WATERFOWL OF THE LARGE FISH POND SYSTEMS IN LITHUANIA

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this paper was to provide an overview on status, abundance, distribution, habitat use of the dominant waterfowl species in large Lithuanian fish pond systems and to evaluate effects of managed temporary drainages of ponds on waterfowl. In Lithuania large fish ponds are supporting numerous species of rare breeding waterbirds, included into the national Red Data Book. Certain fish ponds are meeting criteria of the Ramsar Convention. In many areas with intensive agriculture and low carrying capacity of natural wetlands large man-made fish ponds are the key feeding, moulting and roosting sites for populations of waterfowl and shorebirds. Seasonal waterfowl assemblages in the largest fish ponds are dominated by 12 abundant species: Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, White-fronted Goose, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Hifted Duck and Coot. Habitat use of the dominant waterfowl species is closely related with the effects of a managed temporary drainage of ponds. New forms of aquaculture in conditions of the market economy may affect most of the key waterbirds habitats in large fish ponds. Therefore the main objective of all management activities related to important bird areas in Lithuanian fish ponds is to maintain the network of these man-made wetlands.