CHANGES IN THE ABUNDANCE OF THE LESSER SPOTTED EAGLE (AQUILA POMARINA) BREEDING POPULATION IN LITHUANIA IN 1980–2006

Abstract

In the mid-20 century, Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) was considered to be one of the most abundant species among the birds of prey in the forests of Lithuania. The estimates of the national population changed from 300–500 to 1,500–1,800 pairs in 1994 and 2005, respectively. Changes in the population estimates did not reflect the actual population trend, but rather the level of investigation of the species in the country. In reality, the current status of the species' population is unknown due to the lack of regular, nationwide monitoring. The aim of this work was to estimate the status of the Lesser Spotted Eagle population in Lithuania. Field studies in 10 sample plots in various regions of Lithuania during the period 2003–2006 showed that the number of breeding pairs declined by 31% on average as compared to the period 1980–1998. We suggest that the population of Lesser Spotted Eagle decreased by 26% across the country during the period 1980–2006. Possible reasons of such decline are discussed in this study.