Monitoring Corncrake Crex crex numbers inEuropean Russia: the first stage

Corn Crake (Crex crex) Science Article 10

abstract

The Corncrake is a widespread and common species in Russia. Because agricultural conditionsin Russia are unstable, it is important to establish the Corncrake’s current populationdynamics through studies in pilot areas. Two types of repeated censuses have been carriedout:1. In 1994, there were censuses on pilot plots in 4 regions. These regions had been censusedbetween 6 and 18 years previously, but researchers had used a variety of methods.2. From 1995 to 2000, regular nocturnal censuses were carried out, using standard methodsin pilot areas in 5 ‘key territories’ holding Corncrake concentrations.The census years experienced varying weather conditions, such as spring flood levels anddiffering hay mowing sequences. The data obtained show that in the 1980s and 1990s inEuropean Russia there was no tendency for Corncrake numbers to reduce, something thathad been noted from the 1950s to the 1970s. It is extremely important that the present monitoringscheme continues and that a network be established of model areas in Russia to monitorCorncrake numbers annually and to track the changes in agriculture technology.

O. V. Sukhanova and A. L. Mischenko, Ornis Hungarica 12-13: 135-141. 2003

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