Establishing a reserve network for waterfowl in Denmark: a biological evaluation of needs and consequences

Abstract

Denmark is of major international importance for a number of waterfowl populations during migration and in winter. As part of the revision of the Danish Hunting and Wildlife Management Act, 1992, it was decided to establish a network of reserves by creation and extension of reserves in 46 EU Special Protection Areas for birds (SPAs). This paper summarises an overall, biologically-based strategy for a reserve network in Denmark, as a basis for sustainable development of wetlands for migratory and wintering waterfowl. As well as securing the future for vulnerable populations, the reserve network should improve conditions for waterfowl staging and wintering in Denmark. The groups potentially most exposed to disturbance from hunting and other leisure activities, i.e. in greatest need of a reserve network, are the geese and the dabbling and small diving ducks. Swans, seaducks, sawbills and coots have less need for such a network. On this basis, deficiencies in the existing system of reserves are identified. Human recreational activities are considered compatible with sustainable development if the use by waterfowl of important wetlands is primarily limited by available food resources. Within each of the principal waterfowl migration routes and wintering areas identified, there should be a network of reserves which provides adequate opportunities for the birds to feed and rest. The proposed network will amount to a total shooting-free refuge area of ca. 650 km 2, representing almost a doubling of the refuge area in Denmark. The shooting-free area will be supplemented by ca. 870 km 2 with regulation of recreational activities or certain hunting methods. The extension is expected to result in a considerable increase in the numbers of dabbling ducks and geese, with the potential of holding back substantial parts of some populations at a more northerly position on their flyways than before. The area available for hunting in SPAs will be reduced but hunting opportunities in adjacent areas could be expected to improve because the numbers of birds there will also increase.