Black Stork Ciconia Nigra Research Articles

Black stork Ciconia nigra: management in Europe

A Black stork Ciconia nigra management survey undertaken in 1993 indicated that several variables, including nest type, enclosure mates, cage dimensions, whether the cage is covered and flight status of the birds may be factors in reproductive success. Predation was the primary cause of mortality, with trauma and intraspecific killings also being major causes of death. Reproduction could probably be improved and mortality reduced by taking these factors into consideration when designing Black stork enclosures. A number of Black storks are held singly and are unsexed; sexing and pairing of birds would almost certainly also improve Black stork breeding success in Europe.

At the border of ecological change: status and nest sites of the Lithuanian Black Stork Ciconia nigra population 2000–2006 versus 1976–1992

Recent trends in the European Black Stork Ciconia nigra population are geographically distinct: range expansion and adaptation to human activity dominate in western and central Europe, while declines—probably induced by landscape change—are reported in the east. We studied the large Lithuanian Black Stork population in the transition zone to explore whether, and how, the detrimental influences of recent Baltic landscape changes are balanced by the West European tendency of behavioural adaptation to human activity. Based on monitoring in sample plots, the current population was estimated at 650–950 pairs, indicating a significant decrease (possibly over 20%) during the last two decades. In comparison to the Latvian and Estonian populations, however, this decline is smaller, and the reproductive success remains at a high level [66% breeding success and 2.99 ± 0.97 (SD) fledglings per successful attempt, 2000–2006]; this north–south gradient suggests a climate-mediated impact of habitat degradation in the Baltic countries. The storks are also nesting closer to forest edges and in younger stands than 15–30 years ago, which has probably reduced the nest-tree limitation, as indicated by an increased use of large oaks. Thus, habitat degradation and adaptation seem to be taking place simultaneously in the Lithuanian Black Stork population, as was expected from its geographical location. In general, our study supports the view that, whenever possible, species conservation strategies and the use of indicator species should be geographically explicit.

Specific status and pathogenicity of syngamid nematodes in bird species (Ciconiformes, Falconiformes, Gruiformes) from Germany

A total of 549 birds from four orders were examined for nematodes in their respiratory system from 1995 to 2000. Twelve individuals of Falconiformes (n = 503), one of Gruiformes (n = 22) and one of Ciconiformes (n = 1), but no bird of the order Strigiformes (n = 23) were infected with syngamids. The syngamid species included Hovorkonema variegatum, Syngamus trachea and Cyathostoma trifurcatum from the trachea, bronchi and air sacs, with H. variegatum being the most prevalent. Cyathostoma trifurcatum from a black stork Ciconia nigra is a new record for Germany. The marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus and the white-tailed sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla are new hosts for H. variegatum. Morphological characters such as the dorsal rays of the bursa copulatrix, length of the spicules and the mouth capsule are used to differentiate species of the family Syngamidae. Egg size is different between S. trachea and H. variegatum. In addition to morphological characters, the nucleotide sequence of the SSU ribosomal gene was determined for H. variegatum. Pairwise comparisons with the SSU sequence of S. trachea (AF036606) revealed sequence difference of 2.6%. The nucleotide sequence of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA for different populations of H. variegatum was also determined. Pairwise comparisons revealed two separate strains with a sequence difference of 14.0% to 14.5% suggesting the existence of a cryptic species. Pathological findings associated with H. variegatum were found in 7 of 12 cases and consisted of thickened air sac walls and lesions or granuloma at the site of attachment of the worm, which occasionally involved the underlaying tissues. Lymphoplasmocytic air sacculitis was the most prominent histological lesion found.

Water bird guilds and their feeding connections in the Bodrogzug, Hungary

Species composition, number, species diversity, and evenness of nesting bird communities were surveyed in 2001 and 2002 in north-east Hungary. The survey was aimed at foraging birds. A higher number of species and species diversity was observed in the oxbows compared to that of the eupotamon-type areas, and was correlated with the more luxuriant vegetation covering the water surface. The species evenness value of the oxbows was lower than that of the flowing river. The number of species and species diversity in riparian areas covered with trees were higher than those in areas covered only by bushes. There was a negative correlation between evenness and the diversity of species for habitats covered with water, and habitats covered with trees and bushes along the banks. The following highly protected bird species nested in the study areas: black stork (Ciconia nigra), lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), saker falcon (Falco cherrug), red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus), and corncrake (Crex crex). Compared to the total bird fauna of the investigated area, the highest ratio of aquatic bird species was present in the oxbow areas covered with aquatic vegetation. Considering the role of aquatic birds in material and energy cycles, three main species groups were distinguished: the material-transporting group (highest number of specimens); the bioturbing group (lowest number of specimens); and the decomposition-accelerating group (intermediate numbers).

The Black Stork Ciconia nigra in northern Italy : which environmental feature does this species need to nest ?

La Cigogne noire Ciconia nigra en Italie du Nord : de quel environnement cette espèce a-t-elle besoin pour nicher ? — Il existe un besoin général de traiter le peu de données disponibles sur les espèces rares et menacées pour obtenir des indications significatives en vue de décisions politiques les concernant. Nous présentons ici une analyse de quelques données disponibles sur les besoins écologiques de la Cigogne noire dans le nord de l’Italie, en utilisant des analyses statistiques permettant d’extraire des informations significatives sur les préférences de l’espèce. La Cigogne noire recolonise l’Italie après plus d’un demi millénaire ; nous analysons les données sur l’utilisation de l’habitat et le choix du site de nid de trois couples suivis de 1994 à 2001. Il apparaît que ces couples ne requièrent pas surtout des forêts humides et de vieux grands arbres comme cela est souvent signalé mais préfèrent (1) des grandes surfaces collinéennes boisées, (2) des zones boisées non fragmentées, (3) un riche réseau hydrographique avec beaucoup de petits cours d’eau, (4) la présence de petites zones avec de fortes pentes, comme des petites falaises et ressauts rocheux. Les nids étaient toujours situés dans les zones avec le plus dense réseau hydrographique, dans lequel les adultes ne vont pas mais où les jeunes apprennent à rechercher leur nourriture sans avoir à aller loin du nid.

Have recent changes in forest structure reduced the Estonian black stork Ciconia nigra population?

The black stork Ciconia nigra is listed as a focal species for guiding forest management in Estonia, where forestry has recently intensified and the stork population has suffered a twofold decline. We explored a possible link between the decline of the population and man-induced changes in forest structure, by analysing nesting of the species in relation to forest cover, edge effects and stand structure. Although the storks had distinct habitat preferences (old remote stands near rivers and a certain distance far from ecotones in well-forested landscapes), these were hardly reflected in site re-occupancy and productivity. Therefore, changes in forest structure are probably not responsible for the population decline, although preferences for specific forest environments may limit the range of potential nest sites. The results indicated that edge avoidance cannot be considered a species-specific feature over large areas and clear habitat preferences are not necessarily related with the present success of a population. We also suggest that lists of focal species should be regularly updated and validated in the field.

Application of Geographic Information System (GIS) Technologies in Identification of Potential Nesting Habitats of Black Stork (Ciconia Nigra)

The article analyses data on the negative or positive impact of independent abiotic/biotic (including anthropogenic) factors on the selection of breeding habitats and specific nesting sites by Black Stork (Ciconia nigra). Based on the analysis of environmental data for particular nesting sites of Black Stork, the modelling of suitable nesting areas was performed in forested territories – in the Giedraiciai and Glitiskės forest districts. A detailed assessment of suitable nesting areas for Black Stork, with the highest likelihood of the species’ breeding, was made with the help of GIS and local envirospace modelling. Eventually, a further extrapolation of generalised research results to much larger territories on the scale of the entire country or even region is possible.

Management-related problems of floodplain habitats for the Black stork (Ciconia nigra).

About one-fourth of the Hungarian Black stork (Ciconia nigra (L.)) population nests in floodplains. The most important floodplain habitat in Hungary is the Gemenc area, a part of the Danube-Drava National Park. The sustainable use of floodplains has become a main issue. Conservation of the Black stork requires the maintenance of suitable habitats. The paper provides an overview of the forestry and water management activities and highlights hydrological features of the floodplains in relation to the Black stork population.

Changes in the waterbird community of the Lake Sevan–Lake Gilli area, Republic of Armenia: a case for restoration

Waterbird species richness (Gaviiformes, Podicipediformes, Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Falconiformes, Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes, Passeriformes) has been significantly affected by a 19.5 m lowering of the water level in Lake Sevan (1933–2000), and the complete draining of nearby Lake Gilli (1960–2000) in the Republic of Armenia. Twenty-three former breeders are currently nonbreeders in the area. Four former breeders (black stork Ciconia nigra, glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus, white-winged scoter Melanitta fusca, little crake Porzana parva) have been extirpated from the area. Four former nonbreeders (cattle egret Bubulcus ibis, red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis, sociable lapwing Chettusia gregaria, lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus) have been absent from the area for at least 20 years. The red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator is the only former nonbreeder discovered breeding in the Lake Sevan basin. We recommend that management plans of the 1960s and 1970s be used to further develop and enact new efforts to increase the water level of Lake Sevan by at least 6 m, and that Lake Gilli and its surrounding wetlands be restored as a means of increasing waterbird species richness overall, and protecting regional populations of globally threatened or near-threatened species (Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus, red-breasted goose Branta ruficollis, ferruginous pochard Aythya nyroca, white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala, corn crake Crex crex, great snipe Gallinago media, black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni, white-tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla).

Cathaemasia hians (Trematoda: Cathaemasiidae) infecting black stork nestlings (Ciconia nigra) from central Spain

The trematode Cathaemasia hians is recorded for the first time in nestling Black storks, and for the first time in Black storks in Spain. The parasite was found in the upper part of the oesophagus of Black storks (Ciconia nigra). Presence of this parasite in three nestlings raises the possibility of completion of the parasite's life cycle in Europe. In addition, a sub-adult bird recuperating from bone fractures was also found to be infected. C. hians is apparently absent from the more common white stork (Ciconia ciconia) from the same area. The different feeding behaviour of the two species of storks may account for this.

Herpesviruses and Newcastle disease viruses in white storks (Ciconia Ciconia)

Three herpesviruses were isolated from white storks (Ciconia ciconia). All isolates reacted in cross-neutralisation tests with homologous antisera and with sera prepared against a herpesvirus from a black stork (Ciconia nigra). These data indicate serologic relatedness of the herpesviruses from both stork species. Antisera prepared against herpesviruses from the domestic chicken (viruses of Marek's disease and infectious laryngotracheitis), turkey, duck and pigeon as well as from the blue-fronted amazon (Amazona aestiva), prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus), eagle owl (Bubo bubo), Lake Victoria cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos), bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) and desmoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo) did not react with the stork herpesviruses. Neutralising antibodies against stork herpesvirus were detected in the majority of 72 blood samples from white and black storks. In addition, three Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) could be isolated from white storks. One isolate was highly virulent the two others were avirulent for the chicken. Haemagglutination inhibition tests have shown that some storks have antibodies against Paramyxovirus- (PMV)-1 (NDV), PMV-2 and PMV-3. No antibodies could be detected in stork sera against PMV-4, -6 and -7.

A new herpesvirus isolated from black storks (Ciconia Nigra)

An infectious agent was isolated from livers, spleens and bone marrow of two black storks (Ciconia nigra L.) originating from the same source. Pathological lesions consisted of small whitish focal areas in livers, spleens and bone marrow. The isolated agent was sensitive to chloroform and its multiplication was inhibited by 5-iodine-2-deoxy-uridine. It passed filters with a pore diameter of 220 nm and greater but not 100 nm filters. Electron microscopic examination revealed numerous nucleocapsids with hollow capsomeres and few enveloped particles in the supernatant fluids of infected cultures. The nucleocapsids were calculated to have 162 capsomeres on their surface. Using the plaque reduction method for neutralisation tests no serological cross reactions could be detected between the stork herpesvirus and sera against Marek's disease virus, turkey herpesvirus, and the Lake Victoria cormorant, amazon parrot, eagle owl, and pigeon herpesviruses. It is concluded that the isolated virus is a member of the avian herpesvirus group and it is proposed to tentatively term it herpesvirus ciconiae (ciconia lat. stork).

Some Observations on Gape-worm in Poultry and Game Birds

In the literature which deals with the gape-worm, Syngamus trachea, found commonly in England, its presence has been recorded from a fair variety of birds. It has been found several times in the starling—Nathusius (1837), Megnin (1883) and, among others, by Lewis (1925). Dujardin records having found it in the magpie, Corvus pica, (1845) Megnin (1883) found it in the swift (cypselus apus), green woodpecker (Picus viridis), black stork (Ciconia nigra) and in the pheasant and partridge. It has further been recovered by Lewis (1925) from the rook (Corvus frugilegus), thrush (Turdus musicus) and jay (Garrulus glandarius), while in the Ministry of Agriculture Leaflet No. 58, the sparrow and linnet are also cited as being occasional hosts, and Walker (1886) has found it in the robin. The present writers have found a closely related species, S. merulae (Baylis, 1926) in the tracheae of four blackbirds which came into the laboratory during the summer. Though these birds seem to be only occasional hosts, most of the authors stating that the infections occurred only in young birds while the adults are comparatively free from this worm, yet a high percentage of young birds are frequently found to be carrying this parasite: for instance, Elton and Buckland (1928) in a batch of 33 young rooks obtained from the Oxford district, found 31 infected, while of 8 old birds only four were infected and these only lightly. Lewis in 1926 found 35 per cent. of a sample of starlings infected but he did not notice the age of the birds. Morgan examined two nests of young starlings and found that all of one batch harboured S. trachea. He suggests that they may have become infected from the earthworms brought in by the parent birds as food.