Detection of forest loss on Black Stork (Ciconia nigra L.) breeding sites in the Rivne region (Polissia) by a GIS analysis

Strus Iu,Bokotey A,Dzubenko N

doi:10.36885/nzdpm.2017.33.75-80

Abstract

The study aims to assess the scale of forest loss (mostly caused by logging) on breeding sites of the local Black Stork breeding population in the Rivne region of Ukraine, within the Polissia nature zone. The study is based on a GIS analysis of the Global Forest Watch data in intersection of circular buffers of different sizes around 141 Black Stork nests. Forest logging was detected on 38,3% of breeding sites in the region, in 100 m buffers around nests. On more than 14% of breeding territories (in 100 m buffers) forest loss exceeded 20% of the total forest area. Therefore, logging is one of the major threats for the local Black Stork population. The method used for the forest loss detection by a GIS analysis seems to be effective for the search of territories with the violation of protection regime for rare birds when resources are limited.

Highlights

Conservation of any species is usually impossible without protection of habitats important for their breeding, foraging, resting etc
The analysis of Black Stork spatial distribution in relation to forest habitat types was performed in the territories of eight forestry companies in the Rivne region of Ukraine, which overlap with the Polissya nature zone and with the kernel of Black Storks highest population density, as well as with the main part of the breeding range of this species in Ukraine
Usage of forest habitats by Black Stork in Rivne region The results of the analysis show that there is a strong correlation between the Black Stork habitat selection and the general structure of forests in the region, on each of the analysis levels

Summary

Introduction

Conservation of any species is usually impossible without protection of habitats important for their breeding, foraging, resting etc. Most of them are based on the studies made in Central and East European countries [1, 4, 7, 11, 12 etc.], mostly Baltic countries, which is reasonable, taking into account the species distribution in Europe and the sizes of national populations [2, 10]. Ukraine possesses a significant part of the European Black Stork population [2, 10] and is interesting as a territory of breeding range margin, where European Forest zone borders with steppes. One study [14] was related to habitats and their changes but was mostly analytical and based on expert opinions without appropriate raw numerical data. Current publication aims to fill some of gaps in this area of Black Stork studies using GIS approach

Methods

Results

Conclusion