Waterfowl numbers on South Bohemian fishponds in relation to fishpond management

Pykal, Jiri (1997) Waterfowl numbers on South Bohemian fishponds in relation to fishpond management. MAGYAR VÍZIVAD KÖZLEMÉNYEK, 3. pp. 151-158. ISSN 1416-1389 (nyomtatott); 1419-6107 (elektronikus)

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Abstract

In the period 1990 - 1994 point counts of waterfowl were conducted on 88 fishponds of different size (1 - 394 ha) in monthly intervals. Data on the numbers of waterfowl were compared with the data on management of the fishponds counted (total fish biomass, age class of the fishes). Highest densities of waterfowl in the breeding season (Aythya fuligttla, Aythya ferina, Anas strepera, Anas platyrhynchos) were observed on the fishponds with the lowest fish stock (mainly fry fishponds). The competition for protein-rich food between fishes and waterfowl is supposed to be responsible for this pattern. In opposite, the highest densities of waterfowl in autumn (mainly Anas platyrhynchos and Anser anser) were observed on big ponds, irrespectively of the fish biomass. However, Mallards and Grey Lag Geese are feeding outside of the fishponds at this time. Main factor affecting distribution of waterfowl in the autumn seems to be safety from hunting and other disturbance.

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