Long-term changes in numbers and distribution of wintering waterbirds in the Czech Republic, 1966-2008
2011
Abstract
Our aim was to assess long-term trends in the numbers and distribution of the 26 most abundant wintering waterbird species in the Czech Republic. In most species, changes in numbers as well as changes in distribution followed the Western Palearctic population trends.
Those species which increased were mainly piscivores and included geese, ducks and gulls. Scarcer species also exhibited an increase in numbers.
The changes in numbers (both positive and negative) were more frequent among species associated with running water, whereas species which showed uncertain trends were more frequently recorded on standing water, which is more affected by variable weather conditions.