercedes S. Foster and David W. Johnston Special Reviewers for this issue, Walter D. Koenig, Hastings Reservation, Star Route Box 80, Carmel Valley, CA 93924; Lewis W. Oring, De- partment of Biology,Box 8238, University Station, Grand Forks, ND 58202 Authors, Patricia Adair Gowaty, Department of BiologicalSciences, Clem- son University, Clemson, SC 29631; Douglas W. Mock, Department of Zoology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019 First received, 23 August 1983; accepted29 February 1984; final revision completed 8 October 1984 Issued October 17, 1985 Price $11.00 prepaid ($9.00 to AOU members). Library of CongressCatalogue Card Number 85-647080 Printed by the Allen Press,Inc., Lawrence, Kansas 66044 Copyright ¸ by the American Ornithologists'Union, 1985 ISBN: 0-943610-45-1 ii AVIAN MONOGAMY EDITED BY PATRICIA ADAIR GOWATY AND DOUGLAS W.
    [Show full text]
  • Genetic Improvement of Captive-Bred Raptors
    Genetic improvement of captive‐bred raptors By Toby Bradshaw October 2009 [NB: Quantitative geneticists will recognize that the description below is overly simplified. I have done this deliberately to make the basic genetic principles of selection accessible to the average reader. For those seeking a more detailed understanding, I recommend the books Introduction to Quantitative Genetics by Falconer and Mackay and Principles of Plant Breeding by Allard.] For a little more than 50 years raptors have been bred in captivity, primarily for research, reintroduction to the wild, or falconry. Over the past three decades captive breeding has become an increasingly important (and in some countries, exclusive) source of hawks and falcons for falconry. It seems clear that captive propagation will continue to be critical to the future of falconry. Much has been written about the mechanics of captive raptor propagation and training of the hawks and falcons produced by captive breeding, but the genetic principles of long‐term captive propagation have received less attention. Some falconers will insist that “the falconer makes the hawk” – that is, a good falconer can be successful with any hawk, and the differences among hawks are the result of training rather than any inborn qualities. In other words, “nurture” trumps “nature.” The truth is more complicated than this, as anyone who has flown a large number of hawks can attest. A trained hawk, like a trained dog or horse, is the product of both its genes and its environment. No hawk, however well‐bred, can achieve its full potential without skillful handling. Conversely, no falconer, however skilled, can make a genetically inferior hawk into a great gamehawk, any more than he can train a French bulldog to trail rabbits as well as a beagle does, or turn a plow horse into a winning race horse.
    [Show full text]
  • Please Be Aware That Exhibitors Entering Into These Classes Must Also Be Familiar with the General Rules and Livestock Rules Must Be Between 4 & 6 Months of Age
    Please be aware that Exhibitors entering into these classes must also be familiar with the General Rules and Livestock Rules must be between 4 & 6 months of age. Chickens, ducks LIVESTOCK & geese should be fully feathered. DEPARTMENT 12 K. Exhibits to be caged until time of judging. POULTRY L. All exhibitors will be required to wear exhibitor number Chairman: Rob Christner on the front of their shirts for judging. Exhibitor (or CO-SUPERINTENDENTS: CHAD & ELIZABETH substitute Exhibitor) must be at cage for turkeys, ducks HETTIG and geese judging. ASST. SUPT.: DIANE GUNN M. Adults will not be allowed at judging table Registration Deadline: July 1, 2019 with exhibitors during judging. Pullorum Testing Clinic: July 13 - 9:00 am-noon N. Birds must come into the barn clean on entry Pre Fair Barn set up: Saturday, Aug. 3rd @ 9 a.m. day NO WET BIRDS or they will be sent home. O. Birds can be washed Monday, all day and/or JUDGING HELD IN THE POULTRY SHELTER Tuesday after judging. Please read new and updated information!! P. Exhibitors must be present during judging of FAIR WEEK SCHEDULE: Champion class to be eligible to win. Health Check --- Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Q. Fancy Classes judged mainly on conformation, health Animal Cert. Form turned in at Health Check and breed characteristics according to the Poultry Book Must be checked in barn by 1, can go to Entry Office till 2 of Standards. Entry Office ---Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. R. Meat classes judged mainly on conformation, finish and Exh.
    [Show full text]
  • Serial Monogamy Benefits Both Sexes in the Biparental Convict Cichlid
    Serial monogamy benefits both sexes in the biparental convict cichlid Jennifer L. Snekser1 and Murray Itzkowitz2 1 Department of Biology, LIU Post, Brookville, NY, USA 2 Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA ABSTRACT Monogamy can be either long-term or serial, with new pairs formed with each breeding bout. Costs and benefits are associated with each strategy. Because biparental convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) typically switch mates, exhibiting serial monogamy, we tested for the costs associated with forcing individuals to remain with the same mate. Convict cichlids were observed over two successive breeding bouts, either with the same or a new, equally experienced, mate. Parental behavior did not differ between breeding bouts, nor did brood size. Surprisingly, fish that remained with their original partner for a second bout took significantly longer to produce a brood compared to fish that paired with new partners. New partners were also more likely to successfully produce a second brood than re-mated partners. This is in contrast to the majority of bird studies that show many benefits to staying with the same partner for multiple broods. In convict cichlids, there seems to be no benefit associated with remaining with the same partner and switching mates reduces duration between broods for both males and females, potentially increasing overall reproductive success. Subjects Animal Behavior, Aquaculture, Fisheries and Fish Science, Evolutionary Studies Keywords Biparental, Cichlids, Reproductive success, Brood success, Retrieval, Parental aggression, Parental care, Sex differences Submitted 16 October 2018 INTRODUCTION Accepted 28 January 2019 Published 5 March 2019 Monogamy is observed in a wide variety of animal species, including a limited number fi Corresponding author of invertebrates, teleost shes, mammals, and the vast majority of avian species Jennifer L.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of Hybridization Between Sialia Sialis and S. Currucoides.-Hybridiza- Tion Between Eastern Bluebirds (S
    GENERAL NOTES 219 Wilson Bull., 94(2), 1982, pp. 219-223 A review of hybridization between Sialia sialis and S. currucoides.-Hybridiza- tion between Eastern Bluebirds (S. sialis) and Mountain Bluebirds (S. currucoides) in Man- itoba was first reported by Lane (Auk 85:684, 1%8). Lane identified, observed and collected a hybrid male that had backcrossed polygynously with females of both species. The Eastern Bluebird female produced infertile eggs, but the Mountain Bluebird female laid two viable clutches. Lane suggested that hybrids were fertile only with S. currucoides. Since the first record in 1967, 19 additional cross-breedings have been reported in Manitoba and one in Saskatchewan. Most have been reported anecdotally or incompletely in regional journals, but neither complete accounts nor a summary is available. Herein we review the existing records. The 21 records include every combination of S. sialis, S. currucoides and hybrid except S. sialis male X hybrid and hybrid x hybrid (Table 1). Data show that hybrid males back- crossed equally to females of both species, but female hybrids have been observed back- crossed only to Mountain Bluebird males. Mean clutch-size was 5.25kO.87 eggs for the 16 nests in which numbers of eggs were known. Clutch-size varied little among breeding pair combinations, as follows: hybrid male X S. sialis female:j = 5.0 (N = 3); hybrid male X S. currucoides female: 2 = 5.7 (N = 3); S. currucoides male X hybrid female: X = 5.25 (N = 4); S. sialis male x S. currucoides female: x = 5.5 (N = 2); S. currucoides male x S.
    [Show full text]
  • Selecting the Breeding Pair
    The Purposefully Bred Dog Knowledge Management Program KnoK SELECTING THE BREEDING PAIR ©DDTCA©DDTCA 2020 2020 Selecting the Breeding Pair Introduction This report captures the collective knowledge shared by 64 breeders who have produced more than 1,600 litters and put more than 8,000 puppies on the ground. Our purpose is to preserve the collective wisdom of today’s best breeders for generations to come. The survey, sponsored by the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America, attracted some of today’s best breeders – Dandie and other breeds – people who have dedicated their lives to breeding and have had significant recognition such as multiple Breed and BIS awards from Westminster and other prestigious shows. These experts reside in 4 countries and represent 59 breeds across all seven AKC groups. This report is a companion to the 2019 survey we published, Getting the Bitch Pregnant. We shared that report widely and were pleased when other breed clubs used our questionnaire to begin capturing the knowledge of their breeds’ experts. We are happy to pioneer this effort and share what we learn. An unexpected outcome from this endeavor is that the breeders’ responses identify and define the very essence of responsible breeding. Almost all the breeders said they are motivated to preserve and improve their breed. Almost three-quarters of them are motivated by the emotional satisfaction and enjoyment of producing great dogs. Their responses also dispel the myths that responsible breeders are driven by profit and are in pursuit of the ego-gratification of winning. That insight is even more important since all of the participants are fierce competitors once they get to the ring.
    [Show full text]
  • Guidelines for Breeders
    GUIDELINES FOR BREEDERS Adopted May 2004 INDEX WHY BREED? ............................................................................................................................................. 3 AGE, HEALTH AND CARE OF BREEDING STOCK ........................................................................... 5 HEREDITARY DISEASES ........................................................................................................................ 6 Concern about hereditary diseases ...................................................................................................... 6 Obligations under the Code of Ethics and Code of Practice ............................................................. 6 Recommended action for breeders in relation to hereditary diseases ............................................ 7 BASIC GENETICS ...................................................................................................................................... 8 The Genetic Material ............................................................................................................................... 8 Dominant/Recessive Mode of Inheritance ........................................................................................... 8 Other Modes of Inheritance ...................................................................................................................10 Genetic Testing and DNA ......................................................................................................................10
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Strategies for Maintaining Colonies of Laboratory Mice a Jackson Laboratory Resource Manual
    Breeding Strategies for Maintaining Colonies of Laboratory Mice A Jackson Laboratory Resource Manual This manual describes breeding strategies and techniques for maintaining colonies of laboratory mice. These techniques have been developed and used by The Jackson Laboratory for nearly 80 years. They are safe, reliable, economical, efficient, and ensure that the mouse strains produced are genetically well-defined. Cover Photos Front cover: JAX® Mice strain B6SJL-Tg(SOD1*G93A)1Gur/J (002726) with red plastic enrichment toy. This strain is a model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. (left), JAX® Mice strain C57BL/6J (000664), our most popular strain, with litter of nine-day old pups.(middle), A technician at The Jackson Laboratory—West working with mice in one of our production rooms. (right). ©2009 The Jackson Laboratory Table of Contents Introduction .....................................................................................................................................1 Fundamentals of Mouse Reproduction ........................................................................................2 Mouse Breeding Performance .......................................................................................................4 Breeding Performance Factors ...............................................................................................4 Optimizing Breeding Performance ........................................................................................5 Breeding Schemes ............................................................................................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • Widespread Hybridization Between the Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila Clanga and the Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila Pomarina (Aves: Accipitriformes) in Europe
    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 100, 725–736. With 3 figures Widespread hybridization between the Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga and the Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina (Aves: Accipitriformes) in Europe ÜLO VÄLI1,2*, VALERY DOMBROVSKI3, RIMGAUDAS TREINYS4, UGIS BERGMANIS5, SZILÁRD J. DARÓCZI6, MIROSLAV DRAVECKY7, VLADIMIR IVANOVSKI8, JAN LONTKOWSKI9, GRZEGORZ MACIOROWSKI10, BERND-ULRICH MEYBURG11, TADEUSZ MIZERA10, RÓBERT ZEITZ6 and HANS ELLEGREN1 1Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden 2Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, EE-51014 Tartu, Estonia 3Laboratory of Ornithology, Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences, Akademichnaya str. 27, 220072 Minsk, Belarus 4Institute of Ecology of Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT–08412 Vilnius, Lithuania 5Nature Reserve Teicˇi, Aiviekstes 3, LV-4862 Laudona, Madonas raj, Latvia 6Milvus Group, Crinului 22, 540343 Tg.-Mures, Romania 7Rovniková 8, SK-04012 Košice, Slovakia 8APB-Birds Conservation Belarus, P.O. Box 306, 220050 Minsk, Belarus 9Museum of Natural History, Wrocław University, ul. Sienkiewicza 21, PL 50-335 Wrocław, Poland 10University of Life Sciences, Zoology Department, Wojska Polskiego 71c, PL 60-625 Poznan´ , Poland 11World Working Group of Birds of Prey, Wangenheimstraße 32, D-14193 Berlin, Germany Received 6 November 2009; revised 15 February 2010; accepted for publication 15 February 2010bij_1455 725..736 Hybridization is a significant threat for endangered species and could potentially even lead to their extinction. This concern applies to the globally vulnerable Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga, a species that co-occurs, and potentially interbreeds, with the more common Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina in a vast area of Eastern Europe.
    [Show full text]