143739147 atlas of anatidae populations in africa w eurasia

Atlas of AnatidaePopulations

in Africa and Western Eurasia

Derek A. Scott and Paul M. Rose

based on a project initiated by

Marc W.J. van Roomen and Gerard C. Boere

With financial support from the

Directorate for Nature ManagementMinistry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries,

The Netherlands

Joint Nature Conservation Committee, United Kingdom

Wetlands International Publication 41

1996

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© Wetlands International 1996.

All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study,research, criticism, or review (as permitted under the Copyright Designs andPatents Act 1988) no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,electrical, chemical, mechanical, optical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,without prior permission of the copyright holder.

ISBN 1 900442 09 4 (Limpback)1 900442 10 8 (Hardback)

This publication should be cited as follows: Scott, D.A. & Rose, P.M. (1996).Atlas of Anatidae Populations in Africa and Western Eurasia. WetlandsInternational Publication No. 41, Wetlands International, Wageningen,The Netherlands.

Published by: Wetlands International, Marijkeweg 11, 6700 CA Wageningen,The Netherlands.

Cover photographs, clockwise from bottom:White-faced Whistling-ducks Dendrocygna viduata. CHRISTIAN PERENNOU.Wigeon Anas penelope. MARK HULME.Smew Mergellus albellus. MARK HULME.Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii. MARK HULME.Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons. MARK HULME.

Background photograph:Garganey Anas querquedula and White-faced Whistling-ducks Dendrocygnaviduata at Lac Debo, Inner Niger Delta. JAN VAN DE KAM.

Designed and produced by the Nature Conservation Bureau Limited,36 Kingfisher Court, Hambridge Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5SJ.

Printed by Information Press, Oxford.

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Available from: Natural History Book Service, 2–3 Wills Road, Totnes, Devon,TQ9 5XN, UK.

The presentation of material in this book and the geographical designationsemployed do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part ofWetlands International concerning the legal status of any country, territory orarea, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

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Foreword

For centuries, migratory birds have been in the forefront of the interest of man in nature. In thepast, their disappearance and return were not understood and the most fantastic stories have beenpublished to account for it. Knowledge about the movements of migratory birds have increasedenormously since about 100 years ago when the Danish teacher Mortensen started to put numberedrings on birds’ feet.

Bird-ringing has been of utmost importance in understanding the timing and routes of migratorybirds and in identifying the areas used for staging and wintering on their flyways. In recent years,modern tracking techniques using satellites have provided revealing information on the behaviourof bird species, in particular geese, swans and cranes.

Migratory birds are not aware of national boundaries and obviously their wise management andconservation is a responsibility of all states on the flyways. With its large number of wetlands ofinternational importance and millions of waterbirds passing through or wintering here, theNetherlands has a special responsibility. Against this background, it is not surprising that our country,in close cooperation with the Secretariat of the Bonn Convention and Wetlands International, hasbeen instrumental in concluding the African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement.

Comprehensive and reliable data is a key asset for international nature conservation and themanagement of populations. This book brings together a wealth of data to support theimplementation of the African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement, both on the flyway as a whole andon the states on its route. At the same time, it shows that large gaps in information still exist, inparticular with respect to Africa. The book is also an important tool for all Range States to achievethe main objectives of the African Eurasian Waterbird Agreement – which is the conservation ofwetland habitats and the conservation and sustainable management of waterbird populations.

I will definitely continue to support these objectives, including the collection of data that arenot plentifully available, such as on the Arctic breeding areas and in West Africa, and I lookforward to join forces with other countries to realize the objectives of the African Eurasian WaterbirdAgreement in full.

Jozias J. van AartsenMinister of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries

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African-Eurasian MigratoryWaterbird Agreement

The African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) is an Agreement under the Convention on theConservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals commonly referred to as the Bonn Convention.AEWA aims to create a legal basis for a concerted conservation and management policy by the RangeStates for migratory waterbird species.

It covers the entire continent of Africa and Europe, as well as parts of Asia and a few Arctic islandsof North-eastern Canada encompassing about 120 Range States and it covers 170 species.

AEWA has an Action Plan, which specifies actions Parties shall undertake in relation to priorityspecies and issues, under the following headings:a) species conservation;b) habitat conservation;c) management of human activities;d) research and monitoring;e) education and information and;f) implementation.

The present Action Plan is restricted to geese, swans, ducks, spoonbills, ibises and storks.The drafting of the Flyway Atlas is financed by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, United

Kingdom and the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries as a project in theframework of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement.

Interim Secretariat AEWA, c/o Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries,P.O. Box 20401, 2500 EK The Hague The NetherlandsTel: (+31) 70 3792982, Fax: (+31) 70 3793751, E-mail [email protected]

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Acknowledgements

Stefan Pihl of the National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark (NERI) has made an outstandingcontribution to all aspects of this report. He has fulfilled the role of national coordinator for Denmark.He has worked as Seaduck Specialist Group Coordinator that required him to give advice on some ofthe most difficult species in the publication, and as coordinator of both the decentralised seaduckdatabase and decentralised goose database he was also responsible for ensuring that data for these specieswere available to feed into the many analyses that were undertaken. No other contributor has undertakenmore than one of these four roles, so the authors would like to give special thanks to Stefan Pihl andNERI for the enormous amount of work he undertook so willingly.

The authors would like to thank the specialist group coordinators, national coordinators and speciesexperts that responded to our requests for assistance so enthusiastically, willingly and with outstandingtechnical quality.

The specialist group coordinators were Jeff Kirby (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT)) for theDuck Specialist Group, Jesper Madsen (NERI) for the Goose Specialist Group, Eileen Rees (WWT) forthe Swan Specialist Group and Andy Green and Janet Hunter (WWT) for the Threatened WaterfowlSpecialist Group.

All national coordinators of the monitoring schemes that supply information as part of theInternational Waterfowl Census are also essential to the production of international overviews likethis. Many work as volunteers, undertaking tremendous amounts of work under the most difficult ofconditions. Their efforts and those of the thousands of volunteer waterfowl counters they coordinateare very greatly appreciated.

Comments and hitherto unpublished information of the highest possible standard were receivedfrom John S. Ash, the late Dylan Aspinwall, Gerhard Aubrecht, Nicola Baccetti, Neil Baker, BehrouzBehrouzi-Rad, Leon Bennun, Cor Berrevoets, Vincent van den Berk, D. R. Bishop, Jeff Black, GerardBoere, Djahida Boukhalfa, John Bowler, Des Callaghan, Luis Costa, Peter Cranswick, Matt Cummins,A. Darolova, Simon Delany, Koen De Vos, Gerald Dick, Lieuwe Dijksen, Tim Dodman, Bob Douthwaite,Jan Durinck, Sandor Farago, Lincoln Fishpool, Arnthor Gardarsson, Jeff Gordon, Andy Green, WardHagemeijer, George Handrinos, Ibrahim Hanna, James Harrison, J. C. Hillman, Baz Hughes, JanetHunter, Verena Keller, Jeff Kirby, Kees Koffijberg, A. Kozulin, A. S. Koryakin, Eckhart Kuijken, AndresKuresoo, Olivier Langrand, Bjarke Laubek, Karsten Laursen, Aivar Leito, Peter Leonard, Leho Luigujoe,Jesper Madsen, Peter L. Meininger, Branko Micevski, Tanu Michev, Joszef Mikuska, Carl Mitchell,Johannes Mooij, Ramon Marti Montes, Wim C. Mullié, Dan Munteanu, Petr Musil, Johannes Naacke,H. W. Nehls, Stephen Newton, Leif Nilsson, Torgeir Nygård, T. D. Paneva, David B. Paynter, JitkaPellantova, Stefan Pihl, Gert Polet, Ljubo Profirov, John Quinn, Eileen Rees, Colin Richardson, DavidV. Rockingham-Gill, Marc van Roomen, E. Rutschke, Luc Schifferli, Paul Scholte, Arnor Sigfusson,Rob Simmons, Chris J. Spray, Antra Stipniece, David Stroud, Christoph L. Sudfelt, Saulius Svazas,Per Ole Syvertsen, Pavel Tomkovich, Jose Antonio Torres Esquivias, Bernard Tréca, Berend Voslamber,J. F. Walsh, Eric van Winden, Sergai N. Yerokhov, Pierre Yésou, Glyn Young and Ronald Zollinger.

The authors would also like to thank Val Taylor and Marie Callaghan for painstakingly producingthe species maps so exactly, Mike Moser, Janine van Vessem and Mark Hulme for proof reading thetext, and Sharon Favell for an extremely diverse array of secretarial and administrative tasks all performedwith great efficiency.

Financial support for the project as well as for the production of this voluminous publication waskindly provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, the Netherlandsand by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, United Kingdom. The authors would like to thankthem for their significant contribution to increasing the knowledge of Anatidae population ecology.

The disappearance of Dylan Aspinwall during the course of compiling this publication was a greatloss to wetland and waterbird conservation. His enthusiasm and expertise will be sorely missed by allwho worked with him.

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Conserving wetlands for people and wildlife

Wetlands International, the world’s leading non-profit wetland conservation organisation, was createdin 1996 by the integration of the Asian Wetland Bureau, the International Waterfowl and WetlandsResearch Bureau, and Wetlands for the Americas. The achievements of the founding organisationsdate back 40 years, and include the launch of (and support to) the Ramsar Convention, major regionalsurveys and conservation programmes for wetlands and wetland species, and the development ofinternational programmes for migratory waterbird conservation in particular technical support to theBonn Convention’s Agreement on the Coservation of African/Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

Sound technical information is the basis for Wetlands International’s work, which includes:coordinating conservation, management and assessment projects at international level; providingtechnical and fundraising support to national and local projects, and helping to build the capacity ofrelevant agencies. Wetlands International produces a wide range of publications and awareness materials,and organises numerous workshops, training courses and conferences each year.

The global network of Wetlands International provides rapid access to specialists on wetlandconservation throughout the world. These are supported by 13 regional and project offices on fivecontinents, providing a unique force for supporting wetland conservation activities. Partnership is atthe heart of Wetlands International, and strong links exist with other international conservation agenciessuch as IUCN, WWF and BirdLife International, and the secretariats of the Ramsar and BonnConventions. Global and regional programmes are supported by over 120 government agencies, NGOs,foundations, development agencies and private sector groups.

For further information please contact the appropriate regional office.

Wetlands InternationalAsia PacificInstitute of Advanced StudiesUniversity of Malaya50603 Kuala LumpurMalaysia

Tel: +60 3 756 6624Fax: + 60 3 757 1225EMAIL: [email protected]

Wetlands InternationalAfrica, Europe, Middle EastMarijkeweg 11PO Box 70026700 CA WageningenThe Netherlands

Tel: +31 317 474711Fax: +31 317 474712EMAIL: [email protected]

Wetlands InternationalThe Americas7 Hinton Avenue North,Suite 200Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4P1Canada

Tel: +1 613 722 2090Fax: +1 613 722 3318EMAIL: [email protected]

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Contents

Foreword iii

Acknowledgements v

1. Introduction 1

2. Identification of population limits 3

2.1 Summary of ‘populations’ used in this Atlas 32.2 History of Anatidae population delineation in Western Eurasia and Africa 32.3 Practical versus biogeographic units of population 42.4 Existing reviews of Anatidae populations in the Western Palearctic 52.5 Geographic regions not adequately discussed in previous flyway studies 62.6 Sedentary species 10

3. Establishment of a network of protected areas 15

4. Methods 17

4.1 Regional scope 174.2 Taxonomic scope, treatment and nomenclature 174.3 Population estimates 184.4 Population trends 184.5 Selection of key sites 184.6 Information on key sites 234.7 Limitations 24

5. Species accounts and maps 25

5.1 Species accounts 255.2 Maps 265.3 Key to maps 26

Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor 28White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata 31White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus 34White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala 37Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa 42Mute Swan Cygnus olor 45Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus 50Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus 54Pink-footed Goose Anser brachyrhynchus 58Bean Goose Anser fabalis 61Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons 65Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus 69Greylag Goose Anser anser 73Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis 78Brent Goose Branta bernicla 81Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis 85Blue-winged Goose Cyanochen cyanopterus 88Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus 91Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 94South African Shelduck Tadorna cana 98Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna 100

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Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis 104Hartlaub’s Duck Pteronetta hartlaubii 107Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos 110African Pygmy-goose Nettapus auritus 113Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope 116Gadwall Anas strepera 119Common Teal Anas crecca 122Cape Teal Anas capensis 125Madagascar Teal Anas bernieri 128Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 131Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata 135Meller’s Duck Anas melleri 138African Black Duck Anas sparsa 140Northern Pintail Anas acuta 143Eaton’s Pintail Anas eatoni 147Red-billed Duck Anas erythrorhyncha 150Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota 153Garganey Anas querquedula 156Cape Shoveler Anas smithii 160Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 162Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris 166Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 170Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma 173Common Pochard Aythya ferina 176Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca 179Madagascar Pochard Aythya innotata 183Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula 186Greater Scaup Aythya marila 189Common Eider Somateria mollissima 193King Eider Somateria spectabilis 198Steller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri 200Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus 203Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis 206Common Scoter Melanitta nigra 210Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca 213Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 216Barrow’s Goldeneye Bucephala islandica 219Smew Mergellus albellus 222Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator 225Goosander Mergus merganser 229

6. References 233

Annex 1: Revised population estimates for some Anatidae in Western Eurasia 241

Annex 2: Key sites for Anatidae in Africa and Western Eurasia 257

1

1. Introduction

The swans, geese and ducks (Anatidae) are characterised by two features which give rise to very specialrequirements for their conservation:

Firstly, most Anatidae depend on wetlands throughout much of their life-cycle. These habitats areusually rather discrete and separated from each other by vast areas of non-wetland habitat; they are alsoone of the most threatened habitats in the world, having suffered losses exceeding 50% of original areain many countries during the last century. Wetlands are also highly productive habitats, enabling relativelysmall areas to support large waterbird concentrations.

Secondly, the Anatidae family includes many migratory populations. The individuals of thesepopulations depend on the utilisation of a network of sites throughout their range in order to completetheir annual cycle. This network of sites may extend over thousands of kilometres, and traverse numerouspolitical boundaries and biogeographical zones. Each site in the network plays a critical role, enablingthe individuals that use it to move on to the next site in the network. The importance of individualsites is shown by the concentrations of birds which occur there and by the traditional use that manyindividuals make of individual sites and site networks, year after year.

These features combine to require that any effective conservation programme for the Anatidae mustincorporate internationally coordinated measures for site conservation, species monitoring and regulationof any forms of taking. Knowledge of the network of key sites used by each population is thus a basicneed for the implementation of policy tools such as the Ramsar Convention and the Bonn Convention’sAgreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds. This document aims toprovide this information for the Africa/Eurasian region.

There have been few attempts to describe the networks of key sites used by the Anatidae in theAfrican/Eurasian region, with the exception of intensive studies of one or two well-known species (e.g.Barnacle Geese in Black, in prep.). Historically, Atkinson-Willes (1976) listed 166 key-sites for Europeanwintering species of Anatidae; this study was revised and updated to 180 sites by Monval & Pirot(1989). These two lists only included wintering sites, so in terms of providing a conservation tool theywere very incomplete. The first real attempt to produce a complete key sites network for EuropeanAnatidae was by van Roomen & Boere (1989). Their draft report was never published but has beenused as a foundation for this publication. A number of other wetland inventories, and the ImportantBird Areas (IBA) project of BirdLife International (Grimmett & Jones 1989, Evans 1995), have providedadditional information for this study.

The objectives of the present document are therefore to contribute to the conservation of theAnatidae by:

• delineating units of population for each Anatidae species, as a basis for the application of conservationmeasures;

• providing estimates of the numbers of individuals in each population unit;• identifying the key sites used by each population;• indicating the protection status of each site.

In order to achieve these objectives it has been necessary to adopt a number of criteria and definitionswhich are described in the methods section. The results are then presented in the form of species textsand maps, followed by a large table giving additional data for each key site.

Inevitably, for a major international work of this kind there will be gaps in the information provided.These are due both to existing information not being found or made available, and due to the simplelack of information for certain countries and species. It is hoped and expected that the publication ofthis document will stimulate further research and the provision of additional data, so that future editionscan be even more complete.

Already a great deal of information exists for the Anatidae, not least because of the InternationalWaterfowl Census, which has provided site-based data for many species since 1967. Thus, this documentalready provides a useful baseline from which to define measures for the recovery of threatened speciesand populations, for the establishment of protected areas, for the definition of wise use programmes,and for the improvement of monitoring and research programmes.

2

1. Introduction

The compilers hope that this document will act as a stimulus to initiate work to prepare similaratlases for other taxonomic groups of migratory waterbirds and for the Anatidae in other parts of theworld.

Finally, this publication could not have been written without major input from a large number ofkey people who are all listed in the Acknowledgements section. Without their helpful information thisreport could not have been compiled.

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2. Identification ofPopulation Limits

2.1 Summary of ‘populations’ used in this Atlas

The ‘biogeographical populations’ which are treated as separate units in this Atlas are listed in Table 1.Several types of ‘populations’ are recognized:

• the entire population of a monotypic species.• the entire population of a recognized subspecies.• a discrete migratory population of a species or subspecies, i.e. a population which rarely if ever mixes

with other populations of the same species or subspecies.• that ‘population’ of northern hemisphere birds which spends the winter in a relatively discrete portion

of Western Eurasia and/or Africa (e.g. northwest Europe, the Black Sea/Mediterranean region,Southwest Asia, West Africa, eastern Africa). In many cases, these ‘populations’ may mix extensivelywith other populations on the breeding grounds, or may mix with sedentary populations of the samespecies during the migration seasons and/or on the wintering grounds. The birds wintering in two ormore adjacent regions have often been grouped together into a single larger region, when it seemslikely that they belong to the same ‘population’ (e.g. Black Sea/Mediterranean and West Africa,Southwest Asia and eastern Africa).

• a regional group of sedentary, nomadic or dispersive birds with an apparently rather continuousdistribution and no major gaps between breeding units sufficient to prohibit interchange of individualsduring their normal nomadic wanderings and/or post-breeding dispersal.

2.2 History of Anatidae population delineation in Western Eurasia and Africa

Pioneering work by Russian ornithologists in the 1960s identified the main ‘geographical populations’of Anatidae in the western part of the former USSR and Europe. Isakov (1967) recognized four majorflyways for Anatidae in western Eurasia, and provided a preliminarylist of 44 wetlands in the former USSR which were of greatsignificance as breeding, moulting, staging and/or wintering grounds.Isakov’s four populations were: (1) northern White Sea/North Seapopulation; (2) European Siberia/Black Sea-Mediterraneanpopulation; (3) West Siberian/Caspian/Nile population; and (4)Siberian-Kazakhstan/Pakistan-India population (see Figure 1).Isakov (1970a) attempted to define the breeding grounds of thesepopulations in greater detail, and demonstrated that there wasextensive overlap between the various regions.

Shevareva (1970) analyzed 10,600 recoveries of ducks ringed inthe former USSR and confirmed the basic geographical populationsoutlined by Isakov (1967) for Anas platyrhynchos, A. crecca, A. acuta,A. penelope and A. querquedula.

The concept of ‘biogeographical populations’ was elaborated insome detail by Atkinson-Willes et al. (1982), and the followingaccount is based largely on these authors. In its simplest form, apopulation comprises a discrete unit with a clearly defined ‘flyway’linking the breeding and moulting grounds to the terminal winterquarters. In some cases, the unit will comprise the entire populationof a species or subspecies, as in Branta ruficollis, Anser albifronsflavirostris and Branta bernicla bernicla. (Note that in North America,the term ‘flyway’ is used in a rather different manner to refer to an

FIGURE 1: Isakov’s main geographicalpopulations of Anatidae in Western Eurasia

4

administrative unit for the management of waterfowl populations, and is identical for virtually all duckspecies).

A number of other species and subspecies are known, from ringing and migration studies, to havetwo or more distinct populations which seldom if ever mix at any stage in their annual cycles, andshould therefore be treated separately. The conditions which these various populations experience arelikely to be quite different; it is therefore reasonable to suppose that each of them will, in isolation, haveevolved its own peculiar adaptations. The Western Palearctic provides several examples of these discreteunits, notably the two populations of Anser brachyrhynchus, the three populations of Branta leucopsis andthe isolated west Mediterranean population of Marmaronetta angustirostris.

Such a division of species into discrete population units is, however, usually impossible, especiallyamongst the common and widespread species. For most species of Anatidae which have been the subjectof intensive ringing studies, it is clear that no such biogeographically discrete populations exist. Thus in mostof the Palearctic ducks, there is no clear-cut relationship between the various breeding and winteringgrounds. The flocks wintering in any given area are likely to contain individuals from several of the mainbreeding grounds, and similarly birds from the same breeding areas may often occur in a number of widelyseparated winter quarters. In most species, there is a great deal of mixing across huge longitudinal ranges,and clear dividing lines are seldom present. An alternative method of sub-dividing species into convenientunits for conservation and management action must therefore be devised. Otherwise the total numberswould be so large that the 1% criterion would cease to be relevant and priorities for conservation andmanagement would be difficult to define.

2.3 Practical versus biogeographic units of population

Atkinson-Willes (1976) and Atkinson-Willes et al. (1982) recommended that the ‘flyway’ concept beabandoned for common and widespread species in the Western Palearctic, and that population ‘units’be based on the main wintering regions. On this basis, the individuals wintering in a given region aretreated as a single population, regardless of their distribution at other times of the year.

This concept was applied to the Palearctic ducks wintering in Western Eurasia and the northern halfof Africa. Within this area, a total of five biogeographical regions were defined: northwest Europe,Black Sea/Mediterranean, Caspian/Gulf, Turkestan/Pakistan, and Tropical West Africa (Atkinson-Willes, 1976). Atkinson-Willes set the line between northwest European and the Black Sea/Mediterranean regions north of the Alps, and included central Europe in the Black Sea/Mediterraneanregion. He included the Nile Delta (Egypt) and Azraq Oasis (Jordan) in the Black Sea/Mediterraneanregion, and remained undecided as to the location of the important wetlands of the Seistan Basin onthe border between Iran and Afghanistan.

The principles involved in defining these particular wintering regions were as follows:• a region must be large enough and have a sufficiently wide range of habitat and climate for the birds

to remain within its boundaries in all normal winters;• it should, as far as possible, be bounded by physical barriers sufficient to prevent the easy movement of

birds from one region to another, or by zones in which the species under review is either scarce or absent;• the boundaries of the region should preferably be uniform for all species; the alignment may, however,

be varied to take into account specific peculiarities in distribution;• the boundaries of the wintering regions should include the migration routes leading to them.

In support of the population boundaries chosen by Atkinson-Willes (1976), there is a considerablebody of evidence, mostly from ringing studies such as those by Shevareva (1970) and Perdeck & Clason(1980), that most Anatidae in Western Eurasia follow a southwesterly course from their breeding groundsto their winter quarters. For species with a relatively continuous breeding range across northern Eurasiaand a relatively continuous wintering range across southern Eurasia (to Africa, India and southeast Asia),there is a very strong tendency for birds in the west to winter in the west, and birds in the east to winter inthe east. For many species of Anatidae, ringing recoveries have demonstrated that the majority of birdsbreeding in northwest Europe (including Scandinavia) winter from western Europe south in varying degreesto the west Mediterranean and northwest Africa. The majority of birds breeding in northeast and centralEurope (in the east up to the Urals) generally follow a more easterly route to winter from the Black Sea andsoutheast Europe through the Mediterranean basin to West Africa and the central Sahel zone. Birds breedingin western Siberia (notably in the basin of the Ob and Irtysh rivers) generally migrate southwest throughthe Caspian region to the Middle East and, in some cases, also to northeast and eastern Africa.

2. Identification of Population Limits

5

Atkinson-Willes et al. (1982) discussed some of the problems arising from this rather arbitrary approachto the selection of geographical units of population. The main problem arises in cases where a species isabundant in one region, but scarce and at the edge of its range in the next. If the populations in the tworegions are treated separately, the 1% criterion will place undue emphasis on sites in the region ofminimal importance. The obvious solution is to combine the two regions, or to amend the boundarybetween them, so that the marginal overspill is included in the main population. However, it is importantto distinguish between small relict populations, which are genetically and geographically isolated fromall other populations of the species, and those which comprise no more than a minor extension of thenormal distribution. The former should be treated separately, the latter as part of the main population.

Another problem arises where the number of individuals wintering in a region is very much smallerthan the number passing through on migration. It has been suggested that two 1% levels should beadopted in this situation, one based on the number occurring on passage, for use in autumn and spring,the other on the number remaining in winter. Atkinson-Willes et al. (1982) regarded this as anunnecessary complication, and recommended that the small winter remnant be lumped with the mainpopulation with which it is associated; the same 1% level should then be used throughout. For example,the small numbers of Anas querquedula which remain throughout the winter in the Mediterranean Basinand Middle East should be regarded as part of the main populations wintering in West Africa andeastern Africa, respectively. An exception to this should, however, be made in those instances in whichtwo populations from distinct breeding areas are involved. In this situation, separate criteria might bejustifiable. Examples might occur in Anas acuta and A. clypeata in northwest Europe. The rather smallwintering populations in this region consist of birds from Fennoscandia, the Baltic States and northwestRussia, while many of the birds occurring on migration originate from breeding areas further to the eastand winter in the Mediterranean basin and West Africa.

Meininger et al. (1995) have suggested that when two or more populations use a site during thecourse of a year, the 1% level used at a particular time of year should be the 1% level of that populationwhich is most abundant at that time of year. When it is unclear which population dominates, thehighest level should be applied.

In most cases, there should be no difficulty in separating recognized subspecies as discrete populationsof the species considered. The recognized subspecies of Anatidae treated in this report are either (a)totally discrete, e.g. the African and Madagascar subspecies of Thalassornis leuconotus, (b) show only anarrow zone of intergradation or secondary contact zone where they come together e.g. the two subspeciesof Anser fabalis and the two subspecies of Plectropterus gambensis; or (c) are separated from other populationsduring the breeding season by unsuitable terrain e.g. the three subspecies of Somateria mollissima.

2.4 Existing reviews of Anatidae populations in the Western Palearctic

Atkinson-Willes (1976) described the main wintering regions for twelve species of Anatidae in theWestern Palearctic (Cygnus columbianus, Tadorna ferruginea, T. tadorna, Anas penelope, A. crecca, A.platyrhynchos, A. acuta, A. clypeata, Aythya ferina, A. fuligula, A. marila and Mergellus albellus). Atkinson-Willes then went on to discuss the numbers and distribution of five species of seaducks (Somateriamollissima, Clangula hyemalis, Melanitta nigra, M. fusca and Bucephala clangula) in Europe, and definednorthwest European ‘populations’ for these, but noted that S. mollissima (with several isolated andrelatively sedentary populations) and C. hyemalis (still at that time poorly known) did not fit so neatlyinto the system of ‘wintering regions’ (Atkinson-Willes, 1978). Finally, he examined the winterdistribution of the three swans Cygnus spp. in northwest Europe, and identified the main winteringgroups of these species (Atkinson-Willes, 1981).

Detailed accounts of the populations of geese (Anser spp. and Branta spp.) occurring in the WesternPalearctic have been given by Ogilvie (1978) and Timmerman (1981). More recently, Madsen (1991)has reviewed the status and trends of goose populations wintering and/or breeding in the WesternPalearctic in the 1980s. He recognizes 21 populations of the eight species of geese occurring in the wildin substantial numbers, and also recognizes two populations of the introduced Branta canadensis (aBritish/Irish population and a Scandinavian population) and a feral population of Anser anser (in theBritish Isles). The present report follows Madsen (1991), except that two additional populations inSouthwest Asia are included (for Anser albifrons and A. anser).

Ruger et al. (1986) adopted the by now traditional approach for the purposes of analysis of trends,but acknowledged that this did not necessarily reflect true biogeographical populations. They repeatedthe rationale of Atkinson-Willes (1976), and followed many of his ‘wintering regions’, adding further


6

justification for some of the regional boundaries. Their division of France, Germany and Spain betweenthe northwest European and Black Sea/Mediterranean regions followed Atkinson-Willes (1976).However, these authors described more exceptions for species for which better information was thenavailable, e.g. these authors split off the western Mediterranean population of Tadorna tadorna from therest of the Black Sea/Mediterranean group on the basis of a paper by Walmsley (1984). Ruger et al.(1986) concluded that “the mid-winter waterfowl census data provide further support for the use of thebiogeographical regions. While there is evidence of substantial internal redistribution of some northwestEuropean waterfowl populations from year to year depending on weather conditions, large-scalemovements out of the region apparently only occur in severe winters (e.g. 1978–79), when certainspecies, such as Anas penelope and A. crecca, move to southern Spain and probably northwest Africa”.

Monval & Pirot (1989) also adopted the wintering regions as defined by Atkinson-Willes (1976),and defined the northwest European and Black Sea/Mediterranean regions rather precisely, includingcentral Europe (southwest Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria)within the Black Sea-Mediterranean region. Both Ruger et al. (1986) and Monval & Pirot (1989)divided the Black Sea/Mediterranean region into two sub-regions, east and west, because of differencesin the quality of the data from these two regions, and not because they thought that the birds in thesetwo sub-regions belonged to different populations.

In their summary of waterfowl population estimates, Rose & Scott (1994) also followed the traditionalapproach, but made further adjustments to the limits of some populations in the light of recentinformation, and also made a first attempt at identifying population units in Afrotropical species.

2.5 Geographic regions not adequately discussed in previous flyway studies

i) AfricaNo attempt had ever been made to define populations of endemic African Anatidae before Rose &Scott (1994), and never has any discussion or justification of population boundaries been attempted.A West African region was defined by Atkinson-Willes (1976) solely on the basis of the winterdistribution of Western Palearctic species within the region, and subsequent censuses of the regionwere organised primarily with these species in mind. Consequently, when Perennou (1991a) analysedthe results of African Waterfowl Census data for all species of waterbirds, he also chose to concurwith the traditional West African region due to the consistent, long time series of data available incomparison with the rest of the continent.

In the present report, an attempt is made to identify the most appropriate population units forconservation purposes for all species of Anatidae occurring in Africa. This process has been greatlyaided by the large amount of new information on African Anatidae which has become available inrecent years through the African Waterfowl Census, which now covers much of the continent.

In many of the more arid regions of Africa, most species of Anatidae are known to undertakelengthy movements in response to changing water levels. In areas where rainfall is infrequent andunpredictable, these movements are also likely to be infrequent and unpredictable, and might best bedescribed as nomadism or irregular dispersive movements. In areas where the rainfall is more or lessannual and seasonal, such movements could be classified as predictable migrations, in the sense of theBonn Convention. At the same time, in all but the most arid regions, there will be permanent wetlandsat which some individuals can remain resident all year round. From the limited information available,it would seem that most populations of Afrotropical Anatidae are to some extent sedentary and to someextent nomadic or dispersive, moving in response to changing water levels. Many also undertake regular,seasonal migrations within Africa, sometimes of great length, but these movements often appear to berather complex and, in most species, are still very poorly understood.

For many of the widespread Afrotropical species, it seems likely that there are several biogeographicalpopulations with discrete or largely non-overlapping breeding areas and non-breeding ranges. This isparticularly the case in species which have an extensive north-south range spanning the equator, sincethe northernmost and southernmost populations generally breed at opposite times of the year. However,until much more information becomes available on the movements of these populations, the timing oftheir breeding seasons, and their interactions with sedentary populations in equatorial regions, it isgenerally not possible to identify any particular migratory populations within the distribution of thespecies (or subspecies) as a whole.

Five Afrotropical species, Dendrocygna viduata, Alopochen aegyptiacus, Plectropterus gambensis, Sarkidiornismelanotos and Nettapus auritus, are very widely distributed over Africa south of the Sahara, and there do


7

not appear to be any major gaps in their distribution except in the lowland forested areas of west-centralAfrica and in the deserts of the southwest. Because of the extent of movements shown by these speciesin Africa, their entire African populations are probably best treated, biologically, as single, very largepopulations. However, while there would appear to be no significant barriers to movement of birds withinthe eastern and southern parts of the species’ ranges, the lowland forests of west-central Africa and thearid regions of southern Chad and Sudan, with little suitable habitat for the species, presumably restrictmovement to some extent between the West African populations and other populations.

There does indeed appear to be something of a break in the distribution of many species along a linefrom the Gulf of Guinea and forested highlands of Cameroon through the arid uplands of southeasternChad and the Darfur region of western Sudan to the Nile north of Khartoum. In three species, Dendrocygnabicolor, Thalassornis leuconotus and Anas hottentota, there is a very pronounced break in this region. It isproposed that, for conservation purposes, a similar break be adopted along this line to create separateWest African populations of the five widespread species. These West African ‘populations’ extend eastto Chad and western Sudan, and south to the Central African Republic. It is acknowledged, however,that there may be a considerable amount of interchange between these populations and birds in easternAfrica.

While it has been argued that there is some justification for the recognition of West African populationsof some Afrotropical Anatidae (as identified by Perennou, 1991a), there would seem to be little justificationfor the recognition of separate West African populations of Western Palearctic ducks, as identified byvarious earlier authors (e.g. Atkinson-Willes, 1976; Ruger et al., 1986; Monval & Pirot, 1989; Perennou,1991a). Most species of Anatidae wintering in the southern Mediterranean are also found wintering inWest Africa. For species such as Anas penelope, A. strepera, A. crecca, Aythya ferina and A. fuligula, fromWestern Eurasia, wintering in West Africa is annual, but the numbers are very small and are clearlyoverspill from the large concentrations in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region. Clearly, the small numbersof birds reaching West Africa do not merit treatment as distinct populations. Similarly, the residue of Anasquerquedula remaining in the Mediterranean does not warrant treatment separately from the great majorityof birds which winter in West Africa. It would seem inconsistent, therefore, to treat the Mediterraneanand West African wintering populations of species divided more evenly to the north and south of theSahara as distinct. For this reason, it is recommended in the present Atlas that the ‘populations’ of Anasacuta and A. clypeata wintering in West Africa be combined with those wintering in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region. Some support for this decision comes from recoveries of ringed birds which,although few in number, suggest similar origins for the birds wintering north and south of the Sahara.

ii) Africa’s offshore islandsThe ten species of Anatidae which breed in Madagascar are said to be mainly sedentary. Three speciesare confined to Madagascar and the Madagascar population of a fourth (Thalassornis leuconotus) isrecognized as being subspecifically distinct. In the other six species, there is no indication of anyinterchange between the Madagascar populations and those on the mainland of Africa, except perhapsin the case of Anas erythrorhyncha. In all cases, therefore, the Madagascar populations of Anatidae aretreated as separate populations in this Atlas.

Very few Anatidae occur on Africa’s other offshore islands, except as scarce migrants or vagrants.Young (1996) summarizes the status of those Anatidae that do occur. Moreau (1966) lists only onespecies for the Cape Verde Islands, one for Mafia, three each for Zanzibar and Pemba, and none for theCanary Islands, Gulf of Guinea Islands (Fernando Po, Principe, Sao Tome and Annobon), ComoroIslands and Socotra. Marmaronetta angustirostris bred in the Canary Islands in the 19th century andprobably up to about 1914, but the principal site had been largely drained by 1948, and the species hasdisappeared from these islands (Cramp & Simmons, 1977). M. angustirostris possibly also bred on theCape Verde Islands in the late 19th century, but there have been no recent records (Cramp & Simmons,1977). At least 14 other species of Anatidae have been recorded on the Atlantic islands off northwestAfrica (Azores, Madeira, Canaries and Cape Verde), but most have been recorded only as rare vagrants,and none occur in significant numbers (Cramp & Simmons, 1977).

The occurrence of Anatidae in Zanzibar and Pemba has been summarized by Pakenham (1979).Three species have been recorded: Dendrocygna viduata is an occasional visitor to both islands and mayhave bred; Thalassornis leuconotus formerly bred on Pemba (until the 1920s) and has possibly occurredon Zanzibar, but there are no recent records from either island; and Nettapus auritus was formerly aresident on both islands, but now occurs only as a scarce resident on Pemba.

Staub & Chevreau de Montlehu (1973) refer to the occurrence of Dendrocygna viduata on Mayottein the Comoro Islands, and Brown et al. (1982) also list D. viduata for the Comoros, but little information


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seems to be available on this ‘population’, and it may be that the species occurs in the Comoros primarilyas a wanderer from the African mainland.

There are very few Anatidae on the Indian Ocean islands west of the Indian subcontinent. The onlyAnatidae known from Mauritius are Anas melleri, which is believed to have been introduced fromMadagascar in the mid-19th century, and Dendrocygna viduata, which apparently reached the islandnaturally and apparently breeds (Staub & Chevreau de Montlehu, 1973). At least seven species ofAnatidae have been recorded in the Seychelles (including Amirantes, Farquhar and Aldabra):Dendrocygna viduata, Anas crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. acuta, A. querquedula, A. clypeata and Aythyafuligula. However, all of these are vagrants except for A. querquedula, which occurs as an occasionalpassage migrant in the granitic Seychelles and as an uncommon passage migrant in the corallineSeychelles (Skerrett & Bullock, 1992).

In the South Atlantic south of the African continent, the Kerguelen and Crozet islands supportextremely isolated populations of a pintail, considered by some authors to be a well-marked subspeciesof Anas acuta, but now more widely recognized as constituting a distinct species, Anas eatoni, with twosubspecies, A. e. eatoni on Kerguelen Island and A. e. drygalskii in the Crozet Islands. This latter treatmentis adopted in the present report.

It is concluded that the only Anatidae populations on Africa’s offshore islands which constitute discreteunits are the populations of ten species on Madagascar, the populations of the two subspecies of Anas eatoniin the Kerguelen and Crozet Islands, and the introduced population of Anas melleri on Mauritius.

iii) Southwest AsiaAlthough many earlier workers had referred to the existence of a west Siberian/Caspian ‘flyway’ orSouthwest Asian ‘wintering region’, it was not until the beginning of the 1990s that sufficient data wereavailable to review the numbers and distribution of species of Anatidae within this region. In theirsummary of the first five years of data from the Asian Waterfowl Census (1987–1991), Perennou et al.(1994) recognized Southwest Asian ‘populations’ of 28 species of Anatidae, and considered that forconservation purposes these should be treated separately from the Black Sea/Mediterranean populationsto the west and south Asian populations to the east. For most species, the Southwest Asian populationswere defined as those birds wintering in the Southwest Asian region. This region was defined as the wholeof the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirghizistan,Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; the north Caspian region (Russia), although in Europe, wasalso considered as part of this region. The region did not include Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel or Jordan,which had traditionally been included within the Black Sea/Mediterranean region. Perennou et al.(1994) noted that most if not all of the Palearctic Anatidae wintering in northeast and eastern Africaprobably belonged to the Southwest Asian ‘flyway’, and in some cases, these authors included estimatesof the numbers of birds wintering in northeastern Africa (excluding Egypt) in their population estimatesfor Southwest Asia.

The concept of Southwest Asian ‘populations’ based on a Southwest Asian wintering region (withnortheastern Africa) is retained in the present report as a ‘default’ population for conservation purposes.There is clearly a considerable amount of mixing both between the Southwest Asian and Black Sea/Mediterranean populations, and between the Southwest Asian and south Asian populations. Evidencefrom ringing has shown that the vast wetlands of the west Siberian plain are a major breeding area forbirds wintering in both the Black Sea/Mediterranean and Southwest Asia regions, while the wetlandsof the Volga Delta in the north Caspian are a major staging area and moulting area for large numbers ofbirds from both these populations. Further east, there is evidence of a significant migration route throughthe east Caspian and wetlands of Seistan on the Iran/Afghanistan border to the wetlands of the Indusand Ganges plains in Pakistan and northern India. Finally, there is considerable overlap between theSouthwest Asian and south Asian populations in the central Asian republics east of the Caspian Sea,with many birds from western and central Siberia staging in Kirghizistan, Tadjikistan, Turkmenistanand Uzbekistan on their way to winter quarters in southern Asia.

The Southwest Asian ‘flyway’, as defined in this Atlas, extends from the principal breeding groundson the Taymyr Peninsula and west Siberian plain southwest through the Aral and Caspian Sea regionsto western Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, extreme eastern Turkey and the Euphrates valley, and thence southwestacross the Arabian Peninsula to northeast Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia) and East Africa (Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda). This ‘flyway’ population closely follows the ‘West Siberian-Caspian-Nilepopulation’ described by Isakov as long ago as 1967 (see Figure 1). North of the Caucasus, the separationbetween the Southwest Asian and Black Sea/Mediterranean regions is set somewhat arbitrarily alongthe divide between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea catchments. However, in the north Caspian region,


9

no separation is possible because of the great importance of the wetlands of the Volga Delta as stagingand moulting areas for both populations. Similarly, there is no clear separation between the SouthwestAsian and south Asian populations in the central Asian republics. For the present purposes, the easternlimits of the Southwest Asian region are set along the eastern borders of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan andUzbekistan. The wetlands of Khirgizistan and Tadjikistan are excluded, as these are probably of greatestimportance as staging and wintering areas for Anatidae in the south Asian ‘flyway’.

Birds breeding and/or staging in the wetlands in the region of Lake Van in extreme eastern Turkeyare included in the Southwest Asian flyway, along with the very large numbers of birds occurring in theUromiyeh Basin just across the border in northwestern Iran. Similarly, birds breeding, staging and/orwintering in the Euphrates valley in Syria are included along with the vast numbers of birds furtherdown the Euphrates in Iraq. Azraq Oasis in Jordan is probably best placed within the Southwest Asianflyway because of its proximity to the Euphrates valley. However, this wetland has been almost totallydestroyed and now supports only small numbers of Anatidae on migration. The wetlands of the NileDelta, although previously linked with the Caspian region in the so-called ‘West Siberian-Caspian-Nile’ flyway (e.g. see Isakov, 1967) are better placed within the Black Sea/Mediterranean region. Thereis no evidence to suggest that large numbers of birds wintering in eastern Africa enter Africa via theNile Delta and then turn southeast to follow the Nile Valley across the desert to southern Sudan andEthiopia. On the other hand, recent waterfowl censuses in the Arabian Peninsula suggest that manyAnatidae cross the peninsula on a broad front to reach eastern Africa across the Red Sea.

In the east, the wetlands of the Seistan Basin on the Iran/Afghanistan border are included in theSouthwest Asian region, as it seems likely that many of the birds which winter there in wet years (up to1,000,000) stage in autumn and spring in the south Caspian region and Kazakhstan. (In dry years, mostof these birds presumably move on to winter in the Indian subcontinent). The wetlands of central andeastern Afghanistan, which are important mainly as staging areas for Anatidae, are excluded, as itseems likely that the birds passing through these regions winter in southern Asia.

iv) GreenlandMost populations of Anatidae breeding in Greenland are either resident within Greenland (e.g. theendemic subspecies of Anas platyrhynchos and Mergus serrator), or migrate southeast to Iceland and/ornorthwest Europe. Both of these types of population have been included in the Atlas. However, thepopulations of Somateria mollissima and S. spectabilis breeding in west Greenland probably form part ofmuch larger populations of these species in northeastern North America, and are perhaps best consideredas belonging to the Nearctic/Neotropical bird migration system. For this reason, these two breedingpopulations have been excluded from the Atlas.

v) IcelandThe Icelandic populations of Anatidae include the full spectrum from large and definitely discretepopulations to tiny, marginal populations clearly linked to northwest Europe. Two species, Histrionicushistrionicus and Bucephala islandica, are largely sedentary and occur nowhere else in northwest Europe.These clearly constitute discrete populations. The Icelandic populations of Cygnus cygnus and Anseranser, and the Greenland and Icelandic population of Anser brachyrhynchus winter mainly in Britainand Ireland and appear to be almost entirely separate from other populations of these species winteringon the mainland of northwest Europe. These have also traditionally been regarded as discretepopulations. However, twelve species of duck which are common in northwest Europe haverelatively small or very small breeding populations in Iceland. These have traditionally been lumpedwith the much larger northwest European populations. The species in question are Anas penelope(4,000–6,000 pairs), A. strepera (200–300 pairs), A. crecca (3,000–5,000 pairs), A. platyrhynchos(10,000–15,000 pairs), A. acuta (500 pairs), A. clypeata (10–30 pairs), Aythya ferina (0–5 pairs),A. fuligula (5,000–8,000 pairs), A. marila (3,000–5,000 pairs), Melanitta nigra (400–600 pairs),Mergus serrator (2,000–4,000 pairs) and M. merganser (300 pairs). In most cases it is clear that theIcelandic birds mix extensively with other breeding populations on their wintering grounds innorthwest Europe, and presumably, therefore, show a considerable degree of genetic mixing. Thesepopulations should continue to be lumped with their respective northwest European populations.However, in some cases there would appear to be greater justification for treating the Icelandicpopulations as discrete populations. This is particularly the case with Mergus merganser, as theIcelandic population appears to be entirely resident in Iceland, with no emigration in winter, andno immigration of birds from elsewhere. The Icelandic population, although very small, is apparentlyquite discrete, and for conservation purposes at least should be treated as a separate group.


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The population of Mergus serrator breeding in Iceland winters partly in Icelandic waters, where itmixes with birds from east Greenland, and partly in northwest Britain and Ireland, where it mixes withlocal breeders. However, the birds breeding in Britain and Ireland show only limited movements withinthese islands, and it may be that there is very little mixing between birds wintering in Britain andIreland and those wintering along the coasts of continental Europe, only a few of which reach Britain(mainly in the south and east). Thus there may be some justification for treating breeding birds fromeast Greenland, Iceland, Britain and Ireland as a separate group from those on the European mainland.

The large Icelandic breeding population of Somateria mollissima has traditionally been lumped withina single, very large northwest European population of the species. This treatment is rejected in thepresent work because three recognized subspecies of S. mollissima breed in Europe, and several of thepopulations of these are mainly sedentary and apparently completed isolated from one another. In therevised treatment of S. mollissima proposed in this work, Icelandic borealis are lumped with borealisbreeding in Greenland, Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land as a single European population of S. m. borealis,although it is acknowledged that the Icelandic birds, the Greenland birds and the Svalbard/Franz Josephbirds are unlikely to come into contact with one another, and might best be treated as discrete populations.

Recent authors have tended to treat the Clangula hyemalis breeding in Iceland and Greenland asbeing a separate population from those breeding in northern Europe and Russia and winteringmainly in the Baltic Sea. This treatment is adopted here for conservation purposes, although it isacknowledged that, in view of the species’ very high mobility, there may be a considerable amountof movement between these two ‘populations’ and biologically it might be more appropriate tolump all C. hyemalis from Greenland to Siberia in a single, very large North Atlantic population(cf. Somateria spectabilis).

2.6 Sedentary species

No species of Anatidae are totally sedentary, i.e. never move outside their breeding territories. Even ifestablished pairs of breeding adults are sedentary, young birds must be at least dispersive if they are toestablish their own territories. Where extensive ringing has been carried out, it seems that even insedentary species, some individuals will undertake movements of at least 100 km and sometimes up to500 km or more. It should, therefore, be possible to define the limits of a sedentary population on thebasis of the extent of these dispersive movements. Breaks between sedentary populations might beexpected to occur where the gap in distribution between breeding groups is considerably greater thanthe distance covered in the normal dispersive movements undertaken by the species. It must be assumedthat the gap between breeding groups is a genuine gap (e.g. because of the absence of suitable habitat)and not an artifact resulting from a lack of information. This approach has been adopted here, especiallyfor Anatidae populations in Africa. Thus population units have in many cases been established primarilyon the basis of known occurrences of the species (e.g. as plotted in Snow, 1978) and the likely maximumdistance of normal dispersive movements, as deduced from ringing recoveries.

A more serious problem arises with species which have sedentary populations lying partly or entirelywithin the non-breeding ranges of migratory populations. While identification of key sites is often easyduring the breeding season, when the populations are widely separated, it might be difficult or impossibleat other times of the year, when large numbers of individuals from the migratory population may bepresent. In these cases, it is necessary to determine whether the sedentary populations in question arereally ‘discrete’ and self-sustaining populations which have little if any genetic input from migratorybirds passing through and/or wintering in their ranges, or whether they are ‘marginal outliers’, i.e. smallparts of a much larger population exploiting isolated patches of suitable (although perhaps only marginallysuitable) breeding habitat at the limit of the population’s breeding range. If the former is the case,treatment of the sedentary population as a separate unit is clearly warranted. If the latter is the case, thesedentary birds should be considered as part of a larger population containing both migratory and sedentaryelements. In some cases, historical information will resolve this question, e.g. when an isolated sedentarypopulation has re-appeared again after a period of extinction, or when it is known that the breedingareas were formerly much more extensive and more or less contiguous with the main breeding areas ofthe bulk of the population. Anser anser shows both types of sedentary population in the Western Palearctic:an isolated breeding population in northwest Scotland which shows little if any mixing with the Icelandicbirds wintering in Britain and may even be morphologically distinct, and a number of small breedinggroups in central Europe, Turkey and Iran which mix extensively with migratory birds outside the breedingseason, and probably represent no more than relicts of a once much more widespread breeding population.


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TABLE 1: Anatidae populations in Africa and Western Eurasia. Population sizes, population trends and recommended thresholds foruse in Ramsar Convention criterion 3c (1% level).

1% thresholds in parentheses are provisional numerical criteria for use in this Atlas, and are not intended as official 1% levels for the identification ofpotential Ramsar Sites.

Species Population Size (individuals) Threshold Trend Sub-populationused to selectkey sites

Dendrocygna bicolor West Africa 100,000 1,000 ?

Eastern and Southern Africa 200,000–500,000 (3,500) ?

Madagascar 15,000–25,000 (200) Declining

Dendrocygna viduata West Africa 250,000 2,500 ?Increasing

Eastern and Southern Africa 1,000,000–2,000,000 (15,000) ?Increasing

Madagascar 20,000–50,000 (350) ?Declining

Thalassornis leuconotus West Africa 1,000 10 Declining

Eastern and Southern Africa 10,000–25,000 (180) Stable

Madagascar 1,000–5,000 (30) Declining

Oxyura leucocephala West Mediterranean (Spain) 700 7 Increasing

North Africa (Algeria & Tunisia) 400 4 Stable

SE Europe/Turkey/SW Asia 11,000–15,000 130 ?Declining

300–500 4 ?Stable SW Iran

Oxyura maccoa Ethiopian highlands 1,000–5,000 (30) ?

East Africa 15,000–25,000 (200) ?Declining

Southern Africa 15,000–25,000 (200) ?Increasing

Cygnus olor Northwest mainland and central Europe 210,000 2,100 Increasing

170,000 not used Increasing Scandinavian/Baltic

20,000 not used Stable BeNeLux countries

16,000 not used Stable Central Europe

Britain 25,000 250 Increasing

Ireland 10,000 100 ?

Black Sea/E Mediterranean 45,000 450 Increasing

W-C Asia/Caspian Region 250,000 2,500 Increasing

Cygnus cygnus Iceland/U.K./Ireland 16,000 160 Stable

NW Continental Europe 40,000 400 Increasing

W Siberia/Black Sea/E Mediterranean 17,000 170 Declining

W Siberia/Caspian Region (20,000) (200) ?Declining

Cygnus columbianus W Siberia/NW Europe 17,000 170 ?Increasing

N Siberia/Caspian Region 500 5 ?

Anser brachyrhynchus E Greenland/Iceland/U.K. 225,000 2,250 Increasing

Svalbard/NW Europe 34,000 340 Increasing

Anser fabalis NE & NW Europe (fabalis) 80,000 800 Increasing

W Sib./C & SW Europe (rossicus) 300,000 3,000 ?

Anser albifrons NW Siberia/NE & NW Europe 600,000 6,000 Increasing

W Siberia/Central Europe 100,000 1,000 Declining

W Siberia/Black Sea/Turkey 650,000 6,500 ?

N Siberia/Caspian/Iraq 15,000 150 Declining

Greenland/Ireland/U.K. (flavirostris) 30,000 300 Increasing

Anser erythropus West Eurasia 15,000–35,000 Not used Declining

3,000–5,000 40 Declining NE and SE Europe

10,000–30,000 200 Declining W Siberia/Caspian


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TABLE 1 ... continued


Anser anser Iceland/U.K./Ireland 100,000 1,000 Increasing

NW Scotland 5,250 50 IncreasingNW Europe/SW Europe 200,000 2,000 Increasing

Central Europe/N Africa 20,000 200 Stable

Black Sea/Turkey 25,000 250 StableW Siberia/Caspian Region/Iraq 100,000 1,000 Increasing

Branta leucopsis E Greenland/Ireland/Scotland 32,000 320 Stable

Svalbard/SW Scotland 12,000 120 StableRussia/Germany/Netherlands 176,000 1,760 Increasing

Branta bernicla Entire population of bernicla 300,000 3,000 Increasing

Can./Greenland/Ireland (hrota) 20,000 200 StableSvalbard/Denmark/U.K. (hrota) 5,000 50 Stable

Branta ruficollis Entire population 70,000 700 ?

Cyanochen cyanopterus Entire population 5,000–15,000 (100) StableAlopochen aegyptiacus West Africa 10,000–25,000 (175) ?


Tadorna ferruginea Ethiopia 200–500 4 ?NW Africa 2,500 25 Declining

Black Sea/E Mediterranean/NE Africa 20,000 200 ?Declining

W-C Asia/Caspian/Iran/Iraq 35,000 350 IncreasingTadorna cana Entire population 42,000 420 Stable

Tadorna tadorna NW Europe 300,000 3,000 Increasing

Black Sea/Mediterranean 75,000 750 ?IncreasingW Asia/Caspian/Middle East 80,000 800 Increasing

Plectropterus gambensis West Africa (gambensis) 50,000 500 ?Declining

Eastern Africa (gambensis) 200,000–300,000 (2,500) StableSouthern Africa (niger) 50,000–100,000 (750) Stable

Pteronetta hartlaubii Central Africa 10,000–50,000 (300) Declining

West Africa (Guinea to Ghana) 1,000 (10) DecliningSarkidiornis melanotos West Africa 50,000 500 Stable

Eastern and Southern Africa 500,000–1,000,000 (7,500) Stable

Madagascar 10,000–25,000 (175) DecliningNettapus auritus West Africa 20,000–30,000 (250) ?


Madagascar 5,000–10,000 (75) DecliningAnas penelope NW Europe 1,250,000 12,500 Increasing

NE Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean 560,000 5,600 Declining

W Siberia/SW Asia/NE Africa 250,000 2,500 DecliningAnas strepera NW Europe 30,000 300 Increasing

NE Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean 75,000–150,000 1,000 ?Declining

W Siberia/SW Asia/NE Africa 130,000 1,300 ?Anas crecca NW Europe 400,000 4,000 Increasing

NE Europe/Black Sea/W Africa 750,000–1,375,000 10,500 Stable

W Siberia/SW Asia/NE Africa 1,500,000 15,000 DecliningAnas capensis Eastern Africa 100,000–250,000 (1,750) Stable

Southern Africa 100,000–250,000 (1,750) Increasing

Anas bernieri Entire population 500–1,000 8 Declining


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Anas platyrhynchos Greenland (conboschas) 15,000–30,000 (225) Stable

NW Europe 5,000,000 20,000 StableN Europe/West Mediterranean 1,000,000 10,000 Increasing

NE-C Europe/Black Sea/East Mediterranean 2,250,000 20,000 Declining

W Siberia/SW Asia 800,000 8,000 ?Anas undulata Northeast Africa (rueppelli) 20,000–50,000 (350) Stable

Eastern Africa (undulata) 50,000–100,000 (750) Stable

Southern Africa (undulata) 60,000 600 StableAnas melleri Entire population 2,000–5,000 (35) Declining

Anas sparsa Southern Africa (sparsa) 20,000–50,000 (350) Stable

Eastern Africa (leucostigma) 10,000–25,000 (175) ?DecliningEthiopian highlands (leucostigma) 2,000–10,000 (60) ?

Cameroon highlands (leucostigma) 1,000–5,000 (30) ?

Guinea 100 (1) ?Gabon (maclatchyi) 1,000–5,000 (30) ?

Anas acuta NW Europe 60,000 600 Declining

Black Sea/Med/West Africa 1,200,000 12,000 DecliningW Siberia/SW Asia/E Africa 700,000 7,000 ?

Anas eatoni Kerguelen (eatoni) 10,000–40,000 (250) Declining

Crozet Islands (drygalskii) 1,400 14 DecliningAnas erythrorhyncha Southern Africa 500,000–1,000,000 (7,500) Stable

Eastern Africa 100,000–300,000 (2,000) Stable

Madagascar 15,000–25,000 (200) ?DecliningAnas hottentota West Africa 5,000–10,000 (75) ?Declining

Eastern Africa 100,000–300,000 (2,000) ?Stable

Southern Africa 100,000–200,000 (1,500) ?StableMadagascar 5,000–10,000 (75) ?Declining

Anas querquedula Europe/West Africa 2,000,000 20,000 ?

W & SW Asia, NE & E Africa 100,000–200,000 (1,500) ?Anas smithii Entire population 20,000–50,000 (350) Stable

Anas clypeata NW Europe/Central Europe 40,000 400 Stable

Black Sea/Med/W Africa 450,000 4,500 ?W Siberia/SW Asia/E Africa 400,000 4,000 Declining

Marmaronetta angustirostris W Mediterranean/W Africa 3,000 30 Declining

East Mediterranean 1,000 10 DecliningSW Asia 25,000 250 Declining

Netta rufina C & SW Europe/W Mediterranean 25,000 250 Stable

Black Sea/E Mediterranean 50,000 500 DecliningWest-central Asia/SW Asia 200,000 2,000 Stable

Netta erythrophthalma Entire population (brunnea) 30,000–70,000 (500) ?Stable

Aythya ferina NW Europe 350,000 3,500 DecliningCentral Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean 1,000,000 10,000 Declining

W Siberia/SW Asia 350,000 3,500 ?

Aythya nyroca West Mediterranean/West Africa 10,000 100 DecliningEast Europe/East Mediterranean 50,000 500 Declining

W & SW Asia/Northeast Africa 5,000 50 Declining

Aythya innotata Entire population 0–10 1 ?Extinct


14



Aythya fuligula NW Europe 1,000,000 10,000 Increasing

Central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean 600,000 6,000 IncreasingW Siberia/SW Asia/NE Africa 200,000 2,000 ?

Aythya marila NW Europe 310,000 3,100 ?

W Siberia/Black Sea/Caspian 100,000–200,000 (1,500) ?Somateria mollissima borealis 675,000–1,300,000 Not used ?

30,000–300,000 (1,500) Declining Greenland

600,000–900,000 7,500 Increasing Iceland40,000–80,000 (600) Stable Svalbard/F Joseph

faroeensis 18,000–26,000 Not used ?Stable

6,000–12,000 90 Stable Faroe Islands12,000–13,500 130 ?Stable Shetland & Orkney

mollissima 1,735,000–2,355,000 Not used ?Stable

65,000–75,000 700 ?Increasing Britain & Ireland1,350,000–1,700,000 15,000 ?Stable Baltic, DK & NL

300,000–550,000 4,250 ?Stable Norway & Russia

20,000–30,000 250 ? White SeaSomateria spectabilis E Greenland/W Siberia/NE Europe 300,000 3,000 ?

Polysticta stelleri W Siberia/NE Europe 30,000 300 Increasing

Histrionicus histrionicus Greenland 1,000–2,000 15 ?StableIceland 6,000–9,000 75 ?Increasing

Clangula hyemalis Iceland/Greenland 150,000 1,500 ?Stable

W Siberia/NW Europe 4,600,000 20,000 ?StableMelanitta nigra W Siberia/W Europe/NW Africa 1,600,000 16,000 Stable

Melanitta fusca W Siberia/NW Europe 1,000,000 10,000 Stable

Black Sea/Caspian 1,500 (15) ?Bucephala clangula NW & Central Europe 300,000 3,000 Increasing

NE Europe/Adriatic 75,000 750 ?

NE Europe/W Siberia/Black Sea 20,000 200 ?W Siberi/Caspian Region (25,000) (250) ?

Bucephala islandica Iceland 2,000 20 Stable

Mergellus albellus NW & Central Europe 25,000–30,000 250 ?NE Europe/Black Sea/E Mediterranean 65,000 650 ?

W Siberia/SW Asia 30,000 300 ?

Mergus serrator West Greenland (schioleri) ? (100) ?NW & Central Europe 125,000 1,250 Stable

E Greenland/Iceland/U.K. 15,000–25,000 200 ?

NE Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean 50,000 500 ?W Siberia/SW Asia <10,000 (100) ?

Mergus merganser Iceland 900 9 Stable

NW & Central Europe 200,000 2,000 Stable5,000–8,000 65 Increasing U.K.

3,000 30 Increasing C Europe breeding

NE Europe/Black Sea 10,000 100 ?Balkans (breeding) 50–100 1 ?

W Siberia/Caspian Region 20,000 200 ?


15

3. Establishment ofa Network of

Protected Areas

The continued survival of many species of Anatidae in Western Eurasia and Africa is dependent on theprotection and conservation of a network of wetland sites which are of critical importance as breeding,moulting, staging or wintering areas. In many parts of the region, some types of natural wetland ecosystemshave now all but disappeared outside of protected areas. This is particularly the case with reed-bedecosystems and natural flood meadows in parts of western Europe, and spring-fed marshes and shallowfreshwater lakes in parts of North Africa and Southwest Asia. It seems likely that within the next twoto three decades, many species of Anatidae in Western Eurasia and Africa will, at certain times of theyear, have become almost confined to protected areas where they can find adequate natural foods,secure nesting and roosting sites, and freedom from persecution.

Various migration strategies can be observed among the Anatidae. During the course of theirmigrations, most long-distance migrants need to break their journey, often at several points, to renewtheir fat and protein reserves. The presence of suitable staging areas with abundant food resources isthus of crucial importance. Some species use only a very small number of sites, probably because of theirhighly specialized feeding and habitat requirements. These sites may be extremely important, as itseems that in many cases no other suitable staging areas are available. Thus, the loss or degradation ofeven one of these sites could have serious consequences for the species concerned.

The final staging area during the spring migration can be of crucial importance, especially for speciesbreeding in the high Arctic. When these birds arrive on the tundra, feeding conditions may be poor,and the extra energy reserves obtained at the last staging area may prove vital in helping them toovercome this initial unfavourable period. In Branta bernicla, a correlation exists between body conditionprior to departure from the Dutch Wadden Sea and breeding success in the same season (Ebbinge,1985).

At some staging sites the turnover rate may be very high, and thus the total number of birds usingthe site during the course of a migration season may be much higher than the number of birds present atany one time. In the case of Branta leucopsis wintering in the Netherlands, it has been shown that at oneparticular site, although no more than 10,000–20,000 birds are present at the same time, the totalnumber of birds which make use of the area is about 40,000, i.e. about 60% of the Dutch winteringpopulation at that time (Ebbinge, 1985).

The period of moult, especially wing moult, is a critical time in the annual cycle of Anatidae. Foodrequirements are high because of increased energy demand for thermo-regulation and feather synthesis(especially in herbivorous species). There is also an increased risk of predation because of decreasedmanoeuvrability or even complete flightlessness. It is therefore likely that most species will have specialhabitat requirements during the moulting period, relating to feeding conditions and safety from predators.In a number of species of Anatidae, huge numbers of birds concentrate at a few favoured localities forthe wing moult, when they become flightless. At this time, the birds are extremely vulnerable todisturbance, over-exploitation and man-made catastrophes (e.g. oil spills in coastal areas used by moultingTadorna tadorna). Thus, sites with large concentrations of moulting Anatidae have an added importance.

Whether or not migratory populations of Anatidae will survive will depend on the effectiveness ofthe reserve networks in providing a ‘green route’ from breeding grounds to wintering areas via a chainof protected wetlands which can serve as moulting and staging areas. The concept that countries shouldwork together to conserve areas that are important for the same populations of migratory species but atdifferent times of the year is fundamental to the Agreement on the Conservation of African-EurasianMigratory Waterbirds under the Bonn Convention. Thus, the establishment of an adequate network ofprotected areas to ensure the survival of migratory populations of waterfowl is a basic requirement ofthis Agreement. Range states should work together with international conservation bodies and fundingagencies to provide funds for the acquisition and protection of critical wetland areas, to prepare and

16

implement management plans for these wetland reserves, and to restore degraded wetlands to theirnatural condition whenever possible.

Ideally, all wetlands of international importance for species of migratory and non-migratory Anatidaeshould be safeguarded. In some cases, because of the fragility of the ecosystem or its high importance forthreatened species, strict protection may be necessary in the form of a nature reserve or wildlife sanctuary.In other cases, however, designation under the Ramsar Convention might provide an effective level ofprotection, and would ensure that the site receives the international attention which it deserves.Designation under the Ramsar Convention has the advantage that it does not preclude the utilizationof wetland resources at these sites. In most of the developing countries of Africa, the most cogentarguments for wetland conservation relate to the high economic values of wetlands and the potentialfor sustainable exploitation of their natural resources which include the migratory waterfowl.

A network of wetland reserves already exists in Western Eurasia and Africa. However, the effectivenessof these reserves in protecting an adequate network of breeding, staging and wintering areas for theregion’s Anatidae has never been adequately assessed. One of the main aims of the present Atlas hasbeen to determine the extent to which the various populations of Anatidae in Western Eurasia andAfrica are protected within existing reserves, and thereby to assist in the identification of priorities forthe establishment of further reserves. It is particularly noticeable that non-migratory Anatidae speciesare poorly represented by the current protected areas network.

3. Establishment of a Network of Protected Areas

17

4. Methods

4.1 Regional scope

The regional scope of this work is based on the Western Eurasian/African bird migration systems, theterritorial limits being set by the limits of those populations of birds the bulk of the individuals of whichspend the whole or a part of their annual cycle within Western Eurasia and/or Africa. Thus, the regionalcoverage closely follows that of the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian MigratoryWaterbirds under the Bonn Convention.

For the purposes of this Atlas, Western Eurasia is defined as follows: the continent of Europe, includingits offshore islands, from Greenland in the west to the Urals in the east; western and central Siberia eastto the region of the Lena River delta (longitude 130°E); the central Asian republics of Kazakhstan,Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan; and Southwest Asia from Asia Minor through the Middle East, east toIran and the Arabian Sea. Africa is taken to include all its offshore islands south to Kerguelen at about50°south. Afghanistan and the central Asian republics of Kirghizistan and Tajikistan are excluded, asmost of the Anatidae occurring in these countries form part of a central Asian/south Asian flyway withthe principal wintering areas in the Indian subcontinent.

4.2 Taxonomic scope, treatment and nomenclature

The species and populations of Anatidae included in this Atlas are listed in Table 1. Only species andpopulations which are indigenous to Western Eurasia and Africa are included. Thus, species andpopulations which occur in the region only as a result of introductions by man (e.g. Anser indicus, Aixgalericulata and the feral population of Anser anser in the United Kingdom) have been excluded. Similarly,species and populations which occur in Western Eurasia and Africa only at the extreme limits of theirnormal distribution have been excluded, as have species which occur only as rare vagrants or stragglersfrom other regions. Species of Anatidae which occur in Western Eurasia and Africa but have beenexcluded from the Atlas are listed in Table 2.

The taxonomic treatment at species level follows Sibley and Monroe (1990). Information on subspecieshas been derived from a number of sources, the principal references being Brown et al. (1982), Crampand Simmons (1977), del Hoyo et al. (1992) and Madge and Burn (1988). English names closely follow

TABLE 2: Species of Anatidae occurring in Africa and Western Eurasia but not included in this atlas

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis Introduced into western Europe from North America.Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus Introduced into western Europe from Central Asia; possibly also a vagrant.Snow Goose Anser caerulescens Vagrant to Europe and Africa from North America.Ross’ Goose Anser rossii Vagrant to Europe from North America.Canada Goose Branta canadensis Widely introduced into Europe from North America; also a vagrant.Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus Very scarce winter visitor to the Arabian Peninsula from South Asia.Wood Duck Aix sponsa Introduced into western Europe from North America.Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata Introduced into western Europe from eastern Asia.American Wigeon Anas americana Vagrant to Europe and Africa from North America.Falcated Duck Anas falcata Vagrant to Europe and the Middle East from eastern Asia.Baikal Teal Anas formosa Vagrant to Europe from eastern Asia.American Black Duck Anas rubripes Vagrant to Europe from North America.Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Vagrant to Europe and Africa from North America.Canvasback Aythya valisineria Vagrant to Europe from North America.Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris Vagrant to Europe and Africa from North America.Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Vagrant to Europe from North America.Spectacled Eider Somateria fischeri Vagrant to western Siberia and northern Norway from northeast Asia (east of the Lena Delta).Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata Vagrant to Europe from North America.Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Vagrant to Europe from North America.Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus Vagrant to Europe from North America.

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Sibley and Monroe (1990), although in several cases Old World names have been used in preference tothe North American names advocated by these authors.

4.3 Population estimates

Unless otherwise stated, the population estimates used in this report follow recent published sources andare identical to those given by Rose & Scott (1994) in the first edition of Waterfowl Population Estimates.When the population estimates differ from those in Rose & Scott (1994) or more recent publications,justification for the new estimates is given in the species texts under the heading ‘Population size’ or inAnnex 1. All population estimates and the 1% criteria derived from them are given in Table 1.

In most cases, estimates of total population size are based on the population in the non-breedingseason. In some cases, the total population size has been derived from an estimate of the breedingpopulation. In these cases, the number of individuals in the population is calculated as three times thenumber of breeding pairs, a formula proposed by Meininger et al. (1995) and adopted by Rose & Scott(1994).

For most of the populations of Afrotropical Anatidae considered in this Atlas, no reliable estimationof population size is available. In these cases, provisional criteria for site selection have been developedon the basis of a ‘provisional numerical criterion’. This has been derived from a consideration of theminimum number of birds known to exist (from the African Waterfowl Census and miscellaneousindividual counts) and an upper limit to the population size, derived from knowledge of the range ofthe species, maximum concentrations at important sites, miscellaneous national estimates of numbers,etc.). The provisional numerical criterion has been set at 1% of the middle of the range; thus, forexample, the numerical criterion for a population estimated at between 100,000 and 1,000,000 wouldbe 1% of 550,000 which rounded off would give 5,000. Provisional numerical criteria have also beenproduced for a few poorly known populations of Anatidae in Western Eurasia, mainly in Greenland.

4.4 Population trends

Table 1 also provides some information on population trends. For many of the Anatidae populationsoccurring in Europe and North Africa, the overall trend in numbers over the past twenty years is welldocumented, and the data are sufficiently comprehensive to permit the monitoring of population trendsfrom year to year (see Rose, 1995). However, with only a few years of census data available for the greatmajority of wetlands in Southwest Asia and Africa south of the Sahara, it is not yet possible to determinelong-term trends in the populations of most species in these regions. In sub-Saharan Africa, in particular,the existing statistical data on most migratory species and populations are quite inadequate to permitany precise statements concerning population trends during recent years. However, a considerable amountof ornithological exploration and research has been carried out in Africa since the mid-19th Century,and much of this has provided reliable, albeit anecdotal, information on the abundance of species.Much of the information on trends for African species and populations is derived from this type ofinformation which has recently been summarized by Brown et al. (1982).

4.5 Selection of key sites

Numerical criteria are used to identify the key sites plotted in the species maps and listed in Annex 2.

i) The 1% criterionThe basic criterion used throughout this Atlas for the selection of key sites is the 1% criterion developedas part of a larger set of criteria for the identification of wetlands of international importance for designationunder Article 2 of the Ramsar Convention. This criterion has even been used to select some key sites thatare not stricly wetlands as defined by the Ramsar Convention. These criteria were adopted by the FourthConference of the Contracting Parties in Montreux, Switzerland, in June 1990. Within this larger set ofcriteria the 1% criterion is referred to as criterion 3c. This states that a wetland should be consideredinternationally important if it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species orsubspecies of waterfowl. This 1% level (or threshold) is applicable throughout the range of that populationand at any time of the year.

4. Methods

19

The philosophy of the 1% criterion and its effectiveness in the identification of key sites for migratoryAnatidae in the Palearctic have been discussed at some length by Atkinson-Willes (1976) and Atkinson-Willes et al. (1982). Atkinson-Willes (1976) examined the effect of using numerical criteria of varyingstringency to identify sites of international importance to waterfowl, and concluded that the 1% leveloffered much the best compromise. Criteria set at lower levels would select far too many sites for somespecies to be manageable, while higher levels would favour species which concentrate on a few majorresorts. As this criterion has now become widely accepted as a useful tool for the identification of sites ofspecial importance for the conservation of species of waterfowl, no further attempt will be made to justifyits use here.

The Conference of the Contracting Parties in Montreux in 1990 formulated a series of guidelines forapplication of the Ramsar criteria. One of these guidelines states that “The specific criteria based onwaterfowl numbers will apply to wetlands of varying size in different Contracting Parties. While it isimpossible to give precise guidance on the size of an area in which these numbers may occur, wetlandsidentified as being of international importance under Criterion 3 should form an ecological unit, and maythus be made up of one big area or a group of smaller wetlands”. The application of the Ramsar criteria hasalso recently been discussed by Stroud et al. (1990), Rose & Scott (1994) and Meininger et al. (1995).

For proper application of criterion 3c, it is essential that the term ‘regularly’ be defined. Atkinson-Willes et al. (1982) recommended that ‘regularly’ be defined as follows:

“A wetland regularly supports a population of a given ‘size’ if:a) the requisite number of birds is known to have occurred in at least three-quarters of the seasons for

which adequate data are available, the total number of seasons being not less than three.or b) the mean of the seasonal maxima, taken over at least five years, amounts to the required level:

(means based on three or four years may be quoted in provisional assessments only).”

These authors go on to say that the records on which the assessment is based should not be more thanten years old unless they belong to a continuing series or are confirmed by recent data; the months towhich they refer are immaterial.

In recent years, most authors have taken an average of the annual peak numbers over the last five countsto give a five-year average (five-year mean – FYM) for use with this criterion (e.g. Ruger et al., 1986; Monval& Pirot, 1989; Perennou et al., 1994). Perennou et al. (1994) also used the frequency of occurrence of 1%or more of the individuals in a population at a site to identify international importance, although they chosethe qualifying level as three years out of five, rather than three-quarters of the seasons, as proposed byAtkinson-Willes et al. (1982). The value of this approach is that it assists in the selection of sites whichare genuinely important for a population but which fail to achieve the necessary five-year mean eitherbecause they have been counted in only three or four years, or because in one or two of the five most recentcounts, coverage of the site was very poor and only a small (and therefore misleading) number of birds wasrecorded. In the present report, we follow Perennou et al. (1994) in adopting three years out of five as thequalifying level because at many of the large and important wetlands in the less well-known regions ofSouthwest Asia and Africa, fewer than five counts have been made and coverage is generally poor.

ii) Criteria for globally threatened speciesThe Ramsar criteria also contain a criterion relating specifically to rare, vulnerable or endangered speciesor subspecies of plants and animals. This criterion (2a) states that “a wetland should be consideredinternationally important if it supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered speciesor subspecies of plant or animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of any one or more of thesespecies”. Although not specifically stated, it has generally been assumed that ‘rare, vulnerable or endangeredspecies’ are species which have been identified as being globally threatened by IUCN in their Red DataBooks. Green (1996) has recently published a list of globally threatened and near-threatened Anatidaetaxa, on the basis of the new IUCN criteria for globally threatened status (Mace & Stuart, 1994; IUCN,1994). Ten species and one subspecies of Anatidae included in the present Atlas are identified as beingglobally threatened by Green (1996) (see Table 3). A further species, Pteronetta hartlaubii of west andcentral Africa, is listed as being ‘near-threatened’, i.e. a species that is close to qualifying for one of theIUCN threatened categories.

Clearly, all sites which regularly support 1% of a population of a threatened species are of internationalimportance (under criterion 3c), and are included as key sites in this Atlas. However, for some of thenumerically more abundant species or populations, there may be many sites which regularly support an‘appreciable assemblage’ of individuals of the species, but which hold less than 1% of the relevant population.Because of the globally threatened status of the species, these sites merit designation as sites of international

4. Methods

20

TABLE 3: Threatened and near-threatened species of Anatidae in Africa and Western Eurasia (as listed by Green 1996)

Madagascan White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus insularis VulnerableWhite-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala VulnerableLesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus VulnerableRed-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis VulnerableHartlaub’s Duck Pteronetta hartlaubii Near-threatenedMadagascar Teal Anas bernieri EndangeredMeller’s Duck Anas melleri VulnerableKerguelen Pintail Anas eatoni eatoni VulnerableCrozet Pintail Anas eatoni drygalskii EndangeredMarbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris VulnerableFerruginous Duck Aythya nyroca VulnerableMadagascar Pochard Aythya innotata CriticalSteller’s Eider Polysticta stelleri Vulnerable

4. Methods

importance under criterion 2a. Unfortunately, no guidance has been given on interpretation of the phrase‘an appreciable assemblage’. The number of individuals or breeding pairs which constitutes an ‘appreciableassemblage’ of a species is likely to vary from species to species, depending on its breeding strategy,population dynamics, dispersion, migratory behaviour and so on.

With the exception of Anas bernieri and Aythya innotata, both of which have tiny world populationsand 1% levels of only 1–3 individuals, all of the threatened Anatidae in Western Eurasia and Africa havepopulations in excess of 10,000 individuals and hence 1% levels exceeding 100 birds. For species whichare highly gregarious outside the breeding season, notably Branta ruficollis (population 70,000) andPolysticta stelleri (population 30,000), application of the 1% criterion alone will select sites holding thegreat bulk of the population, and there may seem little need for an additional, lower numerical criterion.However, for species with a much more dispersed distribution, notably Oxyura leucocephala (SouthwestAsian population 11,000–15,000) and Aythya nyroca (east European/east Mediterranean population50,000), strict application of the 1% criterion will select only a small number of ‘super’ sites, and willoverlook many less important sites which cumulatively may account for a large part of the population.If adequate protection is to be given to globally threatened species through a ‘key site’ approach, it isapparent that a much lower numerical criterion is required if all important sites for the species are to beidentified. For the purposes of the present Atlas, levels below the 1% level have been selected for globallythreatened species based on the ecology and biology of the species concerned.

The rigid application of Ramsar criteria 3c and 2a, as outlined above, identifies sites which are‘known’ to be of international importance for the population of waterfowl in question.

iii) Staging areas with a reasonable or high turnover rateIn its guidelines for application of the Ramsar criteria, the Conference of the Contracting Parties inMontreux in 1990 stated that “consideration may also be given to turnover of waterfowl at migrationperiods, so that a cumulative total is reached, if such data are available”. This indicates that a site mayqualify as being of international importance for a species or population if the total number of birds usingthat site during the course of a spring or autumn migration regularly exceeds the 1% level of the populationin question. While considerable interest has been expressed in the application of this criterion, noadequate guidelines have as yet been provided for its application. In the report of van Roomen andBoere (1989) it was recommended that sites for which a moderate to high turn-over rate (during migrationor moult) can be expected should be included if the number counted on one occasion is at least 75% ofthe 1% level. The problem with any criterion relating to turn-over rate is that it should also take intoaccount the extent of usage of the site, and hence dependence on the site, by the birds which passthrough. Highest ‘turn-over’ rates, and hence highest numbers of individuals, will occur at sites wherebirds pass through very quickly, perhaps staying only a few hours or a few days. Such sites are probablyfar less important for the species as a whole than those sites which are used by a lesser number of birdsbut for a much longer period of time, and thus constitute major staging or ‘refuelling’ areas for thespecies. In most cases, staging birds which make significant use of a site during a migration period willstay for a substantial proportion of the migration season in that region, and will thus overlap with mostif not all other individuals which are also using the site for staging. This being the case, the applicationof the 1% criterion to the peak count during the migration period should identify most sites which arebeing used to a significant extent by 1% or more of the population in question.

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iv) Hard weather/drought refugesSome sites may act as important refuges during years with unusually adverse weather conditions. Undernormal conditions, these sites may hold only small numbers of birds, but in certain years, very largenumbers of birds may be present. Although these sites may not qualify as wetlands of internationalimportance on the basis of the Ramsar numerical criteria, they can be of vital importance for some speciesin some years. Cold weather movements of eight species of Anatidae (Tadorna tadorna, Anas penelope,A. crecca, A. platyrhynchos, A. acuta, A. clypeata, Aythya ferina and A. fuligula) and the coot Fulica atrain western Europe have been described in some detail by Ridgill and Fox (1990). Using both waterfowlcounts and ringing recovery data, these authors showed that severe weather causes movement to adiffering extent in all the nine species considered. During hard weather, Tadorna tadorna moved out ofcontinental coasts to Britain and possibly Ireland, while Anas penelope, A. crecca, A. acuta, A. clypeata,Aythya fuligula and A. ferina moved out of northern Britain and the Wadden Sea to southern and westernBritain and northern and western France, with some species moving down into Spain and Portugal.Longer and more extensive movements occurred during the most severe conditions. Similar cold weathermovements have also been documented in southwest and central Asia, the winter of 1971/72 being anobvious example in the Caspian region. Species which seem particularly susceptible to hard weathermovements in Southwest Asia are Cygnus olor, C. cygnus, Anas platyrhynchos, Netta rufina and Mergellusalbellus (Perennou et al., 1994). Ridgill and Fox concluded that while it had not been demonstrated thatthe hard weather movements had any effect on overall population size, it would be wise to protect birdswhich have fled to refuge areas as a result of harsh conditions in their normal wintering ranges.

The importance of protecting sites which serve as refuges for waterfowl during periods of unusuallysevere weather (either cold or drought) has often been stressed. Such sites, which may hold rather smallnumbers in mild or average years, may provide a vital hard weather refuge for several per cent of apopulation during exceptionally harsh winters. The effectiveness of the 1% criterion (using either themean of the last five mid-winter counts or requirement that the 1% level be exceeded in at least three ofthe last five counts) in picking out these important refuges would depend entirely on the frequency ofhard winters during the period of the counts. In western Europe, periods of unusually severe weatheroccurred on only six occasions between 1950 and 1986, viz. in the winters of 1955/56, 1962/63, 1978/79,1981/82, 1984/85 and 1985/86 (Ridgill & Fox, 1990). Obviously, a selection of sites meeting the 1%criterion on the basis of counts undertaken in the five-year period 1981/82 to 1985/86 (with three hardwinters) would give very different results from a selection of sites based on counts undertaken in the five-year period 1986/87 and 1990/91 (no hard winters).

To ensure that adequate attention is given to cold weather refuges, it is recommended that the 1%criterion be extended to apply to those sites which hold over 1% of a population of a species duringunusually severe winters. Criteria for establishing the severity of a winter are discussed by Ridgill and Fox(1990), but without further work their definition is hard to apply. It is difficult to know whether a wintercount was undertaken within the period of harsh weather displacement and whether all species wereaffected. There is also no possibility for assessing drought movements easily as rainfall is often very localand unrecorded. It is partly for this reason that all sites that have ever supported more than 1% of apopulation are plotted and listed in this Atlas. Sites for which internationally important status can beconfirmed are plotted as solid points on the maps while those that have insufficient data or irregularlysupport high numbers appear as scaled open circles. This at least ensures that all possible refuges areincluded.

v) Key sites for breeding birdsThe 1% criterion is applicable year round, and applies equally to sites which hold the requisite numberof individuals either during the breeding season, during the migration seasons, or in the non-breedingseason. Thus, any site which holds 1% of a population during the breeding season is included in the Atlas,irrespective of whether these birds are breeding adults or non-breeding birds. Obviously in the case ofspecies which are almost entirely sedentary, a site which holds over 1% of the population at any time ofthe year is likely to be internationally important as a breeding area. However, many migratory species ofAnatidae, especially those breeding at temperate and northern latitudes, are widely dispersed during thebreeding season, nesting around lakes, ponds, marshes, tundra pools and along sea coasts over vast areas.Breeding densities may vary considerably from one area to another, depending on the abundance ofsuitable wetlands, but over vast tracts of the breeding range, few if any clearly delineated ‘sites’ will holda sufficiently high density to account for over 1% of the total breeding population. In such circumstances,the conservation of the species can seldom be achieved through the establishment of reserves alone,since this would require the creation of enormous reserves to protect a significant proportion of the

4. Methods

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population. Effective conservation will be dependent on the implementation of ecologically sound land-use practices over large areas of the species’ range as part of an overall land-use strategy.

For most species of Anatidae breeding at northern latitudes, the 1% criterion and the whole conceptof ‘site protection’ is of only limited usefulness during the breeding season. Areas of exceptionally highdensity of breeding birds may be identified, e.g. in the case of some of the high Arctic breeding geese whichnest semi-colonially, but in general, a broader environmental conservation approach will be required if thebreeding populations are to be maintained. At more southerly latitudes, and especially in arid regions,wetland systems are often very large, relatively isolated from other comparable systems, and often extremelyproductive. At the same time, many of the Anatidae populations inhabiting these regions are relativelysmall. Thus in many parts of Southwest Asia and Africa, the principal wetlands are sufficiently large tosupport in excess of 1% of a population of one or more species. Even here, however, a large proportion ofthe population may move to small, seasonal wetlands to breed, and will thus not be covered by the 1%criterion approach. This is particularly the case with many of the ‘rains migrants’ in Africa.

There is one other major problem with the use of 1% levels to identify key breeding areas for Anatidaeat northern latitudes. This springs from the fact that many of the population estimates for the morewidespread species are based primarily on passage and wintering populations which do not relate specificallyto any one particular breeding area. It is known, for example, that a substantial proportion of the birds inthe Black Sea/Mediterranean flyway, Southwest Asian/eastern African flyway, and central Asian/southAsian flyway breed in the vast marshes in the basins of the Ob and Irtysh Rivers in western Siberia. Becauseof the extent of the overlap between flyways on their breeding grounds, it is impossible to decide which1% level should be applicable. In other cases, the passage/wintering population to which a particularbreeding population should be assigned remains unknown, or at best a matter for supposition. Again, theremight be uncertainty as to which 1% level applies on the breeding grounds. Thus, for example, it istempting to suppose that the small population of Cygnus columbianus breeding on the Taymyr Peninsulais the origin of the similar number of birds found wintering in the Caspian region. If so, a 1% level of 5individuals applies. However, if the Taymyr birds really belong to the northwest European population,then a 1% level of 170 applies.

In view of these difficulties, no attempt has been made to identify sites of international importance forbreeding Anatidae on the basis of the 1% criterion unless (a) the breeding population in question issedentary or clearly belongs to one and only one of the passage/wintering populations; and (b) the site inquestion is clearly definable (e.g. a single wetland ecosystem with precise limits, an existing protected area,or an ecological unit which would be manageable as a protected area). Sites which are considered to be keybreeding areas for a species simply because of the presence of unusually high densities of breeding birdshave been ignored, unless the actual number of birds present is known to exceed the 1% level of theappropriate population.

vi) Provisional assessmentsIn many parts of Southwest Asia and Africa, even some of the most important wetland systems remainpoorly known. Few if any comprehensive waterfowl counts have ever been undertaken; in some cases nocounts have been undertaken for many years (e.g. in the very important wetlands of Mesopotamia,Iraq), while in other cases, it is only within the last two or three years that counting has begun (e.g. inseveral African countries which have only recently participated in the African Waterfowl Census). The1% criterion can still be used to identify sites which may, on subsequent study, prove to be of considerableinternational importance for one or more populations of Anatidae, but because of the paucity of data,cannot as yet be confirmed as sites of international importance.

In the present analysis, poorly known sites (i.e. sites which have been counted on less than fiveoccasions or have never been adequately censused) are provisionally identified as being of internationalimportance for a population if they are known to have held more than 1% of a population at any time.

For many populations of Anatidae in west Asia and Africa, no reliable estimate of population size isas yet available, and hence no reliable 1% level can be used to identify sites of international importance.However, during the present analysis, an attempt has been made to give at least a ‘best guess’ of populationsize for all populations of Anatidae occurring in the region under consideration, so that some numericalcriterion can be set for the identification of important sites. In some cases, this numerical criterion forsite selection is merely the 1% level of the mid-point in a very broad population range reflecting theprobable minimum and probable maximum sizes of the population. Clearly, any key sites identified onsuch provisional criteria are themselves highly provisional.

In all cases, a distinction is made on the maps between those sites which definitely meet one or moreof the Ramsar criteria, and thus can be confirmed as sites of international importance in the context of

4. Methods

23

the Ramsar Convention, and those sites which should be regarded provisionally as sites of internationalimportance, either because there are too few years of data available to confirm their importance, orbecause they have been selected on the basis of provisional numerical criteria.

vii) Summary of criteriaThe criteria used in the identification of key sites in this atlas may be summarized as follows:• A site is identified as being of international importance for a particular population if:

a) the average of the peak counts in the most recent five years of counts exceeds 1% of the individualsin the population (i.e. five-year mean exceeds 1%).

b) the 1% level has been exceeded in at least three of the last five counts. It follows that sites whichhave only been counted on three or four occasions will also qualify under this criteria if the 1%level has been exceeded on at least three occasions.

c) the site regularly holds over 1% of the population during periods of unusually harsh weather (eithersevere cold or extreme drought). Because of the infrequency of such weather conditions andconsequent low numbers of years available for analysis, ‘regularly’ can be taken to mean in at leasttwo years of the most recent two or three years available.

d) the site regularly supports 20,000 individuals from the population. (Relevant only to populationswhich number more than 2,000,000 individuals).

e) the site regularly supports over 50 individuals (or 15 breeding pairs) of a globally threatened species.(Relevant only when this number is lower than the 1% level for the population).

• The site is provisionally identified as a key site for a population if:a) the average of the peak counts exceeds 1% of the population, but the site has been counted in

fewer than five years.b) the 1% level has been exceeded in fewer than three of the last five years of counts.c) the 1% level has been exceeded in one or two years at sites which have been counted in fewer than

five years. (Sites which have only been counted once and exceeded the 1% level in that year willqualify for inclusion under this criterion).

d) the site has been selected on any of the above criteria using a provisional numerical criterion basedon a rough estimate of total population size.

Table 1 gives the 1% level or threshold, based on the best estimation of population size available, foreach population included in the Atlas. This 1% level or threshold has been used to select all sites thathave ever been known to support this number of individuals at any time. Maximum counts, rather thanaverage counts, have been taken as an indication of the importance of a site for a particular species, andit is the value of the maximum count that is used to scale the key site symbols on the maps. This approachhas been adopted for several reasons. Firstly, very few counts have been made at many of the importantsites for Anatidae in Southwest Asia and Africa, and coverage has often varied enormously. Any averagecount which combines the results of comprehensive aerial surveys with partial ground counts is likely togive a very misleading results. Secondly, the maximum count is more likely to indicate the importance ofa site as a staging area during the migration seasons than an average count which might include manycounts which did not coincide with the peak migration period. Similarly, the maximum count is morelikely to indicate the importance of a site as a refuge during periods of hard weather or exceptionaldrought than an average count which is likely to include counts made in mild winters or wet conditions.

4.6 Information on key sites

Much of the information on key sites contained within this Atlas has been derived from the InternationalWaterfowl Census. Since its inception in Europe in 1967, the Census has rapidly grown to encompassover 20,000 sites in over 65 countries in Western Eurasia and Africa. The databases containing theresults of the Census have been used to create basic lists of all those sites which meet the numericalcriteria set out above for species of Anatidae in Western Eurasia and Africa. However, these lists containonly those sites which are important during the census period (January in Europe, North Africa and theMiddle East, and January and July in sub-Saharan Africa), and are very incomplete for much of Africa,where the African Waterfowl Census is still in its infancy.

Information on sites which meet the criteria at other times of the year (e.g. as moulting or stagingareas), information on sites in areas poorly covered by the International Waterfowl Census, and informationon the protection status of sites have been derived from a wide variety of sources. Major published sources

4. Methods

24

have included the reports of BirdLife International’s Important Bird Areas projects in Europe (Grimmett& Jones, 1989) and the Middle East (Evans, 1994), the directories of wetlands of international importancein the Western Palearctic (Carp, 1980), Africa (Hughes & Hughes, 1992) and the Middle East (Scott,1995), the directories of Ramsar Sites (WCMC, 1990; Ramsar Convention Bureau, 1993), and the IUCNdirectory of protected areas of the world (IUCN, 1992).

Information on key sites for threatened species of Anatidae has been taken from regional and nationalred data books (e.g. Collar & Stuart, 1985; Thibault & Guyot, 1988) and various species reviews andactions plans prepared within the last few years (e.g. Anstey, 1989; Green, 1993; Hunter & Black, 1995;Madsen, 1995; van Vessem, 1994). The proceedings of recent symposia on swans (Sears, 1991) and geese(Fox et al., 1991) contain many papers with useful information on key sites for species in these groups,while the proceedings of the IWRB symposia held in Astrakhan in 1989 (Matthews, 1990) and Karachiin 1991 (Moser & van Vessem, 1993) include a number of papers with information on important sites forAnatidae in Russia and the new republics of the former USSR. The results of recent extensive programmesof waterfowl censuses in the Baltic (Durinck et al., 1994), the Wadden Sea (Meltofte et al., 1994) andBritain (Waters & Cranswick, 1993) have also been particularly valuable, as have recent, and as yetunpublished, inventories of internationally important wetlands in Latvia and Lithuania (Anon 1995a,Anon 1995b). Much of the information on key sites for Anatidae in Africa is widely scattered in theliterature, although the handbook of the birds of Africa by Brown et al. (1982) contains a considerableamount of site-specific information, while the proceedings of an IWRB workshop on wetlands andwaterbirds in eastern Africa (Finlayson & Pomeroy, 1991) include several useful summaries of key sites.

Even more important than the published literature has been the very large amount of new and hithertounpublished information that has been provided specially for this Atlas by Wetland International’s largenetwork of contacts throughout Western Eurasia and Africa. Many national coordinators have providedup-dated lists of key sites for Anatidae in their country, while the coordinators of the Swan, Goose,Seaduck and Threatened Waterfowl Specialist Groups have provided a considerable amount of newinformation for the species texts and maps.

4.7 Limitations

There remain large gaps in knowledge of the status and distribution of many migratory Anatidae inWestern Eurasia and Africa. Many parts of Africa and some parts of Southwest Asia still remain poorlyknown, and until these areas are thoroughly investigated, knowledge of the status and distribution of manyspecies and populations will remain incomplete. The situation is particularly confusing in equatorialregions. It is known that many species of Anatidae are ‘rains migrants’, moving away from the equatorduring the rainy season to breed in seasonal wetlands to the north or south, and retreating back to thehumid equatorial zone during the dry season. However, the extent of these movements, the degree ofisolation between the northern populations and southern populations (which breed at different times ofthe year), and the extent to which these mix with or form part of the sedentary populations which remainyear-round in the humid equatorial zone, are generally unknown. Basic survey work is still, therefore, ahigh priority, especially in central and eastern Africa.

Even in some of parts of Europe, there remains a need for basic survey work. Much more informationis required on the densities of breeding species of Anatidae in the tundra and taiga zones of northernEurope, to enable the identification of areas with unusually high densities of dispersed species. There arestill large gaps in knowledge of the moulting areas of some species in northern Europe and the winterdistributions of several populations of seaducks.

Despite the considerable amount of bird ringing which has been carried out in parts of Western Eurasiaand Africa, knowledge of the migration routes of many species and populations of Anatidae remainsfragmentary. This is particularly the case with many Afrotropical species, the movements of which are stillvery poorly understood. This could be partly remedied by a comprehensive analysis of existing ringingdata, since much of the information derived from the recoveries of ringed birds has never been properlyanalyzed and remains difficult to access. High priority should be given to such an analysis and publicationand dissemination of the results.

There is also a need for more ringing programmes. In several key wintering areas for Anatidae in Africaand Southwest Asia, no ringing has ever been undertaken, and the local people (including hunters) havenever been informed of the significance of ringed birds or what to do if they find a ring. Public awarenesscampaigns in these areas could greatly improve the effectiveness of ringing programmes by increasing thereturn rate of bird rings.

4. Methods

25

5. Species Accountsand Maps

5.1 Species accounts

The species accounts contain information under the following headings:

Subspecies: a note on the subspecies, if any.

Distribution: a brief description of the world range of the species, with special emphasis on its distributionwithin Western Eurasia and Africa.

Movements: information on the movements of the species in Western Eurasia and Africa, as deducedfrom ringing and migration studies. This information has been taken from the existing published literature,and no attempt has been made to undertake any new analyses of ringing results.

Population limits: a description of those ‘populations’ of the species which it is recommendedshould be treated as separate units for conservation purposes, with justification as far as possible onthe basis of known movements of the species. In many cases, it is accepted that these ‘populations’overlap extensively with other populations of the species, and cannot therefore be justified onbiological grounds. Justification then rests on the desirability of dividing the individuals in a speciesor subspecies into geographical units which are of a manageable size for conservation purposes, i.e.the so-called ‘default’ populations.

Population size: an estimate of population size for each of the ‘populations’ identified in the foregoingsection. Two types of estimates are presented: those which are considered to be sufficiently reliable to beused in the identification of Ramsar Sites on the basis of the 1% criterion, and those which are not. Thelatter, usually given in the form of a very broad range, are presented as ‘best guesses’ of population size,and are used to derive a ‘provisional numerical criterion’ for the identification of key sites for this Atlas.Most of the ‘reliable’ population estimates are taken from the published literature, and are referencedaccordingly. When the estimate follows that given by Rose & Scott (1994), reference is made to theoriginal source of the estimate, but usually no further comment is made. When the estimate differs fromthat given by Rose & Scott (1994), justification for the revised estimate is given either in the ensuingtext or in a separate section in Annex 1. In many cases, the revised estimate has been taken from arecently published source, in which case this is clearly stated. In a few instances, particularly in some ofthe seaducks in northwest Europe, the justification for the revised estimate is (at the time of writing)still in press. Justification for the provisional estimates, most of which are completely new, is given inthe ensuing text. In many cases, these estimates are based on the range categories given by Rose & Scott(1994), but have been refined on the basis of consultation with experts in the appropriate regions andrecent census data.

Habitat/ecology: a brief note on habitat preference, social behaviour, moult, timing of the migrations,and any special features, such as unusual feeding habits, which might be of vital importance in thedesign and management of a suitable network of reserves.

Conservation status: a summary of information on trends in the population or populations. For manyof the Anatidae populations occurring in Europe and North Africa, trends in numbers over the pasttwenty years have been well documented. In these cases, only a short note is given on trends, appropriatelyreferenced. However, in much of Southwest Asia and Africa south of the Sahara, only a few years ofcensus data are available. In sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, the existing statistical data on mostmigratory species and populations are quite inadequate to permit any precise statements concerningpopulation trends during recent years. In these cases, the remarks on trends have been based on

26

information in the published literature (often somewhat anecdotal) and comments received fromWetland International’s network of contacts in the region. For most species, this section consists ofonly one or two paragraphs describing population trends, with appropriate references. However, in thecase of globally threatened species and species with small populations which are declining rapidly, someattention is given to threats to the population and possible causes of any decline.

Network of key sites: A brief appraisal of the value and completeness of the key sites listed in Annex2 is given and major gaps are highlighted.

Protection status of key sites: The protected status of key sites is very briefly summarised, with particularattention being placed on gaps in the protection of the key sites networks.

5.2 Maps

For each species included in this Atlas, a map is given showing the approximate limits of the populationsas identified in the text. Population boundaries are solid lines when they delineate populations that aretotally discrete or almost so, and broken lines when they delineate regional assemblages of birds thatregularly exchange individuals with adjacent assemblages (the ‘default’ populations). Dotted lines areused when there is a high degree of uncertainty as to where the best dividing line between two adjacentassemblages might be. Thus dotted lines are often used to delineate the main breeding ranges of migratoryPalearctic ducks when there is known to be a considerable amount of overlap between different‘populations’ on their breeding grounds.

The population limits as shown on the maps are intended to indicate the main range of the populationin question, and do not necessarily indicate the total range of the individuals in that population. Whensmall numbers of birds regularly undertake lengthy movements to areas outside the main range of thepopulation, these movements are indicated with arrows.

Breeding ranges are indicated with orange shading. This is restricted to the Western palearctic asbreeding distributions are not adequately known for most African species.

All key sites are plotted as circles scaled according to the size of the maximum count expressed as apercentage of the population estimate. This ensures that a site supporting 1% of the individuals in asmall population is given equal representation to a site supporting 1% of a large population, and thereforeconsiderably more individuals.

All key sites selected on the basis of a 1% threshold level or a provisional numerical criterion areplotted on the maps. Sites represented by solid circles are sites which are known to fulfil the requirementsof the Ramsar criteria, and can therefore be confirmed as sites of international importance for thespecies in question (i.e. sites at which the average count over five or more years exceeds the threshold,or sites which have held more than the threshold level on three or more of the last five counts). Thesesites have not necessarily been designated to the Ramsar List. Sites represented by open circles are siteswhich either: (a) have been counted on too few occasions, i.e. are data deficient; (b) fail to meet thedefinition of ‘regularly’ as used in this Atlas; or (c) have been selected on the basis of a provisionalnumerical criterion. Such sites are provisional sites of international importance. Full details of the keysites can be found in Annex 2.

No attempt is made on the maps to indicate the protection status of key sites. This information canbe found in Annex 2.

5.3 Key to maps

ShadingFor Western Palearctic breeding species, the known breeding areas are shaded in orange. This is notrepeated for Afrotropical species because breeding ranges are often either poorly known or they are notdiscrete for the nomadic species.

BoundariesThe boundaries of populations are represented by solid or dotted orange lines. Other colours are used ifpopulation boundaries overlap substantially. The boundaries are solid if they are based on good biologicaldata. If the boundaries are relatively unknown or have very little biological significance they are

5. Species Accounts and Maps

27

represented by dotted lines. Virtually all of the population boundaries crossing northern Europeanbreeding grounds are dotted in nature. When there is substantial overlap of populations, boundary linesare presented in contrasting colours.

SymbolsAll key sites identified from available breeding, passage, staging, moult and wintering data are representedas scaled circles. These are open if data is lacking or if the site can only be shown to support internationallyimportant numbers of waterbirds irregularly. Closed circles represent sites that regularly support morethan 1% of the estimated size of the population. The circles are scaled according to the size of themaximum count at the site. There are four sizes of circle. The largest circles are for sites that havesupported 10% or more of the population at any one time. The intermediate two sizes are for sites thathave supported 1%–2% or 2%–10% of the population and the smallest circles are for sites that areinternationally important because the species is globally threatened or because they support more than20,000 individuals of the population. Sites represented by the smallest circles have never supported asmany as 1% of the population.

Scale and projectionsThe scale and projection of the maps is chosen independently, according to the range and distributionof the populations.

5. Species Accounts and Maps

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FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCKDendrocygna bicolor

Subspecies:Monotypic.

Distribution:Pantropical, occurring in tropical South America, southern North America, Africa and southern Asia.The species occurs widely in Africa south of the Sahara and also in Madagascar, but is rather locallydistributed, much more so than its congener, D. viduata. In West Africa, it is rare south of about 12°N,except in the River Niger valley in Niger. The species is often abundant where present, and absent fromother areas that seem suitable.

Movements:There is no evidence for any regular migratory movements in Africa, but irregular, perhaps mainly localmovements take place, and the periodic appearance of huge numbers of birds in some areas suggeststhat the species is highly mobile. Possibly the species is especially apt to undertake long-distancepioneering movements in search of suitable habitat. This is suggested by the very wide world rangewithout geographical variation (Snow, 1978). Many populations, including those in Madagascar, appearto be mainly sedentary. However, the species is known to be at least locally migratory in East Africa,where it is present on some lakes in May to September and on other lakes in August to May. It is presentin the Ruzizi Marshes in Zaire and Burundi in May–June and November–March. There may be a regularmovement of birds southwards into southern Africa during the hot wet season (austral summer), withmost birds returning north after breeding and before the dry season. One bird ringed at Lochinvar inZambia was recovered in Sudan (R.J. Douthwaite, in litt.). In Cameroon, the presence of the species ishighly variable, and appears to be related to flooding conditions (P. Scholte, in litt.).

Population limits:There is a considerable break in the distribution north of the Equator between the Lake Chad regionand the Nile in western Sudan, but there are no major gaps in distribution from Sudan and Eritrea southto South Africa. West African birds are tentatively split off as a separate population, but because of theextent of movements shown by the species in southern and eastern Africa, birds in these regions aretreated as a single, large population. The Madagascar birds appear to be mainly sedentary, and aretherefore treated as a separate population.

Population size:• West Africa: 100,000 (Perennou, 1991a). 1% level 1,000.Locally abundant in West Africa, where the highest mid-winter count has been 85,000 in 1983.Populations in the Senegal Delta and Central Niger Delta are variable, with numbers in the SenegalDelta varying from a few hundreds in January 1972 and 1974 to many thousands. In Cameroon,concentrations of over 1,000 have been recorded on the shores of Lake Chad, while total numbers inthe Logone floodplain are often thought to exceed 2,000 (P. Scholte, in litt.).

• Eastern and southern Africa: 200,000–500,000. Provisional numerical criterion 3,500.Said to be regular in small flocks in Eritrea (Smith, 1957); locally abundant in Ethiopia (Urban &Brown, 1971) and Somalia (Ash & Miskell, 1983); common and widespread in Kenya, Tanzania andUganda (Britton, 1980) and Malawi (Benson & Benson, 1977); and locally common in northeasternZambia (Benson et al., 1971), Botswana (Newman, 1989), Mozambique and Zimbabwe. High countshave included 2,300 at Lake Turkana, Kenya (1987), 5,000 in southeastern Zaire (July), 12,000 at LakeChuali, Mozambique, flocks of up to 3,000 year-round in Malawi, 58,250 at Kafue Flats in Zambia(January 1994), 1,385 at Chivero Dam in Zimbabwe (January 1995), and 1,000–2,000 in Transvaal,South Africa (February). It occurs seasonally in hundreds at a number of sites around Lake Victoria.However, only 1,945 were recorded at wetlands in Tanzania during a nationwide census in January1995. The highest total during the African Waterfowl Census in eastern and southern Africa has been60,750 in January 1994.

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FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna bicolor

10°N

0°

10°S

20°S

30°S

20°N

30°N

40°N

50°N

10°W 0° 10°E 20°E 30°E 40°E 50°E

Key Sites

Data deficient sites or sites that have occasionally supported internationally important numbers

Has supported 1%–2% of flyway population


Has supported >10% of flyway population

Sites that regularly support internationallyimportant numbers




Population Boundaries

Well justified

Uncertain

Breeding areas

0 500

km

1000 1500

30

FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna bicolor

• Madagascar: 15,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 200.Generally rare but still locally common in the west and north (e.g. at Sahaka Lake, Maromandia andBealanana Marshes), where large gatherings can still be observed on the major lakes (e.g. 2,000 atIhotry Lake in September 1983). 1,500 were recorded at Lake Bemamba in June 1982, and 750 were atthis lake in June 1993. It is rather rare on the high plateau (31 at Alarobia Lake in November 1988). Atotal of 1,692 was recorded during the African Waterfowl Census in July 1993.

Habitat/ecology:D. bicolor frequents fresh waters of many sorts including lakes, pans, rivers, swamps and floodplains.Birds breeding north of the Zambezi breed during months of low rainfall, while those breeding to thesouth breed in the wet season. Moult has been recorded during April–July (Zambia), April–May(Transvaal) and 5–10 months after breeding (Senegal).

Conservation status:Some populations of D. bicolor in West Africa show large fluctuations which are at least partly relatedto the extent of rice cultivation (Tréca, in prep.), and the species appears to be decreasing in someareas. It is now only an occasional visitor to northern Burkina Faso, where it was common prior to themid-1970s, and there have been no recent records from Ghana and Togo (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Langrand(1990) reports a decline in the Madagascar population; the species was formerly common throughoutthe island, but is now rare in the east and rather rare on the high plateau. There has been a markeddecline in numbers at Lake Alaotra, attributed to hunting (shooting and trapping), and only theinaccessible lakes of the west coast still harbour substantial numbers (Langrand, 1990). No informationis available on trends in eastern and southern Africa.

Network of key sites:Very little quantitative information is available on the distribution of D. bicolor outside of the December–February season. All but one key sites have been selected on the basis of counts conducted during thesemonths, so the feasibility of a key sites network approach in other seasons is unknown. All threepopulations can be shown to occur in large concentrations at key sites, but only two sites, both inZambia, could be identified for the eastern and southern Africa population. This suggests that there aremany more key sites still to discover for this population. For the Madagascar and West Africa populations,key sites networks could be a potentially useful conservation tool. In Madagascar, four key sites potentiallysupport up to 20% of the estimated population size, while in West Africa the 15 key sites identifiedaccount for the majority of the January population. The distribution of birds between sites in WestAfrica is, however, highly variable between years, according to water regime.

Protection status of key sites:Five of the 15 key sites in West Africa are protected and three are partially protected. There is at leastsome protection in all three major drainage basins on which D. bicolor so heavily depends (Senegal,Niger and Chad). No protected status information was available for Madagascar and both of the sites inZambia are protected.

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WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCKDendrocygna viduata


Distribution:Widespread in tropical South America, southern Central America and Africa. The species occurs widelyin Africa south of the Sahara and also in Madagascar and on the Comoro Islands. It is abundant insuitable areas, being in many places the most abundant species of Anatidae, and is the only commonspecies of Anatidae on the coastal plain of West Africa.

Movements:Some populations, including the population in Madagascar, appear to be mainly sedentary, whileothers are migratory, undertaking long-distance movements during the wet season, especially inWest Africa and southern Africa. Flocks, sometimes of several hundred birds, are subject to localmovements according to food availability. There are reports of regular northward movements tobreed during the rainy season in the northern tropics, and to higher ground from the lowlands insouthern Africa (Snow, 1978). In West Africa, local movements have been recorded in Ghana andSenegal, and there is an influx of birds into coastal regions during the dry season. In southwesternSudan, the species is a common breeding visitor during the wet season, and also a passage migrant(Lynes, 1925). Local movements have also been recorded in eastern Zaire and Kenya. In southernAfrica, the species disperses to breed on small water bodies during the rains, and congregates at theend of the breeding season in suitable dry season habitat (R.J. Douthwaite, in litt.). Movements aregenerally in the order of tens to hundreds of km, but movements of up to 540 km have been recordedin Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Population limits:The species is very widely distributed over Africa south of the Sahara, and there do not appear tobe any major gaps in its distribution except in the lowland forested areas of Cameroon and in thedeserts of the southwest. Because of the extent of movements shown by the species in Africa, theentire African population is probably best treated, biologically, as a single, very large population.However, for practical reasons it is proposed that the West African birds (east to Chad) be treatedas a separate population, although it is acknowledged that there may be a considerable amount ofinterchange between this population and birds in central and eastern Africa. D. viduata is said tobe mainly sedentary in Madagascar, and there is no evidence of interchange with the Africanpopulation. Thus three populations are recognized: a West African population, an eastern andsouthern African population, and a Madagascar population. Birds occurring in the Comoro Islandsare provisionally included in the eastern and southern African population even though some otherspecies move from Madagascar to the Comoros (Young, 1996).

Population size:• West Africa: 250,000 (Perennou, 1991a). 1% level 2,500.A common and widespread resident almost throughout West Africa. The maximum mid-winter count in West Africa was 200,000 in 1987. High counts have included up to 66,000 inDjoudj National Park in the Senegal Delta, up to 71,500 in the Central Niger Delta in Mali,and over 28,000 in Niger (mainly along the Niger River). In Cameroon, concentrations ofseveral thousand occur in Waza National Park, in Kalamaloue National Park and on the Logonefloodplain (P. Scholte, in litt.). Concentrations of over 1,000 have been recorded in the MiddleRiver region of Gambia (Jensen & Kirkeby, 1980); flocks of 1,000 were regular in the Oti Valleyof Togo in the late 1980s (Cheke & Walsh, in prep.), and flocks of up to 500 have been recordedin Ghana (Grimes, 1987). Perennou (1991a, 1991b) has estimated the West African populationat 250,000, but this estimate makes little allowance for the large numbers of birds on thecoastal plain, and the actual population may be nearer to 500,000 (J.F. Walsh, in litt.; W.C. Mullié,in litt.).

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WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna viduata

10°N

0°

10°S

20°S

30°S

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30°N

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10°W 0° 10°E 20°E 30°E 40°E 50°E

Key Sites










Well justified

Uncertain

Breeding areas

0 500

km

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• Eastern and southern Africa: 1,000,000–2,000,000. Provisional numerical criterion 15,000.An abundant duck, said to be common to locally abundant in Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia,Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Upto 16,000 have been recorded at Kafue Flats in Zambia (in June), and many thousands in the LuangwaValley, also in Zambia. Other high counts have included: 5,000 in Zululand and 1,000 at Witwatersrand,Transvaal; 4,000–5,000 in the Ruzizi Marshes (eastern Zaire and Burundi) in February; 1,410 at LakeChivero in Zimbabwe (July 1994), and 2,225 at wetlands in Tanzania (January 1995). The maximumcount during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in eastern and southern Africa was 20,000 inJuly 1993.

• Madagascar: 20,000–50,000. Provisional numerical criterion 350.Common throughout the country, and one of the two most frequently encountered ducks in Madagascar(Langrand, 1990). Very common in some locations, such as certain western lakes and rivers. About 500were present at Lake Bemamba in July–August 1992. A total of 4,135 was recorded during the AfricanWaterfowl Census in July 1993.

Habitat/ecology:Dendrocygna viduata is found on waters of many kinds, including freshwater lakes, dams, swamps, floodedland and estuaries. In many areas, the species commonly feeds in rice-fields. It breeds mainly during thelate wet season and early dry season (September to December in Togo, November to March in westernMadagascar), while D. bicolor breeds during the dry. The moult (when mature birds are flightless) followsbreeding: in May–August in Zambia, April–May in southern Zaire, and May–July in South Africa.

Conservation status:Over much of Africa, the species has adapted well to man-made wetlands and locally has become aserious pest on rice-fields. It has probably benefited from the protection of extensive areas, and appearsto be increasing in many areas. However, in Madagascar it is probably decreasing as a result of habitatalteration (O. Langrand, in litt.) and hunting (H.G. Young, in litt.).

Network of key sites:In Madagascar, six key sites can be identified during the December to February season. These supportup to 20% of the population and include the same four wetlands also listed for D. bicolor. No key sitescould be identified for D. viduata in eastern and southern Africa. Here, D. viduata is highly dispersedand consequently it is probably not an appropriate candidate for the development of a key sites network.Information from seasons other than December to February would be necessary before this could beconfirmed. In West Africa, the smaller population size and the extreme concentration of open water inthe three main drainage basins at certain times of year, combine to give many enormous key siteconcentrations of D. viduata, although not quite so large as the concentrations of D. bicolor in the sameregion. During the December to February season, a network of 38 key sites can be identified forD. viduata. Depending on annual water regime, the numbers present at these sites vary markedly betweenyears, but in an average year at least 60% of the population can be found at these 38 wetlands.

Protection status of key sites:None of the wetlands in Madagascar are effectively protected. Only eight of the 38 key sites in WestAfrica are protected, three are partially protected and eight are not protected at all. Most key sites areof unknown protected status including six of the eight sites known to support over 10% of the populationin optimum years.

WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK Dendrocygna viduata

34

WHITE-BACKED DUCKThalassornis leuconotus

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: T. l. leuconotus of the African mainland and T. l. insularisof Madagascar.

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. The nominate form occurs in West Africa from Senegal to Chad,and in eastern and southern Africa from Ethiopia south to Cape Province, South Africa. T. l. insularisis confined to Madagascar. In West Africa, the species occurs regularly only in Senegal, Mali, Niger,Nigeria and Chad, but there are two recent records from Togo (Cheke & Walsh, in prep.), and singlerecords from Cameroon (three birds in July 1994; P. Scholte, in litt.) and Equatorial Guinea. The speciesformerly bred in Pemba (until at least the 1920s) and may have occurred in Zanzibar, but there havebeen no recent records from either island (Pakenham, 1979).

Movements:The isolated populations of T. leuconotus in West Africa appears to be mainly sedentary, but others areat least partially migratory, with regular seasonal movements known to take place in eastern, centraland southern Africa and in Madagascar. The movements are little understood, but apparently relatedto rainfall patterns throughout the species’ range. In southern Africa, the preference of the birds foroften temporary pans causes birds to move to more permanent waters in drought periods. In Transvaal,the species apparently moves only following fairly consistent rains. In Zimbabwe, an influx occursduring the rains (December–April), while in Zambia an influx occurs in the dry season (February–September), peaking in May–June. One bird ringed in Zambia was recovered 180 km to the northeast.In Madagascar there are certainly movements as birds disperse from the drying west coast lakes betweenApril and October.

Population limits:The small population in West Africa is widely separated from the main population in eastern andsouthern Africa, and clearly merits treatment as a separate population. There are no major gaps in thedistribution of T. leuconotus from Ethiopia to South Africa, and because it exhibits regular seasonalmovements throughout this range, there would seem to be little justification for splitting the populationinto separate units. Callaghan and Green (1993) also recognize two populations: one in West Africaand one in eastern and southern Africa. The subspecifically distinct Madagascar birds constitute a thirdpopulation.

Population size:• West Africa: 1,000 (Perennou, 1992). 1% level 10.Perennou (1992) estimated the total population at no more than 1,000 birds, based on the tiny numbersrecorded during the African Waterfowl Census. The maximum mid-winter count in West Africa hasbeen only 20 birds in 1968.

• Eastern and southern Africa: 10,000–25,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). Provisional numericalcriterion 180.

A locally common resident throughout much of southern Africa, and fairly common and widespread inKenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Described as frequent to uncommon in Ethiopia (Urban& Brown, 1971), but recorded only once in Somalia (Ash & Miskell, 1983). In Botswana, said to be asparse but locally common resident in the Okavango Delta (Penry, 1994). The Zimbabwe population wasestimated to be in the thousands in the 1970s (Ewbank, 1993), and the South African population is alsoestimated to be in the thousands. The Swaziland population has been estimated at 10 breeding adults, andthe Lesotho population at under 100 individuals (Callaghan & Green, 1993). High counts have included:up to 500 at Lake Naivasha, Kenya; 550 at Kuti Ponds in Malawi (1992); 133 at Miengwe, Zambia(November 1992); 174 at Luanshya, Zambia (November 1985); and 150 at Three Sisters, Zimbabwe(late 1985). There is an old record of 500 at Kafue Flats in Zambia (Douthwaite, 1977), but only small

35

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WHITE-BACKED DUCK Thalassornis leuconotus

numbers have been recorded in this area in recent years (P. Leonard, in litt.). Only 182 were recorded atwetlands in Tanzania during the very extensive counts in January 1995. The maximum count during theAfrican Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in eastern and southern Africa was 617 in 1992. The entire easternand southern African population has been estimated to consist of fewer than 25,000 individuals (Rose& Scott, 1994), but seems certain to exceed 10,000 individuals (Callaghan & Green, 1993).

• Madagascar (insularis): <10,000 (O. Langrand, in litt.). Provisional numerical criterion 30.Found throughout the island with occasional records on the central high plateau, but now uncommonexcept at some of the smaller, relatively undisturbed lakes (e.g. Lake Antsamaka 252 January 1995)which are mainly in the western part of the country (Langrand, 1990 and in litt.). None have beenrecorded during the waterfowl censuses in Madagascar in recent years with the exception of 1995 (asyet unpublished) when 332 were counted.

Habitat/ecology:The species frequents quiet waters of lakes and ponds with abundant screening vegetation, from thelowlands up to 3,000 m (in East Africa). In some areas, e.g. parts of Zimbabwe, it has occupied dams andstock ponds in farming areas. It is usually found in pairs or small groups. When not breeding, it congregatesin groups of usually 20–100 individuals. The breeding season usually coincides with the period of higherand more stable water levels. Flightless birds in moult have been recorded in June–July.

Conservation status:According to Callaghan and Green (1993), despite local decreases, overall numbers in the populationin eastern and southern Africa seem to be stable and may be increasing. The construction of artificialdams is thought to have resulted in local increases in several areas, e.g. in Zambia, the Transvaal regionof South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi. According to Ewbank (1993), numbers have increased inZimbabwe, although D.V. Rockingham-Gill (in litt.) records a slight decrease in this country in recentyears. In the southern Rift Valley, numbers have declined sharply due to widespread, illegal use of gillnets, and the species is generally uncommon or rare in parts of its range in southern Africa, e.g. in CapeProvince of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho (Callaghan & Green, 1993).

T. leuconotus is now very rare in West Africa (J.F. Walsh, in litt.), and Perennou (1991a) suggeststhat this discrete population is on the verge of extinction. In Nigeria, the species was previously a notuncommon resident in wetlands in the north, but there have been no records in the past 20 years(Elgood et al., 1994).

The Madagascar subspecies T. l. insularis is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Green (1996). This subspecieswas formerly quite common, but is now rather rare throughout its range, except at the lakes and marshesof Soalala, where it is fairly common. It has already disappeared from a number of sites, especially in theeast and on the central high plateau (O. Langrand, in litt.), and was thought to be extinct at LakeAlaotra by 1989 (Young & Smith, 1989), however a single individual was captured here in October1993 (Pidgeon, 1996). Langrand (1990) attributes the decline in numbers to hunting and trapping.Other factors include the transformation of habitat, widespread introduction of exotic fish that competefor food, introduction of exotic plants, and deterioration in water quality as a result of deforestation andsoil erosion in catchment areas (Green, 1992; O. Langrand, in litt.).

Network of key sites:Too little is known about the distribution and movements of T. leuconotus to speculate on how useful akey sites network could be. No concentrations of over 30 individuals have been recorded for theMadagascar subspecies and the only records of over 10 individuals for the now very small West Africapopulation are outdated (1967 and 1968). For the larger eastern and southern Africa population it ispossible that many key sites remain to be found. Currently, Kuti Ponds in Malawi is the only key siteknown, and this has held large numbers in two of the last three years.

37

WHITE-HEADED DUCKOxyura leucocephala


Distribution:Palearctic; a threatened species with a highly fragmented breeding distribution from southwest Europeand northwest Africa to central Asia (from 25°N to 60°N and from 10°W to 100°E); currently knownto breed only in Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Romania (irregularly), Turkey, Syria, Iran, Afghanistan,Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia and Russia, and probably also in northwest China.The main breeding areas of the species are thought to be in the steppe and semi-desert regions ofKazakhstan. It has almost disappeared as a breeding species in Turkmenistan, although it still breeds insmall numbers in the Middle Amu Darya Valley. The species has become extinct as a breeding speciesthis century in Morocco, France (Corsica), Italy (Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily), Hungary, Yugoslavia(Serbia), Greece, Albania, Israel, Azerbaijan and Egypt. Attempts have been made to re-introduce thespecies in Hungary, Corsica, Sardinia and Majorca through captive-breeding programmes.

Movements:The movements of O. leucocephala are very poorly understood, as there is an almost total lack of ringingdata. The bulk of the west-central Asian population apparently migrates southwest to winter in theCaspian region and Turkey. The winter movements of this population are not well understood, but it isassumed that the central Asian republics retain only 5–10% of their breeding stocks in winter (Monval& Pirot, 1989), the remainder wintering to the south of Kazakhstan in countries bordering the CaspianSea and Black Sea, but mostly in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran. The Manych-Godilo and east ManychLakes north of the Caucasus are a major staging area in spring and autumn, holding up to 1,000 birds inautumn (Krivenko, 1995), and the Kizilirmak Delta is also very important in spring (Green & Hughes,1995). The origin of the small number of birds that winter regularly in the Dobrodja, Romania andBulgaria, is unknown. There are no longer any known regular breeding areas in Romania or Ukraine,but the presence of an undetected breeding population to the north or northeast of the Black Searemains the most likely explanation. The small population breeding in southwest Iran (and perhapsalso Iraq) appears to be sedentary. Birds breeding in the western Mediterranean are chiefly sedentary,undertaking only short-distance movements.

Population limits:Monval & Pirot (1989), and more recently Green & Hughes (1995), recognized two separate populationsof O. leucocephala in Western Eurasia, one centred around the west Mediterranean and the other centredaround the east Mediterranean and the coasts of the Black Sea and Caspian. However, the distributionof O. leucocephala has become increasingly fragmented in recent decades, especially in Europe, and itnow seems likely that there are at least three isolated groups in Western Eurasia. The Spanish populationwould now appear to be discrete. There is no evidence of movement between the Spanish populationand the population in Tunisia and Algeria, and the lack of recent records from Morocco suggests thatlittle if any such movement occurs.

The birds in Tunisia and Algeria are probably also isolated from populations further east. There is noindication of movement between Turkey and Tunisia, and there have been few counts of more than afew hundred birds in Tunisia. Anstey (1989) thought it most likely that the wintering population inTunisia included the small resident Tunisian population and a substantial number of winter visitorsfrom breeding areas in neighbouring Algeria (especially El Kala National Park). No winteringO. leucocephala were recorded at El Kala between 1972 and 1977, but since the major decline in numberswintering in Tunisia in the mid-1970s, the El Kala winter counts have increased (Anstey, 1989).Boumezbeur (1992) also suggested that there was some post-breeding dispersal of O. leucocephala fromEl Kala to Tunisia. With the disappearance of a breeding population in south-central Europe (whichmay have contributed some birds to the Tunisian wintering population), and in the absence of directevidence to suggest that any of the small numbers of birds wintering in Tunisia are immigrants fromAsia, it would seem better, from a conservation standpoint, to treat the North African birds as a discrete

38

WHITE-HEADED DUCK Oxyura leucocephala

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39

population. This ‘discreteness’ may be a recent phenomenon resulting from range contraction andfragmentation.

Further east, where the species undertakes much longer migrations, the presence of discrete sub-populations is less clear. The small population of about 300 to 500 birds in southwestern Iran appears tobe largely sedentary, the birds concentrating at a few large wetlands in winter, and dispersing to smallerwetlands in the southern Zagros Mountains to breed. This group has traditionally been included withinthe main Southwest Asian population, and this approach is adopted here, although treatment as aseparate population may be more appropriate. Similarly, the small population wintering in Pakistan islikely to be a discrete population, breeding at the extreme eastern limit of the species’ range in theregion of Novosibirsk. Birds occurring in Seistan, on the Iran/Afghanistan border, may belong to thispopulation, or may be stragglers from the main Southwest Asian population. This eastern population,now believed to number only about 300 birds (Perennou et al., 1994), is outside the geographical limitsof the present study.

Thus three populations are recognized in Western Eurasia: (1) a small population in Spain; (2) asmall population in Algeria and Tunisia; (3) a large population breeding from Romania, Turkey andIran to Kazakhstan and wintering mainly in Turkey and the Caspian region.

Population size:• West Mediterranean (Spain): 700. 1% level 7.The Spanish population of about 400 in 1950 had declined to only 22 birds in 1977, but with protectionof breeding areas, the population recovered to a total of 786 in January 1992 (Torres et al., 1994a). Subsequenthigh counts have included 697 in October 1993, 552 in January 1994 and 665 in October 1995 (J.A.Torres Esquivias, in litt.). Tucker and Heath (1994) give the Spanish breeding population as 50–100 pairs,while A. Green (in litt.) suggests that the population currently numbers about 700 individuals.

• North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia): 400. 1% level 4.Boumezbeur (1992) estimated the Algerian population (in El Kala National Park) at over 210 birds inMarch 1992. A. Green (in litt.) suggests that the total population in Algeria and Tunisia currentlynumbers about 400 individuals.

• Southeast Europe/Turkey/Southwest Asia: 8,000–15,000. 1% level 115.As recently as the early 1990s, the population of O. leucocephala in southeast Europe and SouthwestAsia was thought to number about 17,000 birds (Green & Anstey, 1992). Krivenko (1993) gives anestimate of 15,000 for the total population at the end of the breeding season in Kazakhstan and theCaspian region. Some 15,500 birds were counted during the International Waterfowl Census in 1991,with most of the birds at Burdur Golu (10,927) in Turkey and Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake (3,100) in Azerbaijan.However, only 3,010 were located at Burdur Golu during a comprehensive survey in the winter of1992/93, and only 566 were found elsewhere in Turkey (Green et al., 1993). A. Green (in litt.) hassuggested that while the population in the late 1980s/early 1990s probably reached 17,000 in goodyears, it could have been as low as 11,000 in poor years. Furthermore, there may have been a substantialfurther decline in numbers within the last few years, following the degradation of Burdur Golu (Greenet al., 1993). A conservative estimate of 8,000–15,000 is therefore considered more appropriate thanthe former 17,000 which represents a maximum population size in good years rather than the averagepopulation size (Green & Yarar, 1996; Green & Hunter, 1996). The possibly isolated population insouthwestern Iran is thought to contain 300–500 birds; recent mid-winter counts have included up to455 at Lake Parishan, 285 at Izeh and Sheiko Lakes, 230 at Harm Lake and 173 at the Helleh Delta.

Habitat/ecology:Oxyura leucocephala prefers freshwater or brackish, alkaline, eutrophic lakes, which often have a closedbasin hydrology and, in the case of breeding sites, are frequently semi-permanent or temporary (Green& Hughes, 1995). Breeding sites have dense emergent vegetation around the fringes, and are small orare enclosed areas within larger wetland systems. Outside the breeding season, the species generallyoccurs on larger and deeper lakes and lagoons, often with little emergent vegetation. O. leucocephalahas a polygamous mating system (Torres et al., 1984), with nesting occurring in dense reed-beds andsometimes on top of old coot nests.

In Kazakhstan, males leave the breeding grounds during the breeding cycle, and gather to moult onlarger lakes (Cramp & Simmons, 1977). A flightless moult occurs twice a year, during the post-breedingseason and in late winter (Anstey, 1989). The autumn departure from the breeding grounds begins in


40

late September, and the northern breeding grounds are deserted by mid-October. Numbers in the eastCaspian, Azerbaijan and Turkey increase during the second half of October and November. The returnpassage begins in February, and in Kazakhstan, the main spring passage occurs at the end of April and inearly May.

Conservation status:Oxyura leucocephala is a globally threatened species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Collar et al. (1994) andGreen (1996). The status and conservation of O. leucocephala have been described in some detail byAnstey (1989), Green & Anstey (1992), Green (in Tucker & Heath, 1994) and van Vessem (1994),and an Action Plan for the species in Europe has been compiled by Green & Hughes (1995).

The west Mediterranean population is currently increasing after a long period of decline. Thispopulation was on the verge of extinction in the early 1970s, but has since increased from a low of 22 in1977 to a peak of 786 in January 1992 and 665 in October 1995 (Torres et al., 1994a; J.A. TorresEsquivias, in litt.). The North African population appears to have been stable in recent years, after asharp decline in the mid-1970s. The southeast European/Southwest Asian population is thought tohave been relatively stable during the 1970s and 1980s. Krivenko (1993) reports only a slight decline innumbers in Kazakhstan and the Caspian region between 1972 and 1989, and some local increases havebeen reported, e.g. in Greece and Azerbaijan. However, numbers are probably now decreasing rapidlywith the serious deterioration in the condition of Burdur Golu in Turkey. The small, possibly isolatedpopulation in southwestern Iran appears to have been relatively stable since at least the early 1970s.

Oxyura leucocephala has undergone a considerable decline in range and population size this centurythat is almost certainly continuing. According to Green & Hughes (1995), the former world populationof the species probably exceeded 100,000 individuals. By the early 1990s, the population had fallen toan estimated 19,000 birds (1,000 in the west Mediterranean, 13,000 in the east Mediterranean/BlackSea region, and 5,000 wintering in countries further east). Poslavski (1992) has documented a majordecline in the wintering population on the Caspian coast of Turkmenistan from an estimated 47,000 in1932 to less than 200 in recent years. The dramatic decline in numbers has been attributed to thedestruction and degradation of habitat, especially on the breeding grounds in the former USSR and onthe wintering areas in Pakistan and Turkey, and by excessive disturbance from hunting and fishing onthe wintering areas. The species is very easy to shoot, making hunting a much more significant threatthan for most other waterfowl.

In recent years, it has become clear that the spread of the introduced Oxyura jamaicensis in westernEurope poses the most severe threat to O. leucocephala, because of the free hybridization between thetwo species (Green et al., 1993; Torres et al., 1994b; Green & Hughes, 1995). Hybridization withO. jamaicensis has already affected the Spanish population; hybrids were first seen in Spain in 1991, andat least 49 had been shot by the end of 1994, including some that were at least second generationhybrids (Callaghan & Green, 1993; J.A. Torres Esquivias, in litt.). The eradication of hybrids and pureO. jamaicensis (at least 17 shot by the end of 1994) appears to have proved successful; the population ofjamaicensis has declined rapidly since 1992.

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. Many major sites for the species are listed by Green & Hughes (1995),Anstey (1989) and Green & Anstey (1992). Moreno et al. (1994) provide a list of 86 sites at which thespecies is known to have occurred in Spain, including 21 sites at which there have been no records ofthe species since 1982. More recently, J.A. Torres Esquivias et al. (in litt.) have listed 87 sites in Spain atwhich the species has occurred since 1987. Handrinos (1995) lists the known sites in Greece andAnnex 2 provides an extensive key sites listing for the Algeria/Tunisia and southeast Europe/Turkey/Southwest Asia populations. In southeast Europe/Turkey/Southwest Asia few key sites can be identifiedoutside of winter. In autumn concentrations have been found in Turkey (300 at Sodah Gol and 500Moulting at Kulu Golu) and in Russia (1000 at Manych-Godilo Lakes) but more sites surely exist. Themaximum breeding concentrations appear to be small colonies of up to 20 pairs in Turkey andTurkmenistan but very little is known about breeding densities in the major areas to the North of thepopulation range. In winter 48 sites in southeast Europe/Turkey/Southwest Asia have supported up to100 birds and 30 key sites over 100 birds. Until recently, Kizil Agach and Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake inAzerbaijan plus Burdur Golu in Turkey have accounted for virtually the entire wintering populationbut the recent demise in numbers wintering at Burdur Golu now leaves over 50% of the winter populationunaccounted for. In Algeria and Tunisia O. leucocephala can be found in important concentrations


41

throughout the year but its occurrence is unpredictable. Consequently, very few key sites support thespecies on a regular basis. Concentrations thought to comprise virtually the entire population havebeen recorded sporadically on five key sites and concentrations of over 10% of the population on manyothers.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites in Spain are protected, but two of the important sites in Algeria and Tunisiaare unprotected and many others are of unknown protected status. All of the main breeding areas in theBlack Sea region and Turkey are unprotected but although all of the extremely important winteringareas are protected there are still many important unprotected key sites. An important site in Azerbaijan(Kizil Agach) and many of the important sites in Iran are protected, but elsewhere in Southwest Asia,most sites are unprotected.


42

MACCOA DUCKOxyura maccoa


Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region, occurring from Ethiopia south to northern Tanzania, Rwanda,Burundi and eastern Zaire, and from Zimbabwe and Namibia south to Cape Province, South Africa. Itsrange in southern Africa, lying mainly within the 65°F (18.3°C) isotherm, suggests that temperaturemay be a limiting factor in its distribution (Snow, 1978).

Movements:Largely sedentary, undertaking only small-scale dispersive movements. Some local movements havebeen observed in South Africa, with birds concentrating on large waters during the non-breedingseason, and the species is said to be locally migratory in Transvaal (Brown et al., 1982), but noregular migrations have been reported (Snow, 1978). In Witwatersrand, Transvaal, it is present allyear, with the greatest numbers in summer (the breeding season) coinciding with the rains, and thelowest numbers in winter (the dry season) occurring when non-breeding birds move to large watersin Orange Free State.

Population limits:The birds inhabiting the highlands of eastern and northeastern Africa are widely separated fromthe population of southern Africa (by about 1,500 km), and there would seem to be amplejustification for treating the southern African birds as a separate population. Callaghan and Green(1993) recognized these two ‘sub-populations’: an eastern population in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania,Zaire, Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda, a southern population in Mozambique, Malawi, South Africa,Botswana, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Namibia. However, there also appears to be a break in distributionbetween the birds in the Ethiopian highlands and the birds in the East African highlands. AsO. maccoa is primarily a species of the highlands in eastern and northeastern Africa, and as itappears to be largely sedentary, the broad belt of unsuitable lowland habitat in southeastern Sudan,southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya probably acts as a barrier to interchange between the EastAfrican and Ethiopian birds. For this reason, the Ethiopian population is tentatively split off as aseparate population. Thus, three populations are recognized: one in southern Africa (north to theZambezi); one in East Africa; and one in the Ethiopian highlands. Within the East Africanpopulation, there may be very little mixing between the birds inhabiting the highlands of Kenyaand northeastern Tanzania, and those in the highlands of western Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi andeastern Zaire, as there are very few records of birds in the intervening lowlands of the Lake Victoriabasin. However, very little information is available on the western group, and for the time being atleast, it would seem best to treat these birds as part of a wider East African population.

Population size:• Ethiopian highlands: 1,000–5,000. Provisional numerical criterion 30.Said to be common to locally abundant in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971), but not known fromSomalia. One hundred and twenty-one were recorded during the African Waterfowl Census in January1994 but this was very incomplete.

• East Africa: 15,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 200.Locally numerous on inland lakes in Kenya and northern Tanzania, especially when alkaline, but rarein coastal regions. O. maccoa was formerly common at Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, but there havebeen no recent records from Nakuru and only small numbers now occur at Naivasha (L. Bennun,in litt.). Up to 1,000 occur seasonally on strongly alkaline lakes in Arusha National Park. A total of 427was recorded at wetlands in Tanzania in January 1995. There are no recent records from Uganda, andthe species is said to be uncommon in Malawi. The maximum count during the African WaterfowlCensus (1991–94) in East Africa was 215 in January 1994.

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MACCOA DUCK Oxyura maccoa

• Southern Africa (north to Zimbabwe): 15,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 200.Said to be fairly common in southeastern Botswana, uncommon in Lesotho and Zimbabwe, andapparently not recorded from Mozambique, but common to locally abundant in other parts of its rangein southern Africa, except in arid and semi-arid zones and coastal Natal. The population in Zimbabwewas estimated to be in the hundreds in the 1970s (Ewbank, 1993), and in Lesotho there are an estimated10–100 individuals (Callaghan & Green, 1993). A total of 899 was counted in Namibia in July 1992.The total population in Cape Province, South Africa, is estimated at 2,400. A concentration of 1,024birds was observed on Strandfontein Sewage Works in the Cape Town area, South Africa, in May 1980(Callaghan & Green, 1993). The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) insouthern Africa was 1,116 in 1992.

Callaghan and Green (1993) state that the total population “seems certain to exceed 10,000individuals”.

Habitat/ecology:Oxyura maccoa prefers shallow, nutrient-rich lakes and ponds with extensive emergent vegetation. Ineastern Africa, it is mainly a highland duck, recorded up to 3,000 m in the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia.In South Africa, it occurs from sea level to 2,150 m. Sedentary birds in southwest Cape Province moulttheir remiges twice yearly; in January and June.

Conservation status:The species is thought to be decreasing in eastern Africa, but is probably increasing in southern Africa(Callaghan & Green, 1993). Numbers have declined markedly in Kenya in recent years (L. Bennun,in litt.); this decline in numbers has been attributed to the widespread illegal use of gill nets (Callaghan& Green, 1993). In southern Africa, the species is adaptable, colonizing artificial dams and reservoirs,and is subject to little hunting pressure. In South Africa and Namibia, numbers may have increasedfollowing the widespread construction of dams and sewage settlement lagoons. The situation in Zimbabweis unclear; Ewbank (1993) suggests that numbers have increased in recent years, while D.V. Rockingham-Gill (in litt.) reports that numbers are decreasing. Trends in the small Ethiopian population are unknown.

Network of key sites:No network of key sites can be identified for any of the three populations of O. maccoa. There is noseasonal pattern in the appearance of large concentrations and it is possible that many more key sitesremain to be identified.

Protection status of key sites:Arusha National Park Alkaline Lakes in Tanzania and Phakalane Sewage Ponds in Botswana areprotected but no protected status information is available for Ashange Lake in Ethiopia and SwakoppoortDam in Namibia.

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MUTE SWANCygnus olor


Distribution:Palearctic; patchily distributed but locally common across temperate regions of the Palearctic,mainly between 40° and 60°N, from western Europe to northeast China. Introduced in NorthAmerica, South Africa and Australasia. In Western Eurasia, C. olor breeds widely in western andcentral Europe, and more locally in southeast Europe, the Black Sea and Caspian regions and centralAsia east to about 90°E; in winter it occurs south to the Mediterranean Sea and the southernshores of the Caspian Sea. It is only a rare winter visitor to North Africa (mainly Egypt) and Iraq.It has been introduced into eastern Cape Province, South Africa, where there is a population of afew hundred birds.

Movements:Cygnus olor breeding in Ireland, Britain, the Low Countries, France and central Europe are very largelysedentary, with movements seldom exceeding some tens of kilometres. Recoveries of several thousandbirds ringed in Britain and Ireland have shown that these populations are almost entirely sedentary.Very few of the movements recorded within Britain have exceeded 50 km, and there is no migration toor from the mainland of Europe, except in very cold winters (Atkinson-Willes, 1981). There is a smallwinter movement of Scottish swans into Northern Ireland, and there have been recoveries of birdsfrom the north of England and the Isle of Man in Ireland, but remarkably few Irish swans cross the IrishSea to Britain (O’Halloran et al., 1995).

Cygnus olor breeding in eastern Europe are mostly migratory or nomadic. Most swans breeding inFinland, Sweden, the Baltic countries, Poland, northern Germany and Denmark leave inland lakes towinter along the coasts of the Baltic Sea. Ringing recoveries have shown that birds breeding in Estonia,Latvia and Lithuania winter mostly in the countries bordering the south and southwest shores of theBaltic Sea (Denmark, Sweden, eastern Germany and Poland). Swans breeding in Poland formerlywintered mostly on the Danish and Rugen coasts, but an increasing number of Polish swans are nowmigrating southwest or south to winter in eastern Germany, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic,Austria and Hungary. The bulk of the Baltic population remains in the Baltic Sea even in severe winters(when mortality may be very high), but some birds leave the area to winter around the southern NorthSea and in central Europe. In recent years in which winters have been particularly mild, there has beenan increasing tendency for birds in Sweden and the eastern Baltic to remain throughout the year intheir breeding areas. Numbers wintering in Estonia have increased rapidly in recent years from none inthe 1960s to about 12,000 in 1993, the numbers depending on the severity of the winter (Kuresoo,1991; S. Pihl, in litt.), while in Lithuania, about 1,000 birds have remained throughout the winter inrecent years (S. Svazas et al., 1995).

Most C. olor breeding in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov region undertake only limited migratorymovements, leaving inland breeding areas to winter on the coasts of the Black Sea. However, smallnumbers migrate to the south, to the Danube Delta, the Balkan peninsula, Greece, Turkey and even asfar as southern Italy especially during severe winters. Swans ringed in the Black Sea Reserve in Ukrainehave been recovered in Romania (6), Bulgaria (2), Greece (1) and Turkey (1) (Ardamatskaya &Korzyukov, 1991).

Cygnus olor breeding in the Caspian region and central Asia also show limited migratorymovements. A recent analysis of recoveries of swans ringed and colour-marked in the Volga Delta hasshown that the greater part of the Volga Delta population remains throughout the year within thelimits of the Caspian Sea and lakes adjoining it. Birds breeding in the Volga Delta return to the deltaafter wintering on the Caspian Sea, and there is no evidence that birds regularly change their breedinggrounds. Most young birds also winter in the Caspian Sea, mainly in warm waters along the west coast.The more severe the winter, the further south they go. In particularly severe winters, a mass migrationof swans occurs from the Caspian Sea to the interior lakes of Azerbaijan and Dagestan (Krivonosov,1991b). In Azerbaijan, the wintering population fluctuates between 1,000–2,000 in mild winters and as

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many as 11,000–12,000 in cold winters (Patrikeev, in prep.). Exceptionally, over 10,000 swans, mainlyimmatures, winter in the south Caspian region of Iran, with stragglers reaching Iraq.

Population limits:Most authors recognize three main groups in Western Eurasia: a northwest and central Europeanpopulation, a Black Sea/Sea of Azov population, and a Caspian Sea/west-central Asian population. Onthe basis of ringing data and various national studies, Atkinson-Willes (1981) divided the northwestand central European population of Cygnus olor into seven groups, each of which was thought to bemore or less independent.

1) Scandinavia-Baltic Group – Finland, Baltic Republics, Poland, Sweden, eastern Germany, Schleswig-Holstein and Neidersachsen in western Germany, Denmark and Norway.

2) Netherlands Group – Netherlands, Nordrhein-Westfalen in Germany, Belgium and northwest France.3) Central European Group – Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Austria, central and southern Germany,

Switzerland, southeast France and Italy.4) England and Wales Group5) Scotland (mainland and Orkneys) Group6) Scotland (Hebrides) Group7) Irish Group

Ruger et al. (1986) and Monval & Pirot (1989) lumped the two Scottish groups with the birds inEngland and Wales and thus recognized five groups. Wieloch (1991) argued for the existence of afurther group, the west Ukrainian-Hungarian group, which has recently become established in Ukraine,Hungary and the former Yugoslavia as a result of the eastward and southward spread of swans from theScandinavian-Baltic and central European groups. However, because of the recent expansions in range,there is increasing contact between individuals from the different groups on the wintering and moultingareas (Wieloch, 1991), and sub-division of the populations in northwest and central Europe, at least onthe mainland of Europe, is now doubtfully valid.

Exchange between the northwest/central European population and the Black Sea/Sea of Azovpopulation is also becoming increasingly likely as a result of the recent increase in numbers and expansionin ranges in both these populations. C. olor of the Scandinavian-Baltic and central European groupshave expanded their ranges towards the south and east, establishing breeding populations in the formerYugoslavia, Hungary and particularly Ukraine, and moving closer to those breeding in the lower DanubeValley (Black Sea population). By the late 1980s, birds in the central European group and birds in theBlack Sea population were nesting at the same latitude and separated by only some 150 km (Wieloch,1991).

Further east, the increase in numbers and range expansion have been even more marked, and thedistribution of C. olor is now almost continuous between the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Ringingrecoveries have shown that some interchange is now occurring between the Caspian and Black Seapopulations. Seven young birds ringed in the Volga Delta in 1977, 1978 and 1983 were found in theirfirst winter after ringing in the Black Sea region and north Caucasus, and colour-marked individualshave been sighted in the Black Sea region two years and five years after ringing (Krivonosov, 1991b).This interchange appears to be a recent phenomenon related to the massive increase in the Caspianpopulation since the 1970s.

Despite the evidence for interchange between the Caspian and Black Sea populations, and theincreasing likelihood of interchange between the Black Sea and northwest/central European populations,these three main groups are retained in the present analysis, primarily for practical purposes. Sub-division of the northwest/central European population into separate groups may no longer be possibleon the mainland of Europe because of range expansions, but there remain strong grounds for treatingthe ‘closed’ British and Irish populations as separate units.

Population size:• Northwest mainland and central Europe: 210,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 2,100.• Britain: 25,750 (Delaney et al., 1993; see Annex 1).1% level 250.• Ireland: 10,000 (Shepherd, 1993; see Annex 1). 1% level 100.Ruger et al. (1986) and Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the total population in northwest and centralEurope (including Britain and Ireland) at 180,000, while Wieloch (1991) gave a figure of 175,000 forthe population in 1989, based on breeding season counts of 28,400 pairs and mid-winter counts totalling

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152,500 individuals. Substantial increases have occurred in almost all regions since then, and recentcounts suggest that the total population in northwest and central Europe (excluding Britain and Ireland)is now in the region of 210,000 birds (see Annex 1). The present estimates for the three main sub-groups are as follows:• Scandinavia/Baltic sub-group: 170,000• Netherlands sub-group: 20,000• Central European sub-group: 16,000

Extrapolation from tetrad counts during the 1988–91 atlas project in Britain and Ireland suggeststhat there may be a much higher population in Ireland (19,000–20,000 birds) than has generally beensupposed (M. Ogilvie and S. Delany in Gibbons et al., 1993).

• Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 45,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 450.Ruger et al. (1986) estimated the Black Sea/east Mediterranean population at only 20,000 birds, andthis figure was repeated by Monval & Pirot (1989) and Rose & Scott (1994). However, Korzyukov et al.(1991) estimated the Azov-Black Sea population at over 50,000 birds. The population is currentlyestimated at 45,000 birds (see Annex 1).

• West-central Asia/Caspian region: 250,000. 1% level 2,500.The current estimate of 250,000 is derived from a comprehensive census of C. olor in the Caspianregion, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in 1987. A census of C. olor throughout the formerUSSR in spring 1987 revealed that there had been a massive increase in the numbers of swans in theCaspian region since the previous census in the 1970s, and suggested that the total population in thecentral Asian republics and Caspian region was about 250,000 birds (Krivonosov, 1991a). This totalincluded 13,370 pairs and 215,900 non-breeding birds in the north Caspian (mainly the Volga Delta),4,000 pairs and 11,000 non-breeding birds in Kazakhstan, 600 pairs and 900 non-breeding birds in thenorth Caucasus, 100 pairs in Uzbekistan and 50 pairs in Turkmenistan. Krivenko (1993) gives an estimateof 200,000 for the population in Kazakhstan and the Caspian region in the late 1980s.

Habitat/ecology:Cygnus olor occurs in a variety of lowland freshwater habitats, including marshes, lakes, lagoons,rivers and canals, and also on estuaries and in sheltered coastal sites. During hard winters, most ofthe swans wintering in the Baltic move to marine areas. The species has adapted to living in closeproximity to man, and now occupies many artificial water bodies such as park lakes, reservoirs andgravel pits, often in urban environments. Because of this adaptability and its tolerance of mosthuman activities, C. olor is far less threatened by loss of habitat than most other species of Anatidae.Although usually territorial during the breeding season, the swans often form large flocks duringthe moult (July and August) and in winter, sometimes numbering thousands of birds, especially inthe southwest Baltic, the northern Black Sea and the Volga Delta. The largely sedentary populationsin Britain, Ireland, France, the Netherlands and central Europe are much less gregarious outsidethe breeding season than other populations, but form moulting concentrations in some areas. Theswans are flightless for 6–8 weeks during the wing moult. Migratory populations in northwest Europereturn to their breeding areas in March. Most of the swans breeding in the Black Sea and Caspianregions move to these seas to moult and spend the winter.

Conservation status:The northwest European population of C. olor has undergone a slow but significant increase that hasaccelerated in recent years. The rate of increase suggests that the population size increased by 60% overthe ten-year period to 1993 (Rose, 1995). This increase in numbers has been associated with an expansionin the breeding range. Increases have been recorded in almost all areas and have been especially markedin the Scandinavian/Baltic sub-group. However, numbers in the Netherlands sub-group seem to havestabilized in recent years, and may now be decreasing slightly (Pirot & Fox, 1990; Wieloch, 1991). Incentral Europe, numbers were relatively stable during the 1970s and 1980s, but have shown a slightincrease within the last few years (Rose, 1995). In Britain, numbers of C. olor increased quite rapidly inthe 1950s, and then went through a period of fluctuation in the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, withsome local rapid declines associated with lead poisoning caused by the ingestion of anglers weights(Sears and Hunt, 1991), but since then there have been widespread increases (M. Ogilvie and S. Delanyin Gibbons et al., 1993). Trends in the Irish population are unknown.

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In the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region, mid-winter counts suggest that there was a slight increaseduring the period 1984–1993 (Rose, 1995). However, substantial increases have been reported in theBlack Sea area and the northern Caucasus (Rostov region, Krasnodar and Starmopol) in recent years(Krivonosov, 1991a).

In west-central Asia and the Caspian region, C. olor has expanded its range north and east into areaswhich were formerly occupied by swans, and this expansion is continuing. The number of breedingpairs in the Caspian Sea area tripled between 1978 and 1987 to 13,370 pairs, while the number of non-breeding birds increased eight-fold to 215,900 (Krivonosov, 1991a). Further east in Kazakhstan, only aslight increase was reported during the same period (Krivonosov, 1991a).

Network of key sites:The Black Sea/east Mediterranean population has a good key sites network. In the breeding season,large colonies occur in the two major delta sites (Danube and Dnestr), and likewise the major breedingconcentration for the Caspian population is in the Volga Delta. Almost all of the Caspian populationmoult in the northeast Caspian shallows. More than 10% of the Black Sea breeding population moultin Karkinitski Bay (Ukraine), and it is likely that other key moulting sites exist in the Black Sea/Sea ofAzov. In winter, up to 70% of the Black Sea/east Mediterranean population can potentially be accountedfor by a network of 18 key sites, but in the Caspian region only six key wintering sites can be identifiedaccounting for only 10% of the population. Key site information for the Irish and British populations isonly listed and plotted for January concentrations. In January, more than 25 key sites can be identifiedin Ireland, but these only account for about 20%–25% of the population indicating its very dispersednature. Similarly, 17 key sites in Britain account for approximately 20% of the population.

In mainland northwest Europe 29 key wintering sites are listed plus 17 key moulting and passagesites. These are predominantly in the Baltic region which is representative of the situation in mildwinters, but in harsh winters many of these birds can die and some move south, stressing the importanceof more southerly key sites to this population. A large proportion of the population spends the winterand breeds in small groups that do not qualify as key sites.

Protection status of key sites:In the Black Sea region nearly all of the major key sites are protected or partially protected in contrastto the Caspian population where many major sites are not protected or have unknown protected status.Most key sites in mainland northwest Europe are protected.

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WHOOPER SWANCygnus cygnus


Distribution:Palearctic; breeds widely at northern latitudes, mainly between 55° and 70°N, from Iceland to the BeringSea, and winters south to western Europe, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, central China and Japan.C. cygnus formerly bred in Greenland, but has long been extinct there. In Western Eurasia, it breeds inIceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and northern Russia, and winters south to Britain, Ireland, Belgium,northern France, the northern Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, with small numbers of birds penetratingmuch further south during severe winters. Small numbers have also bred in Latvia, Lithuania and northeasternPoland in recent years. It is only a rare winter visitor to North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt).

Movements:Almost entirely migratory, although some birds (500–1,300) remain throughout the winter in Iceland.The bulk of the Icelandic population winters in Britain and Ireland, with only a small number continuingon to southern Scandinavia (southern Norway and Jutland) and the Netherlands.

Cygnus cygnus breeding in Scandinavia and western Russia (west of the Urals) are thought to wintermainly in Denmark, Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg (Germany), while birds breeding east of theUrals in western and central Siberia winter around the northern parts of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea.The migration routes of Cygnus cygnus throughout the Western Palearctic have been summarized byMathiasson (1991). The extent to which birds from continental northwest Europe reach Britain andIreland in winter remains uncertain. Gardarsson (1991b) has suggested that as many as 3,000 of theC. cygnus wintering in Britain and Ireland may originate from the continent of Europe, but there is littleevidence to support this. There have been no recoveries of continental birds in Ireland, and it is nowknown that many of the birds wintering in southeast England are of Icelandic origin. However, in therecent cold winter of 1995/96, at least 22 Finnish neck-banded birds from more than four families wereobserved in southeast England, and another neck-banded bird, probably of Scandinavian origin, wasreported in Scotland (J. Bowler & B. Lambeth, in litt.).

The species is subject to extensive hard weather movements, both in northwest Europe and in theCaspian region. Numbers wintering in the Baltic fluctuate widely according to the severity of the winter,with traditional wintering haunts in Sweden and the eastern Baltic being mostly deserted during severewinters. In the Caspian region, large numbers of C. cygnus reach the Caspian lowlands in northern Iranduring severe winters.

Population limits:Four populations are recognized in Western Eurasia: (1) a population which breeds in Iceland andwinters mainly in Britain, Ireland and Iceland; (2) a population which breeds in Fennoscandia andnorthwest Russia (east to the Urals) and winters in northwest continental Europe; (3) a populationwhich breeds in western Siberia and winters in the Black Sea and east Mediterranean; (4) a populationwhich presumably breeds in western and central Siberia and winters in Southwest Asia from the CaspianSea east to the region of Lake Balkash. The precise origins of the flocks wintering around the Black Seaand Caspian Sea are unknown, but it seems unlikely that they come from the same general breedingareas. Mathiasson (1991) studied C. cygnus in Sweden, and found that different wintering flocks, eventhose having winter quarters close to one another, may have different geographical origins and migrationroutes. There would seem ample justification, therefore, for treating the widely separated winteringflocks of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions as separate populations.

Population size:• Iceland/UK and Ireland: 16,000 (Cranswick et al., in press). 1% level 160.The Icelandic breeding population has recently been estimated at 1,500–2,500 pairs (Koskimies, 1993),while the total population in Iceland in October has been estimated at 14,000, with about 6,000 in theeast and 8,000 in the west (Gardarsson, 1991b). The ‘population’ of C. cygnus wintering in Iceland,

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WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus

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Britain and Ireland is currently estimated at 16,000 birds (Cranswick et al., in press). The estimate forthis wintering population has traditionally been used as the estimate for the Iceland/UK/Irelandpopulation, and this approach is adopted here, although it has been suggested that perhaps as many as3,000 of the birds wintering in Britain and Ireland are of continental origin (Gardarsson, 1991b).

• Northwest continental Europe: 40,000 (B. Laubek, in litt.). 1% level 400.Ruger et al. (1986) estimated the northwest continental European population at 25,000 individuals,and this estimate was retained by Monval & Pirot (1989) and Rose & Scott (1994). However,mid-winter counts during the period 1988 to 1993 indicated that the population was in the region of35,000–40,000 birds (Laubek, 1995), while Pihl et al. (1995) estimated that there were about 28,000 inthe Baltic region alone in January 1993. A major coordinated census of yellow-billed swans throughoutnorthwest Europe in mid-January 1995 gave a total of about 40,000 for the northwest continentalEuropean population of C. cygnus (B. Laubek, in litt.). Some 27,500 C. cygnus were located in Denmarkand Sweden alone. Gardarsson (1991b) has noted that as many as 600 of the birds wintering innorthwest continental Europe may be from the Icelandic breeding population. The total breedingpopulation in Europe (excluding Iceland) has been estimated at only 4,800–6,300 pairs. As with otherswan populations, the estimates of breeding populations seem low in relation to total population size,presumably because of the high proportion of non-breeding birds in the population.

• Western Siberia/Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 17,000 (Ruger et al., 1986). 1% level 170.Ruger et al. (1986) roughly estimated the population at 17,000 birds, and this figure was retained byMonval & Pirot (1989) and Rose & Scott (1994). In the absence of any better information on numberswintering in the Black Sea, the estimate of 17,000 is retained here.

• Western Siberia/Caspian region: Provisional estimate 20,000. Provisional numerical criterion 200.Rusanov (1987) gives an estimate of 13,900 for the wintering population in the north Caspian between1970 and 1980. A further 6,000 were recorded elsewhere in the region during the Asian WaterfowlCensus between 1987 and 1991, and 5,880 were counted in the south Caspian region and at wetlandsbetween the Caspian and Aral Seas in January 1994. These figures suggest a total population of about20,000 birds.

Habitat/ecology:Cygnus cygnus breeds on northern pools and lakes of shallow fresh water, often in wooded country but alsoin open country (e.g. in Iceland) and peatlands; also occasionally on slow-flowing rivers and shelteredcoasts, but only rarely on open tundra. It winters on freshwater lakes and marshes, and in western Europeespecially on low agricultural land, generally not far from the coast. Concentrations of moulting birds areformed near the breeding grounds from the end of July until early September, often in shallow coastalwaters. The swans are flightless for a period of 5–6 weeks during the wing moult. They depart from thebreeding grounds in mid- to late September in northern Russia and in mid-October in Scandinavia. Birdsarrive on their winter quarters in northern Germany and Denmark in October and November. Departurefrom the winter quarters takes place between mid-March and early May, the birds arriving on the breedinggrounds in mid- to late May. Icelandic birds leave their breeding grounds between late September andNovember; the first birds arrive in Ireland in the third week of September, and the peak immigrationoccurs later in October. Birds leave their wintering grounds in Britain and Ireland in late March and thefirst week of April.

Conservation status:The Icelandic breeding population is believed to be approximately stable (Gardarsson, 1991b), althoughthere has been some indication of an increase in the last ten years (A. Gardarsson, in litt.). The winteringpopulation in Britain and Ireland was thought to be increasing (Rose, 1995) but by far the most exhaustiveanalysis by Cranswick et al. (in press) shows a 12% decline since 1991.

The wintering population in northwest continental Europe is increasing rapidly, and has doubledsince 1974 (Rose, 1995). C. cygnus has been extending its breeding range southwards in Fennoscandiain recent decades. In Sweden, it now breeds throughout the country, although as recently as 30 yearsago it was restricted to the far north (L. Nilsson, in litt.). In Finland, the species has increased in numbersby an average of 11% per year since 1950, and has generally expanded its range. It has recently colonizedLatvia, where there are now some 20–30 pairs (A. Stipniece, in litt.), and also now breeds in smallnumbers in Lithuania and northeastern Poland.

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Numbers wintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region appear to be declining. Counts since1984 have been decreasing, and if counts in the late 1960s and early 1970s are included in the trendanalysis, the decrease is statistically significant (Rose, 1995). Further east, in the Southwest Asianregion, the numbers of C. cygnus are probably also now declining. According to Rusanov (1987), theaverage count of C. cygnus wintering in the northern Caspian increased 7.5 fold from 1,850 during theperiod 1955–1969 to 13,900 during the period 1970–1980, following a shooting ban on swans in 1956and a reduction in numbers wintering in the southern Caspian. More recently, however, Krivenko(1993) reports a slight decline in numbers at the end of the breeding season in the middle regions of theformer USSR, and Perennou et al. (1994) indicate a decline in the wintering areas.

Network of key sites:There are only a few key sites identifiable in the breeding season. There are some very large concentrationsrecorded from northern Russia (28,500 individuals at the Mouth of the River Ob in summer) but it isunclear to which population(s) these birds belong or whether they were non-breeding, pre-breeding orpost-breeding individuals. There is consequently a strong likelihood that many more important keybreeding season sites remain to be identified.

Throughout the range, enormous concentrations occur during spring and autumn passage. Earlyautumn and moulting concentrations in the far north of the range in Iceland, the northern Baltic andRussia tend not to be so large and it is possible that there are many more to identify for the northwesternEurope wintering population. In Iceland, nine key autumn staging and moulting sites are known tosupport approximately 20% of the population. From the limited information available, an extremelysimilar key sites network (eight key sites supporting up to 20% of the population) can be identified forthe northwestern European wintering population in autumn. The Icelandic breeding population stagesin the north of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland where all key sites are well known butare not listed as the key sites analysis was conducted using mid-winter data alone. For the northwesternEurope wintering population, key passage sites exist throughout the Baltic, especially in spring (21 keyspring staging sites), and some of these can support enormous percentages of the whole population (100%at Matsalu Bay in Estonia, 10% in Kursiu Lagoon/ Nemunas Delta in Lithuania). Neither the migrationroutes nor the key passage sites are well known for the Black Sea wintering and Caspian winteringpopulations. Some key sites can be identified towards the southern end of the flyway around and betweenthe Sea of Azov and the northeastern Caspian but these could be key sites for either or both populations.

In winter, C. cygnus is much more dispersed with concentrations rarely exceeding 10% of thepopulation. Most key wintering sites are known for all four populations. Key wintering sites in theUnited Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland support over 50% of the population based on averagecounts. Exactly the same percentage of the northwestern European wintering population (based onmaximum and average counts) is accounted for by the 37 key wintering sites known for this population.The Black Sea and Caspian wintering populations are more concentrated in winter. Ten key winteringsites in the eastern Black Sea and northeastern Greece support up to 45% of the population based onmaximum counts and 20%–30% of the population usually winters in the Danube Delta (Romania andUkraine). Up to 35% of the Caspian wintering population is found on 18 key wintering sites in thesouthern Caspian and the Amu-Darya Valley in Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan.

Protection status of key sites:Not many of the important breeding, moulting or wintering areas of the Icelandic population are protected.Most of the important wintering areas for the northwestern European wintering population are protected,but most of the important staging areas are unprotected. A notable exception is in Denmark, where allkey passage sites known are protected. Several important breeding areas in Scandinavia are protected, butthe situation in northern Russia is unclear. Nearly all key wintering sites known for the Black Seawintering population are protected but very few key wintering sites for the Caspian wintering populationare known to be protected. Most key sites for the Caspian wintering population are of unknown protectedstatus.

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BEWICK’S SWAN (TUNDRA SWAN)Cygnus columbianus

Subspecies:Polytypic. Three subspecies have been described: the nominate form (Whistling Swan) in North America,C. c. bewickii in Western Eurasia and C. c. jankowski in eastern Asia. The validity of jankowski has beenquestioned because of the the lack of any clear division between this and bewickii.

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding in Alaska, northern Canada and Arctic Russia and wintering south to the USA,northwest Europe, the Caspian Sea, China and Japan. Only the subspecies bewickii occurs in WesternEurasia. This breeds from the Pechenga River, near the Fenno-Russian border, east to about the LenaDelta. The main wintering areas are in the coastal lowlands of northern Europe, but small numbers alsowinter in the Camargue, southern France, and there is a regular wintering population in the southCaspian region. As many as 50 have been recorded in the Black Sea area of the Ukraine during severewinters (Ardamatskaya & Korzyukov, 1991), and small flocks occasionally turn up in winter in Austria(maximum 6), Bulgaria (maximum 20), Greece (maximum 10), Turkey (62 in January 1994), Romania(maximum 4) and Switzerland (maximum 6) (Tucker & Heath, 1994). C. columbianus is only a rarestraggler to North Africa (Algeria and Libya), Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula (Oman and United ArabEmirates).

Movements:Migratory; wintering in temperate areas, sporadically in more southern latitudes during cold winters.Birds breeding west of the Taymyr Peninsula mainly migrate southwest through the White Sea and theBaltic to winter mainly in Denmark, the Netherlands, Britain and Ireland. The spring migration followsa similar route to that in autumn, although some birds also pass further north through central Swedenand southern Finland. A big change occurred in the winter distribution of this species in the 1950s and1960s, with the appearance of large numbers in several areas of England, virtual abandonment of meadowsalong the lower Rhine and Waal, and a corresponding increase around the IJsselmeer and in southernIreland (Atkinson-Willes, 1981).

A small population of bewickii winters in the Caspian region and formerly around the Aral Sea. Theorigin of these birds is unknown, but it is tempting to suppose that they come from the eastern extremityof the breeding range in the Taymyr Peninsula, where the breeding population in the late 1970s wasestimated at a maximum of 260 pairs (Rogacheva, 1992), a figure consistent with the known winteringpopulation in the Caspian. Ravkin (1991) recorded up to 200 in the forested steppe zone of the westernSiberian plain during the spring migration and small numbers have been seen in spring migrating northalong the Urals east of Syktyvkar in the Komi District (Y. Mineyev, in litt.).

Rees (1991) and Rees & Bacon (in press) have summarized recoveries and re-sightings, within theformer USSR, of 1,511 C. columbianus ringed and colour-marked in Britain. Birds wintering at Slimbridgeand Welney migrate along the Baltic coast, traverse Karelia and Vologda on a broad front, and followthe north coast of Russia to their breeding grounds. Two birds were recovered well outside this range:one in Perm on the west side of the Ural Mountains, and the other in Astrakhan in the north Caspian.This suggests that there may be some interchange between the population that winters in northwestEurope and the group that winters on the Caspian Sea. Such interchange also seems likely because ofthe frequency of occurrence of small parties of C. columbianus in intervening areas, especially in theBlack Sea region.

Population limits:Two populations are recognized: a large population breeding in arctic northeast Europe and northwestSiberia and wintering in northwest Europe (south in small numbers to the south of France), and amuch smaller population which presumably breeds further to the east and winters in the Caspianregion south to Iran. In January, almost the entire northwest European population is concentratedat a limited number of sites: along the west coast of Jutland, in the Netherlands, in southern Englandand in eastern Ireland (Tucker & Heath, 1994). It is thought unlikely that the tiny numbers whichoccasionally winter in central and southeast Europe belong to one or more separate populations; it

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seems more likely that they are individuals or family parties from one or other of the main populationswhich have joined up with larger flocks of C. cygnus.

Population size:• Western Siberia/northwest Europe: 17,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). 1% level 170.Ruger et al. (1986) estimated the northwest European population at 18,000 birds; three yearslater, Monval & Pirot (1989) revised the figure to 17,000. Four major international censuses ofC. columbianus in northwest Europe during the 1980s gave totals of 15,350–15,850 (1982/83), 16,300(1983/84), 16,910 (1985/86) and 14,600–15,950 (1986/87), suggesting a rather stable population ofabout 16,000–17,000 birds (Dirksen & Beekman, 1991). There are indications that the population hasincreased since then. Even after two rather poor breeding seasons, as many as 18,600 were counted inthe Netherlands alone in November 1993, and 17,791 were counted in January 1994 (SOVON Ganzen-en Zwanenwerkgroep, 1995). An even higher count of 19,399 was obtained in January 1995 (SOVONGanzen- en Zwanenwerkgroep, 1996), and 17,500 were recorded during the spring migration at AudruPolder in Estonia (A. Kuresoo and L. Luigujoa, in litt.). These recent high counts suggest that in someyears the total population may be as high as 25,000 (P.L. Meininger, in litt.). According to the EuropeanBird Database (1994), between 3,000 and 3,500 pairs breed in European Russia, an estimate which isconsistent with a European wintering population of 17,000 birds. However, Mineyev (1991) estimatedthe population on the breeding grounds in northeastern European Russia to be 30,000 to 36,000individuals. This figure is the result of an extrapolation of aerial counts of parts of the tundra betweenthe White Sea and the Urals. In an attempt to account for this discrepancy, Dirksen and Beekman(1991) have suggested that either many of the birds from northeastern European Russia may winter inthe Caspian region or elsewhere to the southeast in hitherto unknown areas, or that extrapolation fromaerial censuses may have led to great over-estimation. However, an equally likely explanation for atleast a part of the discrepancy is that the estimate of 17,000 for the northwest European winteringpopulation is far too low.

• Northern Siberia/Caspian region: 500. 1% level 5.Counts of C. columbianus in northern Iran suggest a total wintering population in the south Caspian ofless than 500 birds. Some 843 were counted in Iran in 1969, but since then, counts have never exceeded322 (in 1994). The estimate of 100 given by Perennou et al. (1994) would seem to be far too low, whilethe figure of 6,500 given by Rose & Scott (1995) is erroneous and was intended as 500.

Habitat/ecology:Cygnus columbianus breeds in the vicinity of shallow lakes and pools on the Arctic tundra, preferringsedge-grass and moss-lichen tundra with numerous small lakes; it winters on shallow freshwater lakes,marshes, flooded grasslands or agricultural fields, often in coastal regions. Much of its traditionalwinter habitat has been lost, and it is increasingly using arable land and wet pastures, sometimesconflicting with farming interests. Birds are present on the breeding grounds from late May untilmid-October. Moulting and post-breeding flocks gather in shallow bays with abundant aquaticvegetation from late June to early September. The birds are flightless for around 30 days during the wingmoult. Autumn migration in the Baltic occurs between early October and mid-November. Peak numbersappear in the Netherlands in December and in Britain and Ireland in January. The majority of birdsleave their main wintering areas by mid-March and pass through the Baltic region until the second halfof May.

Conservation status:The population wintering in northwest Europe appears to have been more or less stable (at about17,000 individuals) during the 1980s, although there was some shift of wintering birds from theNetherlands to Britain (Monval & Pirot, 1989; Pirot & Fox, 1990). Very high counts within the lastfew years suggest that the population has increased considerably since then, but a recent trend analysisof the data to 1993 has proved inconclusive (Rose, 1995). Krivenko (1993) reports an increase innumbers at the end of the breeding season on the tundras of western and central Siberia between 1972and 1989.

The status of the population wintering in the Caspian region is poorly known. However, the populationbreeding in the Taymyr Peninsula (and the most likely source of the birds wintering in the Caspian)was reduced by about one third during a period of 12–13 years between 1966 and 1978/79 (Rogacheva,1992).


57


Network of key sites:It seems likely that there are more important moulting, breeding and staging areas than are currentlyknown, particularly in the north of the range, and that there may be major shifts in the distribution ofmoulting flocks between years. C. columbianus migrates in small groups and family parties, and probablyrequires more stop-over sites, spaced at shorter distances, than are indicated on the map. Thus manymore sites are probably essential for the species, although most of these may hold far fewer than the 1%threshold, and for only short periods of time. Despite the possibility of more key staging sites existingfor the northwestern European wintering population, 49 can already be identified, covering the entireflyway from the Netherlands in the South to the massive moulting site at the Pechora Delta (Russia) inthe north. Some of these key passage sites can hold over 50% of the population at a single moment intime.

In winter the northwestern European wintering population is concentrated on 77 known key siteswhich together constitute a relatively complete key wintering sites network.

For the Caspian wintering population, nothing is known of the migratory route and no key sites areknown for seasons other than winter when 16 key sites in the southern Caspian support most of theestimated 500 individuals in concentrations sometimes exceeding 50 birds.

Protection status of key sites:A very large percentage of the important wintering areas for the northwestern European winteringpopulation are protected. However, the species is increasingly utilizing arable fields for feeding in winter,and most of these sites are unprotected. In contrast, only 11 of the 49 key staging sites for this populationare known to be fully protected and most are of unknown protected status. Most of the wintering sitesin Iran are also protected. The largest known moulting area in the Pechora Delta is only partiallyprotected.

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PINK-FOOTED GOOSEAnser brachyrhynchus

Subspecies:Monotypic. Formerly considered a subspecies of Anser fabalis, with which it forms a superspecies.

Distribution:Confined to the Western Palearctic and Greenland, breeding in Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard, andwintering in northwest Europe south to Britain, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at temperate latitudes; sporadically in more southern latitudes during cold winters.Birds breeding in east Greenland and Iceland winter almost entirely in Scotland and England, whilebirds breeding in Svalbard winter mainly in Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium. Birds breeding inGreenland stage in the interior of Iceland, while birds breeding in Svalbard stage on Bear Island (autumnonly) and on islands off the north Norwegian coast. Judging from ringing recoveries, there is only slightinterchange of individuals between the two populations (Madsen, 1991).

Population limits:The existence of two almost entirely discrete populations of A. brachyrhynchus (one breeding inGreenland and Iceland, and one breeding in Svalbard) has been well documented (Ogilvie, 1978;Madsen, 1987 & 1991).

Population size:• East Greenland/Iceland/UK: 225,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 2,250.Counts over the five-year period to 1994/95 give an average population of 225,000 birds. The Icelandicbreeding population has been estimated at 15,000–25,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993) and the Greenlandpopulation at 2,500–5,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994).

• Svalbard/northwest Europe: 34,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 340.Counts over the five-year period to 1994/95 give an average population of 34,000 birds.

Habitat/ecology:Anser brachyrhynchus breeds on palsas (tundra hummocks), rocky outcrops, crags and gorges in very openArctic tundra, and winters on coastal estuaries and on agricultural land. Svalbard breeding birds moultnear their breeding grounds in July and August, when they are flightless for 25 days. Autumn migrationbegins at the end of August; birds stop over on Bear Island and in Nordland (Norway) during Septemberand early October, and the main arrival in Denmark occurs in October. From there they move to theNetherlands, where peak numbers are present in November, and also Belgium, where peak numbers occurin December and January. Return to Denmark may occur as early as January, depending on the weather,and by April almost the entire population is back in Denmark. The main departure from Denmark occursat the end of April. Probably the entire population stages for 3–5 days on islands in Nordland beforemaking the direct crossing to Svalbard, where the main arrival is during the last ten days of May.

Anser brachyrhynchus breeding in Greenland and Iceland moult near their breeding grounds, whilenon-breeding birds from the Icelandic group migrate to east Greenland in June to moult there. Themain departure of birds from Greenland to the interior of Iceland takes place during the first half ofSeptember; from there, the main migration to Britain is in the first half of October, but up to 50% of thepopulation can be in Scotland before the end of September in some years (S. Newton, in litt.). Birdsthen disperse from key arrival sites to southwest Scotland, Lancashire and Norfolk. The return passageto Iceland is in April and May. The timing of the movement of birds from Iceland to Greenland inspring is uncertain, but the first eggs have been recorded in Greenland in the last week of May.

Conservation status:Both populations have been increasing since at least the 1950s, probably because of increased protectionof sites and reduction of hunting. The population breeding in east Greenland and Iceland has increased

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PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus

steadily from only 30,000 in 1950/51 to 172,000 by 1987/88 and an average of 225,000 in recent years(Madsen, 1991; Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group). The Svalbard population has increasedfrom 10,000–12,000 in the 1950s to a relatively stable level of 25,000–30,000 in the 1980s and anaverage of 34,000 in recent years (Madsen, 1991; Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group).

Network of key sites:No key breeding sites are known except for one site in Iceland (Thjorsarver) which supports 30,000breeding individuals. Both populations moult in or near the breeding grounds in small groups rarelyexceeding the 1% threshold. Key staging sites for the Svalbard breeding population are very few buthold almost the entire population. In winter the population is more widely dispersed but over 50% canstill be found on key wintering sites in Denmark. In harsh weather this population can be forced tomove south, sometimes as far as Belgium and many key harsh weather refuges exist at these times inNetherlands and Belgium. The Greenland/Iceland breeding population stages in interior Iceland andthen on relatively few key sites in the United Kingdom which are well known but are not listed as thekey sites analysis for the United Kingdom was conducted using mid-winter data alone. Like the Svalbardbreeding population, these birds then also disperse in winter, but a large proportion can still be foundon key sites in the United Kingdom.

Protection status of key sites:Several important breeding and moulting areas are protected for both populations, but other veryimportant sites are unprotected, especially in Iceland. Most of the important wintering areas of bothpopulations are protected, but few of the passage sites are adequately protected.

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BEAN GOOSEAnser fabalis

Subspecies:Polytypic. Five subspecies have been described: A. f. fabalis of northern Europe; A. f. rossicus of northernRussia east to northwest Siberia; A. f. johanseni of north-central Asia; A. f. middendorfi of eastern Asia;and A. f. serrirostris of northeastern Asia. The validity of the central Asian johanseni has been questioned(e.g. by Burgers et al., 1991).

Distribution:Palearctic, breeding widely across northern Eurasia and wintering south to southern Europe, the centralAsian republics, China and Japan. Three subspecies occur in Western Eurasia. A. f. fabalis breeds in thetaiga zone from northern Scandinavia and northwest Russia to the west Siberian lowlands east of theUral Mountains, and winters on the coasts of Poland and eastern Germany, and in southern Sweden,Denmark and the Netherlands. A. f. rossicus breeds in the tundra zone of northern Siberia from Kaninto the Taymyr Peninsula and winters mainly in western and central Europe, occasionally reachingMorocco and Algeria. This form has straggled to Egypt. A. f. johanseni breeds in the taiga and forestedtundra zones of north-central Asia from the Urals to Lake Baikal, and winters from Turkmenistan inthe central Asian republics to western China. Some birds assignable to this subspecies have been recordedin central Europe. (A. f. middendorfi and A. f. serrirostris breed in the taiga and tundra zones, respectively,of eastern Asia and winter south to China and Japan).

Movements:Migratory, wintering mostly at temperate latitudes, sporadically at more southern latitudes during coldwinters. A. f. rossicus migrates south of the Baltic Sea to staging areas in eastern Germany and Poland,from which one group moves on to wintering areas in the Netherlands, western Germany and rarelyFrance, and another group migrates to the central European floodplains of Hungary, the Czech andSlovak Republics and Austria (Madsen, 1991). Perhaps as many as 200,000 rossicus wintered in Spainuntil the 1940s, mainly in the Duero basin, but only some 5,000–10,000 were present in the 1960s, andsince then numbers have dwindled to a few tens of birds in recent years (Persson & Urdiales, 1995).A. f. fabalis breeding in Fennoscandia spend the autumn in southern Sweden and leave at the onset ofcold weather to winter mainly in Denmark and the Netherlands. Up to 400 individuals regularly winterin the Yare Valley in East Anglia, England, and about 120 in the Carron Valley in Scotland. A. f. fabalisbreeding in western Siberia winter mainly along the Baltic coast in eastern Germany; during severeweather, these birds move west to the Netherlands, where they may then far outnumber theFennoscandian birds (Burgers et al., 1991). These authors analyzed recoveries of A. fabalis ringed in theNetherlands, and found that birds wintering in the Netherlands originate from at least three differentbreeding areas: A. f. rossicus from the Malozemel’skaya and Bolshemel’skaya tundras west of the Uralsin northern European Russia; A. f. fabalis from Fennoscandia; and A. f. fabalis from the west Siberianlowlands east of the Urals. Some 96% of all recoveries east of the Urals were of fabalis-type birds, withone coming from 71°E and one from the Altai region of southern Siberia at 93°E. A. f. fabalis winteringin the Netherlands in mild winters originated mainly from Fennoscandia, while most fabalis winteringin the Netherlands in cold winters came from much further east. All of the recoveries of Dutch-ringedbirds in France, Spain, Italy and central Europe were of birds resembling A. f. rossicus, while the greatmajority of recoveries from Sweden, Finland and western Siberia were of birds resembling A. f. fabalis.Both forms were recovered in Germany, Poland, the Baltic States and central Russia. However, ineastern Germany, recoveries of fabalis were concentrated mainly along the coast, while recoveries ofrossicus were more frequent inland. There was no indication that any A. f. fabalis from the winteringareas in the Netherlands visit southeast Europe (Burgers et al., 1991).

Population limits:Two populations are generally recognized in Western Eurasia, corresponding to the two subspecies (e.g.Madsen, 1987 & 1991; Pirot et al., 1989). Madsen (1991) noted that although some authors consideredthe two subspecies as doubtfully valid, from a population management and conservation point of view,it appeared relevant to separate the two forms into populations as they show morphological, ecological

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and distributional differences. Burgers et al. (1991) provide strong support for the existence of twosubspecies amongst the A. fabalis wintering in the Netherlands, and found considerable differences inthe locations of recovery between the two types. Neck-banding studies have revealed that there is someinterchange of individuals between the western European and central European wintering groups ofA. f. rossicus, even within the same winter, and it would therefore seem best to treat these two groups asa single population (Madsen, 1991; Burgers et al., 1991). However, Burgers et al. (1991) thought thatthere was very little interchange between the A. f. fabalis breeding in Fennoscandia and those breedingin western Siberia. It is possible, therefore, that these two groups of the nominate form are sufficientlydiscrete to merit treatment as separate populations.

Population size:• Northwest Europe (fabalis): 80,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 800.

• Central and southwest Europe (rossicus): 300,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 3,000.Madsen (1991) notes that counts of A. fabalis to date have been incomplete, and that the currentpopulation estimates are very imprecise and almost certainly too low. Some authors have suggested thatthe population of rossicus may be as high as 500,000, and that of fabalis about 100,000 (Pirot & Fox,1990; Madsen, 1991).

Habitat/ecology:Anser fabalis breeds on lakes, pools and rivers in the high Arctic and taiga zones, and winters in opencountry, on marshes or on agricultural land. After breeding, large moulting concentrations are formednear open water. Major concentrations of moulting birds are found on the tundras of European Russia,mainly on low-lying sea coasts with an abundance of lakes (Mineyev, 1990). The moult takes place inJuly and August, when birds are flightless for about a month. A. f. rossicus begins the autumn migrationduring the first half of September; peak numbers occur on passage in Estonia in late September, and thebirds arrive on their winter quarters in Poland, Germany and the Netherlands in November andDecember. Peak numbers occur in the Netherlands in January. In Hungary, large numbers of rossicusarrive on the wintering grounds in October, and numbers peak in November. Birds begin to leave theNetherlands as early as February, returning to Germany and Poland and also reaching central Europe.There is a rapid departure from these areas in March; spring passage in Estonia peaks in mid-April, andthe birds reach their breeding grounds in late April. Peak numbers of A. f. fabalis occur at the stagingareas in Sweden in October and March, and at the winter quarters in southern Sweden, Denmark andthe Netherlands in January and February.

Conservation status:The numbers of A. f. fabalis are increasing (Madsen, 1991). The population of fabalis staging in southernSweden in autumn increased from about 20,000 in the early 1960s to 50,000–70,000 in the 1970s and1980s (Madsen, 1991). The status of A. f. rossicus is uncertain; some increases have been reported onthe wintering grounds in western Europe, but sharp declines have been reported on the breeding andstaging areas in Russia (Flint & Krivenko, 1990; Krivenko, 1993). There has also been contraction ofthe wintering range in Italy between 1950 and 1980 (N. Baccetti, in litt.). The almost completedisappearance of the large wintering population in Iberia since the 1940s may be a result of short-stopping, but whether this was due to deterioration of conditions in Spain, or improvements at winteringareas further north is not known (Persson & Urdiales, 1995). The number of A. fabalis wintering in theNetherlands increased during the 1980s, but it is not known if a shift from more eastern wintering areascontributed to this increase (Nilsson, 1988; Madsen, 1991). In recent years, numbers in the Netherlandshave been more or less stable, except for massive influxes during cold spells (L. Nilsson, in litt.).

Network of key sites:It is very unlikely that A. f. fabalis occurs in concentrations exceeding the 1% threshold in the breedingseason and, although one area of the Kola Peninsula, and perhaps many more areas, exceed the 1%criteria for breeding A. f. rossicus, it will never be possible to account for a large percentage of thebreeding population unless the key sites are extremely large.

A. f. fabalis does, however, occur on many key sites during passage and in the winter. Twenty eightkey spring passage sites and 28 key autumn passage sites are known, mainly in Sweden but also inDenmark and Finland. Five of these key passage sites have been known to hold over 10% of the populationat one time and Tåkern in Sweden often supports over 10% of the population in both autumn and

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winter plus over 5% in spring. Thirty-nine key wintering sites are known from Denmark and Swedenthat together support much of the population in most winters, but many other very important key sitesexist in Germany, Poland and the Netherlands particularly during harsh winters. Problems arise inidentifying these sites due to mixing with the more numerous A. f. rossicus form.

In autumn, 31 key passage sites can be identified for A. f. rossicus, from Hungary in the south of theflyway to Russia in the north. Of these 31 key sites, five can be used by flocks exceeding 10% of thepopulation size and a maximum of 80,000 individuals occurred at Novy Mlyny Reservoir in the CzechRepublic. Many fewer key spring staging sites (11) are known for A. f. rossicus and these tend to befurther east. Much less information is available from the east of the A. f. rossicus flyway leading tospeculation that the many spring staging sites remain to be discovered here. Over 100 key winteringsites are plotted and listed for A. f. rossicus and over 13 of these have supported over 30,000 individuals.This list must provide an excellent basis for a key sites network.

Protection status of key sites:Many of the important wintering and staging areas for A. f. fabalis and A. f. rossicus are protected. Inmany areas the geese feed mainly on arable land which is unprotected. Several of the important stagingareas in eastern Europe are unprotected, and the status of other possible staging areas is poorly known.Neither of the two very important moulting areas for A. f. rossicus in Russia are protected.

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GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSEAnser albifrons

Subspecies:Polytypic. Five subspecies have been described: the nominate form from northern Europe and Asia;A. a. frontalis from northeastern Siberia and northern Canada; A. a. flavirostris from Greenland,A. a. gambelli from the Mackenzie Basin region of Canada; and A. a. elgasi from the Anchorage regionof Alaska. The validity of elgasi has been questioned.

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding at high latitudes in northern Europe, Asia and North America, and wintering southto Mexico, southern Europe, the Middle East, China and Japan. Two subspecies occur in Western Eurasia,the nominate form breeds in the Arctic tundra from the Kanin Peninsula in European Russia east to theKolyma River, and winters from western Europe east to India and China (rarely in small numbers toEgypt, and a vagrant elsewhere in Africa). A. a. flavirostris breeds exclusively in low Arctic areas of westGreenland from 63° to 72°N; it occurs on migration in southern and western Iceland, and wintersexclusively in Britain and Ireland.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at traditional sites mostly at temperate latitudes; occasionally further southduring cold winters. Rogacheva (1992) suggests that virtually all of the western and central Siberiannesting birds migrate west to northwest and central Europe, while nearly all of the birds breeding inTaymyr migrate through Kazakhstan to the western Black Sea (and presumably also Turkey). Therelatively small numbers of birds wintering in the Caspian region probably also originate from theTaymyr region.

The movements of A. a. flavirostris and its major staging and wintering areas have been describedby Stroud (1992). This subspecies stages in south and west Iceland in both spring and autumn, andsome of the geese wintering in Ireland also stage in autumn in Scotland, mainly on Islay. Wilsonet al. (1991) have shown that geese are extremely site-faithful in winter, with approximately 85%of the birds observed in successive winters returning to the same sites. Within the same winter, lessthan 1% of geese moved between sites, and most such movements were associated with autumnalstaging en route to final destinations. Wilson et al. (1991) also found that dispersal from any onemajor summering area in Greenland is virtually throughout the winter range, implying that birds inone winter flock come from many different breeding areas.

Population limits:Western populations of the nominate subspecies winter in four largely discrete wintering areas: innorthwest Europe from Germany to France and Britain, with the major concentrations in theNetherlands; in central Europe; on the west coast of the Black Sea and in Turkey (south to Egypt);and in the Caspian region south to Iraq and east possibly as far as the Aral Sea. These four winteringgroups are generally treated as separate populations, although as Madsen (1991) noted, the integrityof these populations and the rate of interchange of individuals between them have never beenproperly documented. The validity of a separate central European population, in particular, hasbeen questioned (Mooij, 1996). However, although the divisions between the four populationsmay be difficult to justify on biological grounds, treatment of the major wintering groups as separatepopulations is favoured here for practical reasons. Ogilvie (1978) split the Black Sea/Turkeypopulation into two, but apart from some geographical separation of the geese in mid-winter, thereseems little justification for dividing the flocks in these regions into separate populations (Madsen,1991). The entire population of A. a. flavirostris constitutes a fifth (and totally discrete) population.

Population size:• Western and central Siberia/northeast and northwest Europe: 600,000 (Madsen et al., 1996).

1% level 6,000.

• Western and central Siberia/central Europe: 100,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 1,000.

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GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons

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• Northern Siberia/Black Sea and Turkey: 650,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 6,500.

• Northern Siberia/Caspian and Iraq: 15,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). 1% level 150.Poorly known. Up to 10,000 have been recorded in the Volga Delta in mild winters (Krivonosov &Rusanov, 1990), and according to Tkachenko and Litvinova (1990) 6,000–15,000 winter in the KirovBays in Azerbaijan in wet years. Patrikeev (in prep.) suggests that the total wintering population inAzerbaijan varies between 5,000–6,000 in dry years and 20,000–30,000 in wet years. Between 2,500and 5,000 birds formerly wintered in Iran, but the species is now scarce there.

• Greenland/Ireland and UK (flavirostris): 30,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 300.

Habitat/ecology:Anser albifrons breeds in open tundra near marshes, lakes, pools and rivers, near coasts as well as inland,and winters in open country, on steppe and farmland, or on marshy plains. A. a. flavirostris is unusualamongst geese in still frequenting traditional haunts throughout much of its winter range, e.g. peatlandroosting and feeding sites and wet grasslands such as callows and turloughs (Stroud, 1992). Nominatealbifrons moult in large groups near their breeding grounds between about 25 July and 20 August, whenthey are flightless for about 25 days. The autumn migration begins in September, and birds reach Germanyfrom early October. Arrival on the main winter quarters occurs in November and December, dependingon the weather. Return passage begins in March, with birds reaching their breeding grounds at the endof May.

A. a. flavirostris moult in small flocks on the breeding grounds in late summer; these flocks consist offamilies and non-breeding birds, and generally do not exceed about 30 birds. The geese leave the breedinggrounds in September and early October, some moving east over the ice cap and probably staging ineast Greenland before continuing on to Iceland. Others fly south, crossing the Atlantic direct to Ireland,where the first birds arrive at the end of September. Birds staging in Iceland arrive in Ireland in lateOctober or November. Most birds leave the wintering grounds between mid-April and the third weekof May, and stage in Iceland until early May before crossing the ice-cap or travelling around CapeFarewell to their breeding areas in west Greenland. In comparison with many other Arctic breedinggeese, A. a. flavirostris are highly dispersed in summer, with the exception of a few areas where relativelydense concentrations occur (e.g. Naternaq and Aqaajarua-Sullorsuaq). Other relatively denseconcentrations occur on arrival in spring, when large flocks gather in a few, traditional, early thawinglowlands (Stroud, 1992).

Conservation status:The population of A. a. albifrons wintering in northwest Europe has increased from about 60,000 birdsin the 1960s to about 400,000 in the late 1980s and 600,000 in recent years (Madsen, 1991; WetlandsInternational Goose Specialist Group). The number of albifrons wintering in Austria and Hungarydecreased during the 1970s and 1980s, and this was thought to be the case for the entire central Europeanpopulation (Dick, 1990). Between 1950 and 1980 there was also a contraction of the wintering rangenorthwards (N. Baccetti, in litt.). It has been suggested that the rapid increase in numbers in northwestEurope during the past two decades may have been due in part to a shift in birds from wintering areas incentral Europe, but this remains uncertain (Pirot & Fox, 1990).

Trends in the Black Sea/Turkey population are not visible. There is reported to have been an increasein the number of birds wintering in Bulgaria between 1977 and 1989. The situation in Turkey is uncertain,as the major wintering areas are not often counted, but numbers appear to have been relatively stablebetween 1967 and 1988 (Madsen, 1991).

The population wintering in Southwest Asia is thought to be decreasing (Perennou et al., 1994).Enormous numbers are said to have wintered in Azerbaijan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,but the numbers of this species and A. erythropus combined have not exceeded 20,000–30,000 in recentdecades (Patrikeev, in prep.). The wintering population in Iran and Iraq has decreased dramaticallysince the 1960s, perhaps largely because of excessive hunting and associated disturbance on the winterquarters (Scott, 1976; Scott & Evans, 1993).

Numbers of A. a. flavirostris declined from 17,500–23,000 in the 1950s to 14,400–16,000 in the late1970s, but then increased to 22,000–25,000 in 1985–87, and have since increased to an average of30,000 in recent years (Madsen, 1991; Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group). This increasehas been attributed to the introduction of conservation measures on the wintering grounds and inGreenland during the early 1980s, and several successful breeding seasons in recent years. An

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International Conservation Plan has been prepared at the request of the National Parks and WildlifeService in Ireland and Wetlands International (Stroud, 1992).

Network of key sites:It is very difficult to identify key sites for A. a albifrons outside winter because of the lack of informationand the rapid convergence and overlap of the four populations just north of the wintering areas. Thereis evidence that large concentrations can be found throughout the year leading one to conclude thatmost key breeding, moulting and passage sites remain to be identified, and that the key sites that areknown outside of winter need to be more accurately assigned to wintering groups. The spring departureand autumn arrival sites are better known for the Black Sea/east Mediterranean and especially theCentral European wintering groups, but even these sites are totally unknown for the Caspian winteringgroup and very few are listed for the northwestern European wintering group. In winter, over 50 keysites are listed for the northwestern European wintering group, 23 for the Central European winteringgroup, 31 for the Black Sea/east Mediterranean wintering group and 17 for the Caspian winteringgroup. All A. a. albifrons populations are very mobile in winter moving between roosting sites andfeeding sites on which they can be very widely dispersed. This behaviour is not entirely suited to thedevelopment of a key sites network approach but the extensive list of key wintering sites identified forall four populations nevertheless provides a valuable basis for any conservation efforts. In particular,with the exception of the northwestern European wintering group, all wintering groups can, inexceptional conditions, be found almost entirely on one or two key sites. For example, 130,000 atHortobagy in Hungary in 1992; 350,000 at both the Danube Delta and the Dobrodja in Romania in1989 and 15,000 at Kizil Agach in Azerbaijan.

The key sites for A. a. flavirostris at its staging areas in south and west Iceland and at its winteringareas in Britain and Ireland have been extensively listed by Stroud (1992) and form an excellent basisfor an effective key sites network. Few breeding, moulting or staging areas in Greenland are known toexceed the threshold for inclusion as a key site probably due to a combination of little information andthe very dispersed nature of the population.

Protection status of key sites:Of the very few key sites known in Russia most are protected. For the Black Sea/east Mediterraneanwintering group most known spring departure and autumn arrival sites are protected and the same istrue for the Central European wintering group with the notable exception that Skadarsko Jezero on theMontenegro/Albania/Macedonia (former Yugoslav Republic of) border is unprotected and has beenknown to support 10,000 individuals in autumn. It is difficult to assess the protected status of the keywintering sites network in northwestern Europe as very little protected status information has beenprovided but in Central Europe most key wintering sites are protected. In the Black Sea/eastMediterranean many key wintering sites are not protected, especially in Turkey and Bulgaria and in theCaspian Basin 9 of 17 key wintering sites have some protected status. None of the main breeding areasof A. a. flavirostris are protected, and many of the staging and wintering areas are unprotected.

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LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSEAnser erythropus


Distribution:Palearctic, breeding across northern Eurasia from northern Scandinavia to northeastern Siberia, andwintering south to southeast Europe, the Middle East and China. In Western Eurasia, the species breedsfrom northern Scandinavia east to western Siberia (southern Taymyr), with the main concentrationbeing in the region of the Yamal Peninsula and lower reaches of the Ob River; it winters in southeastEurope (Black Sea to Greece) and the Caspian region. The species was formerly a rare winter visitor invery small numbers to Egypt, but there have been no recent records.

Movements:Migratory, wintering on low-lying plains at temperate latitudes. The staging areas and wintering groundsof the tiny Scandinavian group are poorly known. Small flocks are known to stage in west Finland in May,and in the early 1990s, 30–60 birds were found gathering in a post-moulting site in Porsanger Fiord inNorway (Madsen, 1995). There is unconfirmed information that staging areas exist in the Baltic Republics(Madsen, 1995), and satellite-tagged birds were found staging in autumn in eastern Germany in 1995.There are regular autumn and spring staging areas in Hungary, and from late autumn to early spring, smallnumbers of birds are present in Romania, Bulgaria and Greece. Further east, there is a major staging andmoulting area on the Kanin Peninsula, and staging areas on the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov, in theManych-Godilo and east Manych Lakes north of the Caucasus, in the middle Ob River valley, and inKazakhstan. The main wintering grounds in the Caspian region now appear to be in Azerbaijan (Madsen,1995). According to Vinogradov (1990), massive shifts in winter distribution have occurred in theCaspian region within the last three to four decades. The most important wintering site in Iran wasabandoned in the late 1970s, and there have been few records of the species in Iraq since the 1960s.

Birds ringed in Sweden in the 1960s were recovered in Greece and the eastern Black Sea, and a birdringed as a gosling on the breeding grounds in northern Finland in 1994 was recovered on the east sideof the Sea of Azov (Lahti & Markkola, 1995). Four birds tagged on the breeding grounds in Norway in1995 were tracked by satellite to the Kanin Peninsula in northern Russia. Two of these birds weresubsequently tracked to eastern Germany, where one of the signals was lost, but the remaining birdcontinued on via Hungary and Bulgaria to the Evros Delta in Greece. Another bird tagged in Finlandin 1995 also staged at the Kanin Peninsula, but them moved southeast to reach Kazakhstan by October(Anon, 1996). Birds ringed in European Russia have been recovered in Hungary, while a bird ringed onthe breeding grounds in the southern Taymyr at 100°E was recovered in the southeast Caspian region ofIran (Cornwallis & Ferguson, 1970).

The re-introduction of captive-bred birds into a former breeding area in Sweden has resulted in theestablishment of a small breeding population of about 20–30 individuals. A new wintering area forsome of these geese has been established in the southern Netherlands near Strijen, and a spring andautumn staging and moulting area has been established near Hudiksvall, along the coastal region ofmid-Sweden (Callaghan & Green, 1993).

Population limits:Because of present uncertainties in migration routes and wintering areas, it has been proposed that allbreeding and wintering groups in Western Eurasia be treated as belonging to a single population (WetlandsInternational Goose Specialist Group, in litt.), and this treatment is therefore adopted here. However,there is a possibility that there are two relatively discrete populations: a population breeding in northernScandinavia and European Russia, and wintering in southeast Europe and the Black Sea region; and apopulation breeding east of the Urals to the Taymyr region and wintering in the Caspian region, mainlyin Azerbaijan. There are very few confirmed records of the species in Turkey (only two records are listedby Kirwan and Martins, 1994), suggesting that there is a substantial gap between the population winteringin the western Black Sea and the population wintering in the Caspian region. Recent estimates for theEuropean breeding population (1,000–2,500 pairs or 3,000–7,500 birds) agree reasonably well with

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LESSER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser erythropus

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recent counts from the staging and wintering areas in Belarus (some hundreds of birds), Hungary (1,200),Romania (900), Bulgaria (1,000) and Greece (140).

Population size:• Western Eurasia: 15,000–35,000. 1% level 250.• Northeast Europe/Black Sea: 3,000–5,000. 1% level 40.• Western Siberia/Caspian region: 10,000–30,000. 1% level 200.The world population of the A. erythropus was estimated at about 100,000 birds in the 1960s, withthe majority wintering on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The population has now almost certainlydeclined to less than 50,000 individuals, with a few thousand wintering in Europe, possibly as manyas 30,000 wintering in the Caspian region, and about 6,000 wintering in eastern Asia (Madsen,1995; S. Pihl, in litt.).

The Fennoscandian breeding population was estimated at more than 10,000 individuals in the firsthalf of this century, but since then the population has crashed, and by 1992 was estimated at only about50 pairs. von Essen (1991) estimated the total number of breeding pairs in Sweden in 1984–88 at only10 pairs, and the number of geese before breeding at less than 100 birds. Only small flocks (usually lessthan 50) are now seen at the staging areas in Finland, although in recent years, up to 97 have beenobserved on a pre-nesting staging area in Porsanger Fiord in northern Norway (Madsen, 1995). Thebreeding population in the European part of Russia is estimated at 1,000–2,500 pairs (J. Madsen, inTucker & Heath, 1994), but this has to be regarded as a best guess only, and may be too high (Madsen,1995). About 1,500 birds have been recorded during spring migration on the Kanin Peninsula in recentyears (Krivenko, 1995), and most of these are presumably European breeding birds.

Up to 120,000 A. erythropus were thought to use the autumn staging areas in Hungary prior to the1950s, but by the late 1960s, numbers had declined to approximately 5,000, and the decrease has continuedsince then so that in the late 1980s, only 200–600 individuals were observed annually. However, in thewinters of 1992/93 and 1993/94, increasing numbers (up to 1,200) have been observed staging and/orwintering in Hungary (Madsen, 1995). In Romania and Bulgaria, usually less than 10 Anser erythropusare observed during the mid-January waterfowl censuses. However, in January 1992, a total of 900 wasestimated in Romania, and generally the species is overlooked in the large flocks of wintering A. albifrons.An hitherto unknown wintering site with up to 1,000 A. erythropus has recently been reported in northernBulgaria, but these figures need to be confirmed. In Greece, up to 1,600 geese were observed in the1960s, but since then numbers have declined dramatically. In recent winters, a small but reportedlystable wintering population of up to 140 birds has been established in northeast Greece.

Based on surveys on the breeding grounds, Vinogradov (1990) estimated the total population inRussia to exceed 100,000 individuals. However, these figures have not been confirmed by recent wintercounts. The only large concentrations of wintering A. erythropus in the Caspian region in recent yearshave been in Azerbaijan, where there have been reports of up to 30,000 birds in winter (Madsen, 1995),and as many as 11,000–25,000 at Kizil Agach alone. However, Patrikeev (in prep.) disputes these highfigures, and believes that the total number of A. erythropus wintering in Azerbaijan varies betweenabout 1,500 in wet winters and 6,000–7,000 in dry winters. Only about 1,100 were observed in Azerbaijanduring a thorough survey in January 1996, but by this time most of the geese had moved on (D.B.Paynter, pers. comm.). Up to 10,000 A. erythropus are said to occur on migration at the Manych-Godiloand east Manych Lakes north of the Caucasus (Krivenko, 1995), but where these birds winter is unknown.

In the early 1970s, between 4,500 and 7,500 A. erythropus wintered in Iran, mainly in MiankalehProtected Region (Scott, 1976). However, the Miankaleh birds disappeared suddenly in the late 1970s,and since then, only small flocks of A. erythropus have been observed in Iran. According to Patrikeev(in prep.), very few A. erythropus wintered in Azerbaijan during the period 1971–76, but numbersincreased rapidly to some thousands in the late 1970s. It seems possible that these were the birds whichhad spent the early 1970s wintering in Iran. The decline in numbers at Miankaleh has been attributedto the sudden rise in the level of the Caspian Sea in the late 1970s, which flooded the main feeding areaof the geese (Scott, 1995); the increase in Azerbaijan has been attributed to the planting of cropsespecially for the geese at the main wintering site in Kizil Agach Reserve.

It remains possible that there are important and hitherto unknown wintering areas east of the Caspianin northeastern Iran and Turkmenistan, but there have been few records from this area since a flock of1,770 was found on the Turkoman Steppes north of Gomishan in Iran in January 1969 (Scott, 1995). Itis also possible that some A. erythropus still winter in northern Iraq, but there have been no reports fromthis country since 1972, when 70 were present at Haur Al Shuwaija (Koning & Dijksen, 1973). It seemsunlikely that A. erythropus winters in significant numbers in Turkey.

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The above figures suggest that the total population of A. erythropus in Western Eurasia is very unlikelyto exceed 35,000, and may now be as low as 15,000, with some 3,000–5,000 breeding west of the Uralsand wintering mainly in the Black Sea region and the Balkans, and 10,000–30,000 breeding east of theUrals and wintering mainly in the Caspian region.

Habitat/ecology:A. erythropus breeds in the taiga and tundra zones, especially in the scrub ecotone in areas dominated bydwarf birch Betula nana. In Scandinavia, the geese nest inland at relatively high altitude (up to 700 m)(Madsen, 1995). In winter, the species traditionally occurred in the steppe zone, foraging on short grassy,so-called sodic-pasture, vegetation (Madsen, 1995). Since the transformation of much of this habitatinto agricultural land, the species now winters mainly on farmland. The birds arrive on the breedinggrounds from late May to mid-June. In Siberia, non-breeding birds undertake a moult migration to areasnorth of the breeding range; in Fennoscandia, non-breeding birds moult at high altitudes. The moulttakes place in July and August, during which the birds are flightless for about 25 days. Birds depart fromthe breeding areas from mid-August through to mid-September, and arrive on the wintering grounds inthe south Caspian region as early as mid-October. In Azerbaijan, the main arrival occurs in late Octoberand early November. However, further west, the arrival is later, with migration occurring in the Sea ofAzov region until December. The wintering areas in the Caspian region are deserted by late March; inthe Sea of Azov, the spring migration occurs in late April. Birds pass through the middle Ob Valley inthe second half of May, and through the Kanin Peninsula in the last few days of May and early June.

Conservation status:A declining and threatened species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Collar et al. (1994) and Green (1996).There has been a drastic decline in the world population of A. erythropus during the present century,accompanied by widespread contractions in breeding and wintering range. In Europe, the populationsize has probably been reduced by more than 90% since the 1940s. Reasons for the decline are virtuallyunknown; the combination of negative factors on the breeding grounds, e.g. habitat loss, disturbance,shooting and increased predation, is probably not sufficient to explain the rapid rate of decline thattook place in the 1950s (Madsen, 1995). The most likely causes for the decline are deleterious factorson the staging areas and winter quarters, especially loss of feeding habitat and heavy hunting pressure.Large areas of former wintering habitat in the Caspian region and southeast Europe have been lostthrough the conversion of natural short-grass pastures to unsuitable agricultural land (e.g. cotton).

A project to re-introduce A. erythropus in Swedish Lapland commenced in 1979. Adult Branta leucopsiswere used to foster A. erythropus goslings, and by 1989, 172 geese had been released. Released birds werefirst found breeding in Lapland in 1987; in winter, the birds have been found in the North Sea area,mainly in the Netherlands (von Essen, 1991; Madsen, 1995). A re-stocking project has also been inoperation in Finland since 1988; by 1995, 121 geese had been re-introduced to northern Finnish Laplandnear areas which are known to have naturally occurring populations (Lahti & Markkola, 1995). Thestatus and conservation of A. erythropus in Europe have recently been summarized by J. Madsen (inTucker & Heath, 1994) and van Vessem (1994), and an Action Plan for A. erythropus in Europe hasbeen compiled by Madsen (1995).

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. Outdated key site information should be discounted for A. erythropusbecause of its rapidly changing conservation status and because of the strong evidence for relativelyrecent shift in wintering range. Currently, the only appreciable numbers of this species regularly recordedare during spring and autumn staging in Hungary and it is likely that large moulting concentrations willsoon be confirmed on the Kanin peninsula. Satellite tracking results are eagerly awaited to improve themuch needed key sites network and to confirm the importance of many suspected key sites near thebreeding areas, along the eastern Baltic, in Belarus, around the Sea of Azov, in Kazakhstan, around boththe southwestern and eastern Caspian and probably in many other areas.

Protection status of key sites:Many important breeding and moulting areas appear to be unprotected. Staging areas are poorly known,especially in the west where many of the geese are probably overlooked in large concentrations of otherspecies. The main wintering area in Azerbaijan (Kizil Agach) is protected, as is the former most importantwintering area in Iran (Miankaleh), but other important sites in the Caspian region are unprotected.

73

GREYLAG GOOSEAnser anser

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form from west and northwest Europeand A. a. rubrirostris from southeast Europe and Asia. Birds in central and eastern Europe, which aresomewhat intermediate, are usually lumped with the nominate form. In western Europe, interbreedingbetween wild A. anser and feral stocks (especially of rubrirostris) may be reducing the genetic purity ofthe wild stocks.

Distribution:Palearctic, breeding widely at boreal and temperate latitudes across Europe and Asia and winteringsouth to North Africa, the Middle East, India and southern China. Both subspecies occur in WesternEurasia. The nominate form breeds west of the Urals and winters throughout southern and westernEurope south to North Africa (Morocco to Tunisia). A. a. rubrirostris breeds from the Urals, southeastEurope, the Pannonic region and Turkey east across Asia. Western populations of this subspecies winterin the Black Sea and Caspian regions south to southern Iran and Iraq, in Tunisia/Algeria and rarely toEgypt. Feral populations have been established from introduced birds in several parts of western Europe,and some of these populations (e.g. in Belgium) are rubrirostris type birds. The British population of wildAnser anser is now confined to the far northwest of Scotland and the Hebridean Islands off the westcoast (Paterson, 1991).

Movements:A few populations are sedentary or locally dispersive (e.g. the birds breeding in northwest Scotland andmany of the birds breeding in the Black Sea region and Turkey), but most birds move southwards towinter in traditional sites at lower latitudes. Birds breeding in Iceland winter almost exclusively inScotland, with only small numbers reaching northern England and Ireland. Birds breeding in Norway,Sweden, Denmark and western Germany migrate through the Netherlands to winter mainly in Spain,although the number remaining throughout the winter in the delta region of the Netherlands hasincreased considerably in recent years (Nilsson & Persson, 1991). Much the most important winteringareas for this population are the Guadalquivir Marismas and Villafafila in western Spain. Birds breedingin the eastern Baltic, Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Austria winter almostexclusively at just three sites in North Africa: Lake Ichkeul in Tunisia and Marais de Mekhada andLake Fetzara in Algeria (Dick, 1993). Birds breeding in the Black Sea region and central Turkey(apparently rubrirostris) undertake only limited movements to wintering areas in coastal regions.A. a. rubrirostris breeding in the north Caspian and western Siberia winter mainly in the south Caspian,Iran and Iraq. The small number of birds breeding in extreme eastern Turkey and northwestern Iranvacate their breeding grounds in winter, and presumably join up with the much larger flocks of migrantsfrom the north.

Population limits:Six relatively discrete populations are recognized: (1) a population breeding in Iceland and winteringin Britain and Ireland; (2) a small resident population breeding in northwest Scotland and undertakingonly local movements; (3) a population breeding in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and western Germanyand wintering from the Netherlands to southern Spain and Morocco; (4) a population breeding innortheast Sweden, Finland, the Baltic States and central Europe and wintering in Tunisia and Algeria;(5) a population breeding in the Black Sea region and Turkey and wintering within that region; (6) apopulation breeding in western Siberia south to the Caspian region and wintering in the south Caspian,Iran and Iraq. The first five of these populations have been documented by Ogilvie (1978) and Madsen(1987).

The sedentary Scottish birds are treated as a separate population as there is no evidence that theymix extensively with Icelandic birds at any time, and indeed they may be morphologically distinct(Paterson, 1991). Recent work (Nordic Greylag Goose Project) has shown that the geese breeding inNorway and those breeding in southern Sweden and around the southwestern Baltic have markedlydifferent migration and staging patterns, although they overlap extensively on their winter quarters

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GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser

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(L. Nilsson, in litt.). Further work is required to determine the extent of mixing between these twogroups and whether or not they merit separate treatment.

Ringing recoveries have shown that there is some interchange between the western and centralEuropean populations. There have been 21 recoveries in Spain of birds ringed in the formerCzechoslovakia and southwest Poland (Calderon et al., 1991), and one recovery in Tunisia of abird ringed in Sweden. One bird ringed in eastern Germany was observed in Tunisia in the winterof 1981/82 and in southwest Spain in the following winter (Dick et al., 1991). Dick et al. (1991)concluded that the Atlantic and central European flyways are quite well separated, although thedifferent populations may meet at pre-migratory assemblies, e.g. at the moulting places at Gotlandin Sweden, or at the autumn gathering area at Lake Gulpe in eastern Germany. These authorsthought that the border between the two populations ran southwards through the Baltic west ofFinland and east of the former German Democratic Republic through Poland and southern Bohemia.

Some authors (e.g. Madsen, 1991) treat the feral birds in Britain and Ireland as a distinctpopulation, currently numbering about 18,900 birds (Delany et al., 1992) and still increasing. This‘population’ (and all other introduced populations of Anatidae) are excluded from the presentreview.

Population size:• Iceland/UK and Ireland: 100,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 1,000.The Icelandic breeding population is currently estimated at 10,000–20,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993).

• Northwest Scotland: 5,250 (D.A. Stroud, in litt.). 1% level 50.In the late 1980s, the total population of native wild birds in Scotland was estimated at 500–700 pairs,with total post-breeding numbers at 2,500–3,000 individuals (A.J. Prater in Gibbons et al., 1993). Bythe early 1990s, the population was estimated at 5,250 individuals, with 2,115 on the Uists, 110 onColonsay, 1,390 on Tiree, 450 on Coll and 1,200 in Caithness and Sutherland (D.A. Stroud, in litt. toIWRB, February 1994).

• Northwest Europe/southwest Europe: 200,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 2,000.

• Central Europe/North Africa: 20,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 200.This estimate may now be too low, as up to 16,000 have been recorded on passage in Estonia in Augustand September in recent years (A. Leito, in litt.).

• Black Sea/Turkey: 25,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 250.This estimate may now be too low. Some 25,000 were counted during the 1992 census, and 32,000 werecounted in coastal Ukraine alone in 1995.

• Western Siberia/Caspian region/Iraq: 100,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 1,000.

Habitat/ecology:Anser anser breeds in a variety of wetland habitats, often with a fringe of vegetation or near grasslands;it winters on farmland in open country or in swamps, lakes, saltmarshes and coastal lagoons. During thewing moult, the geese are flightless for about one month. Non-breeding birds in Iceland moult in largegroups in July and early August. Non-breeding birds in northwest and central Europe migrate in summerto moulting areas in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. The Volga Delta is a major moulting areafor birds in the Southwest Asian population, with up to 25,000 birds assembling there (Krivonosov,1970). The main autumn migration of Icelandic birds is in October. Large concentrations occur inScotland in October and November, with birds dispersing from there during the winter. The returnmigration to Iceland takes place from early March to April. The continental northwest Europeanpopulation begins its autumn migration in September; peak numbers occur in Denmark in September,and in the Netherlands in October and November. The main arrival in Spain occurs in December;numbers begin to decrease there as early as January, and the main spring migration in the Netherlands,Germany and Denmark takes place in March.

Geese in the central European population normally arrive at Lake Ichkeul in North Africa in earlyNovember, and build up rapidly to a peak in December. The autumn passage reaches a peak in Estoniain August and September (A. Leito, in litt.). In dry winters, the whole population probably passes mostof the winter at Ichkeul; in a wet year, many of the birds move on to Garaet El Mekhada and Lake

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Fetzara in Algeria (Dick et al., 1991). The birds return to their breeding areas in central Europe and theBaltic by mid-March.

Conservation status:The Icelandic breeding population of A. anser increased from about 25,000 individuals in 1952 to110,000 in 1987, and has averaged about 100,000 in recent years (Madsen, 1991; Wetlands InternationalGoose Specialist Group).

The small resident population in northwest Scotland has been increasing since the 1960s. Numbersmore than doubled over the 20 year period from the late 1960s to late 1980s (A.J. Prater in Gibbonset al., 1993), and has apparently almost doubled again since then.

The continental northwest European population increased from approximately 30,000 birds in1967/68 to 120,000–130,000 in the 1980s, and has since increased to about 200,000 (Madsen, 1991;Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group). Numbers wintering in the Guadalquivir Marismas insouthwest Spain increased from peaks of around 20,000 in the early 1970s to 75,000–80,000 by themid-1980s (Calderon et al., 1991), but have decreased somewhat since then. However, the numbersremaining throughout the winter in the Netherlands (Dutch Delta) have increased in recent years toover 45,000 in January 1994 (P.L. Meininger, in litt.).

The central European/North African population of about 20,000 birds appears to be relatively stable(Pirot & Fox, 1990; Madsen, 1991), although there have been some local increases, e.g. the smallbreeding population in Lithuania increased from nil in the 1970s to about 100 pairs in 1995 (S. Svazas,in litt.) and the wintering population in Italy (c. 1,000) is obviously increasing (N. Baccetti, in litt.).

Long-term trends in the Black Sea/Turkey population are unknown, although recent count datasuggest that numbers are relatively stable. However, wetland drainage and severe hunting pressure arebelieved to have reduced the population in Turkey from 8,000 in the early 1970s to only 600 by the late1980s (Pirot & Fox, 1990).

The population wintering in Southwest Asia is thought to be increasing, at least in some areas(Perennou et al., 1994). Krivenko (1993) reports an increase in the numbers at the end of the breedingseason in the middle regions of the former USSR.

Network of key sites:The small resident population in the northwest of Scotland can form very large flocks in winter butthese tend to roam over fairly wide areas rather than concentrate on key sites. Towards the south of itsbreeding range A. anser tends to breed in large colonies so is well accounted for by the six key breedingsites in Central Europe, the five key breeding sites around the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, and the VolgaDelta and surrounds. The Central European and Volga Delta breeding A. anser are only parts of thelarger Central Europe/North Africa and Caspian wintering groups respectively, but the Black Sea/eastMediterranean population is thought to breed almost exclusively at the five key sites listed. No keybreeding sites are known for the Icelandic breeding population or for the Spain/northwest Europewintering population which both breed further north.

Numerous key passage sites are identified for all populations except the northwest Scotland andBlack Sea/east Mediterranean populations which are resident and short-distance migrants respectively.The key passage sites are least known for the Caspian wintering population, and for the northwestEurope/Spain wintering group only three key spring passage sites are identified. Key passage sites for theIcelandic breeding population are in the United Kingdom and they are well documented, but are notlisted, as this analysis was conducted using mid-winter data alone. For the North Africa winteringpopulation the network of key passage sites is very complete in both spring and autumn, and very majorpassage concentrations can occur in Estonia/Lithuania and in Central Europe. Most of the key moultingsites listed are probably important for non-breeding individuals. The only exception is the Caspianwintering population which seems to moult almost entirely at three sites.

In winter the key sites networks appear both extensive and complete for all 5 migratory populations.Three populations are fairly widely dispersed at many key wintering sites, occasionally occurring inenormous concentrations under particular conditions. The most dispersed population in winter appearsto be the Icelandic breeding population which occurs on 42 key wintering sites in the United Kingdomof which a few regularly support over 10% of the individuals. Thirty-three key wintering sites are identifiedfor the Black Sea east Mediterranean population of which 11 have supported over 10% of the populationand the Danube Delta regularly supports over 50% of individuals. In the Caspian region 9 sites havesupported over 10% of individuals and 55 key wintering sites are listed in Annex 2. In contrast, thenorthwest Europe/Spain and North Africa wintering populations are concentrated at a few sites. Two of

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the seven key wintering sites in Spain, namely Marismas del Guadalquivir and Villafafila, support up to60% of the Spain/northwest Europe wintering population the remainder wintering at key sites furthernorth, the most important of which are in the Netherlands delta region. The North Africa winteringpopulation can be found entirely at Lac Ichkeul in Tunisia but also occurs in major concentrationearlier in the winter at many sites in Central Europe 13 of which can hold over 10% of individuals (e.g.sites in Hungary, Neusiedlersee in Austria and Vrsacki Rit in Yugoslavia).

Protection status of key sites:Almost all the main wintering areas for the Icelandic population are protected, but most of the breedingand moulting areas are unprotected. Most of the breeding, moulting and wintering areas of the Spain/northwest European wintering population are protected. The main wintering area of the CentralEuropean population is protected, but other wintering areas and several of the most important stagingareas are unprotected. Most of the important sites for the Black Sea population are unprotected, althoughimportant roosting sites are protected in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania and 2 of the5 major breeding areas are protected. Only 11 of the key wintering sites for the Caspian winteringpopulation are protected.


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BARNACLE GOOSEBranta leucopsis


Distribution:Western Palearctic and Greenland, breeding in Greenland, Svalbard and northern Russia and winteringin northwest Europe (mainly Ireland, Britain, Germany and the Netherlands). The species has occurredas a vagrant in North Africa (Morocco and Egypt). B. leucopsis has bred on islands in the Baltic Sea inSweden since 1971, in Estonia since 1981 and in Finland since 1983.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at temperate latitudes and only rarely occurring further south. Birds breeding inNovaya Zemlaya and Vaigach Island winter in the Netherlands and stop over in spring in Denmark,Germany, Sweden and Estonia. Smaller number also stop over in Estonia in autumn. The largest breedingcolony within the Baltic is situated on three small islands off the east coast of Gotland, Sweden. Birdsfrom Novaya Zemlaya and Vaigach have used this area as a spring staging area for many years, and it isthought likely that the founders of the Baltic population originated from this population (Forslund &Larsson, 1991). The Svalbard population stages on the archipelagos of the Helgeland district of westernNorway, up to 50 km out to sea. The entire population is believed to make the 1,500 km journey fromthe winter quarters in southern Scotland in a non-stop flight of 24 hours. The Greenland populationwinters in Britain and Ireland, and stages in spring and autumn in Iceland.

Population limits:There are three almost entirely discrete populations of Branta leucopsis: one breeding in east Greenlandand wintering mainly along the northern and western coasts of Ireland and on certain islands in northwestScotland; one breeding in Svalbard and wintering in the Solway Firth in southwest Scotland; and onebreeding in northern Russia (Novaya Zemlaya and Vaigach Island) and wintering mainly in Germanyand the Netherlands. Ringing has shown that despite the proximity of the wintering ranges of theGreenland and Svalbard populations, there is only slight interchange of individuals between these twopopulations, and little contact between these and the Russian population (Madsen, 1991).

Population size:• East Greenland/Ireland/northwest Scotland: 32,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 320.

• Svalbard/southwest Scotland: 12,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 120.

• Russia/Germany/Netherlands: 176,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 1,760.The breeding population in the Baltic had increased to over 2,000 pairs by 1994, with 1,730 of these atthe largest and oldest colony at Laus Holmar off the eastern coast of Gotland, Sweden. Breeding occurredat 26 other localities in the Baltic in the 1990s (six in Sweden, six in Finland and 14 in Estonia), withthese sites together holding over 500 pairs in recent years (Forslund & Larsson, 1991; Leito, 1993;A. Leito, in litt.).

Habitat/ecology:Branta leucopsis breeds on islets or on crags and rocky outcrops in the Arctic tundra, preferably nearwater bodies; it winters on natural and cultivated grassland on islands and along sheltered coasts. Inspring, birds shift from cultivated grassland to saltmarshes, but in the Baltic, Norway and Iceland,agricultural fields are now becoming increasingly important as feeding areas at this season (Tucker &Heath, 1994). This is particularly the case at the staging areas in Norway where, since 1980, anincreasing number of the geese have ranged away from the maritime islands to feed on small agriculturalfields on larger islands nearer the mainland. Here, and also in Ireland and Scotland, feeding conditionshave deteriorated on the traditional islands used by the geese because of a reduction in grazing bylivestock.

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BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis

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The geese moult their flight feathers near the breeding grounds between mid-July and mid-August;during this period they are flightless for three to four weeks. Birds breeding in Greenland leave forIceland between the end of August and mid-September, and arrive on their winter quarters during thesecond half of October. Birds concentrate in large flocks in northern Britain from late March onwards,and the main departure for Iceland occurs during the second half of April and first half of May. Thegeese arrive on their breeding grounds in Greenland in late May to coincide with the thaw.

The Svalbard population leaves the breeding grounds during September, stages on islands along theNorwegian coast, and begins to arrive at the Solway Firth in Britain by the end of September. The maindeparture is in the second half of April, birds again staging on islands off the Norwegian coast andarriving on the breeding grounds at the end of May.

Birds breeding in Novaya Zemlaya leave the breeding grounds at the end of August and in earlySeptember, and arrive in large numbers in the Netherlands in October. An increasing number of birdsstop over in Estonia during the autumn migration between the end of September and the beginning onNovember. The geese leave the main wintering areas in the Netherlands during the second half ofMarch, and move to the early spring staging areas in Denmark and Germany. In April and May, virtuallythe entire population is concentrated on Gotland (Sweden) and in Estonia, with mass arrivals occurringin Estonia in the second half of April. The birds leave these areas in the second half of May, and arriveon the breeding grounds during the last ten days of May.

Conservation status:The Greenland population increased from only about 8,000 birds in 1959 to 25,000–32,000 in the 1980s,and since then has remained relatively stable at around 32,000 birds (Madsen, 1991; Madsen et al., 1996).The Svalbard population increased rapidly from a low of perhaps as few as 550 birds in 1950 to 11,400 in1987/88. Since then, the population has remained relatively stable at about 12,000 birds (13,000 in 1993)(Madsen, 1991; Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group). The Russian population has increasedfrom about 20,000 birds in 1960/61 to about 50,000 in the 1970s, 120,000–130,000 in the late 1980s, andas many as 175,000 in recent years (Madsen, 1991; Madsen et al., 1996). The numbers staging in westernEstonia in spring increased from 15,000–20,000 in the early 1970s to 35,000–57,000 in the late 1980s(Leito, 1991). A total of 187,264 was recorded in the Netherlands in February 1995 (SOVON Ganzen- enZwanenwerkgroep, 1996) and even more (188,761) in January 1994 (SOVON Ganzen- enZwanenwerkgroep, 1995). The numbers staging in western Estonia in spring increased from 15,000–20,000in the early 1970s to 80,000–100,000 in the beginning of the 1990s (A. Leito, in litt.). Some expansion inthe breeding range in Russia has been reported (Filchagov & Leonovich, 1992).

The massive increase in numbers of B. leucopsis in all three populations since the 1950s has been attributedto increased habitat protection and greatly reduced hunting pressure almost throughout the species’ range.

Network of key sites:The Svalbard breeding population of B. leucopsis must have the most complete key sites network of anyAnatidae population (Black, in press). Over 50% breed on 9 key sites on Svalbard, 25% moult on oneof these sites, then the entire population migrates to winter on the Solway Estuary in the United Kingdombefore returning en mass via the Helgeland Archipelago in Norway to Svalbard. The Greenland breedingpopulation is also represented by a fairly complete key sites network although important breedingconcentrations are not known. Up to 50% of the population can be found staging at Eyelendid inIceland and >10 key wintering sites in Ireland and on the west coast Islands of Scotland account forvirtually all of the population in winter (up to 95% on the island of Islay). In contrast to these twopopulations, the Russian and Baltic breeding population of B. leucopsis is poorly known outside ofwinter. Several major spring staging sites on the Swedish and Estonian Baltic islands are, however,known. In winter this population is also very concentrated on key sites in the Netherlands delta, theWadden Sea (Dutch, German and Danish) and along the Elbe in Germany.

Protection status of key sites:The main wintering areas of all three populations are at least partially protected. Important breeding areasare protected in the east Greenland National Park and on Svalbard, but many of the other breeding areas,especially in Russia are unprotected. Staging areas for the Greenland and Svalbard populations areunprotected but in Estonia, about 10% of the spring staging areas (holding about 30,000 birds) are protected.

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis

81

BRENT GOOSEBranta bernicla

Subspecies:Polytypic. Four subspecies have been described: the nominate form from northern Siberia east to theTaymyr Peninsula, orientalis from northeastern Siberia, nigricans from northern Alaska and Canada eastto the Perry River; and hrota from northeastern Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land.The validity of orientalis has often been questioned, the northeast Siberian birds usually being lumpedwith nigricans.

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding at high latitudes in North America and Eurasia, and wintering south along theAtlantic and Pacific coast to North Carolina (USA), France, Japan and Baja California (Mexico). Twosubspecies occur in Western Eurasia: the nominate form and hrota. The former breeds in northernRussia east to the Taymyr Peninsula and winters along the coasts of northwest Europe south to Franceand occasionally Iberia. It is probably a regular visitor in very small numbers to the Atlantic coast ofMorocco and Mauritania (Banc d’Arguin), and has occurred as a vagrant in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya andEgypt. B. b. hrota breeds in northeast Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land, and wintersmainly in Ireland, Britain and Denmark.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at temperate latitudes; occasionally at more southern latitudes during very severewinters. B. b. bernicla migrates through the White Sea and Baltic to staging areas in the Dutch, Germanand Danish Wadden Sea and wintering areas mainly in England and France. B. b. hrota breeding inSvalbard and Franz Joseph Land migrate to and from Denmark via Bear Island and west Norway,although most birds apparently do not stop over in these areas. The number of birds crossing theNorth Sea to winter in northeast England is dependent on the severity of the weather. Invery severe winters, small numbers (up to 200) also reach the Netherlands. The population ofB. b. hrota breeding in northeast Greenland and northeast Canada migrates to and from the winteringareas in Ireland via staging areas in western Iceland. Large numbers stage in early autumn at Hjorsey-Straumfjordur in western Iceland, and over 75% of the population then stage at Strangford Loughin Ireland, before large-scale dispersal to sites around the coast. Some 300–400 B. b. hrota regularlyoverwinter in northwestern France, mainly along the west coast of the Cotentin Peninsula. It isnot known for certain to which population these birds belong (Debout et al., 1990), but it seemsmost likely that they are part of the Canada/Greenland population, as the migration dates matchthose of this population, and there has been a single recovery of a Canadian bird in northwestFrance.

The breeding range of the B. b. hrota wintering in Ireland lies close to that of birds wintering on theAtlantic seaboard of the USA. Ringing suggests that birds on Ellesmere and the Axel Heiberg Islands,and perhaps some of the smaller islands in the north and west of the Queen Elizabeth Archipelago,winter in Ireland, while birds breeding further south on Southampton Island and Baffin Island, and onsome of the islands to the south of Melville Sound, winter on the Atlantic seaboard of the USA.Further west, birds breeding on Melville Islands and those on Prince Patrick Island probably all winteron the Pacific coast of North America, chiefly in the state of Washington (Boyd, 1979; Ogilvie, 1978).Of 557 B. b. hrota ringed on Bathurst Island in Canada between 1984 and 1986, 78% were subsequentlyobserved in Ireland (up to 1987/88). Single birds ringed in the Canadian Arctic have also been recoveredin France, the Netherlands, the Channel Islands and southwest England, but the numbers of birds usingthese areas are negligible (O’Briain & Healy, 1991).

Population limits:There are three discrete populations of B. bernicla in Western Eurasia: the entire population of thenominate form and two discrete populations of B. b. hrota, one breeding in northeast Canada andGreenland and wintering mainly in Ireland, and one breeding in Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land andwintering in Denmark and northeast England (Ogilvie, 1978; Madsen, 1991). The Svalbard populationof hrota is one of the smallest discrete populations of geese in the world.

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BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla

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Population size:• Entire population of bernicla: 300,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 3,000.Estimates from the breeding grounds in western and central Siberia almost exactly match winteringnumbers.

• Northeast Canada and Greenland/Ireland (hrota): 20,000 (Pirot et al., 1989). 1% level 200.

• Svalbard/Denmark and UK (hrota): 5,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 50.The numbers of this species are subject to large fluctuations from year to year because of the highlyvariable breeding success.

Habitat/ecology:Branta bernicla breeds on lowland tundra in the high Arctic, generally near the coast and often incolonies on islets. The nesting success varies greatly from year to year, depending on the timing of thesnow-melt and predation levels. In winter, the geese frequent estuaries and sandy shores; in autumn andwinter, they feed mainly on algae and Zostera spp. growing on inter-tidal mudflats, while in spring theyoften move to saltmarshes. In recent years, B. b. bernicla has increasingly grazed on cultivated grasslandand winter cereal fields near the coast, and has thus come into conflict with farming interests, e.g. inthe Netherlands, Germany and Britain (Salmon & Fox, 1991; Tucker & Heath, 1994).

Branta bernicla moult near the breeding grounds from mid-July to mid-August; at this time the geeseare flightless for about three weeks. B. b. bernicla leave their breeding grounds between mid-August andthe end of the first week of September, and arrive in the Danish and German Wadden Sea in October.Peak numbers occur on the main wintering areas in France, Britain and the Netherlands in December.Most birds have left Britain and France again by mid-April. Almost the entire population gathers in theWadden Sea in May, prior to the main spring migration, and then stages at just four or five sites in theWhite Sea. Birds return to the breeding grounds during the first half of June.

B. b. hrota breeding in Svalbard leave the breeding grounds in September and arrive in the DanishWadden Sea at the end of the month. From there they move to eastern Jutland and, especially in severewinters, to Northumberland in Britain, where peak numbers occur in December and January. FromMarch until the end of May, the entire population is concentrated in northwest Jutland. Birds arrive onthe breeding grounds in late May or early June.

Birds breeding in Greenland and northeast Canada start to leave for Iceland in late August, andarrive on their winter quarters in Ireland during the second half of October. Strangford Lough is used asa staging area for 6–8 weeks in autumn, with peak numbers occurring in mid-October (O’Briain &Healy, 1991). The spring migration begins in early April, with the peak occurring in the second half ofthe month. From late April to mid-May, most of the population is concentrated on the west coast ofIceland. From there, the birds cross the ice cap of Greenland to reach their breeding grounds in the firstweek of June.

Conservation status:During the early 1930s, the population of B. b. bernicla decreased to about 10% of its former levels,probably because of a disease affecting the main food plant, Zostera marina. There has been a rapidrecovery in the population since the 1950s, with numbers increasing from about 16,500 in 1955 to30,000 in 1960, 40,000 in the late 1960s, 80,000 in the 1973/74, generally between 100,000 and 200,000during the 1980s, and an average of about 300,000 in recent years (Madsen, 1991; Wetlands InternationalGoose Specialist Group). B. bernicla was removed from the UK quarry list in 1954. The numbers winteringand/or staging in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Britain and France have all shown significantincreases and are apparently still increasing (Pirot & Fox, 1990; Mitchell et al., 1994). Some expansionin the breeding range in Russia has been reported in recent years (Filchagov & Leonovich, 1992).

The population of B. b. hrota breeding in northeastern Canada and Greenland and wintering inIreland increased from a relatively stable level of 8,000–13,000 birds in the 1960s and 1970s to some18,000–24,000 birds in the late 1980s, and has now apparently stabilized at about 20,000 birds (Madsen,1991; Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group).

The Svalbard population of B. b. hrota declined from about 40,000–50,000 individuals in the earlypart of this century to as few as 2,000 in the late 1960s. This decline was attributed to the reduction infood supply following the effects of the disease on Zostera marina and shooting pressure (Madsen, 1991).Since then, the population has shown some recovery, with numbers increasing to 3,000–4,000 in the1970s, and ranging between 4,000 and 5,000 during the late 1980s (Madsen, 1991). The population


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may now have stabilized at about 5,000 birds (Wetlands International Goose Specialist Group). Thefact that numbers have not returned to their former levels is considered due to increased competitionon the breeding grounds with the expanding Branta leucopsis population and to predation there (Pirot& Fox, 1990).

Network of key sites:Breeding densities tend not to be high enough for many key breeding sites to be identified. A site onSvalbard where over 30% of this population breed is a notable exception. Almost all of the northeastCanada/Greenland population stage at 4 key sites on Iceland, and a large number of Branta b. berniclastage on the Kanin peninsula but not many other staging sites are known, apart from the autumn arrivalsites relatively close to wintering areas. In winter the northeast Canada/Greenland population winterson key sites in Ireland that account for virtually all individuals. The Svalbard breeding populationwinters almost entirely on key sites in Denmark and on the Island of Lindisfarne in northeast England.Branta b. bernicla stages in late autumn in the Wadden Sea and then disperses to winter predominantlyon 34 key sites in the Wadden Sea, Netherlands delta region and North Sea/Channel sites in theUnited Kingdom and France. These account for most of the wintering population of B. b. bernicla.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important staging and wintering areas of B. b. bernicla and the Svalbard population ofB. b. hrota are protected, while almost all of the important breeding and wintering areas for the northeastCanada/Greenland population are unprotected. However, two of the three most important stagingareas in Iceland (Breidafjordur and Grunnafjordur) are now protected.


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RED-BREASTED GOOSEBranta ruficollis


Distribution:Palearctic, breeding in the Taymyr, Gydan and Yamal peninsulas of northern Russia (between 70°E and110°E) and migrating southwest to winter in southeast Europe, mainly in Romania and Bulgaria. Seventyper cent of the population are said to breed in the Taymyr. The species formerly wintered in largenumbers in the south Caspian region, but now appears to be only an occasional visitor or vagrant in thisarea. Some birds winter irregularly in Hungary, Greece and Turkey, and formerly also in Egypt and Iraq.

Movements:Migratory; the species formerly wintered mainly in the south Caspian region south to Iraq and also nearthe Aral Sea. A major change occurred in the migration route between 1940 and 1970, with birdstaking a more southwesterly route to winter in the Black Sea region. Prior to the late 1960s, the mainwintering areas were on the southern coasts of the Caspian Sea, particularly in Azerbaijan. Some 60,000were said to winter in the south Caspian region in the mid-1950s, and almost 24,000 were present atKizil Agach Reserve in Azerbaijan in January 1967. However, counts in 1968 indicated that at leasthalf of the wintering population had shifted to the west coast of the Black Sea (some 1,800 km west ofthe Caspian). The species was not recorded wintering in Romania until 1940, but 25,000 were countedthere in 1968/69. Since then, counts in the south Caspian region have not exceeded 1,000–2,000. Onlya few hundred birds were found on the main wintering grounds in Azerbaijan the 1970s, only a few tensof birds in the early 1980s, and only a few individuals since then (Patrikeev, in prep.). The currentwintering areas on the Black Sea coast are the Shabla and Durankulak lakes of Bulgaria, the Razelm-Sinoe lagoon complex and the Danube Delta in Romania, and the Dobrudja plateau which lies betweenthe River Danube and the coast between Bulgaria and Romania (Hunter & Black, 1995). A few birdsmay still occasionally visit the south Caspian region (Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran), and smallflocks occasionally reach Hungary, Turkey and Greece.

The migration route and staging areas of Branta ruficollis have been summarized by Hunter and Black(1995). Almost all of the geese migrate down the eastern side of the Ural Mountains, pass through theTurgay lowlands between the southern end of the Urals and the Kazakh uplands, turn southwest overthe northern Caspian, and then continue on towards the western Black Sea coast. Staging sites arethought to be the same for both spring and autumn migrations. There appear to be four major stagingareas: the Ob floodplains on the Arctic circle; the Middle Ob near Khanty-Mansisk in Russia; theTobol-Ishim forest-steppe and the watersheds of the Ubagan, Ulkayak and Irgizin rivers in the Kazakhuplands; and the Manych Valley in Russia. Some birds may also stage on the Sea of Azov, and mayremain to winter on the northern Black Sea coast.

Population limits:Only one population is recognized, viz. the entire population of the species.

Population size:• Entire population: 70,000 (Madsen et al., 1996). 1% level 700.Hunter and Black (1995) suggest that the world population is currently in the region of 70,000 to 74,000birds, although it is thought that there may be as many as 80,000 birds in total (J. Hunter, in litt.). A conservativeestimate of 70,000 is adopted here, on the recommendation of the Wetlands International Goose SpecialistGroup.

Based on aerial surveys during the post-hatching period in 1978–79, Vinokurov (1982) estimatedthe total population at 22,000–27,000 birds. Counts in the 1970s and 1980s in Romania and Bulgariasuggested a population of about 25,000 birds, but estimates from the breeding grounds in the 1980ssuggested that the population had increased somewhat to around 35,000 birds (Vinokurov, 1990; Madsen,1991). Counts in the winter of 1991/92 found 26,000 in Romania and an estimated 42,000 in Bulgaria,suggesting a minimum population of 68,000 for the two countries (Owen, 1992). Some 74,000–75,000

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RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis

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were counted in Bulgaria and Romania in the winter of 1992/93 (with 59,000 at the Shabla-Durankulaklakes in Bulgaria). This probably represents the entire population. (No young birds were observed,indicating a complete breeding failure in 1992).

Habitat/ecology:Branta ruficollis breeds on dry shrub- and lichen-covered tundra not far from water, and often in smallgroups near nests of Buteo lagopus and Falco peregrinus. Steppe habitats are apparently used on migration.The species formerly wintered on steppic grasslands, mainly in the south Caspian region, but nowwinters almost exclusively on agricultural land dominated by cereal crops and grassland around lakesand lagoons on the west coast of the Black Sea. On their winter quarters, the geese roost in remote partsof wetlands, in the middle of large lakes, and, if it is calm, on the Black Sea. The proximity of drinkingand roosting sites to feeding areas may influence winter distribution (Hunter & Black, 1995).

The birds moult on or near the breeding grounds between mid-July and late August; during the wingmoult, birds are flightless for 15–20 days. The autumn migration begins in mid-September, birds reachingKazakhstan by the end of September, and arriving on their winter quarters in Bulgaria and Romania inOctober and November. The spring migration begins in March, and the geese arrive on the breedinggrounds in early June.

Conservation status:Branta ruficollis is a threatened species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Collar et al. (1994) and Green (1996).Population trends are uncertain, because of inadequacies in the previous population estimates. There isbelieved to have been a dramatic decline in numbers in the middle of this century, from an estimated60,000 birds in the mid-1950s to only about 25,000 in the 1960s and 1970s, and perhaps as few as20,000 (6,000 pairs) in the 1980s. However, high counts in southeast Europe in the late 1980s suggesteda somewhat higher population of 35,000 birds, and with the discovery of some 70,000 birds in Romaniaand Bulgaria in the early 1990s, the earlier population estimates have come under considerable doubt(Callaghan & Green, 1993; Hunter & Black, 1995).

The disappearance of the wintering flocks from the south Caspian region has been attributed to thewidespread conversion of natural grasslands and cereal crops to cotton fields and vineyards. A declinein numbers in the 1960s may also have been due to a decline in Falco peregrinus, which are thought toprotect nesting geese from Arctic Foxes (Hunter & Black, 1995). B. ruficollis continues to suffer huntingpressure on the breeding, moulting and wintering grounds, and is now especially vulnerable to changesin land use and disturbance on its winter quarters because almost the entire population concentrates atonly three or four apparently fixed roosts (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Other potential threats to thespecies include deliberate and accidental poisoning on the main wintering grounds in Bulgaria andRomania, and oil exploration on the breeding grounds in Russia (Hunter & Black, 1995).

The status and conservation of B. ruficollis have recently been summarized by J. Madsen (in Tucker& Heath, 1994) and J. Hunter and J. Black (in van Vessem, 1994), and an Action Plan for B. ruficollishas been compiled by Hunter and Black (1995) for BirdLife International.

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. In recent years, 90% of the population have had winter roosts on onlythree or four sites in Bulgaria and Romania, but feeding areas are not included in these sites. Many ofthe key sites listed around the Black Sea represent historic wintering sites only. Some very major stagingareas are known at the Mouth of the Ob river, Manych Godilo Lakes/Velvskoye Reservoir in the Caucasusand the Ukrainian coast.

Protection status of key sites:Most major roosting sites in Bulgaria and Romania are protected to some extent, but most of the otherwintering areas around the Black Sea are unprotected. The main staging areas are poorly known, butmost identified are apparently protected.

RED-BREASTED GOOSE Branta ruficollis

88

BLUE-WINGED GOOSECyanochen cyanopterus


Distribution:Afrotropical; the species is almost confined to the highlands of Ethiopia above about 1,800 m, althoughit has straggled to extreme northern Kenya.

Movements:Cyanochen cyanopterus is mainly sedentary, undertaking only small-scale movements, generally relatedto altitudinal shifts, with birds deserting the breeding grounds at high elevations and congregating atlakes to moult during the rainy season (Urban, 1991). Pairs remain constantly together, and are probablyterritorial (Brown et al., 1982).


Population size:• Entire population: 5,000–15,000. Provisional numerical criterion 100.Callaghan and Green (1993) state that the total population seems certain to exceed 5,000individuals. It is reported to be fairly common (Brown et al., 1982) or frequent to locally abundant(Urban & Brown, 1971). It is fairly common in the Web Valley marshes; 30 pairs were seen in a40 km stretch in 1966, and the population in the entire valley was estimated at possibly 200–300birds (Brown et al., 1982). Important concentrations occur on the Sululta Plain area during therains and post-rains period, with 240 birds recorded in July 1992, and over 350 in October 1992.Up to 190 have been recorded during the rainy season at Gaferssa Reservoir; the species is presentyear-round at this site, but average monthly totals fluctuate from less than 10 between Decemberand March to a peak of 154 in August (Urban, 1991). A concentration of over 500 at a reservoir inthe highlands north of Hosaina in February 1994 was recorded on the only occasion this localityhas been visited (P.O. Syvertsen, in litt.), so the importance of this site could be high but remains tobe determined.

Habitat/ecology:Cyanochen cyanopterus is restricted to the vicinity of ponds and streams on the open uplands ofEthiopia, above about 1,800 m. The reason for the species’ limited range is clear, as it is a grazer onshort grass, both as a gosling and when adult, and permanent grassland of this kind is found practicallynowhere else in Africa (Snow, 1978). These and other highland habitats in Ethiopia support agreat diversity of other endemic animal populations, such as the Simian Fox Canis simensis. Theglobally threatened White-winged Flufftail Sarothrura ayresi, which also occurs in far southern Africa,has recently been rediscovered in these Ethiopian highland habitats and Rudd’s Lark Heteromirafraruddi is also endemic to this habitat type in Ethiopia and far southern Africa. In the Bali and ArussiMountains, it inhabits marshes, bog pools, swamps and streams with abundant grassland surroundings;it also occurs in Afro-alpine moorland up to 4,500 m or more. In most suitable breeding habitat, itoccurs sparsely in pairs, less often in small groups. It nests during the dry season, and then movesdownwards several hundred metres in elevation to highland lakes where it congregates in flocks of50–100 or more and undergoes the moult at the peak of the big rains in August (Brown et al., 1982;Urban, 1991). Egg-laying has been reported in March–June and in September.

Conservation status:The population is apparently stable, and there has been no evidence so far of any changes indistribution or decline in numbers (Callaghan & Green, 1993). The species is said not to bethreatened by hunting, as it is not eaten for religious reasons (Brown et al., 1982). It is, however,almost certainly now under pressure from the rapidly expanding human population and resulting

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BLUE-WINGED GOOSE Cyanochen cyanopterus

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degradation of grasslands and increased levels of disturbance. Agricultural intensification anddroughts are also possible threats.

Network of key sites:Too little is known about this species to determine whether an effective key sites network is potentiallypossible or not. Key concentrations have been seen at most times of year, and one site (Sululta Plain)supported large numbers throughout most of 1992.

Protection status of key sites:Important breeding areas in the Bale Mountains National Park are protected.

BLUE-WINGED GOOSE Cyanochen cyanopterus

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EGYPTIAN GOOSEAlopochen aegyptiacus


Distribution:Mainly Afrotropical; now confined to the continent of Africa, but formerly bred in Palestine (until the1930s) and in the Danube Valley until the early 18th century. The species occurs widely in Africa southof the Sahara and also in lower Egypt. In West Africa, it is rare south of 10°N. There are no recent recordsfrom Burkina Faso south of 12°N, no 20th century records from Togo, and very few recent records fromGhana and Ivory Coast (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). It breeds along the length of the Nile Valley north to Aswanat 24°N, and occasionally reaches Algeria and Tunisia as a migrant from the south. It has been introducedin Britain and the Netherlands.

Movements:The species appears to be at least partially migratory over much of its range, but its movements are poorlyunderstood. Ringing has shown that individual movements of up to 1,100 km are regular in southernAfrica, and even longer movements may occur in West Africa, where there is some evidence of trans-Saharan migrations to Tunisia and Algeria during the wet season. In Chad, some birds move north intothe Sahel zone, even to Tibesti, with the summer rains, and may breed there (Salvan, 1967). In Nigeria,it breeds only on the northern savanna, and there is a big influx into Lake Chad in the latter half of thedry season as inland pools dry out. The population in the upper Nile Valley appears to be mainly resident,and there is no evidence of long-distance movements from there, although a portion of the large breedingpopulation at Lake Nasser moves north outside the breeding season into the Nile Valley almost as farnorth as Cairo (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). However, very few birds now reach the Nile Delta, themost recent record being in 1974.

Population limits:The species is very widely distributed over Africa south of the Sahara, and there do not appear to be anymajor gaps in its distribution except in the lowland forested areas of Cameroon and Gabon and in thedeserts of the southwest. Because of the extent of movements shown by the species in Africa, the entireAfrican population is probably best treated, biologically, as a single, very large population. However, forpractical reasons it is proposed that the West African birds (east to Chad) be treated as a separatepopulation, although it is acknowledged that there may be a considerable amount of interchange betweenthis population and birds in central and eastern Africa. Thus two populations are recognized: a WestAfrican population and an eastern and southern African population (including the Nile Valley birds).

Population size:• West Africa: 10,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 175.The West African population has been estimated at 5,000 birds (Perennou, 1991a, 1991b), but up to 4,828have been counted in a single mid-winter census (1978). High counts have included up to 2,660 in DjoudjNational Park in the Senegal Delta (P. Yésou, in litt.), and up to 1,600 in the Central Niger Delta (January1972). During the African Waterfowl Censuses of 1991–1994, the sum of the maximum national totals was4,679, i.e. 94% of the population estimate. The sum of maximum national totals for all other species forwhich an estimate of population size is available (except Anas clypeata) was between 11% and 26% of thepopulation estimate. This suggests that the estimate of 5,000 for A. aegyptiacus is far too low. The real figureseems certain to exceed 10,000, and may be as high as 25,000. A provisional 1% level of 175 is recommended.

• Eastern and southern Africa: 200,000–500,000. Provisional numerical criterion 3,500.Common to locally abundant, especially in the south and east; said to be a fairly common and widespreadvisitor in Somalia (Ash & Miskell, 1983), locally common in Eritrea, although rare on the coast (Smith,1957), common to abundant in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971), widespread and common in Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda (Britton, 1980), widespread but very uncommon in Malawi (Benson & Benson,1977), very common in parts of Zambia, e.g. the Luangwa Valley (Benson et al., 1971), common to very

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common in the Okavango, Linyati, Chobe, Shashe and Limpopo areas of Botswana (Penry, 1994), andvery common throughout southern Africa (Sinclair et al., 1993). There are thought to be thousands ofbirds nesting at Lake Nasser in Egypt; flocks of up to 2,000 occur along the banks of the Nile betweenlate September and late March, and as many as 11,000 were observed in the Nile Valley south of Sohagin February 1976 (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). High counts in eastern Africa have included 4,420 atLake Ashange, Ethiopia, in December 1993 (L. Dijksen, in litt.), 1,525 at Gaferssa Reservoir, Ethiopia, inFebruary 1965 (Urban, 1991), and 1,740 birds at Lake Turkana, Kenya, in 1987. A total of 3,873 wasrecorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995. Up to 1,500 have beenrecorded at Kafue Flats in Zambia (July 1994), 1,600 at Aiselby Sewage Pools in Zimbabwe (July 1994),and 480 at Lake St Lucia in South Africa. In Zimbabwe, A. aegyptiacus is commonest at Lake Karibawhere there are an estimated 2.3 individuals per kilometre of shoreline (D. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.).During the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94), the highest count in eastern and southern Africa was25,766 in 1994.

A. aegyptiacus is one of the commonest and most widespread species of Anatidae in Africa. Brownet al. (1982) describe it as “common to locally abundant” over much of its range, which covers about15 million square kilometres. A. aegyptiacus is badly covered by waterfowl counts, as it often occurs insmall groups far from water, and yet over 25,000 were observed during the 1994 African WaterfowlCensus. The total population seems certain to exceed 200,000 individuals, and may well exceed 500,000.

Habitat/ecology:Alopochen aegyptiacus is a versatile, adaptable species, frequenting all kinds of fresh waters and rangingwell away from open water to forage, especially at night, on crop residue. Originally a bird of large riversand floodplains, it has taken readily to man-made lakes of all sizes. It is tolerant of a wide range ofaltitudes (up to 4,000 m in Ethiopia), and is generally distributed throughout Africa except for the mostarid areas and densely forested areas. It generally occurs in small family parties on small waters, but flocksof up to 100 or more often occur on large waters, especially outside the breeding season, when the birdsare undergoing their wing moult. The post-nuptial moult occurs throughout the year, and is apparentlyrelated to the timing of breeding and local wet seasons, both of which vary geographically.

Conservation status:The species has shown a marked increase in South Africa during the present century as a result of theconstruction of dams and irrigation schemes, but there has been some retraction of range in the north. Itis said to be decreasing in Gambia (Gore, 1981) and Nigeria (Elgood, 1982; Elgood et al., 1994), and inEgypt, where it was once common along the entire Nile, it is now largely confined to the south where itis still fairly common (Brown et al., 1982).

Network of key sites:A fairly comprehensive network of 26 key sites is listed for West Africa in December–February but almostno information is available for other times of year. These key sites could potentially support the wholepopulation but due to the large year to year fluctuation in water regime, it is difficult to know whatproportion of the population they support annually. For the southern and eastern Africa population onlythree key sites are listed and too little is known of the population’s distribution and movements to confirmwhether A. aegyptiacus occurs commonly in key concentrations in this area or not. It could be thatwetlands are generally not large enough to support the number of birds necessary to qualify as a key sitefor this population. This is not however supported by the size of the few key sites selected, perhaps withthe exception of Lake Nasser.

Protection status of key sites:Only five of the 26 key sites in West Africa are known to be protected and the two sites that regularlysupport the largest numbers are not protected. Both of these sites are in Niger.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus

94

RUDDY SHELDUCKTadorna ferruginea


Distribution:Mainly Palearctic, with a wide breeding distribution from southeast Europe through the Middle Eastand central Asia to the region of Lake Baikal and Mongolia. Western populations winter south to theNile Delta (where now rare) and southern Iran. There are also isolated populations in northwest Africa(Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) and the Ethiopian highlands (first discovered in the Bale Mountains,Ethiopia, in February 1967 and found breeding on the Saneti Plateau in the mid-1970s). The specieshas occurred as a vagrant in Eritrea and Kenya (two records), most probably from the Ethiopian highlands.

Movements:Most Asian populations (except in the extreme southwest) are largely migratory, moving south to winterat lower latitudes and altitudes. Two birds ringed at the Kurgaldzhin Reserve, Tselinograd (70°E) wererecovered in northwestern Iran (Cornwallis & Ferguson, 1970). Birds breeding in southeast Europe andTurkey are chiefly sedentary or dispersive, with movements linked to the availability of suitable water.T. ferruginea was formerly a common winter visitor to the Nile Delta, presumably from Turkey, but hasbecome scarce and irregular in Egypt, with a maximum count in recent years of only six birds (Goodman& Meininger, 1989). Northwest African birds are sedentary or nomadic, undertaking only short-distancemovements from the mountains to the coastal plain; some of these birds formerly wintered in theGuadalquivir Delta in southern Spain. Concentrations in the Moulouya Delta, Morocco, in July–Septemberare presumably moulting birds. The breeding population in the Ethiopian highlands is apparently resident(Urban, 1993) and virtually restricted to the Bale Mountains National Park. Brown et al. (1982) thoughtthat numbers in Ethiopia were augmented in some years by non-breeding visitors from further north, butthe scarcity of the species in Egypt in recent years and lack of records in Sudan since 1955 suggest thatfew if any birds now reach Ethiopia from the east Mediterranean or Southwest Asian populations.

Population limits:Four main groups are recognized: (1) a discrete, mainly sedentary population of 200–500 birds in Ethiopia;(2) a discrete population of about 2,500 birds in northwest Africa; this population is mainly dispersiveor nomadic, with up to 200 birds formerly occurring in southern Spain in winter; (3) a populationwhich breeds in Greece, west and central Turkey and the Black Sea area, and winters in the eastMediterranean south in small numbers to the Nile Delta; (4) a large southwest and central Asianpopulation which breeds from eastern Turkey to Afghanistan and the central Asian republics and wintersmainly in Iran and Iraq.

The separation between the Black Sea/east Mediterranean population and the Southwest Asianpopulation is at best poorly defined, with the dividing line following the default boundaries used formany other Anatidae populations in this region, and therefore cutting through the breeding ranges ofthe species in eastern Turkey. However, the two groups of birds are widely separated in winter, and therehas been no evidence of any east-west migration of the birds from the Caspian region to the Black Sea.Birds breeding and occurring on passage in the Van Golu area of eastern Turkey are probably linked tothe large breeding population in northwestern Iran, and thus best treated as part of the SouthwestAsian population.

Population size:• Ethiopia: 200–500 (Urban, 1993). 1% level 4.Urban (1993) has estimated the total population in Ethiopia at 200–500 birds, or about 100–200pairs. (The estimate of 250–600 birds given by Rose & Scott (1994) erroneously included anestimated 50–100 thought by Urban (1993) to winter in Egypt). There have been observations ofone or two birds from Asmara in the north, Dubte and Bahadu in the east, Akaki and Gaferssain the central west Highlands, and Lake Abiata in the Rift Valley (lowest elevation at Dubte, at380 metres above sea level).

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RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea

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• Northwest Africa (west Mediterranean): 2,500. 1% level 25.In the 1960s, there were thought to be about 1,000–1,500 pairs in northwest Africa, with as many as1,000 pairs in the Atlas Mountains, several hundred pairs in the southern Sahara (Algeria) and about50 pairs at Iriki, Morocco (Vieillard, 1970; Brown et al., 1982). However, Monval & Pirot (1989)thought that the population was almost confined to Morocco, and estimated the total at only 1,500birds (although 2,030 were recorded in Morocco in 1983). Recent reports from Algeria and Moroccoindicate that the species extends at least as far south as Dakhla Bay (Morocco) in winter, and is commonat the mid-Saharan chotts and sebkhas in southern Algeria, where it is possibly a resident breeding bird.Two hundred were counted in Algeria during the mid-winter census in 1994. The estimate of Monval& Pirot (1989) (repeated by Rose & Scott, 1994) is therefore considered to be too low, and a minimumpopulation estimate of 2,500 individuals is now considered to be more appropriate. A pair was foundbreeding in central Tunisia in 1995, the first definite breeding record of this species in Tunisia since thelate 1950s or early 1960s (Yésou & South, 1995) and subsequently two more pairs have been found(Yésou, 1995).

• Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 20,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 200.Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the wintering population in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region at20,000 birds, and this figure was repeated by Rose & Scott (1994). The current European breedingpopulation of at least 6,000 pairs is consistent with this estimate, although there is some evidence frommid-winter counts to suggest that a decline has occurred in the population since the 1980s (Tucker &Heath, 1994).

• West-central Asia/Caspian/Iran and Iraq: 35,000. 1% level 350.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the Southwest Asian population at over 30,000 birds. However, over33,500 were counted during the mid-winter census of 1994, suggesting a minimum population size of35,000.

Habitat/ecology:Tadorna ferruginea occurs at a wide variety of brackish to saline wetlands, generally in open country,but also on sparsely forested elevated ground in the Asian part of its range. In southeast Europe andSouthwest Asia, it is primarily a bird of shallow, sparsely vegetated brackish marshes and lakes insemi-arid regions. In Ethiopia, it occurs on tarns and marshes mainly between 2,000 and 3,700 mabove sea level (Urban & Brown, 1971). The species depends much less on water bodies for restingand feeding than do most other Anatidae, often occurring a considerable distance from water duringthe breeding season (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Although normally occurring in small flocks outsidethe breeding season, concentrations of several hundreds of birds can occur in favoured localities,especially in Southwest Asia.

The moult takes place between mid-July and September, usually on large areas of open water onor near the breeding grounds. During the wing moult, the birds are flightless for about four weeks.In the Caspian region, autumn migration takes place until November, with birds returning to thebreeding grounds from early March to early April.

Conservation status:No information is available on trends in the small Ethiopian population. T. ferruginea has declinedmarkedly at the western extremity of its range in North Africa and Europe, but the Asian populationsappear to be relatively stable or increasing. The species was formerly common and widespread in NorthAfrica, but is now extinct as a breeding species in many areas, and no longer occurs as a winter visitor tothe Guadalquivir Delta in southern Spain. In southeast Europe, major decreases were recorded duringthe early part of the present century in Bulgaria, Romania and the western parts of the former USSR,but recent trends do not show a consistent pattern, with increases being reported in Bulgaria and Russia,and further declines reported in Ukraine and Romania (Tucker & Heath, 1994). It was once fairlycommon as a winter visitor to the Nile Delta and Nile Valley south to northern Sudan (Brown et al.,1982), but is now scarce in Egypt and very rare in Sudan. Recent mid-winter counts in northwest Africaand the east Mediterranean have shown very large year to year fluctuations that obscure any populationtrends, although there is a suggestion of a rapid decline in the east Mediterranean (Rose, 1995). Recentmid-winter counts in Turkey suggest that the Turkish population has undergone a rapid decline sincethe late 1980s, but this has still to be confirmed. Further east, however, Krivenko (1993) reports anincrease in the numbers of birds at the end of the breeding season in Kazakhstan and the Caspian region


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between 1972 and 1989, while the wintering population in Iran has increased dramatically in the last15–20 years, the mid-winter waterfowl counts suggesting that a five- or six-fold increase has occurred(Perennou et al., 1994).

The most likely causes for the decreases in Europe are the widespread drainage of shallow marshesand lakes and excessive hunting. In Turkey, the species is threatened by heavy hunting pressure,over-grazing, increasing salt extraction and most importantly decreasing water supply to seasonal andsemi-permanent wetlands as a result of upstream irrigation systems (Tucker & Heath, 1994).

Network of key sites:In winter T. ferruginea occasionally occurs in very large concentrations but only a few wetlands supportsuch large numbers regularly. The Black Sea/east Mediterranean population, concentrated in Turkey,has the most complete key sites network of all four populations. Only three breeding sites exceed keysite qualifying criteria, but Burdur Golu has up to 25% of the entire breeding population. Sodah Goluand Ericek Golu provide the moulting sites for the population which disperses in autumn to Kulu Goluand Sultansazligi at which over 50% of the population has been counted. In winter 27 sites are recordedas having held internationally important numbers. The very large breeding, autumn and moultingconcentrations recently discovered for this population imply that similar sites could exist for the otherthree populations. The North Africa/Spain population winters at 26 key sites but only one (Lagune deLayoune) supports very large numbers (over 20% of the population regularly). No information is availablefor this population in other seasons. The Ethiopian population is virtually restricted to the Bale MountainsNP where up to 200 birds are thought to breed at Lake Deemtu. Of all four populations, the Caspianwintering group is by far the most migratory and must rely heavily on major staging and moulting siteswhich urgently need to be identified. Twenty-seven key wintering sites are listed in Annex 2.

Protection status of key sites:Protected status information was not supplied for most key sites in North Africa and Spain. Thepopulation in Ethiopia is probably well protected due to its dependence on the Bale Mountains NationalPark. The network of sites for the Caspian wintering population has many protected areas but it isnoticeable that some of the major sites such as Harm Karion in Iran are not protected. The protectedstatus is worse for the Black Sea/east Mediterranean population where Burdur Golu and Sultansazligiare the only two sites protected from the network of five extremely important breeding, moulting andautumn staging sites and only four of 37 key wintering sites are protected.


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SOUTH AFRICAN SHELDUCKTadorna cana


Distribution:Afrotropical; the species is confined to southern Africa south of 19°S (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibiaand Botswana), and is most abundant in arid Orange Free State and southern Cape Province, SouthAfrica. It has been seen once in 1973 in Zimbabwe.

Movements:In some areas, the species is mainly sedentary, but over much of its range it is at least partiallymigratory, with substantial numbers of birds undertaking seasonal movements related to the moultand to the availability of water. In Botswana, the largest numbers occur during the breeding season(May–September), although some birds are resident year-round in the southeast (Penry, 1994).Individual movements of up to 1,000 km have been reported. Moult migrations (to the northeast)occur in November and December, with birds returning to their breeding areas after the moult.


Population size:• Entire population: 42,000 (Brown et al., 1982). 1% level 420.A common resident throughout South Africa, Swaziland and much of Namibia (Sinclair et al., 1993);an uncommon and localized resident and dry season visitor to southern Botswana (Newman, 1989).The total population was estimated at about 42,000 birds in 1981 (Brown et al., 1982). Up to 30,000birds, or about 70% of the total population, have been recorded at the known moulting areas,with 25,000 of these in Orange Free State. The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census(1991–94) was 5,676 in 1994.

Habitat/ecology:Tadorna cana frequents shallow fresh waters and brackish wetlands in open country with nearbygrassland. In western Orange Free State, it shows a preference for seasonal brackish pans, if filledby summer rains. The species is dependent on mammal burrows for nest sites. For the wing moult,birds move northeast in November and December to large, fresh, deep-water lakes and dams (17sites in Orange Free State, three in Transvaal and three in Cape Province). At these times, thespecies forms flocks of a few hundred to as many as 5,000 moulting and first-year birds. Aftermoulting, the majority of birds move southwest to seasonal, shallow, brackish pans (Brown et al.,1982).

Conservation status:Brown et al. (1982), quoting Geldenhuys (1981), state that the numbers are stable. However, the speciesis potentially vulnerable because of its small population size, its dependence on very few localitieswhere it concentrates in large numbers to moult, its dependence on mammal burrows for nest sites, andthe elimination of the jackal Canis mesomelas which normally kills the small predators which take itseggs (del Hoyo et al., 1992).

Network of key sites:Only one key site is listed and too little relevant information is available to ascertain if a more extensivekey sites network could ever be established.

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COMMON SHELDUCKTadorna tadorna


Distribution:Palearctic, with a somewhat fragmented breeding distribution from coastal western Europe east throughsouthern Europe, the Middle East and central Asia to northeast China. Western populations wintersouth to North Africa and the Gulf. The species occurs as a vagrant south to Senegal, Ghana andSudan.

Movements:Partially migratory or dispersive; most northern and inland populations move southwards to winter atlower latitudes, and even within mainly sedentary populations, major moult migrations occur to favouredmoulting areas where spectacular concentrations can occur. In early summer, birds from all over northwestEurope as well as some west Mediterranean breeding birds migrate to the German Wadden Sea tomoult. Significant cold weather movements occur in northwest Europe, with birds moving away fromthe major wintering areas of the Dutch and Danish Wadden Sea to Britain and Ireland, and to a lesserextent, north and west France. Some birds also reach Iberia, North Africa and Italy during very coldwinters (Ridgill & Fox, 1990).

The southern populations in the Black Sea and Caspian regions are believed to be mainly sedentary,although long-distance movements may occur during exceptionally cold weather, and moult migrationsare known to occur in some areas (e.g. northwestern Iran). Birds breeding south to Romania and east insouthern Siberia are migratory. Those breeding east of the Ob River are believed to join the birds in theCaspian region in winter (Cramp & Simmons, 1977). The wintering population in Egypt, which maynumber 10,000 birds in some years, is thought to be mainly of Turkish origin, although a recovery inEgypt of a bird ringed at Lake Tengiz, Kazakhstan (69°E), suggests that at least some of the Egyptianbirds belong to the southern Siberian breeding population (Meininger & Atta, 1994). Other birdsringed at Tengiz Lake have been recovered in the Caspian region and northwestern Iran (Argyle, 1975).

Population limits:Only three populations are recognized in Western Eurasia: (1) a population in northwest Europedistributed around the North Sea, in the Baltic and on the Atlantic coasts of Britain, Ireland andFrance; (2) a Black Sea/Mediterranean population wintering south to the Nile Delta and northwestAfrica; and (3) a population breeding from eastern Turkey, northwestern Iran and the Caspian regioneastwards through Kazakhstan and wintering from the south Caspian through Iran and Iraq to Arabia.

Atkinson-Willes (1976) and Scott (1980) recognized only two populations in Europe, one innorthwest Europe and one in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region. However, Ruger et al. (1986), followingWalmsley (1984), considered the birds in the west Mediterranean (Italy, France, Spain and the Maghreb)to be a separate population from those in the east Mediterranean and Black Sea. Monval & Pirot(1989) thought that the birds breeding around the Black Sea and east Mediterranean were mainlysedentary, moving further south only during cold spells, and concluded that it was unlikely that exchangesoccurred between these T. tadorna and those present in the west Mediterranean.

The validity of a separate west Mediterranean population is clearly questionable. On the one hand,there is a considerable amount of intermixing between the northwest European population and thewest Mediterranean birds, with many of the 600 pairs breeding in Spain, southern France and Italymigrating to the Wadden Sea to moult (Walmsley, 1987), and some of the northwest European breedingbirds moving into the west Mediterranean during severe winters. On the other hand, there is nowevidence which suggests that large numbers of birds from the Black Sea/east Mediterranean move intothe west Mediterranean during severe winters. The large numbers of wintering T. tadorna in Algeria inrecent years (up to 20,000) are more likely to be birds forced out of the Black Sea region by hardweather, than birds from hitherto unknown breeding areas in northwest Africa. Such hard weathermovements would be consistent with the unprecedented series of harsh winters that have prevailed inthe Black Sea during the 1990s, and would explain why recent mid-winter counts in the northern Black

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Sea have been considerably lower than the numbers believed to be present during the more normalwinters of the 1980s (Monval & Pirot, 1989).

Tadorna tadorna breeding in the west Mediterranean should perhaps be treated as part of the northwestEuropean population, while many of the wintering birds almost certainly belong to the Black Sea/eastMediterranean population. Since the number of birds breeding in the west Mediterranean is relativelysmall in relation to the wintering population, the west Mediterranean birds are here included within asingle large Black Sea/Mediterranean population.

There is also likely to be a considerable amount of inter-mixing between birds in the Black Sea/eastMediterranean region and those in Southwest Asia. There are no major gaps in the breeding range ofT. tadorna between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and evidence from ringing suggests that some ofthe birds wintering in Egypt originate from breeding areas east of the Caspian. Occasionally some birdsare found as far south as Jeddah in the central Red Sea (S. Newton, in litt.). As for many species ofAnatidae, the distinction between a Black Sea/Mediterranean population and a Southwest Asianpopulation is maintained primarily for practical reasons, with the dividing line following the defaultline through the Caucasus, eastern Turkey and Syria.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 300,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 3,000.

• Black Sea/Mediterranean: 75,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 750.

• Western Asia/Caspian/Middle East: 80,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 800.The estimate of 80,000 (Perennou et al., 1994) was based on counts from 1987 to 1991; in recent years,the totals counts have ranged between 55,000 and 60,000 birds, and thus agree well with the originalestimate.

Habitat/ecology:Tadorna tadorna is a bird of coastal mudflats, estuaries and brackish to saline lakes, generally occurringin saline waters, but often intentionally seeking fresh water in order to drink. In northwest Europe,T. tadorna is a maritime species largely confined to sheltered coasts and estuaries. Almost the entirenorthwest European population gathers in the Wadden Sea to moult, along with some birds from thewest Mediterranean. Immatures arrive from June and adults from July. During the wing moult, the birdsare flightless for 25–31 days. Birds from breeding areas to the west of the moulting area return to theirbreeding grounds after the moult, between October and December; birds from breeding areas to the eastof the moulting area remain throughout the winter in the southern North Sea and return to theirbreeding grounds in March. Birds from the west Mediterranean return to their breeding grounds inNovember, via the Rhone and the Rhine. The moulting behaviour of birds breeding further east ispoorly understood. No major moult migrations have been documented, but very large numbers of birdsgather at Lake Uromiyeh in northwestern Iran to moult, and these presumably include migrants fromcentral Asia as well as local breeding birds. Birds wintering in Algeria and Tunisia begin to arrive inSeptember, and reach a peak in November, December and January.

Conservation status:The northwest European population of T. tadorna increased by at least 50% between the late 1960s andthe late 1980s. However, in recent years the rate of increase has slowed down, and the population maynow be stabilizing (Rose, 1995).

Numbers wintering in the west Mediterranean increased considerably between 1967 and 1987, buthave started to stabilize since then (Rose, 1995). Numbers wintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterraneanhave increased significantly in the last ten years, although over the last 20 years there has been stabilityor even a slow decline in numbers (Rose, 1995). Much of the increase in the west Mediterranean mayhave been a result of increased immigration of birds from the Black Sea region, especially during thelong series of cold winters in recent years.

The population in Southwest Asia appears to be increasing. Flint and Krivenko (1990) report ageneral increase in numbers of T. tadorna in the former USSR, while Krivenko (1993) reports an increasein the numbers of birds at the end of the breeding season in Kazakhstan and the Caspian region between1972 and 1989. The number of birds wintering in Iran increased by over 50% between the early 1970sand the late 1980s (Perennou et al., 1994). As these birds account for almost half of the SouthwestAsian population, it seems likely that the population as a whole has been increasing.


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Network of key sites:All three populations of T. tadorna are dispersed while breeding but come together in autumn, springand during moult at a few extremely important sites. In winter they are more dispersed and rathermobile but nevertheless the species remains appropriate for the development of a key sites network.The northwest European population stages and moults in the Wadden Sea and to a lesser extent atBridgwater Bay in the United Kingdom. Manych-Godilo Lakes in the Caucasus can have over 100,000individuals after moult when 22,000 are present. This autumn concentration must include both Caspianand Black Sea/east Mediterranean wintering birds, and it is likely that other major moulting sites stillexist for the Black Sea/Mediterranean population. Up to 35,000 (40% of the population) T. tadornamoult at Lake Uromiyeh in Iran where numbers can nearly double in exceptional winters. Networks ofkey wintering sites are fairly extensive for all three populations with 42 key sites listed for northwestEurope, 52 for the Black Sea/Mediterranean and 25 for the Caspian.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites for the northwest European population are protected and so are most of themajor sites for the Southwest Asian population, including the moulting area at Lake Uromiyeh in Iran.Only wintering sites are well known for the Black Sea/Mediterranean population, and 20 of the 52 keywintering sites here are protected, including the most important.


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SPUR-WINGED GOOSEPlectropterus gambensis

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies are recognized: P. g. gambensis from Gambia to Sudan and south to Zambia,and P. g. niger in southern Africa. The two subspecies are distributed north and south of the ZambeziRiver, but intermediates are frequent in the border region. The situation suggests that they were formerlyisolated and have quite recently come into secondary contact (Snow, 1978).

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. P. g. gambensis occurs from Gambia east to Ethiopia and south toAngola and the Zambezi River; P. g. niger occurs in southern Africa from Namibia and Zimbabwe toCape Province, South Africa. P. g. gambensis breeds north along the Nile to the region of Khartoum,and has been recorded as far north as Abou Simbel in Egypt, but the records of birds in Egypt may relateto semi-domesticated individuals (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). In West Africa, the species is veryuncommon south of 9°N in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo and Benin (J.F. Walsh, in litt.).

Movements:At least partially migratory over most of its range, undertaking marked seasonal movements (of up toseveral hundred kilometres) in many parts of its range. These movements are poorly understood, butappear to be mostly related with the availability of water. The species is mainly a dry season visitor toGambia. Seasonal influxes occur in the Senegal Delta in January, in northern Togo in December–April(dry season), at Lake Chad in February–May, and in the Luangwa Valley, Zambia, chiefly in October–March. Moult migrations have been observed in the Niger Delta, Senegal Delta and South Africa.Birds ringed in South Africa have been recovered up to 570 km away.

Population limits:The nominate form is very widely distributed in western, central and eastern Africa, and there do notappear to be any major gaps in its distribution. Because of the extent of movements shown by thespecies, the entire population of this subspecies is probably best treated, biologically, as a single, verylarge population. However, for practical reasons it is proposed that the West African birds (east toChad) be treated as a separate population, although it is acknowledged that there may be a considerableamount of interchange between this population and birds in central and eastern Africa. Three populationsare therefore recognized: the entire population of the subspecies niger in southern Africa, and twopopulations of the nominate form, one in West Africa (east to Chad), and one in eastern and south-central Africa (south to the Zambezi).

Population size:• West Africa (gambensis): 50,000 (Perennou, 1991a). 1% level 500.The maximum mid-winter count in West Africa was 38,000 in 1987, but the maximum count in recentyears has not exceeded 5,000. Concentrations of over 10,000 were recorded in the Senegal Delta in the1970s (Tréca, 1978), but numbers have been much lower since then, with the recent maximum inDjoudj National Park being only 2,470 in January 1988 (P. Yésou, in litt.). Other high counts haveincluded up to 25,000 at Lake Maga in Cameroon, up to 1,500 in the Central Niger Delta and 1,850 atLac d’Aleg, Mauritania, in January 1996. Flocks of up to 500 have been recorded along the MiddleRiver in Gambia (Jensen & Kirkeby, 1980), and flocks of up to 300 have been recorded during the dryseason in northern Togo (Cheke & Walsh, in prep.). Some 440 were observed at Lagoa de Cufada,Guinea-Bissau, in February 1990 (Scott & Pineau, 1990).

• Eastern and south-central Africa (gambensis): 200,000–300,000. Provisional numerical criterion2,500.

Frequent to locally abundant in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971), widespread and locally numerous inKenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Britton, 1980), widespread in rather small numbers (generally in flocksof less than 50 birds) in Malawi (Benson & Benson, 1977), and widespread and common in Zambia(Benson et al., 1971). Only 1,214 were recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in

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January 1995, although concentrations of up to 10,000 have been recorded in the south of the countryin recent years (N. Baker, in litt.). Recent counts in Zambia have included 8,215 at Kafue Flats inJanuary 1994 and 2,133 in Bangweulu Swamps in July 1994. The highest count of gambensis during theAfrican Waterfowl Census (1991–94) was 9,572 in January 1994.

• Southern Africa (niger): 50,000–100,000. Provisional numerical criterion 750.Seasonally common to very common on most large inland waters almost throughout its range (Sinclairet al., 1993). In Botswana, it is a very common resident on the floodplains in the north of the country,and common at wetlands south to Lake Ngami (Newman, 1989; Penry, 1994), while in Zimbabwe, it isone of the commonest of the Anatidae (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.). About 2,000 moulting birdshave been recorded at Barberspan, western Transvaal, in June–August. The highest count of niger duringthe African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) was 8,999 in 1993. The population seems unlikely to exceed100,000.

Habitat/ecology:P. gambensis is found in a wide range of habitats, occurring on most kinds of fresh water (marshes, grassyswamps, rivers, lakes, reservoirs etc.), particularly where these are surrounded by scattered trees andnear grassland or arable land. The species often feeds well away from open water. In the dry season, largeflocks gather at permanent water, these often undergoing the wing moult, e.g. in the Central NigerDelta and Senegal Delta. In West Africa, it breeds during the late wet season (J.F. Walsh, in litt.).

Conservation status:The West African population of gambensis is said to have been affected by desiccation of the Sahel zone(del Hoyo et al., 1992), and may now be decreasing.

Network of key sites:Similar to many other species of endemic African Anatidae, P. gambensis has a very inadequate keysites networks in southern and eastern Africa. This could be because it is very dispersed, becauseinformation is lacking, because censuses are undertaken in inappropriate seasons or because thepopulation estimate, and hence the threshold for selection, is too high. As for all other African Anatidaemuch more quantitative site based distribution data is required for all times of year. In West Africa 22key sites can be selected on the basis of December–February data and the few counts available fromother months suggest that the species probably occurs in large concentrations in all seasons. The largestcount recorded is of 22,000 at Lac Maga in Cameroon which also has the highest average annualmaximum of 7000 individuals. The key wintering sites network is probably quite complete, but year toyear variations in the suitability of the sites makes it very hard to predict the value of the network inadvance.

Protection status of key sites:Only six key sites are known to be protected.

SPUR-WINGED GOOSE Plectropterus gambensis

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HARTLAUB’S DUCKPteronetta hartlaubii

Subspecies:Monotypic. Birds with extensive white on the head from east-central Africa (mainly Zaire) were formerlyconsidered as a subspecies, albifrons, but this variation is no longer considered to be geographicallydiscrete.

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region, occurring in equatorial West and central Africa from Sierra Leoneand Guinea east to Ghana, and from Nigeria east to extreme southwest Sudan and south to centralZaire. There are no records for Benin or Togo (J.F. Walsh, in litt.).

Movements:As far as is known, the species is sedentary throughout its range, with only local movements recorded(Brown et al., 1982). It is said to be resident in Cameroon (Louette, 1981), Ghana (Grimes, 1987) andNigeria (Elgood, 1982).

Population limits:The only major break in the historical distribution of the species is between the forested regions ofwestern West Africa (Guinea and Sierra Leone to Ghana) and those extending from Nigeria east intocentral Africa, and only two populations are therefore recognized. However, severe deforestation andresulting fragmentation of forest blocks during the present century has undoubtedly broken up thissedentary species into many more isolated population ‘units’ which, from a conservation viewpoint,should perhaps merit treatment as separate populations. Because of the paucity of information availableon the present distribution and abundance of the species, only the two historical population units arerecognized.

Population size:• Central Africa (west to Nigeria): 10,000–50,000. Provisional numerical criterion 300.In central Africa, the species appears to be widespread and locally quite numerous throughout itsrange, and is described as common by Brown et al. (1982). It seems to be most numerous inCameroon, Gabon, Congo and Zaire. Until quite recently, it was well distributed and not uncommonin Nigeria (Elgood, 1982), but recent reports suggest that it is now uncommon to rare there(J.F. Walsh, in litt.).

• West Africa (Guinea to Ghana): Probably less than 1,000 (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Provisionalnumerical criterion 10.

Pteronetta hartlaubii is now very scarce throughout its range in West Africa. It is now rare throughoutGhana, and is an uncommon breeding bird in Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The onlypublished records for Guinea are of two pairs at 8°N in March 1984 and 1985 (J.F. Walsh, in litt.).The largest concentration reported in West Africa in recent years was a flock of at least 30 plus afurther 39 birds in small groups on the Comoe River between 8°N and 8.30°N in Ivory Coast(J.F. Walsh, in litt.). J.F. Walsh (in litt.) has recently estimated the West African population atprobably less than 1,000 birds.

Only a few individuals have been recorded during the African Waterfowl Census in recent years(maximum of five in 1994), but very few counts have been undertaken within the species’ range.Callaghan and Green (1993) state that the population is likely to be in the range 10,000–100,000individuals.

Habitat/ecology:P. hartlaubii is the only African species of Anatidae whose distribution is confined to the Guinea forests,with outlying populations along rivers in wooded savanna north and south of the main forest block(Snow, 1978). It is a bird of secluded pools, streams and small rivers in lowland rainforest, broad galleryforest and well-wooded savannah. It is normally found in pairs, but small flocks of up to about 15 birds

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have been reported on larger, more open rivers, and are presumed to be moult gatherings. The breedingseason seems to be during August–November, when ducklings have been seen in the wild, but no wildnest has yet been described.

Conservation status:Pteronetta hartlaubii is listed as ‘near-threatened’ by Green (1996), and as ‘vulnerable’ by Ellis-Josephet al. (1992), who state that the primary threat is habitat loss due to forest destruction. Major declineshave been reported in West Africa, but further east, the extent and rate of any decline are unclear.Elgood (1982) and Elgood et al. (1994) noted that a decline in numbers had occurred in Nigeria, andattributed this to habitat destruction. Grimes (1987) described P. hartlaubii as not uncommon alongthe major rivers in Ghana (Ancobra, Bia, Prah, Offin and Tano), but by 1990 it had disappearedfrom the north of the country (southern reaches of Black Volta and Tain River) and had becomevery scarce further south (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Recent declines have also been noted in IvoryCoast (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Numbers seem certain to be declining elsewhere because of the dependenceof the species on rainforest and the rapid rate at which forests are being destroyed almost throughoutits range.

Network of key sites:One untraceable set of counts from Cameroon lists 289 P. hartlaubii in January 1987 and there arerecent observations from the Comoe River in Cote d’Ivoire (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Almost no otherquantitative information exists for any of the range of this species, so its status is totally unknown.

HARTLAUB’S DUCK Pteronetta hartlaubii

110

COMB DUCK (KNOB-BILLED GOOSE)Sarkidiornis melanotos

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in Africa and southern Asia, andS. m. sylvicola in tropical South America (sometimes considered a separate species).

Distribution:Pantropical, occurring in tropical South America, sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia (Pakistan tosouth China). In Africa, the nominate form occurs widely throughout the continent south of the Sahara,except in densely forested and arid areas. It also occurs in Madagascar. It is locally common to abundanton well-watered savannas throughout its range.

Movements:Primarily an intra-African migrant, although some populations, including the Madagascar population, aremainly sedentary. A large part of the African population is highly migratory, undertaking lengthy trans-equatorial migrations in response to seasonal rains and changing water conditions. This mobility probablyaccounts for the fact that no geographical variation has been detected in the Old World part of the species’range (Snow, 1978). In southern Africa, the species is mainly a summer (wet season) visitor (Sinclair et al.,1993). Birds ringed in Zimbabwe have been recovered in Mozambique, Zambia, Zaire, northern Tanzania,Chad (3,879 km) and Sudan (3,600 km). In Zambia, it is essentially a rains visitor, with maximum numbersoccurring in March and April after breeding, and minima in June–September (D.R. Aspinwall, in litt.). Largeconcentrations of non-breeding birds have been observed in Zambia, and also in Zaire and Kenya. Thespecies is a common visitor to southern Sudan, mainly on passage at the start and at the end of the rains(Lynes, 1925), and is sometimes an abundant visitor to southern Somalia, although there are no breedingrecords from this area (Ash & Miskell, 1983). Flocks have been observed flying north up Lake Albert in June,suggesting that the western rift valley may be a migration route for this species into Sudan (R.J. Douthwaite,in litt.). In Eritrea, the species is a common visitor to the western plains during the rains (July–December)(Smith, 1957).

In West Africa, S. melanotos is a seasonal visitor to the lower Senegal region, probably from breedingquarters in more humid country to the southeast, although breeding has been recorded at Lac de Gueirsin northern Senegal (Tréca & Rouchouse, 1990). A bird ringed in northwestern Senegal has beenrecovered 900 km away in Mali. The species is a common dry season visitor to Gambia, whereconcentrations of over 1,000 have been recorded in March, but it is not known to breed (Gore, 1981).In northern Togo, S. melanotos is a common dry season visitor (December to April), occasionally extendingsouth to about 9°40'N (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Large concentrations of non-breeding birds have been observedin the Senegal Delta, in the Central Niger Delta in Mali and in Chad. In Cameroon, the species occursas a common non-breeding visitor to the south during the rainy season (Louette, 1981).

Population limits:S. melanotos is very widely distributed over Africa south of the Sahara, with no apparent major gaps inits distribution, and shows a high degree of mobility. Thus, the entire African population is probably besttreated, biologically, as a single, very large population. However, for practical reasons it is proposed thatthe West African birds (east to the Chad basin) be treated as a separate population, although it isacknowledged that there is probably a considerable amount of interchange between this population andbirds in central and eastern Africa. S. melanotos is said to be mainly sedentary in Madagascar, and thereis no evidence of interchange with the African population. Thus three populations are recognized: a WestAfrican population (east to Chad); an eastern and southern African population; and a Madagascarpopulation.

Population size:• West Africa: 50,000 (Perennou, 1991a). 1% level 500.This estimate of 50,000 (Perennou, 1991a & 1991b) may be too low. W.C. Mullié ( in litt.) has suggestedthat 60,000 may be more realistic, and that the population may be as high as 70,000–75,000. Up to32,800 have been counted during mid-winter waterfowl censuses in West Africa (maximum in 1987).

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Notable counts have included: 2,920 at Lac d’Aleg, Mauritania, in January 1996, 1,250 at JakhalySwamp, Gambia, in March 1975 (Jensen & Kirkeby, 1980); up to 790 in Djoudj National Park in theSenegal Delta (P. Yésou, in litt.); 2,500 in the Central Niger Delta, Mali, in January 1973 and 15,000 inJanuary 1978; 7,770 along the Niger River between Labezanga and Niamey, Niger, in January 1995(W.C. Mullié, in litt.); and over 600 on the Logone floodplain in Cameroon in February 1995 (Scholteet al., 1995).

• Eastern and southern Africa: 500,000–1,000,000. Provisional numerical criterion 7,500.Generally widespread and locally abundant; described as a common summer visitor to the western plainsof Eritrea (Smith, 1957), frequent to locally abundant in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971), sometimesabundant in Somalia (Ash & Miskell, 1983), widespread and fairly common in Kenya, Tanzania andUganda (Britton, 1980), common in flocks of up to 50 in Malawi (Benson & Benson, 1977), widespreadand common in Zambia, especially in the west (Benson et al., 1971), common throughout Zimbabwe,often in concentrations of several hundred birds (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.), and fairly common inBotswana (Newman, 1989). Some 20,435 were recorded at Kafue Flats, Zambia, in January 1994. Atotal of 357 was recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995. Thehighest count in eastern and southern Africa during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) was21,674 in 1994. It has been suggested that the total population in eastern and southern Africa probablyexceeds 1,000,000 (D.R. Aspinwall, in litt.).

• Madagascar: 10,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 175.According to Langrand (1990), widespread throughout Madagascar in small numbers, though abundantin places, especially in the west and north (e.g. at Lake Bemamba, the Soalala lakes and marshes, andBetsiboka River). Some 1000 were recorded at Lake Bemamba in June 1993 (Young et al., 1993) and258 at Lake Amboromalandy in October 1993 (F. Hawkins, in litt.). Up to 865 have been recorded inrecent waterfowl censuses in Madagascar.

Habitat/ecology:Sarkidiornis melanotos is a bird of lowland tropical swamps, lakes and rivers in open, lightlywooded country (marshes, temporary pans in woodland, woodland-fringed lagoons in inundatedfloodplains and river deltas). Breeding generally occurs during the rainy season. The species needs treesfor nesting, but prefers savanna country rather than thick forest, and in many parts of its range breedsmainly in areas of temporary inundation. In Zimbabwe, it has been recorded at gravel pits in woodland.There is marked segregation in feeding areas between the sexes; females and juveniles feed largely onripening grass seeds, while males feed largely on aquatic plant seeds, especially water lilies, which appearin the wake of the rains (R.J. Douthwaite, in litt.). S. melanotos usually forages in small groups, butoccasionally forms large flocks, especially during the late dry season. After the first rains, large flocksmay gather to feed on germinating wheat from crop residue (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.).

Conservation status:Populations on the mainland of Africa are thought to be stable, although a slight decrease has takenplace in Zimbabwe in the last ten years (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.). In Madagascar, the species hasbecome rare on Lake Alaotra and generally in the east, due to hunting pressure (Langrand, 1990).S. melanotos is trapped throughout Madagascar and persecuted when feeding in rice fields. It is oftenfound on sale in markets (H.G. Young, in litt.)

Network of key sites:Much more information and research is necessary in southern/eastern Africa and Madagascar beforethe one and two key sites respectively can be supplemented to provide the basis of a key sites network.The 33 key sites selected for West Africa on the basis of December to February censuses do provide arudimentary key sites network but its value will vary between years according to water distribution.Nothing is known about key sites for other months. Highest numbers are most regularly counted at LacFitri and Mare de Katoa in Tchad but the highest recorded concentration is of 15,000 in the SouthernInner Niger Delta during 1978.

Protection status of key sites:Only a few of the key wintering sites in West Africa are protected.

COMB DUCK (KNOB-BILLED GOOSE) Sarkidiornis melanotos

113

AFRICAN PYGMY-GOOSENettapus auritus

Subspecies:Monotypic. Madagascar birds are not distinguishable from African birds.

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. The species occurs widely in Africa south of the Sahara fromSenegal and Ethiopia southwards, and also in Madagascar. It formerly occurred in Zanzibar and is probablystill a resident in Pemba, in small numbers (Pakenham, 1979). The distribution over its entire range issporadic, dictated by rainfall and availability of suitable habitat.

Movements:Chiefly sedentary; the species is not known to be a long-distance migrant, but in regions with seasonalrainfall, it makes nomadic movements during the dry season in response to changing water levels. Someseasonal movements have been recorded in West Africa; it is resident in northern Ghana, Togo andBenin, but occurs in the coastal zone only during the dry season (J.F. Walsh, in litt.), while in Chad, itseems to be entirely migratory (Salvan, 1967). In Sudan, most records and numbers are in the rainyseason (Nikolaus, 1987). It is partly migratory in northern Botswana, the highest numbers occurring inDecember (during the breeding season), and lowest in April–May; movements in this area are thoughtto be linked with the moult (Douthwaite, 1980). The population in Madagascar appears to be mainlysedentary but occasionally it is highly dispersive when west coast breeding lakes become too saline (ordry out) during March–October.

Population limits:The species is very widely distributed over Africa south of the Sahara, and there do not appear to be anymajor gaps in its distribution. However, for practical reasons it is proposed that the West African birdsbe treated as a separate population, although it is acknowledged that there is probably some interchangebetween this population and birds in central and eastern Africa. The Madagascar population is mainlysedentary, and there is no evidence of interchange with the African population. Thus three populationsare recognized: a West African population (east to Chad); an eastern and southern African population;and a Madagascar population.

Population size:• West Africa: 20,000–30,000. Provisional numerical criterion 250.Widely distributed but generally uncommon over much of the region. Formerly widespread in theSenegal Delta but now rare there (P. Yésou, in litt.). Said to be an uncommon resident in theMiddle Valley of Gambia, occurring in concentrations of up to 30 birds (Jensen & Kirkeby, 1980),and described as not uncommon in Ghana, occurring in small groups of four to six birds (Grimes,1987). In Nigeria, said to be widespread and not uncommon from the great rivers northwards, butuncommon in the southwest and rare in the southeast (Elgood, 1982; Elgood et al., 1994).Uncommon in Cameroon, although occasionally occurring in substantial numbers, e.g. 60 at LakeMaga in January 1993 (P. Scholte, in litt.). One of the most important sites in West Africa is Lagoade Cufada in Guinea-Bissau, where 250 were recorded in February 1990 (Scott & Pineau, 1990).The maximum mid-winter count in West Africa was 300 in 1975. Rose & Scott (1994) estimatedthe total West African population at less than 10,000, but a recent assessment suggests that thepopulation may exceed 25,000 birds (J.F. Walsh, in litt.).

• Eastern and southern Africa: 100,000–250,000. Provisional numerical criterion 1,750.Generally rather uncommon, but locally common to abundant; described as uncommon to frequent inEthiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971), rather uncommon in Kenya (where mainly along the coast), Tanzaniaand Uganda (Britton, 1980), widespread in small numbers in Malawi (Benson & Benson, 1977) andZambia (Benson et al., 1971), locally common to very common in Botswana (Newman, 1989; Penry,1994), and locally common throughout much of southern Africa (Sinclair et al., 1993). The species isabundant at Lake Tana, Ethiopia, and in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The population in the Okavango

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Delta was estimated at 10,600 +/- 4,400 in July–October 1978, and as many as 15,000 have been recordedthere more recently. Dry season flocks of up to 1,000 have been observed in north Zululand, SouthAfrica. The population in Zimbabwe is estimated to number in the hundreds of birds (Ewbank, 1993).A total of 330 was recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995. Themaximum count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in eastern and southern Africa wasonly 542 (in 1993).

• Madagascar: 5,000–10,000. Provisional numerical criterion 75.Occurs throughout Madagascar, except for the High Plateau. Common in the west, particularly at LakeBemamba and Lake Antsamaka, in the vicinity of Morondava, and at the Soalala lakes, and in thenorth, e.g. at Sahaka Lake, Antsohihy and Maromandia Marshes; uncommon in the east, and rare insouth and at Lake Alaotra (Langrand, 1990). Usually found in groups of 10–40, occasionally more (e.g.120 on a pond at Morondava in October 1983). Up to 92 have been recorded during waterfowl censusesin recent years.

Habitat/ecology:Highly aquatic, frequenting undisturbed freshwater ponds and lakes with rich emergent vegetation,especially water-lilies (Nymphaea spp.). In many parts of its range, and particularly in West Africawhere it is uncommon, the species seems to be tied to the presence of water-lilies, although in Cameroonit also occurs in mangroves (Louette, 1981). It is semi-gregarious, normally occurring in groups of 10 to200 birds.

Conservation status:The species has become very rare in the Senegal Delta in recent years (P. Yésou, in litt.), and is becomingrare in Kenya, perhaps because of the disappearance of large water-lily beds from many wetlands(L. Bennun, in litt.). It is the only species of duck thought to be threatened at national level in Zimbabwe,where it is under pressure from the destruction of aquatic vegetation by herbivorous fish (Ewbank,1993). Aquatic vegetation is also being destroyed by siltation and cattle when pans and stock ponds dryup during the dry season (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.). In Madagascar, numbers have declinedconsiderably through hunting and trapping (Langrand, 1990) and the destruction of aquatic plants byintroduced exotic herbivorous fish has been a large problem (H.G. Young, in litt.).

Network of key sites:The Lagoa de Cufada in Guinea Bissau had a maximum count 250 N. auritus in 1990, which is exactly1% of the population. No other count is known to have equalled 1% of the population anywhere inAfrica so a key sites network will probably never be possible for this species.

AFRICAN PYGMY-GOOSE Nettapus auritus

116

EURASIAN WIGEONAnas penelope


Distribution:Palearctic, with a wide breeding distribution across northern Eurasia from Iceland eastwards. Westernpopulations winter south to North Africa and the Gulf, with only small numbers continuing onsouth into West and East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In eastern Africa, A. penelope is commonto abundant in Eritrea, Ethiopia and northern Sudan, less common in Kenya, scarce in Tanzaniaand only a vagrant in Uganda. It is generally scarce in West Africa, with only small numbers reachingnorthern Nigeria (maximum 30), Chad (maximum 300), Mali (maximum 295) and Senegal(maximum 70).

Movements:Almost entirely migratory, although some populations (e.g. the British breeding population) aremainly sedentary. The species winters mainly at temperate latitudes, although small numberspenetrate much further south in West and East Africa. The relatively small Icelandic population(4,000–6,000 pairs) winters mainly in western Britain and Ireland, with some birds continuing onto adjacent parts of the continent. There have also been at least five recoveries of Icelandic birdsin northeastern North America (Gardarsson, 1991a). Birds breeding in Fennoscandia and EuropeanRussia winter in northwest Europe, along with a large number of birds from further east in northernSiberia, where there have been recoveries from as far east as 80°E. Most of the A. penelope breedingin west and central Siberia, however, winter around the Caspian and Black Seas and in theMediterranean Basin westwards to southern Spain. The main wintering areas for birds moulting inthe Volga Delta are in countries around the Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea, but about 20% ofthe birds ringed in the Volga Delta have been recovered in northwest Europe (Shevareva, 1970).Most of the birds wintering in Southwest Asia probably originate from the west Siberian plain. Thebirds wintering in northeast Africa are also thought to originate from west-central Siberia (Brownet al., 1982).

Anas penelope undertakes significant cold weather movements of varying magnitude dependingon the absolute severity of the cold winter. Increases occur in east and west Britain and Ireland andnorth and west France in severe winters, and dramatic increases occur in Iberia in very severewinters (Ridgill & Fox, 1990). At such times, birds from northwest Europe presumably mix withbirds wintering in the Mediterranean Basin (Ridgill & Fox, 1990).

Population limits:No discrete populations are identifiable. On the basis of ringing recoveries, Shevareva (1970) andAtkinson-Willes (1976) divided the Western Palearctic A. penelope into three different sub-populations:a small sub-population breeding in Iceland which winters mainly in Scotland and Ireland; a second sub-population breeding in Scandinavia and Russia between 30° and 70°E, which winters in northwestEurope; and a third sub-population breeding further east, between 60° and 105°E, which winters in theBlack Sea-Mediterranean region. The wintering ranges of the two main sub-populations are almostcompletely separate, with few exchanges occurring between them except in southern Spain whereA. penelope from both origins may mix, especially during hard winters. Monval & Pirot (1989) followedthis division into two main wintering groups (incorporating the Icelandic birds within the northwestEuropean group), but split the Black Sea/Mediterranean region into two sub-regions, the westMediterranean and the east Mediterranean, for the purposes of trend analyses. Perennou et al. (1994)recognized a third large wintering group in Southwest Asia concentrated mainly in the south Caspianregion, Iran and Iraq. To these should be added the relatively small number of birds wintering in northeastAfrica south to Kenya. These three main wintering groups (northwest Europe, Black Sea/Mediterraneanand Southwest Asia/northeast Africa) are retained here, although it is clear that there is a considerableamount of overlap between all three both on the breeding grounds in western and central Siberia and atthe major moulting area in the Volga Delta.

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Population size:• Northwest Europe: 1,250,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 12,500.

• Black Sea/Mediterranean: 560,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 5,600.A few hundred birds, presumably from this population, occasionally extend into West Africa, e.g. 300at Lake Chad in 1969–70.

• Southwest Asia/northeast Africa: 250,000. 1% level 2,500.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the Southwest Asian wintering population at about 250,000 birds, butthis estimate relied heavily on 1970s data, and there has apparently been some decline in numbers sincethen. The highest count during the International Waterfowl Census in recent years has been 100,000 in1991 (when over 60,000 were reported at Kizil Agach in Azerbaijan), while in 1993 and 1994, the totalcounts were only 53,000 and 25,000 respectively, despite good coverage. It would seem unlikely, therefore,that the number of birds wintering in Southwest Asia exceeds 200,000. Urban (1993) estimated thetotal population wintering in northeast Africa (excluding Egypt) to be in the range 15,000–60,000,with most birds in Sudan (5,000–20,000) and Ethiopia (10,000–40,000), and probably less than 1,000in the rest of eastern Africa. Adding these birds to an estimated 200,000 birds in Southwest Asia suggestsa total Southwest Asian/northeast African wintering population of about 250,000.

Habitat/ecology:Anas penelope breeds in shallow, freshwater marshes, lakes and lagoons surrounded by scattered trees oropen forest; it winters in coastal marshes, freshwater and brackish lagoons, estuaries, bays and othersheltered marine habitats. The males moult their flight feathers between late May and July, femalesbetween late June and early September. Important moult gatherings have been recorded at many localitiesin Russia (e.g. Volga Delta, lakes in the Urals and upper Pechora), and in Estonia, southern Sweden,Denmark and Iceland. The main departure from the breeding grounds takes place in September, andthe main arrival on the wintering grounds in October and November. Birds leave their winter quartersin northwest Europe and the Black Sea region in the second half of March and early April, but do notarrive on their breeding grounds in northern Russia before the second half of May.

Conservation status:The population wintering in northwest Europe has shown a significant increase over the last 20 years,with an apparent rate of increase of 7.48% per annum (Rose, 1995). In contrast, the Black Sea/Mediterranean population appears to be decreasing rapidly. The number of birds wintering in the westMediterranean has probably decreased by 45% in the last 20 years, while the number wintering in theBlack Sea/east Mediterranean may now be less than half the number in 1982 (Rose, 1995). Thepopulation wintering in Southwest Asia is also decreasing. Krivenko (1993) reported a slight decline innumbers in the middle regions of the former USSR between 1972 and 1989, and the numbers winteringin Iran apparently decreased by 62% over almost the same period (Perennou et al., 1994).

Network of key sites:The autumn and spring passage sites in the Baltic, Belarus and Russia, suggest that many more importantpassage sites must exist in other areas. The Mouth of the Ob in the north and the Wadden Sea in thesouth are important terminal departure and arrival sites but there must be others for remaining populationsand many more key passage sites must be used right across Europe en route between breeding and winteringsites. It is unlikely that such a dispersed and widespread breeding species will ever be appropriate for thedevelopment of a key breeding sites network and it is not known if key moulting or non-breedingconcentrations exist in the north of the range. In contrast, Annex 2 lists over 40 key wintering sites forthe northwest European wintering population, 52 for the Mediterranean wintering population and 40for the Caspian/eastern Africa wintering population. All of these key wintering site networks are veryextensive.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the key passage sites known for A. penelope are protected and most of the key wintering sites inthe Mediterranean region are protected, the Menderes Delta (Turkey) and Lac Fetzara (Algeria) beingnotable exceptions. The key wintering sites in northwest Europe are also mostly protected. In sharpcontrast, the two most important wintering sites in the Caspian basin are protected (Bakhtegan andTashk, Miankaleh and Gorgan Bay) but very few of the remaining 38 are fully protected.

EURASIAN WIGEON Anas penelope

119

GADWALLAnas strepera

Subspecies:Monotypic. A distinctive form, A. s. couesi, described from Teraina (Washington) Island in the Republicof Kiribati (Central Pacific) has not been seen since its discovery in 1874 and is presumed to be extinct.

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding distribution at temperate latitudes across North America and Eurasia.Western Eurasian populations winter south to North Africa and the Gulf, with only small numberscontinuing on south into sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. A. strepera is an occasionalbreeding bird in North Africa (Morocco and Algeria). In eastern Africa, it winters in small numbers inthe Nile Valley south to Sudan (10–100), and sporadically in the Ethiopian highlands (100–200); alsorarely in Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania (Urban, 1993). In West Africa, it is an occasional winter visitorto the Senegal Delta, Mali (maximum 120), Nigeria and Chad, and a vagrant to Niger and Cameroon.

Movements:Partially migratory; northern breeding birds descend to lower latitudes in winter, but breeding birds inmore temperate regions tend to be rather sedentary. Most of the breeding birds from Scandinavia, theBaltic States and European Russia winter in western Europe, where they mix with the rather sedentarylocal breeding populations (especially in the Netherlands, France, Britain and Ireland). Of eight birdsringed in Russia and recovered wintering in Iran, seven had been ringed in the Volga Delta and theother in the southern Urals (62°E).

Population limits:Monval & Pirot (1989) found it difficult to define precise biogeographical populations, and followedthe traditional regional division between northwest Europe and the Black Sea/Mediterranean forconvenience. For the purposes of trend analyses, these authors split the Black Sea/Mediterranean regioninto two sub-regions, the west Mediterranean and the east Mediterranean, but stressed that there wasno evidence that different populations were involved. Perennou et al. (1994) defined a third winteringgroup in Southwest Asia. These three main wintering groups are adopted here, viz. northwest Europe,central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean and Southwest Asia. The very small Icelandic breedingpopulation, estimated at 200–300 pairs (Koskimies, 1993), winters mainly in Britain and Ireland, and isincluded within the northwest European population.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 30,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 300.

• Central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean: 75,000–150,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 1,000.

• Southwest Asia/northeast Africa: 130,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 1,300.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the wintering population in Southwest Asia at 130,000, based oncounts of up to 50,000 in the period 1987–91, and counts of over 90,000 in the 1970s. There is noevidence to suggest any recent change in numbers and, as very few birds reach northeast Africa, theestimate of 130,000 is retained for the entire Southwest Asian/northeast African population.

Habitat/ecology:Anas strepera breeds on various types of freshwater or brackish wetlands, particularly shallow lakes withabundant emergent vegetation, mainly in open lowland terrain. In winter, it also occasionally occurs inestuaries and along sheltered coasts. A. strepera frequently occurs in close association with the cootFulica atra, and has been recorded stealing food from coots which have brought macrophytes up to thesurface from deep water (Tucker & Heath, 1994). The moult migration of the males occurs in earlyJune; moulting concentrations have been recorded in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, the Bodenseeand the Volga Delta. Peak numbers of moulting birds are found in early July. During the wing moult,birds are flightless for about four weeks. Females and young birds leave the breeding areas from early

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August. The main autumn migration in western Europe takes place in October and November, andmost birds are on their winter quarters by mid-December. The spring migration takes place in Marchand April.

Conservation status:The number of A. strepera wintering in northwest Europe has been increasing at a rate of between 8%and 10% per annum since counts began in 1967, and this increase is continuing (Ruger et al., 1986;Rose, 1995). At the same time, breeding populations have increased in most countries throughoutmuch of northern, western and central Europe. This has been attributed primarily to an increase insuitable lowland eutrophic waters, such as reservoirs and flooded gravel pits (Tucker & Heath, 1994).The relatively small number of birds wintering in central Europe (currently 3,000–5,000) has increasedsignificantly since the late 1960s, and there has also been an increase in the number wintering in thewest Mediterranean, although here the trend is not statistically significant (Rose, 1995). However, thelimited data available for the Black Sea/east Mediterranean suggest that the number of birds winteringin this area has been decreasing by at least 1.9% per annum since counts began in the late 1960s (Rose,1995). A decrease has also been reported in the breeding population in European Russia, due largely towetland loss and human disturbance, and numbers have also fallen in Ukraine, Moldova and probablyRomania (Tucker & Heath, 1994).

Trends in the population wintering in Southwest Asia are unknown. However, Krivenko (1993)records a slight decline in numbers of A. strepera at the end of the breeding season in west and centralSiberia between 1972 and 1989.

Network of key sites:The Caspian wintering population of A. strepera is highly aggregated in winter when 47 key sites can beidentified, 11 of which have been known to hold over 10% of the population. The remaining twopopulations are more widely dispersed in winter and although 28 and 32 key wintering sites are listedfor the northwestern European and Mediterranean wintering populations respectively, these do notsupport the majority of the population which winters in small flocks. None of the key wintering sitesoutside of the Caspian Basin have ever supported over 10% of the population, with the exception ofPutzarer See in Germany which has a maximum count of 2,000 individuals and perhaps some moultingsites in the Netherlands and Belgium. Very little is known about passage sites, moulting sites and breedingareas for any population. The Mediterranean population breeds in large numbers on the Trebon fishponds(Czech Republic) suggesting other fishpond complexes might be important for breeding A. strepera atmore southerly latitudes. A nearby fishpond complex in Germany (Ismaninger Speichersee mitFischteichen) is not important for breeding birds but is occupied by non-breeding birds from spring toautumn. Only 3 key spring and 4 key autumn passage sites are known for the Mediterranean winteringpopulation. The Danube Delta is a major spring staging site and the Bodensee is very important inautumn, but more need to be identified. Obviously, many more key passage sites need to be discoveredfor all populations.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites in central Europe and the west Mediterranean are protected, although someimportant moulting areas in the Netherlands are unprotected. Further east, most important sites areunprotected and only 9 out of 47 key wintering sites in the Caspian region are fully protected.

GADWALL Anas strepera

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COMMON TEALAnas crecca

Subspecies:Polytypic. Three subspecies have been described: the nominate form in northern Eurasia;A. c. carolinensis in North America; and A. c. nimia in the Aleutian Islands. The latter is of somewhatquestionable validity, the birds resembling the nominate form closely.

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding distribution across North America and northern Eurasia. WesternEurasian populations winter south to North Africa and the Gulf, with only small numbers continuingon south into West and East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The North American subspecies carolinensishas occurred in Europe as a vagrant.

Movements:Mainly migratory, moving to temperate and subtropical latitudes to winter, although southern breedingbirds are sedentary or dispersive. Extensive ringing has shown that most A. crecca wintering in northwestEurope originate from Fennoscandia, the Baltic States, northwest Russia, northern Poland, Germany andDenmark. Icelandic breeding birds winter mostly in Britain and Ireland, although some also reachDenmark, the Netherlands and France (Gardarsson, 1991a). The breeding populations in Britain, Ireland,the Netherlands and France are largely resident in mild winters. Cold weather movements are clearlyevident in northwest Europe, with movements of A. crecca to the Atlantic coast of France and the Iberianpeninsula occurring during severe winters (Ridgill & Fox, 1990). A. crecca wintering in the westMediterranean include birds breeding in western Siberia, west-central Russia and central Europe, whilethose wintering in the east Mediterranean originate mainly from central Russia and Ukraine east to theVolga-Kama river basins and the Trans-Ural region (Shevareva, 1970). Eight birds ringed in Egypt havebeen recovered in the Caucasus and east of the Urals, with five of these from the basins of the Ob andIrtysh rivers (to 80°E) (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). Most birds wintering in Southwest Asia arebelieved to originate from western Siberia, e.g. 20 A. crecca ringed in Iran in the 1960s and 1970s wererecovered east of the Urals, mainly in the west Siberian plain.

Population limits:No discrete populations are identifiable in Western Eurasia, and it is doubtful if any such populationsexist. Earlier authors have recognized three ‘populations’ based on the main wintering areas(northwest Europe, Black Sea/Mediterranean and Southwest Asia), and these are retained here.The relatively small number of birds wintering in central Europe (about 25,000) are probably bestincluded with the Black Sea/Mediterranean wintering group, as are the small numbers of birdswintering in West Africa. Birds wintering in northeastern Africa are included within the SouthwestAsian population. There is probably a considerable amount of mixing between the birds winteringin northwest Europe and those wintering in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region, with birds fromboth groups converging in southern Iberia, especially during cold winters. Although Monval &Pirot (1989) split the Black Sea/Mediterranean region into two sub-regions, the west Mediterraneanand the east Mediterranean, for the purposes of trend analyses, they stressed that there was noevidence that different populations were involved. There is clearly considerable overlap betweenthe Black Sea/Mediterranean and Southwest Asian wintering groups on the breeding grounds, withmany birds in the east Mediterranean originating from the same breeding areas in western Siberiaas those wintering in the south Caspian. There also appears to be some overlap between theSouthwest Asian and south Asian wintering groups, as four A. crecca ringed in winter in Rajasthan,India, were recovered in subsequent winters in Iran (two in the Seistan Basin and two in the southCaspian lowlands).

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 400,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 4,000.Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the northwest European wintering population at 400,000 birds. Recentcounts suggest that this figure remains valid (see Annex 1).

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• Black Sea/Mediterranean: 750,000–1,375,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 10,500.A few thousand birds, presumably from this population, extend into West Africa, e.g. up to 3,000 inSenegal, 1,600 in Chad and 500 in Nigeria.

• Southwest Asia/northeast Africa: 1,500,000. 1% level 15,000.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the Southwest Asian population at about 1,500,000 birds. Urban(1993) estimated the total population wintering in northeast Africa (excluding Egypt) to be 21,000–55,000 birds, mainly in Sudan (20,000–50,000) and Ethiopia (1,000–5,000), with less than 100 reachingEast Africa. The estimate of Perennou et al. (1994) did not take into account the birds wintering inAfrica, but as the number of these is relatively small and as the Southwest Asian wintering populationappears to be declining, the estimate of 1,500,000 has been retained for the entire Southwest Asian/northeast African population.

Habitat/ecology:Anas crecca breeds around small, freshwater lakes with abundant fringing vegetation and in shallowmarshes; in winter, it also occurs on large shallow lakes, in brackish wetlands and along coasts. Malesleave the breeding areas at the start of incubation. In many areas, males gather in small numbers tomoult, but some large moulting concentrations occur in Russia, notably in the Volga Delta. The wingmoult takes place between early June and late July, when birds are flightless for about four weeks. Innorthwest Europe, the autumn migration reaches a peak in October and November. The return migrationbegins in late February and peaks in March and April. Birds do not reach their breeding grounds innorthern Russia until late May.

Conservation status:In northwest Europe, the wintering population of A. crecca appears to be undergoing a slow long-termincrease, with numbers increasing at a rate of 2.54% per annum over the period 1967–1993 (Rose, 1995).The data available for the Black Sea/Mediterranean region do not show any significant trend, althoughthere is some indication of an increase in numbers wintering in the west Mediterranean (Rose, 1995). Thepopulation wintering in Southwest Asia, however, seems to be decreasing. Krivenko (1993) reported anoticeable decline in numbers in the middle regions of the former USSR between 1972 and 1989, and thenumbers wintering in Iran apparently decreased by 78% over almost the same period (Perennou et al., 1994).

Network of key sites:A. crecca is a numerous and widespread species with no clear population boundaries, a great deal of overlapin populations, and a fairly dispersed distribution in all seasons. For these reasons the key sites networkwill never be as effective as for some other Anatidae. More information from spring and autumn couldusefully lead to the listing of more passage, staging and moulting sites, especially for the Caspian winteringpopulation. Key wintering site networks are all probably quite complete.

If maximum counts at key wintering sites are summed the maximum proportion of the populationpotentially able to winter on these wetlands can be estimated, but if averages at key sites are taken a morerealistic estimation of the possible protection from the key sites network can be obtained. Nearly 40 keysites in northwest Europe usually support about 20% of the population at any one time. The 36 keyMediterranean wintering sites average 30% of the winter population and a quarter of these (7.5%) areusually at the Marismas del Guadalquivir in Spain. Similarly the 43 key Caspian wintering sites supportabout 25% of the population.

Very large autumn gathering locations exist at the Mouth of the Ob River and on the Kanin Peninsula.Birds must use numerous important localities, of which few are known, on their way to enormous autumngathering points near the wintering grounds, such as the Wadden Sea and Sultansazligi (Turkey). TheVolga Delta is the only key moulting site listed and very few spring passage sites can be identified. KursiuLagoon and the Nemunas Delta in Lithuania is the largest spring staging site with a maximum count of10,300 individuals.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important wintering areas in northwest Europe and the west Mediterranean are protected,and about half of the important areas in the east Mediterranean, Black Sea and Caspian regions areprotected. Little information is available on staging areas further to the north and east, but most of theseare likely to be unprotected.

COMMON TEAL Anas crecca

125

CAPE TEALAnas capensis


Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. The species is patchily distributed in eastern and southern Africafrom Sudan and Ethiopia south to Namibia and South Africa, and although it is locally common toabundant, it is scarce over much of its range. There are few records west of 5°E, except in the ChadBasin in Nigeria, where the species occurs regularly in flocks of up to 50. Small flocks have been recordedas far north as Ounianga Kebir in Chad (200 km from Libyan border), and the species has been recordedas a vagrant in southern Libya and in Ghana, where there are records of singles in December 1975 andMarch 1976 (Grimes, 1987). There is no proof of nesting west of Darfur in western Sudan, and alloccurrences in West Africa may relate to seasonal movements in response to arid conditions.

Movements:The species is known to undertake considerable movements, presumably in response to changingwater levels as many of its favoured sites are ephemeral, but no regular migratory pattern is apparentover most of its range. The populations in eastern Africa are to some extent migratory, undertakinglengthy dry season movements north and northwest as far as Sudan, Chad and Nigeria. The birdis apparently a scarce migrant breeding bird to western Sudan. It has been recorded irregularly inDecember–April in northeastern Nigeria, southeastern Niger and Chad, perhaps as a non-breedingvisitor, although there may be a small resident population in this area (Elgood et al., 1994; Cramp &Simmons, 1977).

Population limits:Although widely distributed in southern Africa north to Angola and Zimbabwe, the species is verypatchily distributed further north, occurring mainly on the Rift Valley soda lakes of East Africa and onthe Rift Valley lakes in Ethiopia. There appears to be a wide gap between the birds in southern Africaand those in eastern Africa. There are no records from Uganda (Britton, 1980) or Malawi (Benson &Benson, 1977), and few records from Zaire, southern Tanzania and Mozambique. The species is scarcein Zambia, occurring irregularly in small numbers, although it has bred (Benson et al., 1971). It wasrecorded in only one of six counts undertaken in Zambia as part of the African Waterfowl Censusbetween January 1991 and January 1994 (i.e. 84 in January 1993). It is also scarce in northern Botswana(Newman, 1989). This suggests that there is little if any mixing between birds in southern Africa andbirds in eastern Africa. Two populations are therefore recognized: one in eastern Africa, extending west(perhaps mainly as a migrant) to Nigeria; and one in southern Africa.

Population size:• Eastern and north-central Africa: 100,000–250,000. Provisional numerical criterion 1,750.Locally common to abundant throughout its range; described as common to abundant in Ethiopia(Urban & Brown, 1971), common on alkaline lakes in Kenya (Britton, 1980), and common in northernTanzania, especially at Lake Rukwa (Britton, 1980). It was the commonest duck in Kenya in January1993. A total of 1,165 was recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January1995. The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in eastern Africa was 2,184in 1993. In West Africa, there has been one count of 300 at Lake Chad, but otherwise no records ofover 80 birds. Between 50 and 60 were present at Ounianga Kebir, Chad, in December 1963.

• Southern Africa (to Angola and Zambia): 100,000–250,000. Provisional numerical criterion1,750.

Fairly common to very common almost throughout southern Africa except Botswana, and most commonin the west (Sinclair et al., 1993). In Botswana, a fairly common resident in the southeast, but muchless common in the north (Newman, 1989). The population in Zimbabwe, confined largely tobrackish pans in arid western Matebeleland, is estimated to number in the hundreds of birds (Ewbank,

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1993). The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in southern Africa was2,213 in 1992.

Habitat/ecology:Anas capensis shows a preference for shallow, brackish to saline waters, especially those with muddyshores, including vleis, lagoons, salt lakes, salt pans and sewage settlement ponds, and also occurs ontidal mudflats. It occurs from the lowlands up to 1,700 m in the East African Rift Valley. It is normallyseen in pairs or small groups, but flocks of several hundreds occur when moulting. During the post-nuptial moult, when the birds are flightless, they usually retire to deep waters and sometimes Typhabeds.

Conservation status:The species has been increasing in parts of southern Africa in recent years, and apparently benefitsfrom the proliferation of artificial water bodies (del Hoyo et al., 1992), but no increase has been apparentin Zimbabwe (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.).

Network of key sites:No sites have ever been known to contain more than 1% of either population.

CAPE TEAL Anas capensis

128

MADAGASCAR TEALAnas bernieri


Distribution:Endemic to Madagascar, and known with certainty only from localities close to the west coast, from thefar north as far south as Lake Ihotry. There are records from Montagne d’Ambre in the far north (in1934), Ambilobe in the northwest (in 1969), Lake Kinkony (1983), the western savannas nearMaintirano (1930), Bekopaka (about 1930) and possibly also at Ankavandra (1929). The Antsalovaregion (especially Lake Bemamba) was shown to be the major area for the species in the 1970s. It hasalso been recorded in the last century from around Morondava, and in 1957 from Lake Ihotry (southeastof Morombe). Sub-fossil evidence indicates that the species had a much wider distribution in Madagascarbefore the arrival of humans two thousand years ago (O. Langrand, in litt.).

Movements:Mainly sedentary, probably undertaking regular annual movements from breeding areas in forest tocoastal lakes estuaries and mangroves (H.G. Young, in litt.). Lake Bemamba (a major dry season localityfor the species) dries out in September and October, and the teal are then thought to disperse to thecoast.


Population size:• Entire population: 500–1,000. 1% level 8.Although not considered rare on the west coast in the last century, it was described as very rare andlocalized by around 1930. Langrand (1990) gives the main range as being the sector of the west coastcontaining Bemamba Lake and the mouth of the Tsiribihina River. The Lake Bemamba region wasdiscovered to be an important area for the species in the 1970s. At Lake Bemamba itself, 81 birds wereseen (10 pairs on the eastern shore, 61 individuals on the western shore) in August 1973, and no morethan 120 estimated for the whole lake (Scott & Lubbock, 1974). Some 60 birds (of which 13 were shotby hunters) were recorded at nearby Lake Masama in 1970, but none was present at this lake in 1973. InJuly–August 1992, there were at least eight pairs of A. bernieri at Lake Bemamba, but none were atLake Masama or the Soahina Estuary (Young et al., 1993a). In July–August 1993, 75–95 birds wereseen and 100–500 were estimated to be present in the area between Antsalova and Morondava; thebirds seen included a minimum of 35 at Lake Bemamba, 35 (29–47) at Lake Antsamaka, a pair inthe Tsiribihina Delta, and nine at Beroboka (Young et al., 1993b). A previously known site (LakeKinkony) held no birds in July–August 1993, but a flock of 11 was seen on mudflats in the BetsibokaEstuary in October 1993 (in Safford 1993) and 81 here in July 1995 (R. Rabarisoa, in litt.). A totalof 50 was recorded during the African Waterfowl Census in Madagascar in July 1993. Very smallnumbers of birds have been reported in recent years at Lac Amboromalandy (a reservoir) nearMahajanga in the northwest (Young, 1995). A. Green (in litt.) has given the population as 100–1,000, but 500–1,000 would seem more appropriate.

Habitat/ecology:A species of shallow, open waters (fresh or saline, perhaps most often brackish) in the lowlands, occurringin marshes, around shallow alluvium-rich lakes, on exposed sand-bars in large rivers, at river mouthsand in mangroves. Rather gregarious, occurring in groups of up to 40, but during July and August, foundonly in pairs (Green et al., 1994). No information is available on nesting, although this is believed tobegin during the west coast wet season in November to February (Young, 1995). Local people reportbreeding at Lake Bemamba in November and April (Collar & Stuart, 1985). The species usually feedsby sifting mud in a shelduck-like way (Green et al., 1994; Young, 1995), and open, nutrient-rich mudwith shallow water appears to be a requirement for foraging (Green et al., 1994; Young et al., 1993b).

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Conservation status:A declining and threatened species, listed as ‘endangered’ by Collar et al. (1994) and Green (1996).Transformation of wetlands into rice-fields has become a very serious threat within the last two decades.Rice-growing was already affecting Lake Bemamba in the early 1980s, and by July 1992, all suitablehabitat at Lake Masama had been converted to rice-fields (Young et al., 1993a; Young, 1995).

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. Lake Bemamba may actually only be of importance during the dryseason until it dries out completely. Lake Antsamaka might be equally important (A.J. Green, in litt.).

Protection status of key sites:Only one of the two known sites (Analabe) is protected, but this is a private reserve and is thought tocontain little suitable habitat (Collar et al., 1994). Hunting is officially banned at Lake Bemamba andLake Masama in the Antsalova regions, and also on parts of Lake Kinkony and Lake Ihotry (Collar &Stuart, 1985) but there is no infrastructure available to enforce this ban or even to inform inhabitantsof its existence (Young, in litt.).

MADAGASCAR TEAL Anas bernieri

131

MALLARDAnas platyrhynchos

Subspecies:Polytypic. As many as eight subspecies are recognized by some authors, but up to six of these (wyvilliana,laysanensis, fulvigula, maculosa, diazi and oustaleti) are sometimes considered as separate species. Foursubspecies are listed by Rose & Scott (1994): the widespread nominate form, A. p. conboschas fromGreenland, A. p. oustaleti from the Mariana Islands, and A. p. diazi from Mexico. (A. p. oustaleti may bean unstable hybrid between platyrhynchos and A. superciliosa).

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding distribution across North America and northern Eurasia. A. p. conboschasis confined to Greenland. A. platyrhynchos is the most abundant and widespread of all Anatidae speciesin Western Eurasia, breeding from the Arctic at 70°N to 35°N in North Africa and 20°N in the MiddleEast, and wintering in all habitats except offshore from 20°N to 60°N. Small numbers breed in NorthAfrica (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia), but the species occurs in tropical East and West Africa only asa vagrant (Senegal, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia). Small feral populations have been established inWitwatersrand and southwestern Cape Province, South Africa.

Movements:Partially migratory; northern breeding birds are generally migratory, wintering much further south,while birds breeding in temperate regions are sedentary or dispersive (e.g. in most of western Europe).A. p. conboschas is said to be resident in coastal Greenland. The Icelandic breeding population, estimatedat 10,000–15,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993) winters mainly in Iceland, with the remainder winteringmainly in Britain and Ireland. Most of the birds breeding in northwest Russia, Finland, Sweden and theBaltic countries winter from Denmark to northern France and Britain, although up to 250,000 birdsmay remain in the west Baltic except in years with extreme ice-cover (Durinck et al., 1994). Some30,000–40,000 have over-wintered in Lithuania in recent mild winters (S. Svazas et al., 1995). Birdsbreeding further southwest in Europe are mainly sedentary. Thus, A. platyrhynchos wintering aroundthe North Sea coasts comprise a mixture of local breeding birds and immigrants from Scandinavia, theBaltic and northwest Russia. Some of the birds breeding in central Europe remain throughout thewinter wherever suitable conditions prevail, but the majority are migratory, wintering mainly along thenorthern Mediterranean coast. Some A. platyrhynchos from central Europe may also perform asoutheastwards migration along the Danube, and may therefore intermix in the Black Sea with breedingbirds from further east (Monval & Pirot, 1989).

Shevareva (1970) has summarized the migrations of A. platyrhynchos breeding in the former USSR.Birds breeding in the Oka Basin and upper reaches of the Don winter mainly around the Black Sea andeast Mediterranean, while birds breeding in northeast European Russia winter mainly between theBlack Sea and the Caspian Sea, with some continuing on to Turkey and the east Mediterranean. Birdsbreeding in western Siberia between the Urals and the Ob River winter over a wide area from theBalkans and Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, with some reaching the Nile Delta. Birds breeding furthereast, in the basins of the Ob and Irtysh, winter mainly in the Caspian region and central Asian republics,although some of these birds also reach Turkey in the west, Pakistan in the east and UAE/Saudi Arabiain the south.

In northwest Europe, A. platyrhynchos is not a species highly disposed to move long distances duringcold weather, although some local movements may be made in very severe winters (Ridgill & Fox,1990). However, massive hard weather movements have been recorded in the Caspian region, withlarge influxes occurring in Iran during periods of severe weather further north (Perennou et al., 1994).

Population limits:Five populations are recognized in Western Eurasia, the discrete population of A. p. conboschas inGreenland and four populations of the nominate form based on the main wintering regions: (1) anorthwest European group; (2) a west Mediterranean group; a (3) Black Sea/east Mediterranean group;and (4) a Southwest Asian group. Monval & Pirot (1989) concluded that while the existence of adiscrete northwest European population of A. platyrhynchos seemed plausible, it was difficult to assess

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the extent of isolation between all migratory and resident populations or groups, especially in centraland eastern Europe. These authors therefore followed the traditional split into northwest Europeanand Black Sea-Mediterranean populations purely for convenience, and not because they felt thatsuch a split was justified on biological grounds. Both Ruger et al. (1986) and Monval & Pirot(1989) recognized only a single wintering group in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region. However,because of discrepancies in the quality of the data, Monval & Pirot (1989) split the Black Sea/Mediterranean region into two sub-regions, the west Mediterranean and the east Mediterranean,for the purposes of trend analyses.

As the nominate populations of A. platyrhynchos are not discrete, but defined on the basis oftheir main wintering regions, the significantly declining trend for birds wintering in east-centralEurope and the Black Sea/east Mediterranean as opposed to the non-significantly increasing trendfor the wintering population in west-central Europe and the west Mediterranean, are thought tocontrast highly enough to warrant treatment as two populations. In accordance with this hypothesis,the single largest winter concentration of the species in the Western Palearctic can be found in theDanube Delta and eastern Danube catchments. Although distribution is continuous, there is certainlya decrease in the density of wintering birds caused by the unsuitable terrain of the Alps, Italy andmost of the Balkans before densities rise again in the Rhine Valley on the French/German borderand in the Mediterranean region of France and Spain. This can be seen from the distribution of keysites on the accompanying map.

Monval & Pirot (1989) also suggested a movement of A. platyrhynchos along the Danube corridorfrom east-central Europe southeast into the Black Sea region, while the birds from further west incentral Europe appeared to move southwest into the west Mediterranean.

Perennou et al. (1994) recognized a Southwest Asian wintering group of A. platyrhynchos extendingeast from the Caspian region, Iran and Iraq to Afghanistan and the central Asian republics.Ringing recoveries have shown that birds wintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean regionand birds wintering in Southwest Asia overlap extensively on their breeding grounds in westernSiberia and also at important moulting areas in the Volga Delta (Shevareva, 1970). Similarly, there isconsiderable overlap in the breeding areas of birds wintering in Southwest Asia and those winteringfurther east in central Asia and Pakistan. Thus, there is little biological justification for the existence ofany separate populations of A. platyrhynchos, and they are therefore retained here purely for practicalreasons.

Population size:• Greenland (conboschas): 15,000–30,000. Provisional numerical criterion 225.The breeding population has been estimated at 5,000–10,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994),suggesting a total population of about 15,000–30,000 individuals.

• Northwest Europe: 5,000,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 20,000.The estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989), repeated by Rose & Scott (1994), is retained, although it hasbeen suggested that because the species is generally very widely dispersed, the actual population may beas much as double this (Ridgill & Fox, 1990).

• Northern Europe/west Mediterranean: 1,000,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 10,000.

• Northeast and central Europe/Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 2,250,000 (see Annex 1). 1%level 20,000.

• Western Siberia/Southwest Asia: 800,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 8,000.

Habitat/ecology:A. platyrhynchos occurs on almost every type of wetland within its range, including fresh, brackishor saline waters, as long as they are relatively shallow and provide some cover; however, it generallyavoids fast-flowing and oligotrophic waters. It is very tolerant of human presence, often frequentingornamental waters, irrigation networks, reservoirs, etc. Outside the breeding season, it commonly occursin estuaries and along sheltered coasts. Moult migrations occur from mid-May. During the wing moult,birds are flightless for about four weeks. Small gatherings of moulting birds are common, and largeconcentrations occur in some areas (e.g. Matsalu Bay, at sites in the Netherlands, at the Bodensee andin the Volga Delta). Females and juveniles leave the breeding grounds in September. The autumn


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migration of northern and eastern populations reaches a peak in October and November; the returnpassage begins as early as February.

Conservation status:The sedentary breeding population of conboschas in Greenland is thought to be relatively stable (EuropeanBird Database, 1994). The northwest European population has shown great stability over the past 20years (Rose, 1995). In the west Mediterranean, there has been a significant increase in the numberscounted during the International Waterfowl Census, suggesting that the wintering population has doubledin size over the last 20 years (Rose, 1995). However, in eastern central Europe, the Black Sea and eastMediterranean, there has been a significant decline in numbers over the last 20 years, with numbers ineast-central Europe falling by 60% since the mid-1970s, and numbers in the Black Sea/east Mediterraneanfalling by 75% since 1986 (Rose, 1995). Trends in the population wintering in Southwest Asia areunknown.

Network of key sites:Although at times highly gregarious, A. platyrhynchos seldom occurs in concentrations which exceedthe high 1% thresholds for this abundant species. Thus few key sites are identified for the large populationsof this species. The much more extensive network of 51 key sites for the smaller Caspian winteringpopulation shows that a more effective network could probably be obtained through lowering theselection threshold. In the Caspian over 50% of the population winters on key sites which is more thanfor A. crecca in the same region. It follows that for all four migratory populations of A. platyrhynchosthere is a negative correlation between the size of the population and the proportion supported by thekey wintering sites network. The least effective network is consequently in northwest Europe whereapproximately 5% of the population winters on about 16 key sites of which only three have maximumcounts exceeding 1% (50,000). No key sites have been identified for A. p. conboschas. Only 8 key siteshave been identified during seasons other than winter, and some of these sites (Kanin Peninsula,Pskovsko-Chudskoye lakes, Danube Delta, Manych-Godilo Lakes and the Volga Delta) can be extremelyimportant.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites are protected.


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YELLOW-BILLED DUCKAnas undulata

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: A. u. undulata from Angola and central Uganda southto South Africa, and A. u. rueppelli in Ethiopia, Sudan, northern Uganda and northern Kenya.

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. A. u. undulata occurs from Angola, southern Uganda and Kenyasouth to South Africa; A. u. rueppelli occurs in the Upper Blue Nile region of Sudan, in Ethiopia and innorthern Uganda and northern Kenya. There is a single old specimen record of a bird from Cameroon(Louette, 1981), and the species has also occurred as a vagrant on the Mambilla Plateau in Nigeria(Elgood et al., 1994) and in Eritrea (Smith, 1957). A. undulata is the most abundant duck in many partsof its range, especially in temperate regions.

Movements:A. u. rueppelli appears to be mainly sedentary. Thus, while it is common to abundant in Ethiopia, thereis only one old record of a bird from neighbouring Somalia (Ash & Miskell, 1983). In eastern Africa,the nominate race seems to be subject to only limited local movements, and is generally described asresident. However, birds in southern Africa are more migratory, undertaking considerable localmovements to alternative waters within the same region during rains. Large numbers of birds congregatetowards the middle and end of the dry season, and then disperse to breed at the onset of the first majorrains. Most of these movements appear to be random and to about 50 km or less, but movements overmuch greater distances have been recorded from Barberspan, western Transvaal, with birds travellingup to 1,100 km.

Population limits:Three populations are recognized: the population of rueppelli in northeastern Africa (Sudan, Ethiopia,northern Uganda and northern Kenya); the mainly sedentary population of undulata in eastern andsouth-central Africa (south to the Zambezi); and a partially migratory population in southern Africa(south of the Zambezi). It is not known to what extent, if any, migratory birds from the southern Africanpopulation extend north of the Zambezi River outside the breeding season, and then come into contactwith the mainly sedentary population further to the north.

Population size:• Ethiopia, Sudan, northern Uganda and northern Kenya (rueppelli): 20,000–50,000. Provisional

numerical criterion 350.Described as common to abundant in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971); over 300 birds were present atLake Bilate in November 1994, and over 380 were counted in the Akaki area in January 1995(P.O. Syvertsen, in litt.). Ellis-Joseph et al. (1992) give the total population of rueppelli as over 20,000.

• Eastern Africa (undulata): 50,000–100,000. Provisional numerical criterion 750.Widespread and common in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Britton, 1980), and the commonest duckwest of the Rift Valley in Malawi (Benson & Benson, 1977). Locally numerous in northern and westernZambia, but probably absent from Luangwa and the Middle Zambezi (Benson et al., 1971); fairly commonand widespread in Bangweulu Swamps and seasonally common at Kafue Flats (e.g. 2,710 in January1994). A total of 380 was recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995.The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in eastern Africa was 3,724 in1994.

• Southern Africa (undulata): 60,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). 1% level 600.A common resident throughout much of Botswana (including the Okavango Delta), Lesotho, SouthAfrica and Swaziland, but confined to the extreme southeast of Namibia, very scarce in Zimbabwe,where there are only a few pairs in Matabeleland and the eastern highlands, with several vagrantsreported recently (1996) from Mana Pools National Park, Zambezi River (D.V. Rockingham-Gill,

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in litt.). A. undulata is apparently absent from Mozambique (Newman, 1989; Sinclair et al., 1993; Penry,1994; D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.). The population in southern Africa has been estimated at 52,000–65,000 birds (Brown et al, 1982). The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94)in southern Africa has been 6,486 in 1993.

Habitat/ecology:Anas undulata frequents open waters of estuaries, slow-running rivers with pools, lakes, flooded lands,coastal lagoons, artificial reservoirs and dams, pans and sewage disposal impoundments. It occurs fromthe lowlands to high in the mountains (up to 3,890 m in Ethiopia). In East Africa, it is typically a birdof the highlands above 1,600 m, but it also occurs commonly in the marshes around the edge of LakeVictoria. Flock sizes are highly variable, from a few birds to many hundreds. In South Africa, the peakof the post-nuptial wing moult occurs in November–February (southwest Cape Province) or April–July(Transvaal), about three or four months after the peak of breeding.

Conservation status:According to Ewbank (1993), this is the only species of Anatidae whose numbers have declined inZimbabwe in recent years.

Network of key sites:Very few key sites have been identified for any Anatidae populations in southern and eastern Africa soeight sites for A. undulata is a relatively good basis for a key sites network. All eight key sites wereselected from December–February census data.

Protection status of key sites:The two most important sites in Zambia are protected but the protected status of other key sites was notsupplied.

YELLOW-BILLED DUCK Anas undulata

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MELLER’S DUCKAnas melleri


Distribution:Endemic to Madagascar, occurring mainly in the east and on the central high plateau, but also at someof the major western lakes (Kinkony and Bemamba). The species also occurs on Mauritius where it wasintroduced in the mid-19th century (Diamond, 1987). It never spread widely, and appears to havealways been confined to the remoter parts of the central plateau.

Movements:Apparently sedentary. There have been some records on the west coast of Madagascar where the speciesdoes not normally occur, but it is not known to wander naturally outside the country.


Population size:• Entire population: 2,000–5,000. Provisional numerical criterion 35.Described as uncommon in the east and on the high plateau (Andasibe, Ranomafana, Alaotra Lake,Andringitra, Antananarivo); also recorded at Port Berge, Lake Bemamba and Lake Kinkony in the west(Langrand, 1990). 1,480 were seen at Lake Alaotra in 1989, including flocks of 260 and 160 (Young & Smith1989). The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census in Madagascar in recent years was only 83birds in July 1993. The species is very rare on Mauritius; the population was thought to be only about 20 pairsin the late 1970s, and has recently been estimated at no more than 30 pairs (Safford, 1995), possiblymaintained by captive releases.

Habitat/ecology:Anas melleri frequents a variety of wetland habitats, including freshwater lakes, rivers (slow- and fast-flowing), streams and woodland ponds, especially in humid forested areas, from sea level to 2,000 m. Italso often occurs in rice fields. It is usually found in pairs or small parties (4–12 birds), although muchlarger gatherings have been observed at Lake Alaotra. Nesting has been observed between July andApril. The species might also breed in rivers and is highly territorial.

Conservation status:A declining and threatened species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Green (1996), and as ‘near-threatened’ byCollar et al. (1994). Recent information suggests that there has been a considerable decline in numbersover the past twenty years, with the species disappearing from a number of sites (Langrand, 1990 andin litt.). Young (1991) states that the species has declined throughout its range in eastern Madagascar,and notes that it is not found in any protected areas. The decline has been attributed to the transformationof natural habitat and heavy hunting pressure (traditional hunting, trapping and sport hunting). AtLake Alaotra, a stronghold of the species, it is heavily hunted throughout the year. Degradation ofwater quality in rivers and streams as a result of deforestation and soil erosion has probably also contributedto the decline (O. Langrand, in litt.). A decline in the population on Mauritius has been attributedto hunting and introduced rats and mongooses (Ellis-Joseph et al., 1992). The introduction ofA. platyrhynchos to Mauritius in 1980 is also a problem.

Network of key sites:Many more key sites than Lac Alaotra must exist in Madagascar.

Protection status of key sites:A. melleri is not known to occur in any protected areas (del Hoyo et al., 1992).

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MELLER’S DUCK Anas melleri

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AFRICAN BLACK DUCKAnas sparsa

Subspecies:Polytypic. Three subspecies have been described: the nominate form in southern Africa; A. s. leucostigmain eastern Africa and Cameroon; and A. s. maclatchyi in west equatorial Africa (Gabon). The validityof maclatchyi has been questioned, and this form is not now generally recognized. Birds of the isolatedpopulation in the Cameroon highlands appear identical to those of Sudan and Ethiopia (to judge fromthe few specimens available) and are therefore placed in leucostigma (Snow, 1978). The subspecificstatus of the recently discovered population in southeastern Guinea is unknown. The geographicalisolation of nominate sparsa and leucostigma is unsure, and there is probably a zone of intergradationwhere their ranges meet (Callaghan & Green, 1993).

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. The nominate form is widespread in southern Africa from Zambia,Zimbabwe and Mozambique south to Cape Province, South Africa. A. s. leucostigma occurs from Sudanand Ethiopia south to Angola, Zaire and Tanzania, and also in Cameroon (Cameroon Highlands andAdamawa Plateau) and Nigeria (Mambilla Plateau). There is also a very isolated population ofA. sparsa in a mountainous region of southeastern Guinea around 8°40'N, 8°15'W (Walsh, 1985).A. s. maclatchyi is confined to the lowland forests of Gabon.

Movements:Sedentary and territorial with a permanent home range; only very local movements have been recorded.

Population limits:The nominate form in southern Africa and the poorly known population of maclatchyi in thelowland forests of Gabon should clearly be treated as discrete populations, as also should the twovery isolated populations of A. sparsa in the highlands of Cameroon and Nigeria (leucostigma) andsoutheastern Guinea (subspecies unknown). The form leucostigma has a wide distribution in easternAfrica from Ethiopia south to Zimbabwe, but is confined to highland areas and is almost entirely sedentary.The population of the Ethiopian highlands is likely to be isolated from leucostigma further south by thebroad belt of relatively low-lying land extending from southern Sudan through northern Kenya to theIndian Ocean. However, there are no other obvious gaps in the distribution of leucostigma from Kenyato Zimbabwe. Thus six populations are recognized: the population of the nominate form in southernAfrica; the population of maclatchyi in Gabon; a population in Guinea; a population of leucostigma inCameroon and Nigeria; a population of leucostigma in Ethiopia; and the main population of leucostigmain eastern and south-central Africa.

Population size:• Southern Africa (sparsa): 20,000–50,000. Provisional numerical criterion 350.The nominate form is thought to be commoner than leucostigma, and is still widespread andrelatively plentiful in southern Africa. In the 1970s, the population of sparsa on artificialimpoundments in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, was estimated to be in the thousands, but the totalpopulation in Zimbabwe, including those on rivers, was not thought to exceed 10,000 (Ewbank, 1993).In Botswana, it is an uncommon localized resident in the east (Newman, 1989), although locally commonon stretches of the Limpopo (Penry, 1994). The total population in Lesotho has been estimated at1,000–10,000 individuals, while that in Swaziland has been estimated at 500 breeding adults (Callaghan& Green, 1993). The bird is said to be scarce in Angola and Namibia. The highest count during theAfrican Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in southern Africa has been only 104 birds in 1993, but thehabitat of this species is very poorly covered by the Census. Callaghan and Green (1993) state that thetotal population in southern Africa seems certain to exceed 20,000.

• Eastern Africa (leucostigma): 10,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 175.Widespread but nowhere numerous. Reported to be a fairly common breeding resident in Sudanin 1987 (del Hoyo et al., 1992). Thinly and locally distributed in sedentary pairs in the highlands

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of Kenya and Tanzania, and in southwestern Uganda (Britton, 1980). Only one was recorded in Tanzaniaduring very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995, and none was recorded during the annual waterfowlcensuses in eastern Africa between 1991 and 1994. However, it has been suggested that the population inTanzania alone is in the range 5,000–10,000 (N. Baker, in litt.). A. sparsa is regular in small numbers alongrivers and streams above 600 m in Malawi (Benson & Benson, 1977). It is very localized and nowherenumerous in Zambia, but absent only in the west (Benson et al., 1971).

• Ethiopia (leucostigma): 2,000–10,000. Provisional numerical criterion 60.The species is said to be frequent to common on highland streams above 1,000 m (Urban & Brown,1971). Although none has been recorded during recent mid-winter waterfowl counts more extensivesurveys could easily reveal the species to be more common.

• Cameroon highlands/eastern Nigeria (leucostigma): 1,000–5,000. Provisional numericalcriterion 30.

Louette (1981) describes it as a rare resident in the Cameroon Highlands and on the Adamawa Plateau(Lake Bini). A. sparsa was first recorded on the Mambilla Plateau in Nigeria in 1974 (Elgood, 1982),and since then has been recorded several times along the Kam, Gashaka and Yim Rivers and elsewhereon the plateau (Elgood et al., 1994).

• Guinea: Probably less than 100 (J.F. Walsh, in litt.). Provisional numerical criterion 1.A tiny population of A. sparsa was discovered along the Djilemba and Gabe Rivers draining theMassif de Soseri in southeastern Guinea in October/November 1984 (Walsh, 1985). No birds werelocated in this area during a brief survey in 1985, and the area does not appear to have been surveyedsince then.

• Gabon (maclatchyi): 1,000–5,000. Provisional numerical criterion 30.Ellis-Joseph et al. (1992) give the population as over 1,000, and this figure is followed by Rose & Scott(1994). Louette (1981) described the bird as a rare resident in lowland Gabon, e.g. at Mount Tandu,Mouila.

Habitat/ecology:Anas sparsa is a species of rivers, streams and mountain bogs. It lives in pairs or small parties mostlyalong streams and rivers with stony bottoms in well-wooded valleys, but also on exposed streams andbogs on mountain plateaux up to about 4,250 m, and, to a lesser extent, on sandy-bottomed estuaries,dams and shallow pools in open country. Breeding commonly occurs on small islands in rivers andstreams. Territorial pairs forage only in their territory, which is usually less than one hectare in extent(Brown et al., 1982). In South Africa, and presumably elsewhere, some birds move from rivers to largeopen waters, especially dams, to roost, returning to rivers in the early morning. In Zimbabwe, birdsmove on to dams during the cold dry and hot dry periods when natural streams dry up. The birds havelimited flight capability during the post-nuptial moult.

Conservation status:Both the nominate form and leucostigma are listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Ellis-Joseph et al. (1992), but theseauthors acknowledge that the status of the populations is unclear. They suggested that the principal threatsto both subspecies were hunting and habitat loss. The species is considered likely to be decreasing in EastAfrica, given the extent to which its habitat has been destroyed in recent years (L. Bennun, in litt.).Deforestation is known to be a major threat to the species in Kenya, and this may be the case in some othercountries in the region (Callaghan & Green, 1993). In southern Africa, numbers are more likely to be stable.The frequent records from artificial impoundments, particularly ponds constructed for fly-fishing, suggestthat the species can adapt to these new habitats, and, as a result, may be increasing locally. Numbers inZimbabwe are thought to be stable (Ewbank, 1993). No information is available on trends in the isolatedpopulations in the Cameroon highlands, Ethiopia and Guinea.

Very little is known about the status of A. s. maclatchyi, but threats are thought to include huntingand habitat loss.

Network of key sites:No key sites can be identified for any of the 6 populations of this riverine woodland species, despitecomparatively low site selection criteria.

AFRICAN BLACK DUCK Anas sparsa

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NORTHERN PINTAILAnas acuta

Subspecies:Monotypic. A. eatoni of Kerguelen and Crozet Islands is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of A. acuta.

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding distribution across North America and northern Eurasia. In WesternEurasia, the species breeds mainly in the northern tundra, forest-tundra and forest-steppe zones between60° and 70°N, although in the east it also extends south into the semi-desertic region around the Sea ofAzov and Caspian Sea. The winter distribution of A. acuta originating from Western Eurasia is centredmainly on the Sahel region of West Africa, although significant numbers also winter in northwestEurope, the Mediterranean Basin, eastern Africa and Southwest Asia south to the Gulf. Very fewindividuals remain throughout the winter in central Europe and on the northern Black Sea coasts. InAfrica, the species occurs commonly south to Senegal, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Sudan and Kenya, withsmaller numbers reaching Ghana, Cameroon, Uganda and Tanzania; stragglers have reached Rwanda,Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Transvaal.

Movements:Highly migratory, wintering in temperate regions south to the tropics; regularly recorded south of theEquator in East Africa. Moult migrations are frequent. The main breeding areas of A. acuta wintering inboth Western Eurasia and Africa are situated in Russia, principally in the tundra, forest-tundra andforest-steppe of western and central Siberia. However, most of the birds in the relatively small populationwintering in northwest Europe originate from the Baltic States, Scandinavia and Iceland, as well asfrom local, restricted breeding populations in countries further south in the region. Cold weathermovements have been recorded in northwest Europe, with some movement of birds out of Dutch,German and Danish coasts during cold spells, and corresponding increases in northern France. Substantialnumbers of birds may move as far as Iberia during prolonged periods of cold weather (Ridgill & Fox,1990), but it seems that birds from this population rarely cross the Sahara to the West African winteringgrounds.

The distribution and numbers of A. acuta wintering in the Mediterranean basin and the Sahel zoneare variable and may fluctuate as a consequence of rainfall and river flows. Wide fluctuations in numbersin the Mediterranean and the three main basins in the Sahel zone (Senegal, Niger and Chad) suggestthat there are substantial interchanges between these four basins, and perhaps also between these andthe wetlands in Sudan and Ethiopia (Monval & Pirot, 1989). Ringing recoveries have shown that birdswintering in the Senegal Delta originate from breeding grounds in Russia on both sides of the Urals eastto the Ob basin (Roux, 1981). The recoveries of birds ringed in Senegal show little difference indistribution from those ringed in Mali, with recoveries stretching as far east as 70°–90°E. Large numbersof A. acuta are recorded in Egypt in autumn and spring, and this is probably one of the main migrationroutes of the species from western Siberia to the Sahel zone. Out of a total of 48 recoveries involvingbirds ringed or recovered in Egypt, 13 came from moulting areas in the Volga Delta and 30 fromother areas east of the Urals and Caucasus, including 15 from the basins of the Ob and Irtysh rivers(60°–88°E). Single birds were recovered in Turkey and Iraq, and only three came from Europe (singlesin Albania, Finland and the Netherlands) (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). Ringing recoveries ofA. acuta in Iran suggest that most of the birds passing through the south Caspian region originate fromthe basins of the Ob and Irtysh (east to 86°E) and moult in the north Caspian region; five birds hadbeen ringed on breeding grounds between 75°E and 86°E, and seven had been ringed at the moultingareas in the Volga Delta. Birds ringed on autumn passage in the Volga Delta have been recovered fromSenegal to Iran.

Population limits:There is clearly a considerable amount of overlap on the breeding grounds between all wintering groupsof A. acuta in Western Eurasia and Africa, and perhaps also within the course of a single winter, as birdsmove in response to hard weather in northwest Europe or severe drought in the Sahel. Thus no discretepopulations are identifiable, and indeed it seems likely that none exist. However, for practical reasons

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NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta

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the Western Eurasian populations of A. acuta are divided into three main groups: a northwest Europeanwintering group, a Black Sea/Mediterranean/West African wintering group, and a Southwest Asian/eastern African wintering group. These groups follow the traditional split of Anatidae populationsaccording to the main wintering regions, except that the birds wintering in the Mediterranean Basinare lumped with those wintering in West Africa in a single, large population. A. acuta wintering in theBlack Sea/Mediterranean region are thought to originate from breeding grounds in European Russia,Finland and western Siberia east to 90°E degrees (Cramp & Simmons, 1977; Monval & Pirot 1989), i.e.in the same areas as those wintering in West Africa. This total overlap in breeding grounds and thelarge year to year fluctuations in the numbers of A. acuta wintering in the Mediterranean region and inWest Africa strongly suggest that only a single West African/Mediterranean wintering population isinvolved.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 60,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 600.

• Northeast Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean/West Africa (east to Chad): 1,200,000 (see Annex1). 1% level 12,000.

Major concentrations in West Africa have included up to 247,000 in the Senegal Delta, 495,000 in theCentral Niger Delta and 526,000 at Lake Chad. The highest mid-winter count in West Africa was838,000 in 1987.

• Western Siberia/Southwest Asia/northeast and eastern Africa: 700,000. 1% level 7,000.The wintering population in Southwest Asia has been estimated at 650,000 (Perennou et al., 1994).Monval & Pirot (1989) suggested a figure of 200,000–300,000 for the wintering population ineastern Africa. More recently, Urban (1993) has estimated the total population wintering in easternAfrica (excluding Egypt) to be 31,000–108,000, but notes that the number may be as high as200,000–300,000 in some years. Anas acuta is very abundant in southern Sudan where it winters insubstantial numbers (Nikolaus, 1987); it is common to abundant on Ethiopian plateau lakes, and isgenerally scarce but occasionally abundant in Somalia. Some thousands of birds winter on themajor lakes in Kenya, and a few hundred to about 1,000 birds winter in Tanzania and Uganda. Only347 were recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995. The highestmid-winter count in eastern Africa was 14,745 in 1983. The present estimate of 700,000 for theentire ‘flyway’ is based on the figure of 650,000 for Southwest Asia, with an additional 50,000 innortheast and eastern Africa.

Habitat/ecology:Anas acuta is a bird of shallow freshwater marshes, small lakes and rivers, preferably with dense vegetationcover in open country. In winter, it forms large flocks on brackish coastal lagoons, in estuaries anddeltas, and on large inland lakes. In northwest Europe, A. acuta is amongst the most concentrated ofwaterfowl in winter, with half the population confined to just thirteen sites (Ridgill & Fox, 1990).Males leave the breeding areas in late May and early June, at the start of incubation, and may undertakeextensive moult migrations. Large concentrations of moulting males occur in the Netherlands, thelower Ob valley, the Yamal Peninsula and the Volga Delta, but small gatherings of moulting birds arealso frequent. The wing moult takes place between early June and late August, during which the birdsare flightless for about four weeks. Dispersal from the moulting areas and breeding grounds takes placefrom mid-August to early September. In Europe, the main autumn passage occurs from mid-Septemberto November, with birds reaching the wintering areas in October and November. The return migrationin spring begins in February in West Africa and in late February and March in western Europe. Birdsarrive back on the breeding grounds in Russia in April and May.

Conservation status:The population wintering in northwest Europe has shown a pattern of slow decline over the past twentyyears (Rose, 1995). Numbers wintering in the west Mediterranean showed a clear increase from 1969 to1973 followed by a steady decline until 1982, since when numbers have fluctuated widely (Monval &Pirot, 1989). Numbers wintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean have shown a significant declinesince counts began in 1967, with numbers falling at an average rate of 6.37% per annum (Rose, 1995).Breeding numbers also appear to have decreased in many European countries, most importantly insouthern and central Russia and Finland (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Trends in the population wintering


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in Southwest Asia and northeast Africa are unknown. However, Krivenko (1993) reports a slight decreasein the numbers at the end of the breeding season in western and central Siberia between 1972 and1989.

Recent declines in the European population have been attributed primarily to wetland loss anddegradation both on the breeding grounds and in the wintering areas. Decreases in the Mediterraneanhave been attributed to the recent large-scale loss and degradation of wetlands in this region, whilemajor river diversion and irrigation schemes in Niger and Nigeria pose a threat to some of the majorwintering areas for the species in Africa (Tucker & Heath, 1994).

Network of key sites:When not breeding, A. acuta is almost always found in large flocks so it is very suitable for theestablishment of a key sites network. There are even some very major breeding concentrations such asWestern Chertovo lakes in Western Siberia where 172,500 A. acuta are estimated to breed. The majorgaps in the current key site networks relate to passage sites, which must be crucial to such long distancetrans-Saharan migrants. It is essential that more knowledge of the movements between breeding andwintering grounds is obtained so that the 20–25 currently identified staging sites can be increased. TheWadden Sea is extremely important for A. acuta arriving to winter in northwest Europe and the VolgaDelta is equally important for the Caspian/East Africa wintering population during both passage andmoult. Very large concentrations also occur midway along the northwest European migratory route atthe German Baltic Coast, Lubana Lowlands in Latvia, and at Pskovsko Chudskoye Lakes in Russia nearthe Latvia border. Important sites like these must exist in other flyways. By far the largest concentrationrecorded at any time appears to be in autumn at the mouth of the River Ob where up to 800,000A. acuta are thought to gather.

In northwest Europe over 60 key sites provide over 65% of the wintering grounds for the populationin most winters, but for the Mediterranean/West Africa wintering population the effectiveness of thekey sites network is more difficult to assess because of the year to year variation in the use of WestAfrican wintering areas. Nevertheless, 22 key wintering sites in the West African Sahel plus 12 in theMediterranean must constitute quite a valuable network and harbour more than 50,000 of the estimated1,200,000 individuals in most winters. In the Caspian and East Africa 31 key wintering sites providewintering grounds for at least 140,000 of the estimated 700,000 individuals and probably more in mostwinters.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important wintering sites for which protected status information was supplied are protectedto some degree, and virtually all important passage sites listed are protected.


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EATON’S PINTAILAnas eatoni

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form of Kerguelen Island and A. e. drygalskiiof the Crozet Islands. Both forms are considered by some authors to be subspecies of the widespreadAnas acuta (e.g. Cramp & Simmons, 1977, Johnsgard, 1978, Madge & Burn, 1988), while other authorstreat them as two separate species: Kerguelen Pintail A. eatoni and Crozet Pintail A. drygalskii.

Distribution:Confined to Kerguelen and Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. A. e. eatoni is confined toKerguelen Island and its outlying islands. At least 34 birds were introduced from Kerguelen to AmsterdamIsland, but although breeding occurred, the population soon died out, probably because of predation byferal cats and rats (Green, 1992). A. e. drygalskii is confined to the Crozet Islands, occurring on all fiveof the vegetated islands: Ile de la Possession (Possession Island), Ile de l’Est (East Island), Ile aux Cochons(Pig Island), Ile des Pingouins (Penguin Island) and Iles des Apotres (Apostle Islands).

Movements:Mainly sedentary, although there is some local movement of birds to the coast in winter. There is someevidence of movement between the main islands within the Crozet group, and it is believed that thesmall and declining population on Pig Island is now being maintained by immigration from the Apostles.

Population limits:Only two populations are recognized, corresponding to the populations of the two subspecies. Rose &Scott (1994) recognized four populations of drygalskii in the Crozet Islands (Pig/Apostles, Penguin,Possession and East), but as some inter-island movements are known to occur and as the greatest distancebetween neighbouring islands is less than 100 km, there seems little justification for this treatment.

Population size:• Kerguelen (eatoni): 10,000–40,000. Provisional numerical criterion 250.Rose & Scott (1994) give a population estimate of 50,000–60,000 individuals based on anestimate of 15,000–20,000 pairs given by Thibault & Guyot (1988) for 1982–85. Stahl et al. (1984)estimated the population at 40,000 individuals, on the basis of an extrapolation of densities ofA. e. drygalskii in the Crozet Islands. However, J.F. Voisin (in litt. in Green, 1992) considers 10,000 to bea more likely figure. In view of the obvious uncertainty in numbers, and as there are reports of a declinein population in recent years, the lower estimate of 10,000–40,000 is preferred to that given by Rose &Scott (1994).

• Crozet Islands (drygalskii): 1,400 (Green, 1992). 1% level 14.In 1966, the total population was estimated at 1,000–2,000 birds, with 400 on Possession Island, 30–50 onPig Island and at least 400 on East Island (J.F. Voisin, in litt.; P. Jouventin, in litt., in Green, 1992). Stahlet al. (1984) estimated the population at 1,350, with 800 on East Island, 200 on Possession Island, 200 onPenguin Island and 150 on Pig Island and the Apostles. These figures, quoted in Green (1992), were followedby Rose & Scott (1994). Thibault & Guyot (1988) give the population in 1980–82 as 600–700 pairs, with400 pairs on East Island, 100 pairs on Possession Island, and only about 50 individuals on Pig Island. Theestimate of 1,400 is adopted here as the most recent figure available.

Habitat/ecology:Anas eatoni occurs in peat bogs, on freshwater lakes in the interior (Kerguelen), on coastal lagoons andalong the sea shore, especially in sheltered bays. The birds spend more time on the ground thanA. acuta, walking and running with ease and perching on rocks and boulders, although they fly well(Marchant & Higgins, 1991). They are generally shy and wary, avoiding areas of human habitation.The species is fairly sociable outside the breeding season, usually occurring in small parties andoccasionally in concentrations of up to 200 on Kerguelen. The breeding season is from November tothe end of January or February.

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Conservation status:Anas eatoni eatoni is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Green (1992) and Green (1996). The population onKerguelen was thought to be stable in the early 1980s, but vulnerable to predation from introduced catsand rats. The species was formerly much hunted by sealers and scientific expeditions, and since theestablishment of a base in 1950, some 200 to 300 birds have been hunted each year (Green, 1992). Thishunting, which takes place between May and October, has not been considered to pose a serious threatto the population (Thibault & Guyot, 1988). J.F. Voisin (in litt.) and P. Jouventin (in litt.) suggest thatthe population may now be declining, and give the primary threats as hunting and predation by feralcats and rats. Cats were introduced on the main island in 1956 to control the population of rats andmice, and are now spreading throughout the island, despite several eradication campaigns (Jouventin& Micol, 1995).

Anas eatoni drygalskii is listed as ‘endangered’ by Green (1992) and Green (1996). Thibault & Guyot(1988) considered the numbers to be stable, although they noted that the birds were especially vulnerableto predation from introduced cats and rats, with only the populations on islands free of cats and rats(the Apostles, Penguin Island and East Island) thriving. The population on Possession Island, whichhas introduced cats and rats, was reported to be declining by Stahl et al. (1984), while the populationon Pig Island, which has feral cats, has been reduced to only 1–5 breeding pairs (Green, 1992). Thecontinued survival of the population on Pig Island is now thought to depend on regular immigration ofbirds from the Apostle Islands (Thibault & Guyot, 1988; J.F. Voisin, in litt. 1991).

Network of key sites:No information is available on key sites for A. e. eatoni in Kerguelen. East Island in the Crozet group isfree of introduced predators, and supports about 60% of the total population of A. e. drygalskii.

Protection status of key sites:The main island of Kerguelen (Grande Terre), where the majority of the population of A. a. eatonireside, is unprotected. Some of the small offshore islands (Ile de Croy, Ile du Roland and Iles Leygues)are included within in a ‘Parc National Antarctique Francais’ and a Specially Protected Area, whilesome of the islands in the Golfe du Morbihan have been classified as a Specially Protected Area. In theCrozet Islands, Ile de l’Est (East Island), Ile aux Cochons (Pig Island), Ile des Pingouins (PenguinIsland) and Iles des Apotres (Apostle Islands) are part of the ‘Parc National Antarctique Francais’ anda Specially Protected Area (Jouventin & Micol, 1995).

EATON’S PINTAIL Anas eatoni

150

RED-BILLED DUCKAnas erythrorhyncha


Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. The species occurs widely in eastern and southern Africa fromsouthern Sudan and Ethiopia to East Africa and southern Zaire and southwards to South Africa; it alsooccurs in Madagascar.

Movements:The species is partly sedentary and partly nomadic throughout its range, but also undertakes lengthymovements during the dry season. Birds ringed at Barberspan, western Transvaal, have been recoveredas far south as Cape Town (1,126 km) and as far north as Kafue Flats in Zambia (1,100 km) and Lubango(Sa da Bandeira) in Angola (1,800 km). Birds ringed in Zambia have been recovered in South Africa,Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. In Kenya, numbers peak during the northern winter, with birdsarriving from unknown sources to supplement the large resident population; these birds are thought tocome from the north or northeast (Brown et al., 1982). There is also some evidence of regular movementsbetween the African mainland and Madagascar; the species is common in Madagascar, but there arevery few breeding records, and Langrand (1990) implied that it was primarily a non-breeding visitorfrom Africa.

Population limits:The species has a wide range in eastern and southern Africa from Ethiopia to the Cape, with no majorgaps in its distribution. However, there is probably little mixing between the eastern and southernAfrican populations. The species is most abundant in semi-arid areas, and there is little suitable habitatfor it in northern Zambia, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania. The largenumber of ringing recoveries from southern Africa show no evidence of movement between easternand southern Africa, and possible movement is not supported by regional count data (R.J. Douthwaite,in litt.). Furthermore, the two groups of birds breed at different times of the year, with those in southernAfrica (from Zambia southwards) breeding during the rains (December–March) and those in easternAfrica breeding in June (D.R. Aspinwall, in litt.). There seems a good case, therefore, for treating thesouthern and eastern African populations separately.

The birds occurring in Madagascar are treated as a separate population, although it is possible thatthere is some movements of birds between Madagascar and the African mainland. Despite the fact thatA. erythrorhyncha is one of the two commonest ducks in Madagascar, there appear to be only two reportedinstances of nesting, in 1987 and 1988 (Langrand, 1990). Thus many of the birds in Madagascar may bemigrants from Africa, although there are as yet no ringing recoveries to support this.

Three populations are therefore recognized: a population in southern Africa north to southern Zambia,southern Malawi and southern Mozambique; a population in eastern Africa; and a population in Madagascar.

Population size:• Southern Africa: 500,000–1,000,000. Provisional numerical criterion 7,500.The most abundant duck in southern Africa. Widespread and common to very common in southernMalawi (Benson & Benson, 1977), southern Zambia (Benson et al., 1971) and northern and easternBotswana (Newman, 1989; Penry, 1994), and a very common resident throughout southern Africa(Sinclair et al., 1993). High counts have included: up to 29,000 at Kafue Flats, Zambia (August 1971);1,200 at Witwatersrand, southern Transvaal; 4,712 at Barberspan, western Transvaal; and 500,000 atLake Ngami, Botswana. The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in southernAfrica was 18,733 in July 1993.

• Eastern Africa: 100,000–300,000. Provisional numerical criterion 2,000.Common to abundant in suitable habitat. Described as frequent to locally common in Ethiopia (Urban& Brown, 1971), fairly common in southern Somalia (Ash & Miskell, 1983), and common in much of

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Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Britton, 1980). A total of 976 was recorded in Tanzania during veryextensive waterfowl counts in January 1995. The highest count during the African Waterfowl Census(1991–94) in eastern Africa was 3,423 in January 1994.

• Madagascar: 15,000–25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 200.One of the two commonest ducks in Madagascar, although there are apparently only two definite breedingrecords (Langrand, 1990). The species occurs throughout the island, but is much commoner in the westand south and on the High Plateau than in the east, where it is uncommon. Concentrations of up toseveral hundreds birds have been recorded, e.g. 600 were present at Lake Bemamba in July–August1992 (Young et al., 1993a), and 481 at Lake Amboromalandy in October 1993 (F. Hawkins, in litt.). Atotal of 1,562 was recorded during the African Waterfowl Census in Madagascar in July 1993.

Habitat/ecology:A. erythrorhyncha is an unspecialized surface-feeding duck, frequenting fairly shallow fresh waters,including lakes, dams, rivers and flooded areas. It favours open, shallow, fresh waters containing largeamounts of submerged, floating and peripheral vegetation, but also occurs on large dams and othersimilar impoundments, and often feeds at night in rice-fields. During the dry season, the species regularlyoccurs, often in very small numbers, at small scattered pans in semi-arid regions (T. Dodman, in litt.). Ingeneral, however, it is highly social, flock sizes ranging from a few hundred birds to many thousands.Throughout its range, peak gatherings occur towards the end of the dry season or at the start of therains. In southern Africa, breeding takes place between December and April.

Conservation status:An increase has been reported in Zimbabwe, especially in the north (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.).However, the species is probably now decreasing in Madagascar as a result of habitat alteration(O. Langrand, in litt.).

Network of key sites:Four key sites on Madagascar support over 10% of this population and provide the basis for a key sitesnetwork. Only one key site in each of the southern and eastern Africa populations can be identified atpresent.

Protection status of key sites:None of the key sites are adequately protected on Madagascar. Kafue Flats in Zambia is protected butthe Ethiopian wetlands are not protected.

RED-BILLED DUCK Anas erythrorhyncha

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HOTTENTOT TEALAnas hottentota

Subspecies:Monotypic. The Madagascar population has been separated as delacouri, but this form is no longerrecognized.

Distribution:Confined to the Afrotropical Region. The species occurs widely in eastern and southern Africa fromEthiopia and southern Somalia to South Africa, and also in West Africa (northern Nigeria, Cameroonand Chad) and Madagascar. In Nigeria, it occurs from Sokoto to Lake Chad and south to Zaria and theBorgu Game Reserve (Elgood, 1982); in Cameroon it is confined to the region of Lake Chad (Louette,1981).

Movements:The West African and Madagascar populations appear to be sedentary. Elsewhere, the species is partlysedentary and partly migratory, undertaking regular short-distance migrations in southern and easternAfrica in response to changing water levels. In Kenya, an annual influx is thought to originate from thenorth and northeast; a bird ringed at Lake Nakuru was recovered 490 km south-southeast in Tanzania,and a bird ringed at Lake Naivasha was recovered at Mwea, 105 km to the east. Six birds ringed at KafueFlats, Zambia, were recovered within 260 km; two others were recovered in northern Botswana, 500 kmand 700 km to the southwest.

Population limits:The population in West Africa (northern Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad) appears to be very isolatedfrom other populations, although there is an old record from the Bahr Salamat in eastern Chad(there are no records from Sudan). The Madagascar population is sufficiently distinct to have beenconsidered for subspecific status. Although there are no major gaps in the species’ range in easternand southern Africa, there is probably little mixing between the eastern and southern Africanpopulations. Like A. erythrorhyncha, A. hottentota is most abundant in semi-arid areas, and there islittle suitable habitat for it in northern Zambia, northern Malawi, northern Mozambique andsouthern Tanzania. Recoveries of birds ringed in southern Africa show no evidence of movementbetween eastern and southern Africa, and possible movement is not supported by regional countdata (R.J. Douthwaite, in litt.). There seems a good case, therefore, for treating the southern andeastern African populations separately. Four populations are therefore recognized: a small, isolatedpopulation in northern Nigeria and Chad; a population in eastern Africa; a population in southernAfrica (north to central Zambia, southern Malawi and southern Mozambique); and a population inMadagascar.

Population size:• West Africa (northern Nigeria and Chad): 5,000–10,000. Provisional numerical

criterion 75.An uncommon resident in Nigeria, although there is one record of about 100 on oases near the Nigerborder (Elgood et al., 1994). The highest count during mid-winter waterfowl censuses in West Africahas been 300 in 1972.

• Eastern Africa: 100,000–300,000. Provisional numerical criterion 2,000.Abundant in parts of eastern Africa; described as common in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971), andwidespread in small numbers in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Britton, 1980). Very abundant in Kenyaduring the northern winter and especially during local dry years; concentrations of thousands havebeen recorded in Kenya and Tanzania, e.g. at Lake Kitangiri, Tanzania, in June and August–October1955 (Brown et al., 1982). A total of 1,920 was recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowlcounts in January 1995. Common in the Ruzizi Marshes on the border between Zaire and Burundi inMay and October–February (Brown et al., 1982). The highest count in eastern Africa during the AfricanWaterfowl Census (1991–94) was 1,414 in January in 1994.

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• Southern Africa: 100,000–200,000. Provisional numerical criterion 1,500.Locally common throughout much of southern Africa, although absent from arid areas in the southwest(Sinclair et al., 1993). Fairly common in northern and eastern Botswana, especially the OkavangoDelta (Penry, 1994), and widespread in Zimbabwe, where commonest in the west (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.). Widespread in southern Malawi, occurring in hundreds, with especially large numbers atLake Nderendere (Benson & Benson, 1977), and fairly common in southern and southwestern Zambia(Benson et al., 1971). Some 2,833 were recorded at Kafue Flats in Zambia in January 1994. The highestcount in southern Africa during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) was 3,630 in January 1994.

• Madagascar: 5,000–10,000. Provisional numerical criterion 75.Common in the west; uncommon in the east and north; rather rare in the south and on the HighPlateau (Langrand, 1990). Few large gatherings have been reported, although 1,878 were present atLake Amboromalandy in October 1993 (F. Hawkins, in litt.), and 880 at Lake Alaotra in November1983 (Pidgeon 1996). Only 371 were recorded during the waterfowl census in January 1994.

Habitat/ecology:A. hottentota frequents fresh waters in open country, favouring shallow freshwater marshes and pondsfringed with reeds or papyrus and with floating plants. It also occurs on sewage lagoons, and occasionallyon large open waters devoid of emergent vegetation. During the dry season, A. hottentota regularlyoccurs in small numbers at small scattered pans in semi-arid regions (T. Dodman, in litt.). Wing moulthas been recorded in August–September in Zambia.

Conservation status:In the 1970s, it was probably increasing and becoming more widespread in Nigeria (Elgood, 1982), butnumbers were decreasing in Kano State by 1987 (Elgood et al., 1994), and the West African populationas a whole may now be in decline (del Hoyo et al., 1992). In Madagascar, numbers are now probablydecreasing as a result of habitat alteration (O. Langrand, in litt.).

Network of key sites:Although two key sites are listed for the West Africa population this is on the basis of old data. Recentcounts of A. hottentota in West Africa are extremely few and certainly not high enough for any key sitesto be identified. No key sites can be identified for the eastern Africa population, one for the southernAfrica population and three for the Madagascar population. In October up to 25% of the Madagascarpopulation of A. hottentota have been counted at Amboromalandy Lake.

Protection status of key sites:Only Kafue Flats in Zambia is adequately protected out of all six key sites.

HOTTENTOT TEAL Anas hottentota

156

GARGANEYAnas querquedula


Distribution:Palearctic, breeding widely at temperate latitudes across Europe and Asia, mostly between 42°Nand 65°N. Birds breeding in Western Eurasia winter almost exclusively in Africa south of the Sahara,mainly in West Africa from southern Mauritania, Senegal and Gambia to Chad, but also extendingsouth in substantial numbers as far as Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Small numbers reachMalawi and Zambia, and the species has occurred as a vagrant in Zimbabwe, Botswana and SouthAfrica (Transvaal).

Movements:Highly migratory, wintering almost entirely within the northern tropics, although regularly extendingsouth of the Equator in eastern Africa. The species breeds widely across Western Eurasia, birds frombreeding areas west of the Urals wintering almost exclusively in Africa south of the Sahara. Many birdsfrom the forest and forest-steppe zones of western Siberia (as far as 70–90°E) migrate southwest throughthe eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia to winter in West and East Africa, while some birds fromthe same breeding area migrate southeast through eastern Iran to winter in Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

West African populations originating from breeding areas in Europe reach their wintering areas viaSpain and Italy, and apparently do not linger in North Africa. There is also no evidence that the NorthAfrican wetlands are a major staging area for birds in spring. Breeding season recoveries of birds ringedin the Senegal Delta are spread over a wide area from western Europe (France) through European Russiaand western Siberia (Tobol and Irtysh) to the Yenisey River at 92°E (Roux, 1981). The ringing recoveriesfrom birds ringed in Mali show little difference from those ringed in Senegal, with recoveries stretchingas far east as 70°–90°E. Birds recovered in Nigeria had been ringed in Greece, Latvia, Russia and India.

There is a massive autumn passage of A. querquedula westward along the north coast of Sinaiat Zaranikh (Egypt); 203,000 were recorded during the period 15 August to 5 October 1978 and 221,600during the period 16 August to 24 September 1981. No comparable numbers are recorded elsewhere inEgypt in autumn, and it seems likely that the majority of birds cross Egypt on a broad front, not stoppinguntil they reach tropical Africa (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). Some 100,000–200,000 birds passthrough Israel in autumn, and are presumably part of this same movement. Further east, the species hasalso been seen moving south-southwest across the Red Sea and off the tip of Sinai, while a regularautumn passage has been recorded in Eritrea (Smith, 1957) and Ethiopia (Brown et al., 1982). As thewintering population in eastern Africa (from Sudan southwards) is thought to number only some 95,000–181,000 birds (Urban, 1993), it seems likely that the bulk of the birds passing westwards along thenorth Sinai coast are bound for West Africa, while most of the birds wintering in eastern Africa enterthe continent on a broad front across the Red Sea.

Population limits:Monval & Pirot (1989) were unable to define any precise biogeographical populations in WesternEurasia, and considered the population wintering in Africa as a discrete population for practical reasons.Perennou et al. (1994), however, treated the birds passing through Southwest Asia and presumablywintering mainly in eastern Africa as a separate group, and this treatment is adopted here. Thus twomain passage and wintering populations are recognized: one passing through Europe and the easternMediterranean and wintering mainly in West Africa east to Chad, and one passing through SouthwestAsia and wintering mainly in eastern Africa. The small number of birds recorded in winter in SouthwestAsia represent only the extreme northern edge of the large wintering population in eastern Africa.

Population size:• Europe/West Africa: 2,000,000 (Perennou, 1991a). 1% level 20,000.Major concentrations in West Africa have included up to 900,000 in the Central Niger Delta,535,000 at Lake Chad and 246,000 in the Senegal Delta. The highest mid-winter count during

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the 1980s was 1,537,000 in 1987, but since then the total count has not exceeded 450,000. The Europeanbreeding population has recently been estimated at 642,000–1,063,000 pairs (European Bird Database,1994), a figure which agrees reasonably well with an estimated wintering population of 2,000,000.

• Southwest Asia/eastern Africa: 100,000–200,000. Provisional numerical criterion 1,500.Monval & Pirot (1989) suggested that the average number of A. querquedula wintering in the NileBasin in eastern Africa is probably close to 500,000. More recently, Urban (1993) has estimated thetotal wintering population in eastern Africa at 95,000–181,000, although he noted that the numbermay be as high as 500,000 in some years. However, the highest mid-winter count in eastern Africaduring the 1980s and 1990s was only 33,260 (in 1983). The most important wetlands for A. querquedulain eastern Africa are situated in the Sudd region on the middle reaches of the Nile in Sudan. Thesewetlands have never been surveyed specifically for ducks, although Nikolaus (1987) indicated thatlarge numbers of A. querquedula winter in the Sudd south of 12°N. Kingdon (1984) noted thatA. querquedula winter in substantial numbers in the Sudd, and estimated from aerial surveys carriedout in February 1980 and 1981 that tens of thousands of A. querquedula were likely to be present nearNyany in the north of Bor. Urban (1993) concluded that the wintering population in Sudan was inthe range 70,000–120,000 birds. The total wintering population in Kenya has been estimated at20,000 (Brown et al., 1982), while thousands are said to winter in southwestern Uganda. However,only 421 were recorded in Tanzania during very extensive waterfowl counts in January 1995. Clearly,no reliable estimation of the size of the eastern African wintering population will be possible untiladequate censuses have been undertaken in the Sudd region of Sudan. However, as it seems likelythat the population is in the range 100,000–200,000, a provisional numerical criterion of 1,500 isproposed for the identification of key sites.

Habitat/ecology:Anas querquedula breeds mostly inland, on swampy meadows, flooded fields and shallow freshwatermarshes, pools and small lakes with abundant emergent vegetation; it winters mainly in floodplains,rice-fields, coastal lagoons and shallow freshwater marshes. A. querquedula is highly gregarious outsidethe breeding season, and often occurs in huge concentrations on its winter quarters. Moult gatheringsof males are formed from late May. During the wing moult, birds are flightless for three to four weeks.The Volga Delta, in particular, is a major moulting area for this species. The autumn migration beginsin late July and reaches a peak in Europe and Egypt in August and early September. Birds begin toarrive on their winter quarters in West and East Africa in early September, with the main immigrationoccurring in October. The spring migration begins in February, and birds start to arrive on theirbreeding grounds in western Europe as early as mid-March. Further north and east, birds may notarrive on their breeding grounds until mid-May.

Conservation status:Overall trends in both populations are unknown, but numbers appear to be decreasing in manyparts of Europe, and there are reports of a sharp decline in numbers in the middle region of theformer USSR between 1972 and 1989 (Krivenko, 1993). In western Europe, the number of breedingpairs appears to have fallen from about 12,000–22,500 in 1970 to less than 8,000 in recent years(Tucker & Heath, 1994). The decrease has been attributed to widespread deterioration of breedinghabitat, especially in central Europe, where increasing aridity in the climate and subsequent loweringof the water-table, drainage of wetlands and transformation of wetlands to dammed reservoirs haveresulted in the loss and degradation of much former breeding habitat (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Lossof habitat may also now be a problem in West Africa, where large-scale river diversion and irrigationschemes pose a major threat to several of the most important wintering areas.

Network of key sites:Despite being a dispersed broad front migrant, there must be important staging areas for A. querquedulain North Africa, northern Europe or Kazakhstan for example. At present, the only key passage sitesknown are the autumn gathering point at the mouth of the River Ob, the moulting and passage site atthe Volga Delta/Western Ilmen and the smaller passage sites in the Sea of Azov, Middle Ob and Iran(12 key passage sites in total).

The West African wintering population is usually highly concentrated and opportunistic in itsexploitation of the variable water regime within the West African Sahel. However, most of the populationis usually supported by a combination of the 23 key wintering sites listed in Annex 2. Fifteen key


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wintering sites are listed for the Caspian/East African wintering population but little is known aboutthe relative winter distribution of this population between the southern Caspian (3 key wintering sites)and East Africa. This population must be poorly represented by the current key sites network at alltimes of year.

Protection status of key sites:The few known key passage and moulting sites are mostly protected. The 3 key wintering sites in theCaspian basin are protected but protected status information was provided for very few of the Africansites.


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CAPE SHOVELERAnas smithii


Distribution:Afrotropical, occurring in southern Africa from Cape Province, South Africa, north to Namibia andBotswana (rarely to Natal, Zimbabwe, Angola and Zambia).

Movements:Largely sedentary, but somewhat nomadic and dispersive within its range, the movements seeminglybeing associated with local wetland conditions but poorly understood. There may also be some truenorth-south migration through central parts of South Africa. The species is most numerous in southwestCape Province (a region of austral winter rainfall) in May–September, while the reverse applies inOrange Free State and Transvaal (regions with austral summer rainfall). Birds ringed in South Africahave been recovered in Namibia, up to 1,680 km away (Brown et al., 1982).


Population size:Entire population: 20,000–50,000. Provisional numerical criterion 350.Locally common over its rather limited range. In South Africa, it is most abundant in southwest CapeProvince, Orange Free State and Transvaal, and is uncommon in east Cape, Natal and the arid northwest(Brown et al., 1982). It is described as a fairly common resident in southeastern Botswana, and sparseand uncommon on the Magadigadi Pan system in the north (Newman, 1989; Penry, 1994). The totalpopulation in Zimbabwe is estimated to number in the hundreds of birds (Ewbank, 1993), mostly inMatabeleland. It is uncommon in Namibia, rare in Angola, and only a vagrant to Zambia, Zaire andTanzania. The highest count obtained during the African Waterfowl Census (1991–94) in southernAfrica was 3,656 in 1994.

Habitat/ecology:A. smithii is essentially a bird of fresh water, but tolerates tidal estuaries, saline lagoons and pans. Itprefers temporary sheets of open, shallow water and marsh remaining after flooding, but also commonlyoccurs on highly alkaline waters and sewage disposal ponds where the water fertility is high. It is gregarious,usually occurring in small groups when not breeding. During the post-nuptial moult, birds retire tolarge, open waters. The moult (when birds are flightless) occurs in southwest Cape Province in July–December and in west Transvaal mainly in October–December and Apr–July.

Conservation status:The species appears to be maintaining quite stable numbers, although it is said to have increased greatlyin southwestern Cape Province in recent years (del Hoyo et al., 1992), and is also reported to be increasingin Zimbabwe, on large dams in Mashonaland (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.).

Network of key sites:Five key sites in the vicinity of Cape Town support important numbers of A. smithii in July. It is notknown if other key sites exist at this time or at any other time.

Protection status of key sites:Protected status information was not supplied for any of the five key sites listed in Annex 2.

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CAPE SHOVELER Anas smithii

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NORTHERN SHOVELERAnas clypeata


Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding distribution across North America and northern Eurasia. WesternEurasian populations winter south to West Africa, East Africa (commonly to Kenya, Tanzania andUganda) and the Arabian Peninsula. Small numbers reach Gambia, Ghana and Guinea-Bissau, andstragglers extend south to Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa(Transvaal). The species has bred in Iceland since 1931.

Movements:Anas clypeata breeds and winters further south than most Palearctic ducks, with the majority of birdsoccurring in winter in the Mediterranean Basin, Southwest Asia and Africa. Northern populations arehighly migratory, wintering in temperate and subtropical latitudes south, in eastern Africa, to the Equator,while some southern breeding birds (e.g. in western Europe) are sedentary or dispersive. Birds winteringin northwest Europe are thought to originate mainly from Fennoscandia and Russia east to about 60°E.However, large numbers of birds passing through northwest Europe on migration continue on to winterin the Mediterranean Basin, where they mix with birds of a more eastern origin. The tiny Icelandicbreeding population, estimated at only 10–30 pairs (Koskimies, 1993) apparently winters in northernBritain and Ireland. Cold weather movements have been recorded in northwest Europe. Birds tend tomove out of the Wadden Sea coasts to western France, Britain and Ireland during cold spells in manywinters. During more severe weather, these birds may move to Spain and Portugal, although the Iberianpeninsula may be the ultimate destination of many birds even in less severe winters (Ridgill & Fox,1990).

Birds breeding in central and southeast Europe winter in the Mediterranean Basin where they mixwith birds from further east. Ringing recoveries indicate that the birds wintering in northwest and WestAfrica originate mainly from Europe (Brown et al., 1982). Birds wintering in Southwest Asia and northeastand eastern Africa presumably originate mainly in western Siberia, but there are few ringing recoveriesto support this. In a total of 14 ringing recoveries involving birds ringed or recovered in Egypt, 10 camefrom moulting areas in the north Caspian (Astrakhan) and the other five came from the basins of theOb and Irtysh rivers (60°–80°E) (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). Of five Russian-ringed birds recoveredin Iran, two came from the Volga Delta and three from the west Siberian plain between 78° and 82°E.However, three birds ringed at Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India, were recovered in subsequent winters inIran (Argyle, 1975 & 1976), suggesting that there is considerable mixing between the Southwest Asianand south Asian wintering populations of this species.

Population limits:Ruger et al. (1986) concluded that it was impractical to define discrete wintering populations in Europebecause of the complex autumn and spring movements of birds through northwest Europe and theextensive mixing of birds of western and eastern origin in the Mediterranean Basin. These authorstherefore made no attempt to split the Western Palearctic wintering populations of A. clypeata intodistinct wintering groups, but made divisions for convenience, based on the quality of data available.Monval & Pirot (1989) reached the same conclusions, and rather than attempt to define precisebiogeographical populations for A. clypeata, followed the traditional breakdown into ‘flyways’ based onwintering regions. These authors recognized three ‘populations’ in the Western Palearctic: northwestEurope, Black Sea-Mediterranean and West Africa. For the purposes of trend analyses, Monval & Pirot(1989) split the Black Sea/Mediterranean region into two sub-regions, the west Mediterranean and theeast Mediterranean, because of the paucity of data from the east Mediterranean, but stressed that therewas no evidence that different populations were involved.

There is no evidence to suggest that the birds wintering in West Africa differ in any way in originfrom birds wintering in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, the very wide fluctuations in numbers ofA. clypeata wintering in West Africa, especially in Senegal, seem more likely to be a result of ‘overspill’

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from a much larger population to the north, than genuine fluctuations in numbers in a relatively discretepopulation. It would therefore seem more appropriate to treat the relatively small number of birdswintering in West Africa as part of the much larger Black Sea/Mediterranean population. This was theapproach adopted by Rose & Scott (1994), although these authors recognized separate westMediterranean and Black Sea/east Mediterranean populations, and included the West African birds(20,000) with the latter.

Perennou et al. (1994) recognized a large Southwest Asian wintering population of A. clypeata, andlinked this with the substantial numbers of birds wintering in northeast and eastern Africa. Theabundance of this species on passage and in winter in the Arabian Peninsula (where it is one of thecommonest ducks) suggests a broad-front migration of A. clypeata over Arabia into northeast Africa.Large numbers of A. clypeata formerly wintered in Iraq, and it is possible that the high counts in easternAfrica in recent years could involve birds displaced from Iraq following the recent large-scale drainageof wetlands in Mesopotamia.

Only three ‘populations’ of A. clypeata are therefore recognized in the present report: a relativelysmall population wintering in northwest Europe; a large population wintering in the Black Sea,Mediterranean Basin and West Africa; and a large population wintering in Southwest Asia and northeastand eastern Africa.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 40,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 400.Recent census data (1989–1993) are very similar to those from the period 1982–86, and suggest thatthe estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989) remains valid.

• Black Sea/Mediterranean/West Africa: 450,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 4,500.

• Southwest Asia/northeast and eastern Africa: 400,000. 1% level 4,000.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the wintering population in Southwest Asia and eastern Africa at300,000 birds, but a reappraisal of the Southwest Asian data and recent high counts in eastern Africasuggest that a figure of 400,000 is more appropriate. Counts in Southwest Asia exceeded 100,000 in the1970s and have amounted to 50,000 in recent years, despite the lack of coverage in Iraq, a key winteringarea for this species. It seems likely, therefore, that at least 150,000 and probably nearer 250,000A. clypeata winter in Southwest Asia. Urban (1993) estimated the total population wintering in easternAfrica (excluding Egypt) to be 100,000–240,000 birds; high counts in recent years have included over25,000 in Ethiopia (in 1994), a dry season minimum of 22,000 in Kenya, mainly at Lake Naivasha, andover 15,000 in Tanzania (in 1995). Combining the Southwest Asian and African figures suggests a totalpopulation of about 400,000 (from a range of 250,000–500,000).

Habitat/ecology:Anas clypeata occurs in a wide variety of shallow, freshwater wetlands, preferably well vegetatedlakes and marshes with muddy shores in open country. In winter, it also occurs on brackish lagoonsand tidal mudflats. Males may stay with the females during the moult, or may undertake moultmigrations to favoured moulting areas, e.g. the Volga Delta. Males moult from early May to earlyJune, and females one month later. During the wing moult, the birds are flightless for three to fourweeks. In western Europe, the main autumn migration occurs in September and October, withbirds arriving in wintering areas in October. The spring migration begins in February, and the mainmigration through Europe occurs from mid-March to mid-April. Almost all birds are back on theirbreeding grounds by early May.

Conservation status:The wintering population in northwest Europe appears to have been relatively stable over the past 20years, although many birds disappear from the region in harsh winters, and this tends to complicate thepattern (Rose, 1995). The major concentrations of A. clypeata in the east Mediterranean are inadequatelycovered by the International Waterfowl Census, and no determination of trends is possible. There hasbeen a significant increase in the number of birds wintering in the west Mediterranean, although therate of increase has decreased in recent years, while there appears to have been a slight decline in thesmall number of birds wintering in central Europe (Rose, 1995). Trends in the numbers wintering inSouthwest Asia and northeast Africa are unknown. However, Krivenko (1993) has reported a sharpdecline in the numbers of birds in western and central Siberia between 1972 and 1989. This population


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(estimated at over 530,000 birds at the end of the breeding season) could account for most if not all ofthe Southwest Asian/northeast African wintering population.

Network of key sites:The three key wintering site networks are quite complete. Over 60 key sites in northwest Europe providewinter habitat for at least 14,500 A. clypeata (30–40% of the population). Count coverage of the keysite networks for the other two populations is too irregular to estimate their exact value to the populationsbut they are extensive (43 key wintering sites in the Mediterranean/West Africa and 42 in the Caspian/East Africa).

Only seven key passage sites are known for the Mediterranean/West African and Caspian/East Africanwintering populations but Manych-Godilo lakes in the Caucasus is recorded as being used simultaneouslyby 555,000 A. clypeata in spring. If this is true, most of the individuals from the two combined winteringpopulations are present at this site. It follows that the majority of A. clypeata in northwest Europe inspring must be from northwest European wintering grounds which is why key staging sites in northwestEurope have been selected on this basis. Around 30 key autumn passage sites and over 5 key springpassage sites in northwest Europe (mainly in Germany and the Netherlands and to a lesser extentDenmark) are listed in Annex 2. Despite the enormous number of A. clypeata at Manych-Godilo Lakesin the Caucasus, ringing recoveries show that some birds staging in northwest Europe are certainlyfrom, or destined for Mediterranean wintering grounds, so the migratory strategy of the three populationsneeds to be better understood before the true value of any key passage sites network can be assessed forA. clypeata.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the major key sites for which protected status information was provided are protected. Themost notable unprotected key sites are in the Mediterranean (particularly in the east) and two veryimportant sites in Iran (Seyed Mohali Zarinkola and Larim Sara plus Kaftar Lake).


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MARBLED TEALMarmaronetta angustirostris


Distribution:Palearctic, with a fragmented distribution from Spain and North Africa east through the MediterraneanRegion and Middle East to Pakistan, the central Asian republics and extreme western China. Some birdsreach sub-Saharan Africa in winter; it is regular in very small numbers in Senegal, and has also been recordedin Nigeria (two records, in 1977 and 1988), Mali (maximum 61), Chad (maximum 50) and Cameroon (onerecord of a flock in 1976). There has also been a recent breeding record from Senegal (one pair).

Movements:Dispersive, partially migratory and nomadic; in many parts of its range, M. angustirostris is largelynomadic, making unpredictable, non-cyclical and opportunistic movements in relation to rainfall andflooding patterns that themselves are highly unpredictable. There is a general migration southwards inwinter, but the timing and extent of these winter movements vary considerably between years (Green,1995). In eastern Turkey, northwestern Iran and the central Asian republics, the species appears to bemainly if not entirely migratory. It is a summer visitor to the Amu-Darya Basin in southwest Uzbekistan,arriving in April and leaving by mid-October (Mukhina, 1995). It is also a summer visitor to the breedingareas in Azerbaijan (Patrikeev, in prep.) and the Uromiyeh Basin in northwestern Iran (D.A. Scott,pers. obs.). A. Green (in litt.) suggests that birds breeding in Uzbekistan probably winter in Pakistan,while birds from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkmenistan probably winter in Iran, although he admitsthat there is no real evidence for this. In the 1970s, there was some evidence of a small spring andautumn passage of M. angustirostris through the southeast Caspian region of Iran, presumably of birdsmoving between breeding grounds in Transcaspia and the main wintering areas in southwestern Iran(D.A. Scott, pers. obs.). The few birds breeding in the Lake Van region of eastern Turkey and Uromiyehbasin of adjacent northwestern Iran probably migrate southeast to winter in southwestern Iran, butagain there is no real evidence to support this.

M. angustirostris wintering in the east Mediterranean are most likely to come from the small residentand partially migratory populations in the countries bordering the eastern Mediterranean. The fewbirds occurring on spring passage (March to May) in Cyprus, where the species formerly bred, arepresumably Turkish breeding birds, perhaps on their return migration from Egypt. M. angustirostris breedingin Spain probably join the birds breeding and wintering in Morocco, and some of these in turn dispersesouthward across the Sahara to the major West African wetland basins in Senegal, Mali and Chad. Birdsringed in Coto Donana, Spain, have been recovered in northwest Morocco and northwest Algeria.

Population limits:Monval & Pirot (1989) recognized two small and apparently discrete populations in the Mediterranean,one in the west and one in the east, and considered the main population in Southwest Asia to belong toa third population. These three populations are retained in the present report: a small population centredon the west Mediterranean, some of which winter (and may breed) in sub-Saharan West Africa; a smallpopulation in Turkey and the Levant, wintering south to Egypt; and a large population which breedsfrom eastern Turkey, Iraq, northwestern Iran and the Caspian region east to Kazakhstan, and wintersmainly in southwestern Iran. The bulk of this population breeds in Iran and Iraq and winters in ShadeganMarshes in Iran. A fourth population winters in Pakistan and northwest India, and presumably originatesfrom breeding areas in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and central Asia east to western China. This population,estimated at about 5,000 birds (Perennou et al., 1994) is outside the area covered by the present report.

Population size:• West Mediterranean/West Africa: 3,000 (Green, 1993). 1% level 30.Some 2,410 were counted in Morocco alone in 1993 (A. Green, in litt.). The breeding population inSpain was listed as 50–230 pairs (Tucker & Heath, 1994), but has only ranged from 30 to 100 pairsbetween 1993 and 1996 (A.J. Green, in litt.).

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MARBLED TEAL Marmaronetta angustirostris

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• East Mediterranean (Turkey/Levant): 1,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). 1% level 10.This population is estimated at about 1,000 birds. Green (1993) gives a figure of 600 birds, based onbreeding season estimates of 200 pairs in Turkey and Israel. However, Tucker and Heath (1994) givethe breeding population in Turkey alone as 150–250 pairs, suggesting a somewhat higher total populationsize. M. angustirostris formerly bred in Egypt, but there have been only a few records since 1980, involvingtiny numbers of wintering birds.

• Southwest Asia: 5,000–15,000 (A.J. Green, in litt.). 1% level 100.Green (1993) estimated the population in southwest and southern Asia at about 30,000, based on amid-winter count of 26,275 in Iran and Pakistan in 1992. This estimate included about 5,000 in southernAsia (mainly Pakistan), giving a Southwest Asian population of about 25,000 (Perennou et al., 1994;Rose & Scott, 1994). Mid-winter counts at the main wintering area in southwestern Iran have fluctuatedwidely from a few hundreds to 20,000 (Scott, 1995), but this is almost certainly because of variations incoverage and the lack of aerial surveys in recent years. The breeding population in Russia has beenestimated at 400 pairs (Vinogradov in Ellis-Joseph et al., 1992), and that in Iran in the 1970s at 1,000–2,000 pairs (1995). Scott and Evans (1993) estimated the breeding population in Iraq, prior to therecent large-scale destruction of the Mesopotamian Marshes, at about 4,000–6,000 pairs. It seems likelythat a major decline in numbers has occurred in this population during the last few years, following thedrainage of a large proportion of the Mesopotamian Marshes in Iraq. A. Green (in litt.) has suggestedthat the Southwest Asian population may now have fallen to as few as 5,000–15,000 individuals. Mostbirds breeding in Iraq were thought to winter in Iran, and the extremely low mid-winter counts fromIran in 1993 (5,021) and 1994 (1,919) seem to provide evidence for such a population crash (Green,1995). In light of the almost certain decline, an estimate of 5,000–15,000 is preferred.

Habitat/ecology:M. angustirostris breeds on shallow, eutrophic wetlands, typically with dense emergent and submergedvegetation. Fresh to saline wetlands are used, but there is some evidence of a preference for slightlybrackish wetlands. In winter, M. angustirostris seems to prefer recently flooded seasonal wetlands, andtemporary wetlands that flood only in years of high rainfall seem to be highly attractive to the species.This is particularly true in North Africa, where some of the most important breeding sites are dry inmost years. Pairing occurs in early spring, and egg-laying from late April to the first half of July. Broodamalgamation has often been observed, with up to 32 ducklings recorded with one female (Green,1993). The species undergoes a full, flightless moult in late summer, probably followed by a partialmoult into breeding plumage in late autumn/early winter. Moulting flocks have been reported in Tunisiain the first half of July, and moulting birds have been observed in Uzbekistan in June (Green, 1995). InAzerbaijan, birds leave the breeding grounds in August and early September, and return in the secondhalf of March and April (Patrikeev, in prep.).

Conservation status:A declining and threatened species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Collar et al. (1994) and Green (1996). Thestatus and conservation of M. angustirostris have been described in some detail by Green (1993). Thesituation in Europe has been summarized by Green (in Tucker & Heath, 1994) and van Vessem (1994),and an Action Plan for M. angustirostris in Europe has been compiled by Green (1995).

There has been extreme fragmentation of the range and massive decline in numbers of M. angustirostrisin Europe and west-central Asia this century. The world population has declined by at least 50% thiscentury, with larger declines indicated where quantitative historical data are available. Breedingpopulations in Spain and the former USSR have declined by over 90% since 1900, while the Turkishpopulation appears to have declined by over 60% since 1970 (Callaghan & Green, 1993). The Spanishpopulation is thought to have exceeded 1,000 birds in autumn in the late 1980s, but since 1990 therehas been a marked decline to as few as 100–200 in 1994/1995 inclusive (A.J. Green, in litt.). In the1950s and 1960s, there were thought to be between 300 and 500 pairs breeding in the Marismas delGuadalquivir alone, but by the late 1980s, there were only 15–25 pairs on the eastern side of theGuadalquivir and only a few more on the western side (Hidalgo, 1991). M. angustirostris was a commonbreeding bird in Azerbaijan in the 19th century, but numbers have dwindled during the 20th century,and by the late 1980s and early 1990s, the total population probably did not exceed 100 pairs (Patrikeev,in prep.). In Turkmenistan, it was formerly a common breeding bird and passage migrant, also winteringon the southeast coast of the Caspian Sea (e.g. 17,000 in 1932). However, it is now on the verge ofextinction in Turkmenistan, having disappeared from much of its former range and currently breeding


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only in small numbers in the Middle Amu Darya Valley (Poslavski, 1992). In Uzbekistan, it now occursonly in the Amu Darya Delta near the Turkmenistan border, and is rare there (Poslavski, 1992). Thestatus of the species in its main breeding areas in Iran and Iraq is less clear, as reliable historical informationis lacking. The population wintering in Iran (comprising over 70% of the world population) is thoughtto have remained relatively stable throughout the 1970s and 1980s (Perennou et al, 1994), but mustnow be declining rapidly with the loss of important breeding habitat in Iraq (Scott & Evans, 1993).

The dramatic decline in numbers of M. angustirostris in Europe and west-central Asia has beenattributed to hunting, pollution and above all drainage and degradation of wetlands, especially in thebreeding areas. In Turkmenistan, the main cause of the decline has been a catastrophic reduction inbreeding habitat, with many wetlands being replaced by cotton fields (Poslavski, 1992). Green (1993)thought that the world population of M. angustirostris at the beginning of the 1990s was most likely tolie in the range 34,000–40,000, with a total breeding population of 8,000–13,000 pairs. However, thesefigures may now already be out of date because of the massive destruction of breeding habitat that hasoccurred in the Iraqi marshes since 1991.

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. Green (1993) and Green (1995) list all sites known to be of importancefor the species. All sites known to have supported Marmaronetta angustirostris are also listed in Annex 2and if taken with the sites listed in Green (1993) and Green (1995), are probably an extremely completeand valuable key sites network. Iran holds by far the largest concentrations of M. angustirostris in theworld, with one site, Shadegan Marshes in Khuzestan Province, regularly supporting between 10,000and 20,000 birds (40%–80%) in mid-winter during the 1970s (Scott, 1995). Twenty-one other sites inIran are wintering sites for M. angustirostris and this population is rarely recorded from other countriesin winter. In addition, 17 breeding areas are known, 4 spring staging sites and 1 autumn staging site.The 5 sites listed from the far east of Iran and Afghanistan are more likely to represent the western edgeof the population centred around Pakistan and hence fall outside the scope of this publication.

For the east Mediterranean population 9 breeding sites, 4 passage sites and 16 wintering sites arelisted but some of these are selected on the basis of outdated census data. It is particularly ironic that thelargest single concentration of individuals in this population (1,200) was recorded at Aynas Swamp inTurkey in 1968 just before the site was totally drained. The largest recent counts of wintering flocks inthis population have been from the Hula Valley (138) in Israel. The west Mediterranean/West Africapopulation is well represented by 64 sites some of which contain very large numbers. The single mostimportant breeding site by a wide margin is the Marismas del Guadalquivir, but numbers here are decliningrapidly. The most important gaps that need filling in these key sites networks concern breeding areas(especially around the Caspian), Iraq, the status and origin of individuals in West Africa and moreinformation on spring and autumn gatherings.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites in northwest Africa are unprotected. The breeding areas in the Marismasdel Guadalquivir in southern Spain are only partially protected, but other Spanish breeding sites aremostly protected. Many of the sites in the east Mediterranean are unprotected. Most of the importantsites in Iran are protected to some degree but even Shadegan Marshes, the single most important winteringsite for the species, is only partly protected. Many other important sites in Southwest Asia are unprotected.Compared to most key sites networks in this report the protected status seems to be quite unfavourablefor M. angustirostris.


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RED-CRESTED POCHARDNetta rufina


Distribution:Palearctic, with a very patchy breeding distribution from Iberia across southern and central Europe towest and central Asia. The main breeding range extends in the steppe and desert zones from the northernBlack Sea to approximately 90°E in south-central Russia and northwestern China. West of the BlackSea, the species breeds mainly in southeast Spain and in small isolated groups scattered over centraland parts of northwest Europe. The small population in northwest Europe is thought to be mainly, if notentirely, derived from feral birds. Western populations (from breeding areas east to the Aral Sea) wintersouth to the Mediterranean basin and south Caspian. In Africa, N. rufina is primarily a scarce wintervisitor from Morocco to Egypt (south on the Nile to 25°N), although small numbers occasionally breedin Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.

Movements:Western and central European breeding populations are partially migratory, with some birds beingsedentary and others undertaking only short-distance migrations within the Mediterranean Basin.Most east European and central Asian breeding birds are migratory, moving southwest from theirbreeding grounds to the Caspian and Black Sea regions. Birds wintering in the Black Sea/eastMediterranean region are thought to originate from breeding areas in southeast Europe, Turkeyand European Russia east to the Volga Delta in the north Caspian. Birds wintering in SouthwestAsia (mainly on the east side of the Caspian Sea) presumably originate from important breedingareas in Transcaspia and central Asia. N. rufina is subject to hard-weather movements in SouthwestAsia, with large numbers of birds moving into the south Caspian region during severe winters,presumably from their main wintering areas in Krasnovodsk-north Cheleken Bays and LakeSarakamysh. An estimated 15,000–20,000 birds appeared in northern Iran during the particularlysevere winter of 1972, as compared with only 500–4,500 birds in the milder winters of 1973, 1974and 1975 (Scott, 1976). Moult migrations take place in summer; birds breeding in the Camargue insouthern France have been found moulting at the Bodensee.

Population limits:Monval & Pirot (1989) recognized two wintering groups in the Western Palearctic: a central European/west Mediterranean population centred on Spain and the Camargue in southern France, and a BlackSea/east Mediterranean population centred on the Danube Delta. Perennou et al. (1994) recognizeda third, much larger population in central and Southwest Asia, with its wintering distributioncentred on the east Caspian, especially Turkmenistan. These three wintering groups are recognizedhere. The western group appears to be almost entirely discrete, although there may now be somemixing in the north with the mainly feral northwest European population. There is no clearseparation on the breeding grounds between the east Mediterranean/Black Sea and Southwest Asianwintering groups, and indeed considerable overlap in the north Caspian region seems likely, but asthe principal wintering areas of these two groups are widely separated, treatment as separatepopulations seems amply justified.

The small northwest European population of about 350 birds is not considered here because ofits likely feral origin (see Annex 1).

Population size:• Central Europe/west Mediterranean: 25,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 250.

• Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 50,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 500.Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the Black Sea/east Mediterranean population at approximately 50,000birds. The data remain very incomplete, and no better estimate of population size is as yet available (seeAnnex 1).

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• West-central Asia/Southwest Asia: 200,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 2,000.The estimate of Perennou et al. (1994) remains the best estimate available. High mid-winter counts inrecent years have included 13,000 in Kazakhstan and 140,700 in Turkmenistan in 1991, and totalcounts of 145,651 in 1993 and 146,756 in 1994. Krivenko (1993) estimated that there were about180,000 birds in south-central Russia and the central Asian republics in autumn. Isakov (1970b)estimated over twice this number in western parts of the former USSR, a figure which is consistent withthe expected autumn numbers for wintering populations of 50,000 and 200,000 in the Black Sea andSouthwest Asia respectively.

Habitat/ecology:During the breeding season, Netta rufina favours rather deep, large lakes and lagoons of fresh or brackishwater with abundant fringing vegetation, mainly inland in open country; in winter it also occurs inestuaries and other sheltered marine habitats. The moult migration of the adult males and immaturesstarts in early June, and flocks of several hundred moulting birds gather in some areas in late summer.Males moult their flight feathers between June and August, females one month later. During the wingmoult, the birds are flightless for four weeks. The main autumn migration occurs in late October andearly November, most birds reaching their winter quarters by December. The return movement occursin February and March, and most breeding areas are re-occupied by April or early May.

Conservation status:The total number of birds wintering in central Europe and the west Mediterranean has remained relativelystable over the past twenty years. However, there appears to have been a marked shift of birds withinthe region, with numbers increasing in central Europe and decreasing in the west Mediterranean (Rose,1995). The reasons for this apparent shift in population are not understood. The wintering populationin the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region appears to be decreasing, but the data are inadequate toconfirm this (Monval & Pirot, 1989; Rose, 1995). However, the breeding populations in southeastEurope are known to have declined between 1970 and 1990, especially in the strongholds in Russia andRomania. A major decline has been reported at the important breeding grounds in the Volga Delta andKuban River Valley (Sea of Azov) in Russia in recent years. These sites held a maximum of 9,000 pairsin 1973, 6,000 pairs in 1979 and only 4,000 pairs in the early 1990s (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Thisdecline has been attributed to the recent sharp rise in level of the Caspian Sea and consequent reductionin the extent of reed-beds suitable as nesting habitat. There has not, however, been any evidence of adecline in the large breeding population in west-central Asia. According to Krivenko (1993), the post-breeding population in Kazakhstan and the Caspian region remained relatively stable between 1972and 1989. There is no known reason for the decline in Romania.

Network of key sites:The large annual fluctuations in the number of N. rufina counted, its irregular appearance at many keysites, and its shifting winter distribution all contribute to make it difficult to quantify the value of a keysites network for this species. All three populations occasionally appear in enormous concentrations,the largest substantially exceeding the size of the population estimates as do the highest annual totalsfor each population (see Annex 1 for discussion). The largest counts are of 220,000 at Sarysu Lake inAzerbaijan in January 1993, 285,000 at Manych-Godilo Lakes in the Caucasus region, staging counts ofapproximately 50% of the population at Sultansazligi in Turkey and the Danube Delta in Romania, and35,680 at Gallocanta in Spain in January 1979. In other winters the population is highly dispersed.

Although only a few (11) key staging/passage/moulting sites are known, they are so major that it isconceivable that they harbour the majority of all three populations. This statement of course requiresto be verified. The 103 key wintering sites listed (49 in central Europe/west Mediterranean, 23 in theeast Mediterranean and 31 in the Caspian Basin) are probably quite complete and, in some years, theywill provide wintering grounds for a very large proportion of each population.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the very important staging sites are protected but many of the major wintering areas, particularlyin Spain, and the east Mediterranean are unprotected. Many of the key wintering sites in SouthwestAsia are also unprotected.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta rufina

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SOUTHERN POCHARDNetta erythrophthalma

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form in South America and N. e. brunneain Africa.

Distribution:The nominate form has a very patchy distribution in northern and central South America.N. e. brunnea occurs widely in southern and eastern Africa from South Africa to Eritrea. It is notknown to breed north of central Kenya and western Uganda, though it occurs commonly as a migrantin Ethiopia and Eritrea (Britton, 1980) and as an occasional straggler to Somalia (Ash & Miskell,1983).

Movements:Populations in southern Africa are known to undertake local and long-distance migrations. InSouth Africa, numbers are lowest from March to August (dry season) and at a peak in October andNovember (early wet season), suggesting the existence of two populations, one of which is migratory(Brown et al., 1982). Ringing recoveries suggest dry season movement northwards from South Africato Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, southern Mozambique and Kenya (Lake Naivasha). Mostrecords in Botswana are between March and October, with peak numbers in March suggestingpassage of birds through the country (D.R. Bishop, in litt.). In Zambia, there is an annual influx atKafue Flats in mid-May; numbers build up at Lake Bangweulu after September, reaching a peak ofmany thousands in December. In Kenya, the largest numbers occur during the northern winter,with a large influx occurring in most years in October, and many birds departing in February (Brownet al., 1982). These records suggest that birds may congregate in the central parts of their range(Zambia, Tanzania) in the middle of the year to breed.

Population limits:The species has a wide range in eastern and southern Africa from Eritrea to the Cape, with no majorgaps in its distribution. Some elements of the population undertake lengthy movements, virtuallyspanning the range of the species in Africa, and there would therefore seem to be no justification forseparating the African population into smaller units. Only one population is therefore recognized, viz.the entire population of N. e. brunnea.

Population size:• Entire population of brunnea: 30,000–70,000. Provisional numerical criterion 500.Common to abundant in much of its range; described as a regular visitor in small numbers to floodedcultivation in Eritrea (Smith, 1957), common to abundant in Ethiopia (Urban & Brown, 1971),widespread and common in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (Britton, 1980), common below 4,000 feet inMalawi (Benson & Benson, 1977), frequent in Zimbabwe, but not in the lowland (D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.) and numerous at times in Zambia, especially at the Luapula River, Bangweulu Swamps andLake Lusiwashi (Benson et al., 1971). It is the commonest diving duck on many lakes in East Africa,especially south of the equator, often occurring in hundreds or thousands (Britton, 1980). It is a fairlycommon resident in Botswana (Newman, 1989), and a common resident elsewhere in southern Africa(Sinclair et al., 1993). High counts have included: up to 2,300 at Lake Nakuru and 1,300 at LakeNaivasha in Kenya; flocks of 800–5,000 in western Cape Province, South Africa; 3,664 at LakeChivero, Zimbabwe, and 7,500 at Kafue Flats in Zambia. The highest count during the African WaterfowlCensus (1991–94) was 5,035 in 1993. A total of 926 was recorded in Tanzania during very extensivewaterfowl counts in January 1995. Callaghan and Green (1993) suggest that the total population isunder 100,000.

Habitat/ecology:Netta erythrophthalma occurs mainly on deep, clear, permanent, fresh waters with or without emergentvegetation, and rarely on temporary waters or shallow ponds. In parts of southern Africa, it commonly

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occurs on man-made waters. It occurs at altitudes up to 2,400 m in the highlands of East Africa. Insouthwest Cape Province, South Africa, wing moult occurs after an influx of birds from the north inAugust and September.

Conservation status:Numbers have increased in Zambia during the present century, probably because of the proliferationof man-made waters (Aspinwall, 1984), and an increase has also been reported in Zimbabwe(D.V. Rockingham-Gill, in litt.). However, according to del Hoyo et al. (1992), populations in otherparts of Africa are prejudiced by transformation of their habitat to agricultural land.

Network of key sites:Only three key sites could be identified on the basis of both January and July concentrations. LakeChivero in Zimbabwe is recorded to have supported the largest concentration.

Protection status of key sites:All three key sites are protected.

SOUTHERN POCHARD Netta erythrophthalma

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COMMON POCHARDAythya ferina


Distribution:Palearctic, with a wide breeding distribution at temperate latitudes across Eurasia to southeastern Russiaand northeastern China. A. ferina is essentially a bird of the steppes, but has expanded its range westwardsin recent years to colonize western Europe. Western Eurasian populations winter south to North Africaand the Gulf, with only small numbers continuing on south into West Africa, northeast Africa and theArabian Peninsula. The species formerly bred in North Africa, and is only an irregular breeding bird inIceland (up to five pairs). It occurs only as a vagrant in East Africa.

Movements:Partially migratory; the species is present throughout the year on breeding grounds in temperate regionsof western and southern Europe, but northern populations are highly migratory, wintering south toWest Africa and occasionally the Equator in East Africa. A. ferina wintering in Western Eurasia originatefrom as far east as 120°E, where they breed in the forest-steppe zone of central Asia. Birds wintering inBritain and the Netherlands originate from Scandinavia, northern Germany, Poland, the Baltic statesand Russia east to 70°E, between latitudes 45° and 70°N. Birds wintering in the Black Sea/ Mediterraneanregion come from southern and central Europe, southern Russia, southern regions of western and centralSiberia, Kazakhstan and other central Asian republics (Cramp & Simmons, 1977; Monval & Pirot,1989), while birds wintering in Southwest Asia probably originate mainly from the central Asian republicsand western and central Siberia.

Aythya ferina shows a dramatic movement out of the Baltic and Wadden Sea coasts during hard weather,moving south and west of the regular wintering areas. East European birds move down into unfrozen, large,high altitude lakes of Switzerland during harsh conditions, but movements within inland continentalEurope remain unclear (Ridgill & Fox, 1990). Interestingly, the harsh weather troughs in the trends for thenorthwest European wintering population correspond exactly in timing and magnitude with the peaks inthe trends for the central European wintering population (Rose, 1995).

Population limits:No discrete populations are identifiable, and it is very doubtful if any such populations exist. Monval &Pirot (1989) concluded that too few ringing recoveries were available to substantiate the hypothesis thatthe A. ferina occurring in Europe should be divided into two discrete populations, and thought it likelythat important numbers of A. ferina wintering in the Mediterranean had the same origin as those winteringin northwest Europe. Similarly, there appears to be considerable overlap in the breeding areas of birdswintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region and those wintering in Southwest Asia, with manybirds from both wintering groups breeding in southern Siberia and the central Asian republics. Furthereast, there is also some overlap between the birds wintering in Southwest Asia and those wintering in theIndian subcontinent. Two birds ringed in Rajasthan, India, have been recovered in Iran, one only 12 daysafter ringing, and the other in a subsequent winter (Argyle, 1975). Earlier authors have recognized threesub-populations on the basis of the main wintering areas, viz. northwest Europe, Black Sea/Mediterraneanand Southwest Asia (e.g. Monval & Pirot, 1989; Perennou et al., 1994; Rose & Scott, 1994), and theseare retained here. It is not obvious to which sub-population the birds wintering in central Europe are bestassigned. There is clearly some exchange of birds with northwest Europe in harsh winters, but long-termtrends in the central European birds differ markedly from those in both the northwest European and westMediterranean birds. Monval & Pirot (1989) included the central European birds with the Black Sea/Mediterranean population. In the absence of good information and for the sake of consistency, thistreatment is adopted here.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 350,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 3,500.Recent counts suggest that the estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989) remains valid (see Annex 1).

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• Central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean: 1,000,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 10,000.A few thousand birds from this population cross the Sahara into West Africa, e.g. up to 1,500 in Senegal,505 in Mali, 350 in Nigeria and 615 in Chad.

• Southwest Asia: 350,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 3,500.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the Southwest Asian wintering population at 350,000, based on countsof up to 260,000 in the 1970s and counts of up to 191,000 in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Urban (1993)estimated the total number wintering in northeast Africa (excluding Egypt) to be between 1,000 and 3,000,with the great majority in Sudan (500–2,000) and Ethiopia (200–300). Recent counts in Southwest Asiasupport the 350,000 of Perennou et al. (1994), and as the number of A. ferina wintering in northeast Africais relatively insignificant, this figure is retained for the entire ‘flyway’. However, a recent count of 550,000at Sarysu Lake in Azerbaijan (in 1993) suggests that this figure may be much too low.

Habitat/ecology:Aythya ferina generally favours nutrient-rich waters less than six metres deep, including well-vegetatedswamps, marshes, lakes and slow-flowing rivers with areas of open water. In winter, it often occurs on largerlakes, reservoirs, brackish coastal lagoons, tidal estuaries and inshore coastal waters. The species is highlygregarious, often wintering in flocks of many thousands of birds. In Russia, many birds moult in smallgroups on the breeding grounds. Larger gatherings of moulting birds, mostly males, are found in parts ofwestern Europe between early June and late August or September, with peak numbers occurring in mid-July. The birds are flightless for three to four weeks during the wing moult. In eastern and southern Europe,the autumn migration reaches a peak in late September and October; in the maritime countries of westernEurope, the peak is in October and November. There is some segregation of the sexes in winter, with malesgenerally staying further north than females. In mild winters, the spring migration may begin as early asFebruary, but the main migration occurs in March and early April. The breeding grounds are re-occupiedfrom early March (in the south) to early May (in Siberia).

Conservation status:Both the northwest European and Black Sea/Mediterranean wintering populations have been decreasingfor the last two decades (Monval & Pirot, 1989; Rose, 1995). In northwest Europe, the rate of declineimplies a 30% reduction in numbers over this period, but there are early signs that the trend might bestabilising at levels close to those in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In the Black Sea/Mediterranean region,the decline has been most marked in the west Mediterranean, where the rate of decline implies a 70%reduction in numbers over the 20 year period. There has also been a marked decline in the numbers of A.ferina reaching West Africa in recent decades (Brown et al., 1982). Trends in the Southwest Asian populationare unknown, although some decline seems likely. Krivenko (1993) reports a slight decline in post-breedingnumbers in the middle region of the former USSR between 1972 and 1989, and the numbers wintering inIran apparently decreased by 20–30% between the early 1970s and 1991 (Perennou et al., 1994).

Network of key sites:The three networks of key wintering sites for A. ferina, containing around 150 wetlands between them, areprobably very complete. The largest problems arise in deciding to which population the central Europeanwintering birds belong and of course the real answer is probably that the region contains a mixture of birds fromboth populations. For the purpose of selecting key sites a decision had to be taken and the higher selection criteriaused for the Mediterranean region was applied (see discussion in preceding text and Annex 1). Some of thewintering sites for A. ferina are very important; for example, Sarysu Lake in Azerbaijan usually has over 400,000wintering A. ferina, up to 120,000 winter at Lac Ichkeul in Tunisia and well over 10% of the northwest Europeanwintering birds can be present at the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands and at Loughs Neagh/Beg in Ireland.

In contrast only 24 key passage and moulting sites are identified and most of these are autumn gatheringsites near to final wintering grounds. Many more key passage sites must exist and based on the extremely largeconcentrations in Kursiu Lagoon and the Nemunas Delta (41,000) in Lithuania in autumn, the DanubeDelta in Romania (369,150) in spring and the Volga Delta during moult some of these could be veryimportant for A. ferina.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites for A. ferina are protected, although there are some important unprotectedsites for example Skadarsko Jezero on the Albania/Macedonia (former Yugoslav Republic of)/Montenegroborder, Burgas Lake in Bulgaria and Hamoun-I Puzak in Afghanistan.

COMMON POCHARD Aythya ferina

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FERRUGINOUS DUCKAythya nyroca


Distribution:Palearctic, with a fragmented breeding distribution at temperate latitudes (north to about 54°N) in thesteppe, desert and southern forest zones from western Europe (where now rare) and northwest Africaacross central Asia to western China (Sinkiang and northern Szechuan) and western Mongolia. InWestern Eurasia, the main breeding range is located in eastern Europe (Romania, Hungary, Russia,Ukraine, Moldova and Turkey) and the southwestern republics of the CIS, but small numbers breed inisolated pockets throughout west and central Europe. The main wintering areas are in the Black Seaand Caspian regions, the coastal Mediterranean and West Africa, with relatively small numbers of birdsreaching the Arabian Peninsula and eastern Africa (south to Kenya and rarely western Uganda). InWest Africa, the main wintering areas are in Mali and Nigeria, but small numbers reach Cameroon,Chad, Niger, Senegal and Sierra Leone, and stragglers have been recorded in Gambia and Ghana.

Movements:Chiefly migratory, although some southern breeding birds remain in their breeding areas year-round.Almost nothing is known about the migration routes of this species. It is known to be a summer visitorto the breeding areas in North Africa, and it is suspected that these breeding birds (and presumably alsoIberian birds) winter in West Africa. A movement of birds from North Africa on a broad front acrossthe Sahara seems likely. Birds wintering in Egypt (up to 7,500) probably originate from southeast Europeand Turkey. Small numbers of birds occur on passage in Cyprus (J. Gordon, in litt.), and these are likelyto be birds moving between Turkey and Egypt. Some of the birds wintering in Southwest Asia breedlocally (e.g. 150–300 pairs in Iran), but the majority probably breed mainly in areas to the east of theCaspian Sea east as far as the Aral Sea. The origin of the small number of birds wintering in northeastAfrica (Sudan to Kenya) is unknown, but is likely to be in western Asia, in view of the relative frequencywith which this species is recorded on passage in the Arabian Peninsula.

Population limits:Three populations are recognized: a population breeding in the west Mediterranean and North Africaand wintering mainly in West Africa; a population breeding in eastern Europe and wintering in theBlack Sea/east Mediterranean region south to Egypt; and a Southwest Asian population winteringthrough the Arabian Peninsula to northeastern Africa. (A fourth group winters in southern and easternAsia). A. Green (in litt.) suggests that the birds breeding in western Europe and North Africa are nowisolated from birds breeding further east, and probably therefore constitute a discrete population.However, it is unlikely that there is any clear division between the Black Sea/Mediterraneanand Southwest Asian wintering groups, and these two ‘populations’ are retained primarily for practicalreasons.

Population size:• West Mediterranean/West Africa: 10,000. 1% level 100.Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the population wintering in West Africa to be 10,000, about half ofwhich were in Mali. Perennou (1991b) suggested that a decline in numbers had occurred, and revisedthe population estimate to 7,000–10,000. The highest mid-winter count in the 1980s was 6,450 (in1985); numbers in the Niger Basin were consistently high, with a mean of over 4,500 during the period1984–87, while counts in the Chad Basin varied widely from nil to 2,200, with a recent peak of 1,606 in1988. Elgood (1982) reported flocks of up to 1,000 between Sokoto and Lake Chad in Nigeria, whileLouette (1981) observed several hundred at Waza, Cameroon, in January 1981. Up to 230 were recordedin the Senegal Delta in the 1970s, but the highest count during the period 1990–95 was only 30(P. Yésou, in litt.). Only low numbers have been recorded in West Africa since the late 1980s, with themaximum in the 1990s being only 128 in 1994, but this may be largely due to reduced coverage of someof the key wintering areas.

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The numbers of A. nyroca breeding in North Africa seem to have been grossly under-estimated inthe past; Boumezbeur (1992) counted 1,360 birds in El Kala National Park in Algeria in April 1992,and estimated that there were over 600 breeding pairs in the park, mainly at Lac Tonga. The species hasalso recently been found breeding in the lower Loukos in Morocco.

• Eastern Europe/Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 10,000–50,000 (Callaghan, in press). 1%level 300.

The European breeding population has recently been estimated at between 11,000 and 25,000pairs, with about 6,000–15,000 of these in Romania (European Birds Database, 1994). This suggestsa total population of 33,000–75,000 birds, most of which presumably winter in the Black Sea/eastMediterranean region. Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the Black Sea-Mediterranean winteringpopulation at 50,000, but noted that this figure had not been confirmed by mid-winter counts, andconsidered that it might be an over-estimate. Certainly very few are counted during the InternationalWaterfowl Census; total counts between 1982 and 1986 averaged only 700, while typical counts inrecent years have included 832 in 1992 and 762 in 1994. (An exceptionally high count of over3,000 in 1993 included a large number of birds in Algeria). There have been recent reports ofincreased use of new canals and reservoirs by this species, and this would offer some explanation forthe low counts, as such sites are not currently well covered by the International Waterfowl Census.Poor coverage of Egyptian wetlands may also be a factor in the low counts of recent years, as theseappear to be especially important for this population e.g. 6,580 were recorded at Lake Burullus,Egypt, in February 1979 (Goodman & Meininger, 1989). N. Hecker (in van Vessem, 1994) concludedthat in the absence of any comprehensive surveys, it was not possible to produce a more realisticestimate for this population than that given by Monval & Pirot (1989). However, a recent workshopto review the status of the species concluded that in the absence of any recent high counts and verylittle data an estimate of 10,000–50,000 was more appropriate (Callaghan, in press).

• Southwest Asia/northeast Africa: 5,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 50.The Southwest Asian/northeast African population has been roughly estimated at about 5,000 birds(Perennou et al., 1994), but the numbers are poorly known. Mid-winter counts in the 1970s approached6,000 (with as many as 5,000 at the Kelifskiye Lakes in Turkmenistan in 1974), but the highest count isrecent years has been only 2,407 in 1994. Patrikeev (in prep.) states that the wintering population inAzerbaijan is unlikely to exceed 3,000–5,000 birds, but this estimate appears to have been based oncounts made in the 1960s, and there are no recent counts of more than a few tens of birds. It is possiblethat many birds in this population winter well to the east of the Caspian Sea and are never counted bythe International Waterfowl Census. Urban (1993) has recently estimated the total population winteringin eastern Africa (excluding Egypt) to be no more than about 500 birds; Perennou (1992) gives100–600. The highest mid-winter count in this region in recent years has been 110 in 1983. Urban(1993) estimated the wintering population in Sudan at 10–500 birds, and there has been a count of 105in the White Nile Bird Sanctuary (in 1983), but Nikolaus (1987) listed the species as a rare migrant inthis country. Small numbers winter regularly in Eritrea and Ethiopia (less than 100) and Kenya (lessthan 50), but there are no records from Tanzania or further south in Africa.

Green (1992) suggests that the world population may now be as low as 49,000 birds. The centralAsian population (which winters in southern and eastern Asia) has been estimated at about 10,000birds (Perennou et al., 1994). With the present estimates of 10,000 in the west Mediterranean/WestAfrica, 10,000–50,000 in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean, and 5,000 in Southwest Asia, this suggestsa world population of possibly under 50,000 birds.

Habitat/ecology:A. nyroca breeds in shallow pools and marshes with abundant vegetation of all types, especially inlarge river deltas; it winters on larger lakes and lagoons, usually with reed-beds, and also in coastalmarshes. Open water is rarely used by the species in any season. No moult migrations have beenreported, birds undertaking the wing moult on the breeding grounds in July and August. Birdsbegin to leave northern breeding grounds in early September. Along the north coast of the BlackSea, the main migration occurs between early September and mid-October. The first birds arrive inwintering areas south of the Sahara in late October. Southern breeding areas are not deserted untilthe onset of cold weather. Spring migration begins in early March, and birds arrive back on theirbreeding grounds from mid-March to early April (in central Europe) and from mid-April to earlyMay (in Russia).


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Conservation status:A declining and globally threatened species, listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Collar et al. (1994) and Green(1996). A. nyroca has declined markedly throughout much of its main breeding range in eastern Europeand western Asia in recent decades, and in several parts of its range has become extremely local. Isakov(1970a) estimated the breeding population in the former USSR at 140,000 pairs in the 1960s. By theearly 1980s, the population in the European part of the former USSR had fallen to just 12,000–14,000pairs, and by the early 1990s, as few as 6,000 pairs (Tucker & Heath, 1994). The decline in numbers andcontraction in range have been especially pronounced in western Europe, where the small breedingpopulations in Spain and France have decreased to the verge of extinction. The Spanish breedingpopulation has decreased from about 500 pairs earlier this century to only 1–5 pairs in recent years,while the French population may now be extinct (1–5 pairs in the 1970s, none in recent years). Krivenko(1993) reports only a slight decline in post-breeding numbers in Kazakhstan and the Caspian regionbetween 1972 and 1989. However, there has been a marked decline in the numbers wintering inTurkmenistan, especially at the Kelifskiye lakes which held 5,000 A. nyroca in 1974, 1,300 in 1976 and180 in 1978, but have held only occasional birds since then. The wintering population in northeastAfrica has also declined markedly in recent decades (Brown et al., 1982). The massive declines innumbers of A. nyroca have been widely attributed to wetland drainage compounded by high huntingpressure. Increased aridity in the climate of central Europe may also have caused widespread loss anddeterioration of wetlands (Tucker & Heath, 1994). An action plan for the conservation of A. nyroca inEurope has recently been compiled by N. Hecker (in van Vessem, 1994).

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. The list of sites at which Aythya nyroca occurs in eastern Europe/BlackSea/east Mediterranean is very extensive and extremely useful as a conservation tool, but it still onlyincludes a rather small proportion of the entire population because of the widely dispersed distributionof this species in most seasons. Nevertheless, Annex 2 lists 55 breeding localities 18 passage sites and119 wintering areas which is an extremely good basis for establishing a protected areas network for thisglobally threatened species.

For the other two populations very few breeding areas are listed especially for the west Mediterranean/West Africa population (1 only) and even fewer passage/moulting sites (4 in total). The single breedinglocality for the west Mediterranean/West Africa population is however of 1800 individuals at Lac Tongain Algeria which is a very significant number. It is extremely important to find out more about breedingareas east of the Caspian which is a gap in the key sites network at present. Seventy wintering sites arelisted for the Southwest Asia/northeast Africa population of which 42 have held over 50 individuals. In1981 25,000 A. nyroca were recorded from Bakhtegan and Tashk Lakes in Iran which regularly heldhigh numbers however numbers of this magnitude would be very unlikely now. Forty-five winteringsites are listed for the Mediterranean/West Africa population but this list is of minimal value until itcan be properly determined where the West African wintering birds breed and until the erratic appearanceof A. nyroca in North Africa can be explained.

Protection status of key sites:About half of the main breeding areas in Europe are unprotected, and most of the important winteringareas in Africa are unprotected. Some of the most important sites around the Black Sea and CaspianSea are protected, but most are unprotected.


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MADAGASCAR POCHARDAythya innotata


Distribution:Endemic to Madagascar. Apparently confined to lakes and pools (most importantly Lake Alaotra) inthe northern central plateau of Madagascar. Possibly now extinct.

Movements:Presumably sedentary within its very restricted range, as there are no records from other areas.


Population size:Entire population: 0–10. 1% level 1 (but possibly extinct).Most recent records come from the Lake Alaotra region, although there have been a few isolatedrecords outside this region, particularly at Ambohibao and Itasy lakes near Antananarivo. Collarand Stuart (1985) have summarized the known records of the species. There have been few recordsof the bird from anywhere within its known range since the 1930s. Two flocks (of five and threebirds) were seen in the southeast part of Lake Alaotra in May 1960, a flock of 20 was seen in thisarea in June 1960, and a flock of five was seen on the northeast side of the lake in July 1960 (Collar& Stuart, 1985). In the 1930s, Lake Itasy was identified as another locality for the species, butthere are no subsequent records from this lake. A pair was recorded on Lake Ambohibao nearAntananarivo in March 1970. Around 1930, the species was seen on a small pond near Antsirabe,and three were collected in 1915 at Ambatomainty, near Maevatanana. Two were seen at a barragenear Ambadivato, in the Andilamena region 70 km north of Lake Alaotra, in June 1960. The typespecimen is from Betsileo country, i.e. the southernmost named area for the species. Three surveysin the 1980s, along with interviews with local villagers, failed to find evidence of the bird (Wilmé,1994). However, a single male was captured alive in fishing gear at Lake Alaotra in August 1991(Wilmé, 1993). This bird died in captivity in January 1993.

Habitat/ecology:A. innotata is very poorly known. It is a diving duck of shallow freshwater lakes, pools and swampswith areas of open water and many islets of vegetation; all observations have been at elevations of750–1,500 m. The pochard was usually found alone or in pairs, and was always very secretive. Itapparently flew little, and habitually stayed near islets of vegetation, seldom venturing into openwater (Langrand, 1990). Nesting has been observed in March and April.

Conservation status:A declining and globally threatened species, listed as ‘critically endangered’ by Collar et al. (1994)and Green (1996), and possibly already extinct. There has been a progressive decline in numbers atLake Alaotra since 1930s, when the species is said to have been common (Langrand, 1990). Thelack of records in the 1970s and 1980s, despite a number of surveys, suggested that the bird was onthe brink of extinction. Since one reported sighting near Antananarivo in 1970, the only record ofthe species has been of a male caught at Lake Alaotra in 1991. Intensive searches at Lake Alaotrain 1989–90 and 1993 failed to discover more birds, and the species may now be extinct. The declinein numbers has been attributed to trapping and hunting, introduction of exotic fish species (Tilapiaspp., Ophiocephalus sp., Cyprinus sp., Micropterus salmoides etc.), introduction of exotic plants(Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia sp.) and steady transformation of the Alaotra Lake area into rice-fields (Langrand, 1990; Wilmé, 1993 & 1994). Exotic fish compete for food and have eliminatedbeds of water lilies Nymphus spp. which may have been essential for the bird (Collar & Stuart,1985; Young & Smith, 1989). Gill-net fishing of exotic fish may also have taken a heavy toll of

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adult birds (Collar & Stuart, 1985). Erosion in the catchment area, caused by slash-and-burncultivation, has given rise to an extreme problem of siltation. These silt deposits have killed offmuch of the benthic fauna, particularly bivalves which are likely to have been an important sourceof food for A. innotata (O. Langrand, in litt.). Pidgeon (1996) reviews the degradation of LakeAlaotra and the probable extinction of A. innotata.

Network of key sites:Lac Alaotra is the only known regular haunt of the species, and the only site at which it has beenrecorded since 1970. The recent appearance of a single adult at this site was however far enoughtemporally removed from the previous sighting to confirm that the individual must have originatedfrom another site. It is thought to be certain that all individuals disappeared from Lac Alaotra betweenthe last two sightings (Young, in litt.).

Protection status of key sites:Lac Alaotra is unprotected.

MADAGASCAR POCHARD Aythya innotata

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TUFTED DUCKAythya fuligula


Distribution:Palearctic, with a wide breeding distribution across northern Eurasia from Iceland to the Bering Sea,generally between 45° and 70°N. Western Eurasian populations commonly winter south to North Africaand the Gulf, and in much smaller numbers to West and East Africa.

Movements:Partially migratory; present throughout the year on breeding grounds in temperate regions of westernEurope, but northern populations are highly migratory. Birds breeding in Iceland, Fennoscandia, theBaltic region and Russia east to 65°E join resident breeding birds to winter in the Baltic and aroundNorth Sea and Atlantic coasts. In mild winters, over 40% of the northwest European populationwinter in the Baltic, the most important areas being in the shallow bays and lagoons along thenortheast coast of Germany and in western Poland. The shallow waters of southeastern Denmark andthe archipelagos of eastern Sweden are also very important for this species (Durinck et al., 1994; Pihlet al., 1995). Birds wintering in central Europe include local breeding birds and birds breeding to thenortheast in European Russia. Birds wintering in the Black Sea area and east Mediterranean arethought to originate from northeast European Russia and northwestern Siberia (Cramp & Simmons,1977; Monval & Pirot, 1989), while birds wintering in the Caspian region probably originate fromwestern Siberia and central Asia. A bird ringed in western Siberia (Lake Mukhartukha) has beenrecovered in Egypt (Goodman & Meininger, 1989).

In hard winters, many ducks leave the Baltic, some moving to the Netherlands, Britain andIreland, but the movements are poorly understood (Durinck et al., 1994). The wetlands of lowerIraq may constitute a hard-weather refuge for birds which normally winter in the Caspian region:over 40,000 were recorded in Iraq in January 1979 (Scott & Carp, 1982), as compared with only afew tens or hundreds in normal years.

Population limits:No discrete populations are identifiable. There seem to be no precise boundaries between the variousbreeding populations, but the wintering areas show more separation, with major concentrations ofbirds in northwest Europe (centred on the Baltic), the central European lakes, the Black Sea, theSea of Azov and the Caspian Sea. Monval & Pirot (1989) considered that there was good separationbetween the birds wintering in northwest Europe and those wintering in central Europe, and includedthe central European birds with the Black Sea/Mediterranean population. Recent mid-winter countsshow a continuous distribution of A. fuligula from central Europe through the Danube in Hungaryto the Black Sea region, and support this treatment, which is adopted here. Thus, three ‘populations’are recognized, based on the major wintering areas: northwest Europe, central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean, and Southwest Asia. It is apparent, however, that there is extensive overlap betweenthese three groups on their breeding grounds.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 1,000,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 10,000.

• Central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean: 600,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 6,000.There has been no evidence of any significant change in this population in recent years, and the estimateof Monval & Pirot (1989) is therefore retained (see Annex 1). Small numbers of birds, presumably fromthis population, reach West Africa, e.g. up to 50 in Senegal, 150 in Nigeria and 26 in Chad.

• Southwest Asia/northeast Africa: 200,000. 1% level 2,000.Perennou et al. (1994) estimated the Southwest Asian wintering population at 200,000, based on countsof up to 170,000 in the 1970s and counts of up to 113,000 in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Urban (1993)

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estimated the total number wintering in northeast Africa (excluding Egypt) to be between 1,500 and6,000, with the great majority in Sudan (500–2,000) and Ethiopia (500–3,000), and probably less than100 in East Africa. As these numbers are insignificant in relation to the numbers wintering in SouthwestAsia, the estimate of 200,000 given by Perennou et al. (1994) is retained for the entire ‘flyway’.

Habitat/ecology:Aythya fuligula prefers large, deep, freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs with open water andislands for breeding. Although primarily a freshwater species, substantial numbers of A. fuligula winterin estuaries, along sheltered sea coasts and on brackish inland seas (e.g. Caspian Sea). The species ishighly gregarious in winter, with flocks often comprising thousands of birds. Moult migrations occur insome areas, reaching a peak in late July. Large gatherings of males are found in parts of Matsalu Bay(Estonia), in northeast Germany, and at the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands. Males moult their flightfeathers between late June and early September, and are flightless for three to four weeks. Femalesmoult their flight feathers one or two months later. The autumn migration begins in September, andnorthern breeding areas are deserted by late October or early November. Birds begin to arrive on theirwinter quarters from early October, and reach peak numbers in January and February. There is somesegregation of the sexes in autumn and winter, probably caused by the differences in the timing of themoult. In mild winters, the spring migration begins in late February, and in western and central Europemost birds are on their breeding grounds by mid-April. Some birds reach Fennoscandia by late March,but the northernmost breeding birds do not reach their breeding areas until mid-May.

Conservation status:The numbers of A. fuligula wintering in northwest Europe and central Europe have shown a significantincrease over the past twenty years, while the numbers wintering in the west Mediterranean have beenincreasing since 1983 (Monval & Pirot, 1989; Rose, 1995). In northwest Europe, the increase has beenfaster in recent years, while in central Europe there is evidence of a slight decline within the last fewyears. It has been suggested that an exchange of wintering birds between northwest Europe, centralEurope and the west Mediterranean is at least partially responsible for the population trends exhibitedin these regions (Rose, 1995). A. fuligula is one of the few Aythya species in Western Eurasia with largepopulations that have been stable or increasing in recent decades. The recent increase in numbers inparts of northwest Europe has been attributed to the bird’s adaptability to take over new habitatsartificially created by man, such as park lakes and reservoirs, and colonization of northwest Europe byexotic molluscs (especially the mussel Dreissena polymorpha) on which the bird may rely almost entirelyfor food at certain times of the year (del Hoyo et al., 1992). Data from the Black Sea/east Mediterraneanand Southwest Asia are inadequate to determine populations trends.

Network of key sites:It is possible that the entire Caspian wintering population autumn stages in the Volga Delta and verylarge passage concentrations for the Central Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean wintering populationcan be found in the Danube Delta in Romania and at the mouth of the Ob river in Russia. Further westthe known key passage sites tend to be smaller in Central Europe and the southern Baltic. Many morekey staging sites might remain to be identified at the latitude of the northern Baltic. One site, PskovskoChudskoye Lakes in Russia near the Latvian border is known to harbour large numbers of A. fuligula onpassage. In northwestern Europe, A. fuligula is relatively widely dispersed in winter but 50–60 key sitesare still listed in Annex 2 for having supported between 1% and 10% of the population. These probablyprovide wintering habitat for the majority of the population in most winters. The Central Europe/BlackSea/Mediterranean and Caspian wintering populations are sometimes found in enormous concentrationsunder certain winter conditions but usually they are more dispersed. The 85 key wintering sites listedfor these two populations form a very good basis for a key sites network but the very large counts presentfrom some sites in Iraq on the few occasions they were visited maybe indicative of larger numbers if Iraqwere to be properly surveyed.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites are protected, especially the passage sites, but some of the very importantsites are not protected. These include the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands, Szecin Lagoon in Poland andSkadarsko Jezero on the Albania/Macedonia (former Yugoslav Republic of)/Montenegro border.

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula

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GREATER SCAUPAythya marila

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies are generally recognized: the nominate form of northern Europe and northwestAsia, and mariloides of northeast Asia and North America. Some authors recognize a third form, nearctica,for North American birds.

Distribution:Holarctic; the most northerly of the Aythya species in summer and winter, breeding at high latitudesacross northern Eurasia and North America and wintering south to the Mediterranean, Black andCaspian Seas, China, Japan and the southern USA. Only the nominate subspecies occurs in WesternEurasia. This breeds in Iceland, Scandinavia and northern Russia east to about the Lena River, and alsoalong the Baltic Sea coast in Sweden, Finland and Estonia; it winters in the western Baltic, along thecoasts of the Netherlands, Denmark, France and the United Kingdom, around the Black Sea and in thenorth Caspian. Small numbers also occur on large lakes in central Europe and in the Adriatic, and a fewbirds occasionally reach the coast of North Africa.

Movements:Strongly migratory, wintering south along coasts and on inland seas at temperate latitudes. The Icelandicbreeding population, estimated at 3,000–5,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993) winters mainly in Ireland andScotland, although there have been many recoveries in other parts of Britain and the Netherlands, andsome recoveries from the southwest Baltic (Germany) and northwest France (Gardarsson, 1991a). Birdsbreeding in Fennoscandia and northern Russia east at least to Tyumen winter mainly in the Baltic Seaand along the Atlantic coast south to France. The Baltic holds an average of 50% of the northwestEuropean population in winter, the main areas being the shallow lagoons and bays along the Germanand Polish coasts from Wismar Bay to Szecin Lagoon (Durinck et al., 1994; Pihl et al., 1995). However,the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands is the single most important wintering site for the species in northwestEurope, regularly holding over 100,000 birds. The population wintering in Britain and Ireland, recentlyestimated at about 14,000 birds (Kirby et al., 1993), is composed mainly of Icelandic birds, but alsocontains some birds of continental origin. Kirby et al. (1993) suggest that Britain and Ireland may beimportant for continental birds displaced by cold weather. In eastern Europe and western Asia, theprincipal wintering areas are in the Sea of Azov and northern Caspian Sea. The origins of these birdsare unknown, but it is assumed that they lie towards the east end of the breeding range of A. marila innorthern Siberia.

Population limits:Two populations can be recognized in Western Eurasia on the basis of the main wintering areas: a populationwintering in northwest Europe and a population wintering in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. The extentto which these populations overlap on the breeding grounds is unknown. Birds ringed in the North Seahave been recovered as far east as 73°E in Tyumen (Cramp & Simmons, 1977), and estimates of thebreeding population in Europe suggest that as many as 25–50% of the birds wintering in Europe come fromwestern Siberia, east of the Urals. Any migratory divide between these birds and the birds wintering in theBlack and Caspian Seas is likely to be in the region of western Taymyr.

The birds breeding in Iceland and wintering mainly in Ireland and Scotland have traditionally beenincluded within the northwest European wintering population (Scott, 1980; Pirot et al., 1989; Rose &Scott, 1994), and this treatment is retained here because of the considerable amount of overlap betweenthese birds and birds of continental origin in the southern North Sea.

Population size:• Northwest Europe: 310,000 (Laursen et al., 1992). 1% level 3,100.

• Western Siberia/Black Sea/Caspian: 100,000–200,000. Provisional numerical criterion 1,500.The size of the Black Sea/Caspian Sea population is very poorly known. Szijj (1972) estimated theBlack Sea/Mediterranean population of Aythya marila at 50,000 birds, and this figure has been repeated

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by many authors since then (e.g. Scott, 1980; Pirot et al., 1989; Laursen et al., 1992: Rose & Scott,1994), even though the birds wintering in the Caspian Sea have been included in this population bythe most recent authors. Isakov (1970b) estimated the wintering population in the western USSR at93,200 birds, mainly in the Black Sea with some in the Caspian. This higher estimate is more consistentwith recent counts in the region. Mid-winter counts in the Black Sea have located only about 8,000–10,000 birds in recent years, although there were 10,000 in Ukraine alone in 1989. However, there hasrecently been a report of up to 150,000 in the lagoons of the Sea of Azov in autumn (A. Koshelev, pers.comm. to Wetlands International Seaduck Specialist Group). The winter quarters of these birds areunknown, but are likely to be somewhere in the Black Sea region.

The wintering population in the Caspian Sea has recently been estimated at 35,000, largely on thebasis of a count of 31,200 in 1991 (Perennou et al., 1994). Some 30,000 of these birds were counted atjust two sites in Kazakhstan, and thus the estimate of 35,000 for the entire Caspian region seems verylow. Only small numbers (less than 100) reach the south Caspian region in Iran (Scott, 1976), but5,000–7,000 are said to winter on the southwest coast of the Caspian in Azerbaijan (Patrikeev, inprep.), and there have been several high counts in Turkmenistan (e.g. 12,550 at Lake Sarakamysh in1993, 9,000 at the Kelifskiye Lakes in 1974, and 4,950 at Lake Dengizkul in 1993). It is suggested thatthe total population of Aythya marila wintering in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea is likely to be at least100,000, and may be as high as 200,000. These figures are much more consistent with estimates of thebreeding population in northern Siberia. Krivenko (1993) gives an estimate of 312,000 for the post-breeding population of A. marila in the tundra zone from the Yamal Peninsula to Taymyr, while Rogacheva(1992) gives an estimate of 530,000 for the autumn population in central Siberia alone. Althoughmany of these birds may migrate west to winter in northwest Europe, the majority must winter somewherebetween the Black Sea and the central Asian republics, as only very small numbers of A. marila of thenominate form occur further east in Asia.

Habitat/ecology:Aythya marila breeds on shallow lakes and pools in the tundra and wooded tundra zones at high latitudes,in upland areas in Scandinavia, and along the Baltic coast; it winters mainly along the coast, on brackishlagoons, in estuaries, and in sheltered bays and shallow marine waters, and also on inland seas and, lesscommonly, large lakes. A. marila generally winters in shallow waters, less than 10 m deep, and in theBaltic, may feed mainly at night (Durinck et al., 1994). In winter, the birds feed principally on molluscs,chiefly Mytilus edulis and Macoma baltica (Atkinson-Willes, 1976). In cold winters, some A. marilaprobably leave the Baltic Sea for the Netherlands and France, while others concentrate on small ice-free waters (Durinck et al., 1994). The species is highly gregarious in winter, forming dense flocks ofseveral thousand birds. Large flocks of moulting males occur in some areas in northern Russia, notablyin the Pechora Delta, and small flocks of moulting males can be present on the IJsselmeer in theNetherlands in late July. Up to 4,000 males moult at Lake Myvatn in Iceland (A. Gardarsson, in litt.).Many females moult on the breeding grounds, but concentrations of 500–1,000 moulting adult femaleshave been reported in Denmark during the second half of September and first half of October (Joensen,1973). The birds are flightless for three to four weeks during the wing moult. The autumn migrationbegins in mid-August, and reaches a peak in September in the Arctic, in October in the southern Balticand in November or December in Denmark. The spring migration begins in late February, and reachesa peak in western Europe in mid-March. Most birds leave Danish waters in April, although a few flocksremain until the middle of May. The main passage through the Baltic occurs in April, with birds reachingthe lower Pechora during the second half of May and the Yamal Peninsula in early June.

Conservation status:Overall trends are unknown in both populations because of the poor coverage of the counts until atleast the late 1980s. Important breeding populations are fluctuating in Russia and Iceland, while numbersare decreasing in Estonia and Finland and stable in Sweden (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Increases innumbers of wintering birds have been noted in the Netherlands, along the German Baltic coast andalong the Polish coast, while decreases have been reported in Britain, Ireland and Denmark (Kirby etal., 1993; Tucker & Heath, 1994). According to Krivenko (1993), post-breeding numbers in the tundrazones of western and central Siberia remained relatively stable between 1972 and 1989.

Network of key sites:In severe winters, it is estimated that over 90% of the European population is concentrated at fewerthan ten sites (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Together, these sites regularly hold over 50% of the Icelandic


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breeding population in winter. Although poorly known it is likely that the Black Sea wintering birdsare also very highly concentrated, in the Sea of Azov and the Sivash (80,000 in the East Sivash in1991) but the Caspian wintering birds appear to be more dispersed in winter. The apparent disperseddistribution of the Caspian wintering population might however be more indicative of a lack of knowledgerather than a real phenomenon (25,000 on Kazakhstan Caspian Coast in 1991). In total 17 key winteringsites in the Black Sea and Caspian Basin are known but very few staging and moulting sites can beidentified outside of the Baltic. In the Baltic over 20 key passage and moulting sites are known and foursites in Estonia are estimated to provide spring staging grounds for over 50% of the population. Somelarge concentrations are also identified in the Russian breeding grounds but more must exist and it isnot known if those identified are for non-breeding, staging or moulting birds. The 30+ key winteringsites identified for the northwest European wintering population probably provide wintering areas forover 90% of the population in most winters.

Protection status of key sites:Important breeding and moulting areas in Russia are mostly unprotected. Many of the important winteringareas in the Netherlands and most of those in Denmark and Germany are unprotected because of theenormous difficulty faced when trying to protect offshore marine areas. The three most importantwintering sites for Icelandic birds (the Solway Firth, Loughs Neagh and Beg, and Wexford Harbour) areall Ramsar Sites, and one of these, the Solway Firth, is also a Special Protection Area. Important sites inthe Black Sea and Caspian regions are poorly known, but most are likely to be unprotected.


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COMMON EIDERSomateria mollissima

Subspecies:Polytypic. Six subspecies have been described: the nominate form from northwest Europe east to NovayaZemlaya; S. m. faroeensis from the Faroe Islands; S. m. borealis from northeastern Canada throughGreenland, Iceland and Svalbard to Franz Josef Land; S. m. v-nigra in northeast Asia and northwestNorth America; S. m. dresseri on the Atlantic coast of North America from Maine to Labrador; andS. m. sedentaria in the Hudson Bay area, Canada. Birds from Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard and northNorway are sometimes separated as a distinct form islandica. Birds breeding in the Shetland Islands andOrkney Islands (Scotland) are somewhat intermediate between faroeensis and mollissima, but are perhapsbest included in faroeensis (Cramp & Simmons, 1977).

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding at high latitudes across northern Eurasia and North America and wintering mainlywithin the breeding range. Three subspecies occur in Western Eurasia. The nominate subspecies breeds innorthern Britain (except Orkney and Shetland) and Northern Ireland and on the coasts of northernEurope, including the Baltic Sea, east to Novaya Zemlaya, and winters mainly in the southern Baltic andNorth Sea area, with small numbers of birds reaching the Bay of Biscay, central Europe and the westMediterranean (France and Italy). In recent years, a small non-migratory population of S. m. mollissimahas become established in the northern Black Sea in Ukraine (Flint et al., 1984). This population ispresumably the origin of the birds which occasionally occur in winter on the Black Sea coast of Romania.S. m. faroeensis breeds in the Faroe, Shetland and Orkney Islands. S. m. borealis breeds from Baffin Islandeast through the Arctic islands of northeast Canada to Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard and Franz Josef Land.

Movements:Partially migratory, wintering at sea in north and northwest Europe, Iceland and west Greenland. Manypopulations are mainly sedentary, but large numbers of birds from Russia, Finland, Sweden and Norwayare migratory, wintering mostly on the Murman coast, along the north and west coasts of Norway, inthe Baltic Sea and in the Wadden Sea. A few birds winter inland in central Europe and in the westMediterranean. Males tend to remain further north than females and immatures.

Birds breeding in Novaya Zemlaya, Vaigach Island and islands in the Yugorsky Shar Strait (nominatemollissima) winter on the Murman coast, in northern Norway and irregularly along the southeast coastof the Kola Peninsula in the White Sea, where they mix with local breeding birds. Birds breeding in theWhite Sea (Onega Bay, Kandalaksha Bay and Solovetsky Islands) winter predominantly in Onega Bay(Bianki et al., 1994; A.S. Koryakin & T.D. Paneva, in litt.). Birds ringed in western Norway have beenrecovered in Scotland and the Netherlands. Birds breeding in Finland and Sweden winter mainly in thesouthern part of Danish waters and on the north coast of Germany. Birds breeding on the west coast ofSweden and the southeast coast of Norway winter in the northern parts of the Kattegat, and presumablyaccount for 200,000–300,000 of the 300,000–400,000 individuals counted here in mid-winter, theremainder being of Baltic origin. Birds breeding in the Baltic undergo extensive moult migrations inlate summer. Large moulting flocks assemble off southwest Jutland, in the German Wadden Sea and onthe Danish side of the Kattegat. After moulting, some disperse southwards to winter in the Wadden Sea,mixing with Dutch birds. Other Baltic breeding birds moult off Gotland (Sweden), Estonia and Latvia,and tend to winter among the Danish islands and (in small numbers) off north Germany. The majorityof eiders from Danish breeding colonies (80,000 individuals in autumn) show only restricted movements,and only two colonies are totally migratory (Noer, 1993). Most Danish birds winter in the southernparts of the Kattegat, the Storebaelt and the archipelago south of Fyn. Birds breeding in the Netherlandsare partially migratory, reaching the south and east coasts of Britain, Normandy in small numbers, andinfrequently the Bay of Biscay.

The populations breeding in Britain and Ireland are mainly sedentary or dispersive, although theyshow some small movement, rarely over 200 km. A few birds ringed in Scotland have been recovered inScandinavia, but there is no regular emigration by any British or Irish birds. The relatively small numberof birds occurring in winter on the south and east coasts of England are believed to come from theNetherlands (Dutch birds have been recovered north to Fife in southern Scotland).

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S. m. faroeensis in the Faroe Islands is mainly, if not wholly, resident. Birds resembling faroeensis inthe Shetlands and Orkneys are also presumably sedentary.

S. m. borealis breeding in northeast Canada (from Somerset and Ellesmere islands south toSouthampton Island, Hudson Strait and northern Labrador) winters from Labrador south to NovaScotia and rarely New England. The population of S. m. borealis breeding in west Greenland presumablywinter mainly in southwest Greenland. Of 515 recoveries of breeding birds and chicks ringed in westGreenland, none has been found outside Greenland (S. Pihl, in litt.). Some birds from east Greenlandprobably winter in Iceland, where there has been one recovery of a ringed bird. Birds breeding in Iceland(200,000–300,000 pairs; Koskimies, 1993) are resident within Iceland, and there is no indication of anymovement of Icelandic birds to Britain. Movements of the birds breeding in Svalbard are poorlyunderstood. Birds ringed in Svalbard have been recovered in Iceland, and also at Tromso in Norway,but it seems that very few borealis reach northern Norway (S. Pihl, in litt.), and it may be that thispopulation is only partly migratory. The birds breeding in Franz Josef Land are migratory, disappearingfrom the islands in September and returning again in late May or early June (Dement’ev & Gladkov,1952), but their winter quarters are unknown.

Population limits:Three main populations are recognized for the purposes of this Atlas, corresponding to the subspeciesoccurring in Western Eurasia. However, each of these three populations consists of two or more relatively,if not entirely, discrete sub-populations which should, perhaps, be treated as separate units.1. Populations of borealis (islandica)1.1 Greenland: The population is currently assigned to borealis, but is sufficiently distinct from northeast

Canadian birds to have been considered as belonging to a separate form islandica. The movementsof Greenland birds do not appear to be known, but it seems likely that most, if not all, are residentwithin Greenland, wintering mainly along the southwest coast.

1.2 Iceland: Apparently a discrete, sedentary population.1.3 Svalbard and Franz Joseph Land: Two migratory groups probably best lumped as a single population,

although the winter quarters of both groups are unknown.2. Populations of faroeensis2.1 Faroe Islands: A discrete sedentary population.2.2 Shetland and Orkney Islands: The birds in the Shetland and Orkney Islands are sufficiently distinct

from nominate mollissima of mainland Scotland to merit treatment as a separate population. Theyalso differ slightly from Faroes birds, and as there is no evidence of mixing between these populations,the Faroes and Shetland/Orkney birds cannot easily be lumped.

3. Populations of nominate mollissima3.1 Britain (except Shetland and Orkney) and Ireland: Probably best treated as a single population.

There is doubtless considerable mixing between the large British and much smaller Irish populations,but apparently little mixing with continental birds.

3.2 Baltic, Denmark and Netherlands: There would appear to be little mixing between birds of theAtlantic coast of northern Europe (from west Norway north and east to Novaya Zemlaya) and birdsbreeding around the Baltic, and in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands. However, within thelatter area there is considerable mixing of birds, with migratory and sedentary elements overlappingin the main moulting and wintering areas.

3.3 Norway and Russia (Kola Peninsula to Novaya Zemlaya): Birds from Novaya Zemlaya winter on theMurman coast, where they mix with local breeding birds. Some of the latter move to the Norwegiancoast, where they mix with north Norwegian breeding birds which appear to be mainly sedentary.Birds in this group differ morphologically from those in the Baltic (A.S. Koryakin & T.D. Paneva, inlitt.), suggesting that little if any mixing occurs.

3.4 White Sea: A relatively isolated population in the western part of the White Sea, breeding in OnegaBay, in Kandalaksha Bay and on the Solovetsky Islands, and wintering predominantly in Onega Bay.About 50% of this population breed in Kandalaksha State Nature Reserves. The White Sea birdsdiffer morphologically from those in the Barents Sea and from those in the Baltic (A.S. Koryakin &T.D. Paneva, in litt.). Recoveries from over 20,000 S. mollissima ringed in the White Sea and BarentsSea show no evidence of any movement between these two areas, but there have been a few recoveriesof birds from the White Sea in the Baltic (A.S. Koryakin & T.D. Paneva, in litt.).

Little information is available on the small population of S. mollissima (10–118 pairs; European BirdDatabase, 1994) breeding on the Black Sea coast of Ukraine.


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Population size:• borealis: 700,000–1,300,000. 1% level 10,000.

Greenland: 30,000–300,000Iceland: 600,000–900,000Svalbard and Franz Joseph: 40,000–80,000

The breeding population in Greenland is said to be in the range 10,000–100,000 pairs (European BirdDatabase, 1994). The breeding population in Iceland has been estimated at 200,000–300,000 pairs(Koskimies, 1993), and that in Svalbard at 10,000–20,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994). Thebreeding population in Franz Joseph Land is unknown, but is likely to be small; breeding is confined tothe southern islands where the species is said to be common but not abundant (Dement’ev & Gladkov,1952). These estimates of breeding populations suggest a total population of borealis in the region of700,000–1,300,000 individuals.

• faroeensis: 18,000–26,000. 1% level 220.Faroe Islands: 6,000–12,000Shetland and Orkney: 12,000–13,500

The breeding population in the Faroes has been estimated at 2,000–4,000 pairs (European Bird Database,1994). The total population of eiders in Shetland and Orkney has recently been estimated at 12,000–13,500birds of which 7,000–7,500 are in the Shetland Islands and 5,000–6,000 in the Orkney Islands (Kirby et al.,1993).

• mollissima: 1,735,000–2,355,000. 1% level 20,000.Britain and Ireland: 65,000–75,000Baltic, Denmark and the Netherlands: 1,350,000–1,700,000Norway and Russia: 300,000–550,000White Sea: 20,000–30,000

In the mid-1980s, the total population of S. mollissima wintering in Britain and Ireland (excluding Shetlandand Orkney) was estimated at 58,600 birds, with only about 2,200 of these wintering in Ireland (Lack, 1986).More recently, Carter (1995) has given the breeding population in Britain (including Shetland and Orkney)as 31,000–32,000 breeding females, and that in Ireland as 600–1,000 breeding females (1988–91), implyinga total population of over 90,000 birds. However, Kirby et al. (1993) have recently estimated the total Britishwintering population at only 77,500 birds, to which can be added another 2,000 birds in Ireland. After anallowance is made for the 12,000–13,500 birds in Shetland and Orkney, these figures suggest that thepopulation of nominate mollissima in Britain and Ireland is in the region of 65,000–75,000 birds.

The population of mollissima wintering in the Baltic has recently been estimated at 1,000,000–1,300,000birds (Pihl et al., 1995) and that in the Wadden Sea at 350,000–400,000 (Wetlands International SeaduckSpecialist Group, in litt.), giving a total wintering population of 1,350,000–1,700,000. Estimates of breedingpopulations agree reasonably well with these figures. The population of mollissima breeding in the Baltic,Denmark and the Netherlands is estimated at about 365,000–510,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994),or about 1,100,000–1,500,000 birds. Perhaps as many as 100,000 birds breeding in southwestern Norwayapparently also belong to this population, suggesting a total population of about 1,200,000–1,600,000 birds.

Estimates of breeding populations suggest that the total population of the Norwegian/Russian groupis likely to be in the region of 300,000–450,000 birds, i.e. most of the Norwegian population of 100,000–150,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994), and as many as half of the European Russian populationof 20,000–30,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994). Counts of wintering birds suggest a somewhathigher figure. Nygård et al. (1988) estimated the wintering population in Norway at 400,000–500,000birds, while Laursen (1989) gives an estimate of 50,000–100,000 for the number wintering in northwestRussia. Even allowing for the 20,000–30,000 birds in the White Sea (see below) and some immigrantborealis from the north, these estimates suggest a total population of 400,000–550,000.

The White Sea population has recently been estimated at 20,000–30,000 birds (A.S. Koryakin &T.D. Paneva, in litt.).

Taken together, these figures suggest a total population of nominate mollissima of between 1,700,000and 2,300,000 birds.

Most earlier authors have recognized only a single population of Somateria mollissima in WesternEurasia, recently estimated at about 3,000,000 birds (Pirot et al., 1989; Rose & Scott, 1994). This estimatedoes not include the birds breeding in Greenland. The present figures agree reasonably well with theearlier estimate, suggesting a total population of between 2,400,000 and 3,400,000 birds in WesternEurasia (i.e. excluding the Greenland birds).


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Habitat/ecology:Marine, breeding on islands along low-lying rocky coasts and estuaries; also inland on tundra pools orrivers. Disperses along shallow sea shores in winter, commonly in bays and at river mouths. Generallyfeeds in shallow waters less than 20 m deep. Highly gregarious, sometimes forming flocks of 50,000individuals or more in winter and spring (Durinck et al., 1994). In the Kattegat and Kiel Bay, regularlyrecorded in large flocks up to 40 km offshore (Durinck et al., 1994). Most adult males leave the breedinggrounds in May and June to form flocks with non-breeding and immature birds. In August, the malesbecome flightless for some weeks when they moult their flight feathers. The birds breeding in Svalbardand northern Russia moult near their breeding grounds, although there are important moulting areas inthe White Sea, used at least by breeding birds of Kandalaksha Gulf. Large concentrations of moultingS. mollissima occur in Iceland, especially along the west coast, where tens of thousands have been recordedat several localities and up to 100,000 have been observed in Borgarfjordur on Faxa Bay (A. Gardarsson,in litt.). Large numbers of birds, including some adult males, moult in the Swedish and Finnisharchipelagos, although many males and immatures of the Baltic population undertake a moult migrationin late June and July through the western Baltic to the Danish and German Wadden Sea and, to a lesserextent, also the Dutch Wadden Sea. In Denmark, the main autumn migration occurs in October andNovember, although some adult females and juveniles arrive in the Wadden Sea as early as September.The return passage begins in late February and reaches a peak in Estonia in March. Birds arrive on theirbreeding grounds in Finland in the second half of April.

Conservation status:Overall trends in borealis are unknown. Numbers are reported to be decreasing in Greenland, increasingin Iceland and stable in Svalbard (European Bird Database, 1994). The population of faroeensis in theFaroe Islands is said to be stable (European Bird Database, 1994). A marked decline occurred in theShetland population of faroeensis during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but numbers have increasedsince then to former levels (Kirby et al., 1993). The numbers of nominate mollissima in Russia are said tobe stable (Flint & Krivenko, 1990). Elsewhere in northwest Europe, numbers of mollissima have increasedconsiderably in recent decades, with increases reported in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia,France, Germany, Britain and Ireland (European Bird Database, 1994). There has been a markedexpansion in the breeding range and increase in numbers in Britain since the 19th century and inIreland since initial colonization in 1912 (Kirby et al., 1993). During the period 1968–72 to 1988–91,the British and Irish breeding population (very largely nominate mollissima) increased from an estimated20,000 pairs to about 32,000 pairs (S.R. Baillie in Gibbons et al., 1993). However, there are indicationsthat over much of northwest Europe the numbers of mollissima may now have stabilized (WetlandsInternational Seaduck Specialist Group, in litt.); there have been no reports of increases within the lastfew years, and a decrease has been reported in the Netherlands (European Bird Database, 1994).

Network of key sites:The Danish inshores, German Baltic coast and the Wadden Sea provide important habitat for S. mollissimathroughout the year but especially in winter when over 30 key sites are identified. Kiel Bucht in Germanyand Laeso South in Denmark harbour the largest flocks. The 16 key autumn staging and 19 key springstaging sites are all in Germany and Denmark and tend to be relatively small but two of the five moultingsites identified (Foglo-Dragsfjard in Finland and the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea) each support up to7.5% of all moulting individuals in the population. Although S. mollissima tends to breed, moult and stagein tight groups, very rarely if at all do these groups exceed the threshold values necessary for areas to qualifyas key sites for the dispersive rather than migratory sub-populations. This is why only three relativelyminor key sites and four major key sites are listed outside of the range of the Baltic/Denmark/Netherlandssub-population. The other exception is the Icelandic population of S. m. borealis which has four major keysites on Iceland where it breeds and moults in enormous concentrations. On Iceland, the eider down iscommercially farmed at these key sites. To some extent this population is also very concentrated in winter.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important sites in Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Svalbard and Russia are protected, as aresome of those in Norway and Greenland. In Iceland, S. mollissima enjoys special protection, and thisextends to practically all breeding colonies. Some of the more important moulting and wintering sitesare protected, including the entire coastline of Breidafjordur (A. Gardarsson, in litt.). However, some ofthe most important sites are unprotected. The problem of protecting marine areas is common to allseaduck species.


198

KING EIDERSomateria spectabilis


Distribution:Holarctic, breeding at high latitudes across northern Eurasia and North America and wintering southto Iceland (where very scarce), Norway, Kamchatka, the Aleutian Islands and Newfoundland. In WesternEurasia, S. spectabilis breeds only in Svalbard and Arctic Russia, west sporadically to Kandalaksha Bayin the White Sea and the east Murman coast (Bianki et al., 1994); it winters south to central Norway.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at sea quite far north in northern Europe and west Greenland. Stragglers sometimesoccur well south of the normal winter range. Birds breeding in Svalbard and Arctic Russia east to westTaymyr winter from the White Sea south to central Norway. The small number of birds reaching Icelandare thought to originate from Canada, Greenland and Svalbard. The wintering areas of birds breedingin northeast Greenland are unknown, although it has been suggested that these birds winter in polyniasin the sea ice between east Greenland and western Iceland (S. Pihl, in litt.). Birds wintering in westGreenland are believed to be of Canadian origin, and there is no evidence that birds from east Greenlandmove to west Greenland.

Population limits:Somateria spectabilis occurring in the North Atlantic are perhaps best treated as a single population,extending from east Greenland to northeast Europe and western Siberia.

Population size:• East Greenland/western Siberia/northeast Europe: 300,000 (Wetlands International Seaduck

Specialist Group, in litt.). 1% level 3,000.The breeding population in Svalbard has been estimated at 2,500–5,000 pairs, and the populationin European Russia at 100,000–150,000 individuals or 40,000–60,000 pairs (European Bird Database,1994; A. S. Koryakin and T.D. Paneva, in litt.). Krivenko (1993) estimated the autumn populationin western and central Siberia (from the Yamal Peninsula to Taymyr) at about 220,000 birds, whileRogacheva (1992) estimated that about 100,000 birds migrated west from the Taymyr region towinter in the North Atlantic. The breeding population in east Greenland is unknown, but thetotal breeding population in Greenland is thought not to exceed 30,000 pairs (European BirdDatabase, 1994). These figures suggest a total North Atlantic population of at least 300,000 birds,and possibly as many as 400,000. About 45,000 birds are thought to winter along the Norwegiancoast.

Habitat/ecology:Somateria spectabilis generally breeds on freshwater lakes, pools, bogs and small rivers in the Arctictundra, and spends the rest of the year at sea, often in deep waters away from land. Birds are presentalong the Murman and Norwegian coasts mainly from October to mid-April.

Conservation status:Overall trends are unknown. The breeding populations in European Russia and Svalbard are said to bestable (European Bird Database 1994).

Network of key sites:Only two key sites are listed and the most important (30,000 moulting birds in west Greenland) isjudged to be part of the west Greenland/Canada breeding population that is beyond the scope of thiswork. The lack of sites is partly because the species is truly quite well dispersed at most times of year butperhaps mainly due to an extreme lack of information.

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STELLER’S EIDERPolysticta stelleri


Distribution:Holarctic, breeding on Arctic coasts from the Yamal Peninsula east to northern Alaska. Birds breedingin northern Siberia east of the Khatanga Gulf (100°E) winter in the southern Bering Sea, while birdsbreeding west of the Khatanga Gulf on the tundras of Taymyr, Yamal and Gydan peninsulas migratewest to winter in Norwegian and Russian waters and the Baltic. The species bred sporadically inVarangerfjord, Norway, at the beginning of the present century, and has bred for the last few years onthe east Murman coast and in Kandalaksha Bay in the White Sea (Bianki et al., 1994).

Movements:Migratory; birds breeding west of the Khatanga Gulf are believed to migrate west to winter on thecoasts of Murman and Finnmark and in the northeastern and eastern Baltic, while birds breeding eastof the Khatanga Gulf migrate east to winter in the southern Bering Sea. A bird ringed on the winteringgrounds in Alaska was recovered near Khatanga. Substantial numbers of non-breeding birds summer inwestern Novaya Zemlaya and in northern Norway and adjacent Russian waters (Murman coast to theWhite Sea). The most important wintering area in northern Europe extends from Varangerfjord innortheast Norway along the Murman and Kola coasts in northwest Russia to the edge of the ice andbeyond in polynias. Other important wintering areas have recently been found in the eastern Baltic onthe Lithuanian coast and around Saaremaa Island in Estonia. Much smaller numbers of birds occur inwinter in Sweden (5–300), Finland (100–300), Latvia (1–10), Poland (1–70), Germany (0–10) andDenmark (5–15) (Nygård et al., 1995).

The numbers, distribution and migration routes of Polysticta stelleri in Europe have recently beendescribed in some detail by Nygård et al. (1995). The breeding grounds east to the Taymyr Peninsulahave been described by Yésou and Lappo (1992).

Population limits:Recent work in northern Russia has confirmed the existence of a discrete population that breeds to thewest of the Khatanga Gulf and migrates west to winter in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea (Nygårdet al., 1995).

Population size:• Western Siberia/northeast Europe: 30,000. 1% level 300.A.S. Koryakin and T.D. Paneva (in litt.) have estimated the western breeding population at 10,000pairs or about 25,000 individuals, while Nygård et al. (1995) have estimated the wintering populationin Europe at between 30,000 and 45,000 birds. C. Mitchell (in litt.) has estimated the population at25,000–40,000, with 15,000–20,000 in Russia and 10,000–20,000 in Norway and the Baltic. Recentcounts in winter have revealed that up to 12,500 birds may be present in Varangerfjord in easternFinnmark. In northern Russia, a comprehensive count of the Kola coast west of Gremikha Bay toRybachi Peninsula located over 15,000 P. stelleri, more or less evenly distributed along the coast. Allowingfor areas not covered by this survey, it was estimated that the total wintering population in northernRussia was about 20,000 (Nygård et al., in press). Also within the last few years, mid-winter counts havelocated 3,500–6,500 birds wintering in the Baltic, with up to 5,760 P. stelleri in Estonian waters (almostall on the west side of Saaremaa Island) and up to 1,500 in Lithuanian waters (mainly at Palanga, justnorth of Klaipeda) (Pihl et al., 1995; Nygård et al., 1995). As there is a possibility of some duplicationin these counts, a conservative estimate of 30,000 is preferred, although it is likely that the populationis considerably higher than this.

Habitat/ecology:Polysticta stelleri breeds on pools, lakes, rivers and tundra bogs along the Arctic coast, and winters alongrocky coasts, in bays and in estuaries. The extent of the sea-ice in winter seems to govern the winter

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distribution of the eiders. Wintering birds often form dense flocks of several hundred individuals; theyusually stay close to the coast in areas of shallow water less than five metres deep (Durinck et al., 1994).Large flocks of P. stelleri, believed to be mainly sub-adults, spend the summer and presumably moult inVarangerfjord (up to 2,000) and Onega Bay in the White Sea (up to 1,000) (Nygård et al., 1995). It isnot known where the adults in the western population moult. Birds leave the breeding grounds betweenmid-July and mid-October, and arrive in the Baltic in October and November; most are thought toleave the Baltic in early or mid-April, and arrive back on the breeding grounds in late May or earlyJune. Adults are said to leave Varangerfjord in late May.

Conservation status:There has been no evident trend in the numbers wintering in Norway since at least 1981, and trends inthe large numbers wintering off the Kola coast are unknown. In the Baltic, however, numbers haveincreased markedly during the last two decades. The species was first recorded in Estonia in the mid-1970s and in Lithuania in 1969. Since then, numbers have risen rapidly and are probably still increasing.This recent increase in numbers wintering in the Baltic has been attributed to a change in the migrationpattern of birds breeding in the Taymyr Peninsula, with birds which formerly migrated east to winter inthe Pacific now migrating west (A.S. Koryakin and T.D. Paneva, in litt.).

Polysticta stelleri has been identified as a threatened species on the basis of the new IUCN criteria forglobally threatened status, and is listed as ‘vulnerable’ by Collar et al. (1994) and Green (1996). Theworld population was estimated at about 500,000 in the early 1970s, but has recently been estimated atonly 150,000–200,000 (C. Mitchell, in litt.). According to Nygård et al. (1995), the breeding populationin eastern Siberia has declined from as estimated 500,000 birds in the early 1970s to between 30,000and 100,000 in recent years, while 138,000 have recently been counted in wintering areas in Alaska.Excessive hunting has been suggested as the primary cause for this decline. However, drowning infishing nets may also cause significant mortality in this species, especially nets set for lumpsuckerCyclopterus lumpus in spring (Nygård et al., 1995). Two oil spills in recent years have highlighted thevulnerability of this very gregarious species to oil pollution. A small oil spill in Vados harbour in January1993 killed many P. stelleri, while a spill in Varangerfjord in March 1979 is known to have killed somebirds. The proposed oil terminal near Palanga in Lithuania is thus a serious potential threat (Nygårdet al., 1995).

Network of key sites:As for all globally threatened species, all sites regularly used by an appreciable number of individualsare of international importance. The recent rapid increase in the number of individuals wintering inthe Baltic is well documented and there are probably very few localities, that regularly support thespecies, missing from the list of key Baltic wintering sites. This cannot be said for the breeding, winteringand staging areas in Siberia and east European Russia which appear to be poorly known. Recent surveysof the Kola Peninsula north coast did however identify 6 spring staging areas that sheltered the entirepopulation between them. The presence of these staging areas was expected but very surprisingly someadditional breeding areas in the Ainovy Islands and Gavrilovsky Archipelago were found (1,640individuals)

Protection status of key sites:Very few of the important sites are protected.

STELLER’S EIDER Polysticta stelleri

203

HARLEQUIN DUCKHistrionicus histrionicus

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form centred on the North Atlantic,and H. h. pacificus centred on the North Pacific. The validity of pacificus has been questioned, e.g.by Madge and Burn (1988)

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding in two widely separated areas: around the North Atlantic in northeast Canada,Greenland and Iceland, and in eastern Asia and northwestern North America from Lake Baikaleastwards to the Aleutian Islands and Alaska, and south to Colorado, USA. The species wintersmainly along sea coasts adjacent to its breeding range. In Iceland, H. histrionicus is widely distributed,breeding wherever there are suitable rivers and streams.

Movements:Not truly migratory; in winter, leaves rivers and moves to rocky sea coasts. The populations inGreenland and Iceland are resident within these islands, although there is movement of birds tothe coast in winter. In Iceland, there have been recoveries of ringed birds at well over 200 km fromtheir place of ringing (A. Gardarsson, in litt.). There is no evidence that Icelandic birds move toGreenland, or that west Greenland birds mix with Canadian Birds (S. Pihl, in litt.), but very fewbirds have been ringed.

Population limits:Two discrete populations are recognized, viz. the population breeding in Greenland and thepopulation breeding Iceland.

Population size:• Greenland: 1,000–2,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). 1% level 15.The breeding population is currently estimated at 200–500 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994).

• Iceland: 6,000–9,000 (Rose & Scott, 1994). 1% level 75.The breeding population is currently estimated at 2,000–3,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993).

Habitat/ecology:Histrionicus histrionicus is a river specialist, breeding on swift torrents and rapid streamsof rugged uplands; the highest densities occur at lake outlets (Tucker & Heath, 1994). In winter,the species occurs in small flocks along exposed rocky coastlines. Males and immatures moveaway from inland breeding areas to the coast to moult in the first half of July. Breeding femalesand young leave the breeding areas in September and October. Gatherings are formed nearestuaries in April, and the birds then move up the rivers to their breeding areas between April andJune.

Conservation status:The population in Greenland is believed to be stable, although it is very poorly known (Tucker &Heath, 1994). In Iceland, numbers have increased along the River Laxa due to improved feedingconditions locally, but population trends elsewhere in the country are unknown (A. Gardarsson,in litt.). The Icelandic population is vulnerable to habitat loss through the manipulation of riversfor hydro-electric schemes, food competition through the release of salmonid fish into rivers, andpossibly predation by mink Mustela vison (Tucker & Heath, 1994). The Myvatn/Laxa system wasdesignated as a Ramsar site in 1977, but it is now listed in the Montreux Record due to the numerouspotential threats to the system. Diatomite dredging started in 1967 and now effects 6–7% of thelake’s bed. There have also been plans to build dams on the River Laxa and to change fish distributionwithin the river system. All of these proposals would throw the blackfly (Chironomid) ecologyinto imbalance which would in turn effect H. histrionicus which relies on blackfly larvae for food.

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An environmental impact assessment and development of a management plan for the area is underwayand diatomite dredging should cease by the year 2010.

Network of key sites:Defining key sites in winter is difficult because the birds are widely distributed along rockycoastlines. Four key wintering sites do however exist and 5 % of the population breed at Myvatn-Laxa.

Protection status of key sites:The Myvatn-Laxa system is protected by law and has been designated as a Ramsar Site, but few of thewintering areas are protected.

HARLEQUIN DUCK Histrionicus histrionicus

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LONG-TAILED DUCKClangula hyemalis


Distribution:Holarctic, with an extensive breeding range at high latitudes across northern Eurasia and NorthAmerica. The wintering range extends south to Britain, South Carolina and Washington in theUSA, Korea and Japan. In Western Eurasia, the species breeds south to Iceland, northern Finlandand the mountainous regions of Norway and Sweden, and winters south to the southern North Sea.Small numbers (probably only stragglers) extend south to central Europe, the Black Sea and theCaspian Sea.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at sea in northern regions; occurs irregularly further south, often as a result ofadverse weather conditions. The movements of C. hyemalis are poorly understood. This is acircumpolar species which moves about a great deal. The majority of birds breeding in Fennoscandia,north European Russia and western Siberia winter in the Baltic Sea. The main wintering areas inthe Baltic Sea are the Gulf of Riga and adjacent Irbe Strait, the Hoburgs Bank to the south ofGotland, and Pomeranian Bay. In cold winters, when the Gulf of Riga and parts of Pomeranian Bayfreeze over, large numbers of C. hyemalis move westwards to the southern part of Danish waters inthe southwest Baltic (Durinck et al., 1994). Other important wintering areas include the seas offIceland, Britain and Norway. The precise origins of the 20,000–24,000 birds wintering in Britishand Irish waters are unknown, but birds ringed in Fennoscandia and Russia have been recorded inBritain (Kirby et al., 1993). Large numbers of C. hyemalis concentrate in the northern part of theGulf of Riga in early May, prior to passing overland to the White Sea via Lake Ladoga and LakeOnega.

The large breeding population in Iceland is partly resident and partly migratory, some birdsmoving southwest to winter in Greenland, and others moving southeast to winter in Scotland.There have been about ten recoveries of Icelandic birds in southwest Greenland and severalrecoveries in Scotland. The species is a common migrant and winter visitor in the Faroe Islands,with peak numbers occurring in October, and it seems likely that many of these are Icelandic birdsmoving to Britain and Ireland. Birds from east Greenland winter locally, but probably also in Icelandand possibly also in southwest Greenland. Two birds ringed in the same region on the middle of thewest coast of Greenland were recovered on opposite sides of the globe: one in Denmark and theother near the mouth of the Mackenzie River in Canada (S. Pihl, in litt.).

Population limits:Two populations are recognized for practical purposes: a population breeding in Greenland andIceland, and a population breeding in northeast Europe and western Siberia. However, it is clearthat there is considerable overlap between these two populations in their winter quarters, andthere would be some justification for lumping these two populations in a single, large North Atlanticpopulation.

The Southwest Asian (Caspian Sea) ‘population’ listed by Perennou et al. (1994) and Rose &Scott (1994) probably represents nothing more than stragglers from the main northwest Europeanpopulation. There is only one recent record of the species in Iran (a single bird in January 1971),and only about 30 were recorded in the Caspian region during the Asian Waterfowl Census1987–91, all in Turkmenistan.

Population size:• Iceland and Greenland: 150,000 (Pihl & Laursen, in press). 1% level 1,500.Laursen (1989) estimated the Iceland/Greenland population at about 450,000 birds based on arough estimate of 200,000 pairs for the breeding population, and this estimate was followed byRose & Scott (1994). However, the breeding population in Iceland has recently been estimated at

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LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis

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only 2,000–5,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993), while that in Greenland has been given as only 10,000–30,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994). Pihl & Laursen (in press) suggest that the population isin the region of 150,000 birds, and this figure is adopted here, although it is somewhat higher than thebreeding estimates suggest.

• Western Siberia/northwest Europe: 4,600,000. 1% level 20,000.Rose & Scott (1994), following Pirot et al. (1989), gave a figure of 2,000,000 for the population ofC. hyemalis wintering in northwest Europe. Extensive surveys in the Baltic Sea in recent years haverevealed that the population is considerably larger than this. Pihl et al. (1995) estimated that therewere 4,250,000 C. hyemalis in the Baltic in January 1993, while Durinck et al. (1994) gave anaverage figure of 4,272,400. These figures should be taken as minima, as the censuses did not includeimportant areas in northern Estonia and central Riga Bay. Elsewhere in northwest Europe, thereare thought to be about 50,000 C. hyemalis wintering in northwest Russia, 95,000 in Norway, 25,000in Britain, Ireland and the Faroes, and 5,000 in the area off the Wadden Sea (Wetlands InternationalSeaduck Specialist Group, in litt.). Allowing for about 200,000 missed birds in the Baltic, thesefigures suggest a total northwest European population (excluding Iceland and Greenland) of about4,600,000. Comparable estimates have been obtained from the breeding grounds. Uspensky (1970)estimated that there were about 5,000,000 adult C. hyemalis breeding in the western territories ofthe former USSR. More recently, the breeding population in European Russia and Fennoscandiahas been estimated at 354,000–515,000 pairs (European Bird Database, 1994), while Krivenko(1993) has given an estimate of 2,780,000 for the post-breeding population on the tundras of westernand central Siberia, from the Yamal Peninsula to Taymyr. These recent figures suggest a totalpopulation in northern Europe and Siberia east to the Taymyr of about 3,800,000 to 4,300,000.Pihl & Laursen (in press) suggest that the total population of C. hyemalis in the Western Palearctic,including Iceland and Greenland) is about 5,000,000 birds.

Habitat/ecology:Clangula hyemalis breeds on small tundra lakes, pools, bogs, rivers and coastal sites in the highArctic; it winters mostly at sea, generally far offshore, but also locally inland on large, deep, freshwaterlakes and inland seas. In the Baltic Sea, C. hyemalis is the only species of Anatidae that occurs inlarge numbers in water deeper than 20 m. Outside the breeding season, it usually occurs in smallflocks, which may occur at high density in favoured feeding areas, especially in the Baltic whereconcentrations numbering several hundreds of thousands of birds have been recorded (Durinck etal., 1994). The majority of birds winter offshore in waters 10–35 m deep. Males moult their flightfeathers between late June and early September, females between early August and early October.Many males moult on the coast or on lakes close to the breeding areas, singly or in small flocks,although there has been a recent report of an important moulting site in the White Sea (S. Svazas,pers. comm. in Durinck et al., 1994). There is some movement of birds away from the breedingareas in late June and early July, and large flocks build up during August and September. Theoverland passage from the White Sea to the Gulf of Finland occurs in the second half of October,with the main influx in the west Baltic in November and December. Departure from the breedingareas in Greenland and Iceland is with the first frosts in September or October. In the west Baltic,the return movement begins in mid-March. Peak passage to the White Sea occurs in May. Birdsarrive on the breeding grounds in Iceland and west Greenland between late April and early June,and in east Greenland, Svalbard and northern Russia between mid-May and mid-June.

Conservation status:The numbers breeding in Greenland are said to be stable (European Bird Database, 1994), and theIcelandic breeding population is apparently now stable after a marked decline earlier this century(Cramp & Simmons, 1977; Koskimies, 1993). Trends in the population wintering in northwestEurope are unknown. However, post-breeding numbers on the tundras of western and central Siberiawere stable between 1972 and 1989 (Krivenko, 1993), and the breeding populations in Svalbard,European Russia, Norway and Sweden are thought to be stable (European Bird Database, 1994).

Network of key sites:Outside of the breeding season, most important sites are offshore marine areas with a depth greaterthan six metres, and thus fall outside the scope of the Ramsar Convention. These sites are also verydifficult to locate and are certainly not in the same place each year. Being a very numerous species,


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the key site selection threshold is also very high. In conclusion, C. hyemalis is probably one of theleast appropriate Anatidae species for the development of a key wintering sites network. The 19wintering sites identified are almost impossible to protect at present and certainly do not supportimportant numbers in every year. It is possible that C. hyemalis could benefit from a key sites networkof passage and moulting sites but unfortunately these are mostly not known at present (six listed inAnnex 2). One spring passage site in the Gulf of Finland is however very important (up to 100,000individuals).

Protection status of key sites:Some breeding areas in Sweden and east Greenland are protected, but otherwise most of theimportant sites are unprotected. Perhaps even more than other seaduck species C. hyemalis relieson offshore areas, often in international waters, that at present are not possible to protect.


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COMMON SCOTERMelanitta nigra

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form in Western Eurasia andM. n. americana in North America and eastern Asia. These are sometimes treated as separate species.

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding at high latitudes across northern Eurasia and in northeastern and northwesternNorth America. The wintering range extends south to northwest Africa, China, Japan and thesouthern USA. Only the nominate subspecies occurs in Western Eurasia, breeding in Iceland, Ireland,Scotland, northern Scandinavia and northern Russia east to the Lena (125°E), and wintering fromthe Baltic Sea and southern North Sea, south along the Atlantic seaboard to Morocco andoccasionally Mauritania (e.g. 40 at Banc d’Arguin in 1979) and the Adriatic (152 in Italy during1995). Small numbers of birds winter along the northeast and southeast coasts of Iceland. Stragglersoccur on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa east to Algeria, and the species has occurred asa vagrant in the Caspian basin.

Movements:Migratory, wintering at sea off the Atlantic coast south to northwest Africa. Most birds breeding inFennoscandia and Russia east to the River Lena, winter in the western part of the Baltic and off thecoast of the Wadden Sea, with only a relatively small number of birds moving further south and west(up to 45,000 in France and 26,000 in Portugal). Birds breeding in Iceland have been recovered southto Spain, Portugal and even the Azores (A. Gardarsson, in litt.).

Population limits:Only one population is recognized.

The small Icelandic breeding population, estimated at 400–600 pairs (Koskimies, 1993), apparentlywinters from western Britain and Ireland south to Portugal, and is included within the northwest Europeanpopulation, as are the tiny British and Irish breeding populations, recently estimated at 89 pairs and100 pairs, respectively (Underhill et al., in prep.).

Population size:• Western Siberia/western Europe/northwest Africa: 1,600,000 (Pihl & Laursen, in press). 1%

level 16,000.The former estimate of 800,000 wintering in northwest Europe (Pirot et al., 1989) has recentlybeen revised upwards with the discovery of far larger numbers in the Baltic than had previouslybeen supposed. About 950,000 birds were located in Danish waters alone in January 1992, and anestimated 1,200,000 were present in the Baltic in January 1993 (Pihl et al., 1995). Pihl & Laursen(in press) have recently estimated the northwest European population at 1,600,000, with aboutthree-quarters of these in the Baltic.

Habitat/ecology:Melanitta nigra breeds on freshwater pools, small lakes or streams in tundra or boggy country,sometimes with scattered trees. It winters mostly at sea, preferably in shallow waters, 5–15 mdeep, along low-lying coasts, although the largest flocks usually occur far out to sea (Durinck et al.,1994). M. nigra is highly gregarious outside the breeding season, occasionally forming very large flocksof over 100,000 birds in winter. A large migration of males and immatures takes place from the Baltic toGerman and Danish waters from late June to August. Males become flightless for some weeks inearly August and September, when they moult their flight feathers. After the moult, the males andimmatures disperse west and southwest, mainly in September. Females and juveniles arrive in the Balticin September and October. Icelandic birds leave their breeding grounds between early September andearly October. The main autumn migration occurs in the Baltic in early November, and in the NorthSea in November and early December. Return movements occur from late February to April in theAtlantic and North Sea, and in April and May in the Baltic. Large numbers of birds congregate in the

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Gulf of Riga in early May, before flying overland to breeding grounds in Russia, where they arrive frommid-May to early June.

Conservation status:The population appears to be relatively stable. Flint and Krivenko (1990) thought that numbers in theformer USSR were stable, while Krivenko (1993) reports stability in post-breeding numbers in westernand central Siberia between 1972 and 1989. The large breeding populations in European Russia, Norwayand Sweden are also thought to be stable (European Bird Database, 1994), as is the small population inIceland (Koskimies, 1993). There has been some contraction in range and reduction in numbers at thesouthern edge of the breeding range in recent years, especially in Britain, Ireland and Finland, but theselocal decreases have affected only a tiny proportion of the population.

Network of key sites:Outside of the breeding season, most important sites are offshore marine areas with a depth greater thansix metres, and thus fall outside the scope of the Ramsar Convention. M. nigra is another of the verynumerous seaduck species that winters in all of the most suitable offshore areas along the shelteredcoasts form Mauritania to Poland. Nineteen areas of marine water have been recorded as having supportedover 20,000 individuals, but they are so large and so irregularly used that they do not really fit the usualdescription of a key site. More effort could usefully be applied to identifying more important breeding,moulting and staging sites which can then be used to help conserve the species. If these staging sites areas large as Matsalu Bay in Estonia (up to 1,000,000 M. nigra on passage) it is very important that theyare found. At present only three key sites are known outside of the Baltic and away from winteringgrounds further south.

Protection status of key sites:A few breeding sites in Sweden, Ireland, and the UK, and a few wintering sites in Britain, Denmark andEstonia are protected, but otherwise most important sites for M. nigra are unprotected. The main difficultylies in protecting large offshore marine areas.

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra

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VELVET SCOTERMelanitta fusca

Subspecies:Polytypic. Three subspecies are generally recognized: the nominate form in Western Eurasia,M. f. stejnegeri in eastern Asia; and M. f. deglandi in North America. Some authors give full specificstatus to stejnegeri and deglandi under the name deglandi.

Distribution:Holarctic, breeding across northern Eurasia and North America, with an isolated population in SouthwestAsia. The wintering range extends south to western Europe, China, Japan and the southern USA. Onlythe nominate subspecies occurs in Western Eurasia, breeding from northern Scandinavia east to theYenisey River (85°E), where there is some overlap with deglandi, and in the Caucasus and eastern Turkey.Small breeding populations are also found along the coast of the Baltic Sea in Sweden, Finland, Russiaand Estonia. Northern birds winter mainly in the Baltic Sea, with much smaller numbers in the NorthSea and along the Atlantic coast south to France and Spain. A few hundred birds winter on lakes incentral Europe (mainly Switzerland) and a few birds reach the northwest Mediterranean and Adriatic(133 in Italy in 1995). The tiny isolated population in Southwest Asia appears to be mainly sedentary.The species has occurred as a rare winter straggler to the coast of Morocco and Algeria.

Movements:Mainly migratory; birds breeding from Scandinavia east to the Taymyr Peninsula and Yenisey Riverwinter mainly in the Baltic Sea, with much smaller numbers continuing further west to the westcoast of Norway, the Netherlands, Britain and France. In hard winters, when most of the Gulf ofRiga freezes over, large numbers of birds from this area are believed to concentrate in the IrbeStrait south to Lithuania. Following cold weather in northern Europe in November 1985, a majorinflux occurred in central Europe, with about 1,000 birds appearing on waters north of the Alps insouthern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. An even larger influx occurred in the winter of1988/89, when 677 birds were present in the Lake Geneva and Lake Constance area alone (Aubrechtet al., 1990).

The small population breeding in eastern Turkey, Georgia and Armenia, appears to winter mainlyalong nearby Black Sea coasts, from where there are a number of records. However, two records in Egyptsince 1950 (two birds in November 1952 and a single bird in March 1982) suggest that a few birds fromthis population may reach the east Mediterranean. Small numbers of M. fusca, possibly from thispopulation, regularly wintered on the southwest coast of the Caspian Sea earlier this century, but therehave been very few records from Azerbaijan in recent years (Patrikeev, in prep.) and no confirmedrecords in Iran since a single bird in the 1960s. The small number of birds which regularly winter inKrasnovodsk Bay on the east coast of the Caspian are likely to originate from one of the southernmostcentral Asian populations, as are the birds wintering on the Syr Darya, southeast of the Aral Sea(Dement’ev & Gladkov, 1952).

Population limits:Two populations are recognized: a single large population in northwest Europe, and a tiny, isolatedpopulation in the Caucasus and Turkey.

Population size:• Western Siberia/northwest Europe: 1,000,000 (Pihl & Laursen, in press). 1% level 10,000.The former estimate of 250,000 wintering in northwest Europe (Pirot et al., 1989) has recentlybeen revised upwards to 1,000,000 with the discovery of important wintering areas in the BalticSea (Pihl & Laursen, in press). Pihl et al. (1995) estimated that there were about 950,000 M. fuscain the Baltic Sea in January 1993. Most of these birds were concentrated in three well-definedareas: Irbe Strait/Riga Bay, Pomeranian Bay and the Kattegat. Elsewhere, there are an estimated30,000 birds wintering off the west coast of Norway (Nygård et al., 1988), 2,500–5,000 aroundBritain (Kirby et al., 1993), and about 4,000–7,000 along the Atlantic coast from the Wadden Seato Spain (Wetlands International Seaduck Specialist Group).

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• Black Sea/Caspian (Caucasus/Turkey): 1,500. Provisional numerical criterion 15.The size of the breeding population in eastern Turkey and the Caucasus is very poorly known. The onlyconfirmed breeding in Turkey in recent years would appear to be a record of six pairs at Nemrut Dagcrater lake in 1975 (Beaman, 1978). The species is described as a rather local winter visitor in moderatenumbers along the Black Sea coast and occasionally in the Sea of Marmara (Beaman, 1978). Somebirds were recorded between Ordu and Samsun in February 1974 (Beaman, 1978). There has been arecent report of a flock of 750 moulting birds on the Black Sea in eastern Turkey, near the Georgianborder (G. Magnin, in litt.). These birds are likely to have been males, as female M. fusca usually moulton the breeding grounds. Assuming that this flock represents the bulk of the male population, andallowing for the very uneven sex ratio in the species (about 2:1 in favour of males), it seems likely thatthe total population is in the region of 1,500 birds (S. Pihl, in litt.).

Habitat/ecology:Over most of its range, M. fusca breeds around small freshwater bodies in the boreal forests and Arctictundra, sometimes well inland, although in Scandinavia it also breeds in alpine areas and coastal zones,on wooded islands and on skerries. It winters mostly at sea in shallow waters of the littoral zone. It isgregarious outside the breeding season, usually moulting and wintering in large flocks, sometimes ofseveral thousand birds and often in company with M. nigra. In the Baltic, most M. fusca winter offshorein areas where the water depth is between 10 and 30 metres. In June, most males leave the breedinggrounds to moult in large gatherings, mainly along the north coast of Russia. Small numbers of birds,mostly males, arrive in Danish waters in late June to moult there. Birds are flightless for three to fourweeks during the wing moult. Adult females begin to arrive in Danish waters in August and September,but the main autumn migration in the Baltic takes place in October and November and the majorityarrive in Danish waters during November and December. Peak numbers occur on the wintering groundsin January. The return migration starts late, with large numbers of birds remaining in Danish watersuntil April. Huge numbers concentrate in the Gulf of Riga in early May, before moving overland tobreeding areas in northern Russia, where they arrive in late May or the first half of June.

Conservation status:The west Siberian and northwest European population appears to be relatively stable. Flint and Krivenko(1990) thought that numbers in the former USSR were stable, while Krivenko (1993) reports stabilityin post-breeding numbers in western and central Siberia between 1972 and 1989. The breedingpopulations in European Russia, Norway and Sweden are also thought to be stable, and decreases haveonly been reported in the relatively small Finnish and tiny Estonian breeding populations (EuropeanBird Database, 1994). Overall trends in the population in the Caucasus and Turkey are unknown,although the tiny breeding population in Turkey is thought to be stable (European Bird Database,1994).

Network of key sites:More than some other seaduck species that winter predominantly in the Baltic, M. fusca does tend touse some offshore areas very regularly in quite enormous numbers. Kursiu Spit in Lithuania (up to700,000), the Pomeranian Bay (up to 372,000), the Gulf of Riga in Latvia (up to 200,000) and IrbeStrait in Estonia (up to 191,000) being notable examples. Only three passage/ moulting sites are knownnorth of the Baltic and more could usefully be identified. The Black Sea wintering population is currentlyassumed to consist entirely of the small Caucasus breeding population but it is likely that thoroughinvestigation of suitable habitat in winter could identify currently unknown key sites and substantiatethe area as a wintering ground for Siberian breeding birds as well. At present only three key sites arelisted.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important wintering areas in the west Baltic are protected, but other important winteringareas and the main breeding areas in northern Russia are unprotected. None of the known sites for thesmall population in Turkey and the Caucasus are protected.

VELVET SCOTER Melanitta fusca

216

COMMON GOLDENEYEBucephala clangula

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form from Eurasia and B. c. americana fromNorth America, although the differences are slight and the validity of americana has been questioned.

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding range across northern Eurasia and North America. The winteringrange extends south to the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, China, Japan and the southernUSA. Only the nominate subspecies occurs in Western Eurasia, breeding commonly in the coniferousforest zone from western Norway eastwards (north to 55°N), and wintering in northwest, central andsoutheast Europe and Southwest Asia. Scattered breeding populations are also found in the BalticStates, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Britain (Scotland), and the species has recentlycolonized Denmark. Small numbers of birds (totalling about 100) winter on waters in southern Iceland(A. Gardarsson, in litt.). The species occurs as a rare winter visitor to North Africa (Morocco, Algeriaand Libya) during severe winters. The few birds recorded in the Indian subcontinent probably originatefrom the Southwest Asian wintering population.

Movements:Highly migratory, wintering mainly at sea in the northern parts of its winter range but also on largerivers, lakes, reservoirs and coastal lagoons further south, and often far inland (e.g. in central Europe).Birds breeding in northern Europe winter mainly in the Baltic Sea, Denmark, the Netherlands, Britainand Ireland. During the mild winters of 1992 and 1993, over 50% (154,400 birds) of the northwestEuropean population were concentrated in the Baltic Sea (Pihl et al., 1995). In hard winters, some ofthe B. clangula in the Baltic move further offshore, where they concentrate in small areas of ice-freewater, while others move to western and central Europe. Birds wintering in the Caspian region probablyoriginate from western Siberia.

Population limits:No discrete populations are identifiable. Previous authors have assumed that the birds wintering innorthwest Europe, central Europe and the Adriatic belong to a single population, and counts fromthese three regions have always been combined (Monval & Pirot, 1989). The very small numbers ofB. clangula wintering in the west Mediterranean (1989–1993 average only 12 birds) have been includedin this population (Monval & Pirot, 1989). Monval & Pirot (1989), following earlier authors, alsorecognized an east Mediterranean/Black Sea wintering group of about 20,000 birds, concentrated in theBlack Sea and Sea of Azov. Recent census data indicate that far more B. clangula winter in the MiddleDanube and Adriatic than was formerly supposed, and as it is known that B. clangula move along riversfrom Austria into Hungary and from Hungary into Yugoslavia and the Adriatic, there would seem to begood justification for treating the birds of the Danube catchment and Adriatic as a separate winteringgroup. B. clangula wintering in Switzerland and southern Germany are, however, retained as part of thenorthwest and central European population. Some mixing between these two groups seems likely, asdoes mixing between the east Mediterranean/Black Sea birds and the Adriatic birds, especially duringhard winters.

Perennou et al. (1994) recognized a Southwest Asian wintering group of up to 25,000 birdsconcentrated in the central Asian republics and Iran. These birds appear to be well separated from theeast Mediterranean/Black Sea birds, at least on their wintering grounds. Four wintering groups aretherefore recognized: a northwest and central European group, a Middle Danube and Adriatic group, aneast Mediterranean/Black Sea group, and a Southwest Asian (Caspian) group.

Population size:• Northwest and central Europe wintering: 300,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 3,000.Recent censuses suggest that the estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989) remains valid (Pihl et al., 1995).

• Middle Danube/Adriatic wintering: 75,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 750.

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COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula

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• Black Sea wintering: 20,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 200.

• Caspian region wintering: 25,000. Provisional numerical criterion 250.The size of this population is unknown, but it is thought not to exceed 25,000 individuals (Perennouet al., 1994; Rose & Scott, 1994).

Habitat/ecology:Bucephala clangula breeds on freshwater lakes, pools and rivers surrounded by coniferous forest; in winter,it also occurs on coastal lagoons, estuaries, inshore marine waters and inland seas. It is usually restrictedto areas with a water depth of less than 10 m, close to the shore, and rarely occurs in large flocks, usuallyoccurring scattered along coasts in small groups. The species is very sensitive to habitat alterations onthe breeding grounds, as its presence or absence in apparently suitable habitat mostly depends on treeholes being available for it to nest in; thus significant expansions in range and increases in numbers canbe attained through programmes of nest-box erection (del Hoyo et al., 1992). Moult gatherings arecommon, e.g. in the White Sea, Matsalu Bay, southern Sweden, Finland and Latvia. Males arrive atthese gatherings from early June, and reach peak numbers in late August, when many adult femalesarrive. The birds are flightless for three to four weeks during the wing moult. The autumn migrationbegins in late August, and reaches a peak in the Baltic and North Sea region in November. Most birdsare on their winter quarters by early December. On average, females migrate further than males, andjuveniles further than adults. The return passage begins early, in mid-February in the southern Baltic,and by the end of March most birds have left their wintering areas. The main arrival on the breedinggrounds in Fennoscandia and western Siberia occurs in late April and the first half of May.

Conservation status:The number of B. clangula wintering in northwest Europe has increased significantly over the past tenyears; the rate of increase seems to be rising steadily, and the population is likely to have increased by50% over the last ten years (Rose, 1995). However, the number of birds wintering in central Europe hasremained more or less stable for the last 20 years (Rose, 1995). Recent increases in breeding populationshave been reported in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Poland and Britain, while decreases havebeen reported only in the small populations in Lithuania and the Czech Republic (European BirdDatabase, 1994). Trends in the populations wintering in southeast Europe/Adriatic, the Black Sea andthe Caspian Sea are unknown. However, Krivenko (1993) reports a slight decline in post-breedingnumbers in the middle region of the former USSR between 1972 and 1989, and Patrikeev (in prep.)reports a major decline in numbers wintering in Azerbaijan between the 1940s and the early 1960s.

Network of key sites:The Caspian and Black Sea wintering populations are extremely poorly known with only nine and 10key sites identified respectively. In January 1994, 8,612 at Lake Sarakamysh in Turkmenistan isnoteworthy. More counts are necessary before the true importance of this site can be determined. TheAdriatic/middle Danube wintering population is justified on the basis of improved winter census coverageof this region, so it follows that the key wintering sites network is very good. Further improvements inthe monitoring of this region will however be necessary before the real status of this population and itsnetwork of 27 key sites can be assessed. In northwest Europe B. clangula is a difficult species to monitor.Its winter distribution is widely dispersed along sheltered coasts and rivers, the relative extent to whichthese two habitats are used varying annually according to winter conditions. Consequently, the 40–50key northwest European wintering sites form a useful key sites network but probably do not support avery large proportion of the population at any one time. The 18 passage and moulting sites listed is veryincomplete despite the great importance of the Pskovsko-Chudskoye Lakes to moulting birds and theKanin Peninsula to passage birds.

Protection status of key sites:Several of the breeding areas in Britain and Sweden are protected, but most of the important breedingareas further east are unprotected. About half of the important sites in the Baltic are protected, butsome very important sites are unprotected. The IJsselmeer in the Netherlands is also not protected.Important wintering areas in central Europe are protected. Most of the important wintering areas in theAdriatic, Black Sea and Caspian regions are unprotected.

COMMON GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula

219

BARROW’S GOLDENEYEBucephala islandica

Subspecies:Monotypic. Females in western North America have yellow bills, and this has prompted suggestions ofracial separation (Madge & Burn, 1988).

Distribution:Primarily Nearctic, with a highly fragmented distribution, occurring in northwestern North Americafrom southern Alaska to northern California and Wyoming, in northeastern North America fromLabrador to Maine, in Greenland and in Iceland. In Iceland, the breeding range is centred on LakeMyvatn and the upper Laxa River which together account for at least 95% of the population(Gardarsson, 1978). The status of B. islandica in northeastern North America and Greenland isuncertain. Most authors state that the species breeds in Labrador and southwestern Greenland, andassume that the birds wintering in northeastern North America (from the upper St Lawrencedrainage, Gulf of St Lawrence and Nova Scotia south to New York) originate from these breedingareas.

Movements:Partially migratory, with some populations being mostly sedentary. Populations in northwestern NorthAmerica are partly migratory, with birds from inland breeding areas moving to the Pacific coast for thewinter. Most of the Icelandic breeding birds are sedentary. However, in some years, counts in mid-winter are lower than counts in the following spring. This is particularly the case with first-year birds,and it has been suggested that some emigration takes place, possibly to Greenland or even Labrador(A. Gardarsson, in litt.). Recent evidence confirms that there is a breeding population of B. islandica inCanada on the north bank of the St Lawrence seaway about 300 km east of Quebec. The number ofbreeding pairs is also thought to be large enough to account for the 2,000–3,000 wintering birds in thenorthwestern Atlantic (M. Guillemette, in litt.). This gives support to the traditional theory that thereare two sedentary populations of B. islandica in the North Atlantic. The small number of birds insouthwestern Greenland could be vagrants from either population. In light of the proof of breeding inCanada it seems most likely that the Icelandic population is sedentary and rarely if ever do individulasfrom Iceland reach the coast of Canada.

Population limits:Only one population is recognized: the Icelandic breeding population. This population may account formost if not all of the birds occurring in southwestern Greenland, and possibly also some of the birdswhich moult in Labrador and winter along the Atlantic seaboard of northeastern North America.

Population size:• Iceland: 2,000 (A. Einarsson in Tucker & Heath, 1994; A. Gardarsson, in litt.). 1% level 20.Detailed censuses during the period 1975–78 suggested a total spring population of 1,800–2,100birds (Gardarsson, 1978). Annual counts in the Myvatn-upper Laxa system since 1975 have indicateda rather stable population of about 2,000 full-grown birds in spring (including 500–900 adult malesand 300–600 adult females), 200–400 territorial (presumably breeding) pairs and 700–1,400 moultingmales in summer, and 200–900 fledged young in autumn (A. Gardarsson, in litt.). (The estimate of600–1,200 individuals given by Rose & Scott, 1994, is based on a breeding population of 200–400pairs, and does not adequately take into account the large number of non-breeding birds in thepopulation).

Habitat/ecology:Bucephala islandica is a hole-nesting, highly territorial duck, breeding around freshwater lakes, poolsand rivers in open or wooded country, and wintering on larger, unfrozen lakes, on brackish coastallagoons and along sea coasts. In Iceland, B. islandica winters mainly on spring-fed fresh waters(lakes and rivers), mostly in the Myvatn-Laxa system, but also in a few other localities in thevolcanic zone (A. Gardarsson, in litt.). In North America, the species also winters in estuaries,

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including the St Lawrence River, and in fiords in British Columbia. The species is mainly gregariousoutside the breeding season. Those birds that leave the Myvatn-Laxa system do so mainly in lateOctober and November; the return movement occurs in late March and throughout April(Gardarsson, 1978). Concentrations of moulting birds have been observed on the Labrador coast,but these are mostly from the St Lawrence breeding colony.

Conservation status:Numbers in Iceland are relatively stable, although a crash occurred in 1989, temporarily reducing theadult population to about 1,000 birds following a marked reduction in food supply (Tucker & Heath,1994; A. Gardarsson, in litt.). The birds are dependent for food on aquatic insects, and are consequentlythreatened by planned introductions of Atlantic salmon into the River Laxa and by sediment dredgingwhich is now in progress at Lake Myvatn (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Hydro-electric schemes also pose apotential threat.

Network of key sites:This population is virtually endemic to the Myvatn-Laxa lake complex on Iceland so this site plus thefour other minor wintering sites listed must be one of the most complete key sites networks for anyEuropean Anatidae population.

Protection status of key sites:The Myvatn-Laxa system is protected by law, and was designated as a Ramsar Site in 1977. This is themain breeding and wintering area for the species in Iceland, supporting 65%–75% of the population.

BARROW’S GOLDENEYE Bucephala islandica

222

SMEWMergellus albellus


Distribution:Palearctic, with a wide breeding distribution across northern Eurasia from Norway to Kamchatka. Thebreeding range in Western Eurasia extends eastwards from Norway and northern Sweden through thetaiga and forest-tundra zones between 55°N and the Arctic Circle. The wintering range normally extendssouth to the North Sea, the Black and Caspian Seas, central China and Japan, although in hard winters,large numbers of birds may extend much further south, e.g. to North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia andEgypt) and central Iraq. In Western Eurasia, the main wintering areas are in the southern Baltic Seaand the Netherlands, the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, although a small number of birds reacheastern Britain and the lakes and rivers of central Europe.

Movements:Highly migratory, moving south to temperate latitudes for the winter; occasionally further south,especially during severe winters. Very few M. albellus have been ringed, and little is known about theorigins of the main wintering groups or their degree of isolation. However, Svazas et al. (1994) suggestthat most M. albellus wintering in northwest Europe are from breeding areas in northern Russia east tothe Pechora, with birds breeding further east wintering in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea.In hard winters, many of the birds which normally winter in the southern Baltic move to the westernBaltic, especially Danish waters (Durinck et al., 1994). M. albellus is also subject to hard weathermovements in the Caspian region, with large numbers of birds reaching the south Caspian in Iranduring particularly severe winters (Perennou et al., 1994).

Population limits:No discrete populations are identifiable. Three main wintering groups are recognized: a groupwintering in northwest and central Europe, concentrated in the southern Baltic and the Netherlands,a group wintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region, concentrated in the Sea of Azov,and a group wintering in Southwest Asia, concentrated in the north Caspian and Uzbekistan(Atkinson-Willes, 1976; Monval & Pirot, 1989; Perennou et al., 1994). The relatively small numberof birds wintering in Hungary and the middle Danube are included in the northwest and centralEuropean group.

Population size:• Northwest and central Europe: 25,000–30,000 (see Annex 1 and Pihl & Laursen, in press). 1%

level 250.The former estimate of 15,000 for the northwest European population is clearly too low; 23,900 werecounted in northwest and central Europe in January 1987 and 24,962 in January 1992. Pihl et al. (1995)estimated that there were 20,000 in the Baltic area alone in January 1993. Durinck et al. (1994) suggestedthat the population estimate be raised to 25,000, while Svazas et al. (1994) reported a huge flock ofabout 30,000 M. albellus at Szecin Lagoon in Poland in December 1991, and suggested that the northwestEuropean population was likely to be in the range 35,000–40,000.

• Black Sea/east Mediterranean: 65,000 (Atkinson-Willes, 1976). 1% level 650.Isakov (1970b) reported up to 57,000 birds wintering in the Black Sea, while Atkinson-Willes (1976)gave an estimate of 65,000 for the whole Black Sea-Mediterranean region. This estimate was followedby Monval & Pirot (1989) and Rose & Scott (1994), and in the absence of any better information isretained here.

• Southwest Asia: 30,000 (Perennou et al., 1994). 1% level 300.Krivonosov (1970) estimated that 6,000–20,000 wintered in the north Caspian, while 26,300 werecounted in Uzbekistan alone in 1986. Krivenko (1993) estimates the post-breeding population in western

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and central Siberia at 72,500 birds, which could account for most if not all of the birds wintering inSouthwest Asia and a large proportion of those wintering in the Black Sea region.

Habitat/ecology:Mergellus albellus breeds around freshwater lakes, pools, rivers and muskegs in the taiga zone, andwinters mainly on larger lakes, ice-free rivers, coastal brackish lagoons and estuaries. In the Baltic Sea,M. albellus usually occurs in shallow waters close to the coast. The species is highly gregarious in winter,sometimes forming flocks of over 10,000 birds. Groups of moulting males are known from Siberia, buthave not been reported in Europe. The birds begin to leave their breeding grounds in early September,and these areas are deserted in October. M. albellus begin to arrive in the Baltic Sea in mid-October, butthe main arrival in the Baltic and North Sea is usually not until December or even January, when coldweather further east forces birds to move west. Spring migration begins in March, with birds arriving onthe breeding grounds between early May and early June.

Conservation status:The reliance of Mergellus albellus on a few very important wintering sites and the frequent movement ofbirds between these sites make the calculation of trends very difficult. Thus, no conclusions can bedrawn concerning the trends in the population of this species on the basis of winter counts (Rose,1995). A marked fall in breeding numbers undoubtedly occurred in Europe during the second half ofthe 19th century and first two-thirds of the 20th century, and this has been attributed to habitat loss ordegradation, notably deforestation of river valleys through logging, conversion to agriculture anddestruction due to river canalization (Tucker & Heath, 1994). Range contractions are believed to havecontinued in southern European Russia, but local increases have been reported in Finland and Belarus(Tucker & Heath, 1994). Further east, Krivenko (1993) has reported a slight decline in post-breedingnumbers in western and central Siberia between 1972 and 1989, and Patrikeev (in prep.) has reporteda marked decline in the numbers wintering in Azerbaijan during the 20th century.

Network of key sites:Key sites in the Baltic are described by Svazas et al. (1994) and 35 are listed in Annex 2. It seems likelythat additional important sites are present in the Gulf of Finland and in Russia, perhaps in the WhiteSea, and also between the breeding grounds in northern Russia and the wintering areas in the Black Seaand Caspian Sea. M. albellus is very concentrated on a few sites in winter so when a new winteringlocality is identified, such as Szecin Lagoon in Poland, this has significant implications to the status ofthe population. Only three sites in Southwest Asia have held over 300 M. albellus in recent years:Tyuyamuyun Reservoir (average 400) and Lake Sarakamysh (average 380) in Turkmenistan, and LakeDengizkul (average 320) in Uzbekistan. The latter held a concentration of 26,000 M. albellus in January1986, many times higher than the total counted in the region in any other year (Perennou et al., 1994).Haur Abu Dibis (Lake Razazah) in Iraq held 1,000 males in January 1979. Only six relatively minor keysites can be identified for the Black Sea wintering population. For all four populations only two keysites are selected on the basis of non-winter concentrations of M. albellus, and these are both relativelyminor and not well substantiated.

Protection status of key sites:Some of the breeding areas in Sweden and Finland are protected, but the main breeding areas further tothe east are largely unprotected. Several of the most important staging and wintering areas in the Balticare protected including Matsalu Bay (a Ramsar Site) in Estonia, the northern part of Kursiu Lagoon inLithuania and the southern part of Vistula Lagoon (Elblag Bay) in Poland. Szecin Lagoon, on thePolish/German border, has been proposed as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Svazas et al., 1994).Very few of the wintering areas in the Black Sea and Caspian regions are protected.

SMEW Mergellus albellus

225

RED-BREASTED MERGANSERMergus serrator

Subspecies:Polytypic. Two subspecies have been described: the nominate form is circumpolar except for westGreenland, where the form M. s. schioleri occurs (the validity of this form has been questioned).Birds breeding in east Greenland closely resemble the nominate form.

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding range across northern Eurasia and North America. The winteringrange extends south to the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, China, Japan and Mexico.Both subspecies occur in Western Eurasia. The nominate form breeds in east Greenland, Iceland,the Faroes, Britain and Ireland, and from Denmark and northern Germany eastwards, mainly inthe forested tundra zone, but in the southern parts of it range in western Europe, also in the temperateforest zone. It winters south to Portugal, North Africa (mainly Algeria and Tunisia, rarely to Egypt),the south Caspian and occasionally the Gulf. The breeding range seems to be expanding slowly inwestern Europe. M. s. schioleri breeds on the west coast of Greenland, and apparently winters mainlyalong the southwest coast.

Movements:Migratory and partially migratory, northern populations migrating south to winter at temperatelatitudes, but present year-round on or near the breeding areas over much of northwest Europe,with many birds undertaking only short-distance movements to nearby coasts. Birds breeding inFinland and northwest Russia are highly migratory, wintering mainly in northwest Europe, especiallythe Baltic Sea, but also in small numbers along the north coast of the Mediterranean (Monval &Pirot, 1989). In mild winters, about 44% of the northwest European population winters in thewestern part of the Baltic Sea (Pihl et al., 1995). Other birds leave the Baltic in autumn to winteralong the Atlantic coast from the Netherlands to Portugal. Lack (1986) has suggested that most ofthe birds wintering on the east and south coasts of England, from the Wash southwards, are ofcontinental origin, as are those occurring inland in Britain during severe winters. Laursen et al. (inprep.) have suggested that many of the birds staging in southeast Denmark in autumn winter in theNetherlands, while birds staging at Limfjorden in northwest Denmark cross the North Sea to winterin Britain. British and Irish breeding birds are apparently dispersive within Britain and Ireland.The breeding population in Iceland is partially migratory; some birds are resident, while othersmigrate to Britain (mainly Scotland) and Ireland, although there are also single recoveries fromthe Netherlands and east Greenland (Cramp & Simmons, 1977). Greenland breeding birds arepartially migratory within Greenland, with western breeding birds (schioleri) wintering along thesouthwest coast. Birds from east Greenland probably winter mainly in Iceland (where there hasbeen one recovery), but may also reach Britain and Ireland. Birds wintering in the Black Sea regionsouth to Romania, Greece and Turkey may originate from northeast European Russia and westernSiberia, although there are no ringing recoveries to confirm this (Monval & Pirot, 1989). Birdswintering in the Caspian region south to the Gulf are presumably from breeding areas further eastin western and central Siberia.

Population limits:Four main groups are recognized: a discrete population of the subspecies schioleri in west Greenland,and three main wintering groups of the nominate form in Western Eurasia, a group in northwestand central Europe (including east Greenland and Icelandic birds), a group in the Black Sea/Mediterranean region, and a group in the Caspian region. The relatively small Icelandic breedingpopulation, estimated at 2,000–4,000 pairs (Koskimies, 1993) winters mainly in Britain and Ireland,along with the birds breeding in Britain and Ireland (2,850 pairs; S. Carter in Gibbons et al., 1993).These birds (and the birds from east Greenland) have traditionally been included within thenorthwest European population, and this treatment is retained here. However, there would appearto be some justification, at least on conservation grounds, for considering the birds breeding in eastGreenland, Iceland, Ireland and Britain as a separate population.

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Population size:• West Greenland (schioleri): Unknown.No information is available on population size. The total breeding population of M. serrator in Greenland(including nominate serrator in east Greenland) has been given as 1,000–50,000 pairs (European BirdDatabase, 1994). It is recommended that a provisional numerical criterion of 100 be used in theidentification of key sites.

• Northwest and central Europe: 125,000 (Pihl & Laursen, in press). 1% level 1,250.• East Greenland/Iceland/Britain and Ireland: 15,000–25,000. 1% level 200.Rose & Scott (1994), following Monval & Pirot (1989), gave a figure of 100,000 for the northwestEuropean wintering population, but this included only an estimated 20,000–30,000 birds in the Baltic.Recent surveys have indicated that at least 50,000 and possibly as many as 90,000 birds winter in theBaltic (Pihl et al., 1995). Pihl & Laursen (in press) have therefore recommended that the total populationestimate be raised to 125,000, and this figure is adopted here. The total wintering population in Britainand Ireland was estimated at 11,000 birds in the early 1980s (Lack, 1986), and 12,000–13,000 in recentyears (Kirby et al., 1993).

• Northeast Europe/Black Sea/Mediterranean: 50,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 500.

• Western Siberia/Southwest Asia: probably under 10,000. Provisional numerical criterion100.

Poorly known; Perennou et al. (1994) thought that the total population of M. serrator wintering in thecentral Asian republics and Caspian region did not exceed 10,000 individuals.

Habitat/ecology:Over much of its range, Mergus serrator breeds on rather deep lakes and small rivers, often, but notnecessarily, in wooded country, although in some areas, especially the Baltic, it breeds mainly along thecoast and on small offshore islands. It winters almost exclusively in brackish or saline waters, preferringshallow, protected coasts, estuaries, bays and brackish lagoons, but also occurring offshore in shallowwaters. The species is gregarious outside the breeding season, wintering in small flocks of up to a fewhundred birds. Males leave the breeding grounds in June, and moult with immatures in small groupsalong the coast. The largest known moulting area in Europe is in Denmark, where peak numbers ofmoulting birds occur in mid-July. The autumn migration begins in September, and most birds have lefttheir breeding areas by mid- or late October. In the Baltic, the peak of the autumn migration occurs inNovember. Females and juveniles migrate further south than males. The spring migration starts in lateFebruary. Birds arrive on their breeding grounds in the Baltic in April, and somewhat later on breedinggrounds further north and east.

Conservation status:Trends in the population of schioleri in west Greenland are unknown. The population wintering innorthwest Europe is believed to be relatively stable. The large breeding populations in Norway, Swedenand Finland are thought to be stable, and an increase has been reported in the breeding population inDenmark, while decreases have been reported only in some of the smaller marginal breeding populations(European Bird Database, 1994). The Icelandic breeding population is thought to be stable (Koskimies,1993). There was a marked increase in the British breeding population until about 1980, associatedwith an expansion in the breeding range, but there appears to have been little change since then (Kirbyet al., 1993).

No information is available on trends in the populations wintering in the Black Sea/Mediterraneanregion and Southwest Asia. However, a slight decline was reported in post-breeding numbers in westernand central Siberia between 1972 and 1989 (Krivenko, 1993). These birds, estimated to number 57,500(Krivenko, 1993), could account for most if not all of the Caspian birds and a large proportion of thosewintering in the Black Sea and east Mediterranean.

Network of key sites:M. serrator is widely dispersed in small flocks during most seasons, perhaps with the exception of moultand passage. It also occurs in deep (>6 m) offshore waters throughout northern Europe and wintersright up to the edge of the Arctic ice, and in ice free polynias, even in areas of permanent winter night.Obviously key wintering sites are very difficult to find and most birds will always be wintering away


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from the 23 relatively minor key sites listed in Annex 2. Many more than the 12 key moulting andpassage sites listed must exist although there is no evidence to suggest that there will be any enormousconcentrations at these times. The Black Sea and Caspian wintering populations of M. serrator must beamongst the least known Anatidae populations in Europe so it is not surprising that only three and fivekey sites respectively are listed in Annex 2.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important breeding areas are unprotected. Most of the main wintering areas in the westBaltic are protected, but further southwest, most sites are unprotected, including the very importantsites in the Netherlands. Most important sites in the Black Sea and Caspian regions are unprotected.


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GOOSANDERMergus merganser

Subspecies:Polytypic. Three subspecies are recognized: the nominate form in northern Eurasia east to Kamchatka;M. m. orientalis in central Asia from northeast Afghanistan through Tibet and the Himalayas to westernChina; and M. m. americanus in North America. The form comatus, listed by some authors for centralAsia, is now considered to be synonymous with orientalis.

Distribution:Holarctic, with a wide breeding range across Eurasia and North America in forested tundra between50°N and the Arctic Circle. The wintering range extends south to southern Europe, the Middle East,northern India, China, Japan and the southern USA. Only the nominate form occurs in Western Eurasia,breeding in Iceland and from Britain, Norway, Denmark and central Europe eastwards, and winteringsouth to western France, the Adriatic, Turkey and the south Caspian region. There is a small, isolatedbreeding population in the southern Balkans (Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia andGreece). The species has occurred as a rare winter visitor to North Africa (Morocco to Egypt).

Movements:Migratory and partially migratory; the northernmost breeding birds migrate south to winter at temperatelatitudes, but southern breeding birds are mainly sedentary, moving only short distances to suitablewintering habitat, usually at lower elevations. The small breeding population of about 300 pairs inIceland is resident within Iceland, wintering mainly near the coast. British breeding birds are alsoalmost entirely resident but males do move to Norway to moult before returning to the UK (Little &Furness, 1985). Otherwise British birds move only short distances (usually less than 150 km) frombreeding waters to lakes and sheltered estuaries. Birds breeding in Scandinavia and northwest Russiaeast to the Pechora Delta winter mainly in the Baltic Sea and countries bordering the North Sea, butalso in smaller numbers on rivers and lakes in central Europe and rarely in the west Mediterranean.There is also some evidence to suggest that males from these breeding areas fly to northern river mouthsin Russia and Norway to moult. Ringing recoveries suggest that many of the birds wintering in southernEngland are from the continent, with recoveries from Sweden, Finland, northwest Russia, the Netherlandsand Germany (Lack, 1986). In mild winters, about 59% of the northwest European population winterin the Baltic Sea, with Szecin Bay being much the most important site (peak of 30,750 in January1993). In hard winters, birds in the Baltic move southwest, and numbers in Danish waters increase(Durinck et al., 1994). Little is known about the much smaller populations wintering in the northernBlack Sea and Caspian Sea, but it is assumed that these breed further to the east in Russia (Monval &Pirot, 1989).

Population limits:Previous authors have recognized two main wintering groups in Europe: a large west European groupincluding the resident Icelandic population, the rather sedentary British population and central Europeanbreeding birds, as well as the very small number of birds reaching the west Mediterranean; and a muchsmaller Black Sea/east Mediterranean group including the isolated breeding population in the Balkans(Atkinson-Willes, 1976; Ruger et al., 1986; Monval & Pirot, 1989). Perennou et al. (1994) recognizeda third wintering group in Southwest Asia, concentrated in the north Caspian and central Asian republics.There is no evidence of movement between the resident Icelandic population and other Europeanbreeding birds, and this population should obviously be given separate treatment. Similarly, the tinybreeding population in the southern Balkans now appears to be completely isolated from other populationsand also merits separate treatment. There is some justification for treating the British breeding population(5,000–8,000 birds) and central European breeding population (about 3,000 birds) as separate populations.However, as some birds from northern Europe are known to reach Britain and central Europe duringsevere winters, some mixing of birds is likely to occur, and for the time being at least, the British andcentral European breeding birds are retained within the main northwest European population. Thusfive populations are recognized: two small resident populations, in Iceland and in the Balkans, and threemain wintering groups, in northwest and central Europe, in the Black Sea region and in Southwest

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GOOSANDER Mergus merganser

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Asia. The extent to which these three wintering groups are separated on their breeding grounds is,however, unknown, although it seems likely from breeding estimates that most if not all of thebirds wintering in northwest and central Europe originate from breeding grounds in Europe, whilemost of the birds wintering in the Black and Caspian Seas probably originate from breeding areasin western Siberia.

Population size:• Iceland: 900. 1% level 9.The breeding population in Iceland has been estimated at 300 pairs (Koskimies, 1993), or 100–300pairs (European Bird Database, 1994).

• Northwest and central Europe: 200,000 (see Annex 1). 1% level 2,000.UK (breeding): 5,000–8,000.Central Europe (breeding): 3,000.

The total wintering population in Britain in the early 1980s was estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000birds (Lack, 1986); more recently the British population has been estimated at 2,700 pairs (Carter,1995) which might be expected to give a winter population of about 8,100 birds. The central Europeanbreeding population has been estimated at about 840–1,180 pairs or 3,000 birds (640–780 pairs inAustria, Switzerland and France, and an estimated 200–400 pairs in Germany).

• Black Sea: 10,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989). 1% level 100.The size of the Black Sea wintering population is very poorly known. Scott (1980) suggested afigure of 10,000, and this was retained by Monval & Pirot (1989). Up to 19,000 Mergus spp. wererecorded in the Soviet Black Sea in the 1980s (Monval & Pirot, 1989), and an average of 3,500M. merganser were reported during the autumn migration in the Sea of Azov between 1971 and1975 (Krivenko, 1981). However, in recent years, the maximum count has been only 1,000 (1992).

• Balkans: 50–100. 1% level 1.The breeding population in the Balkans is thought to number only 11–32 pairs (European Bird Database,1994).

• Southwest Asia: 20,000. 1% level 200.Perennou et al. (1994) thought that this population numbered less than 10,000 birds, but counts of15,000 and 13,700 were obtained in the north Caspian in 1967 and 1968, respectively (Isakov,1970b), and according to Krivonosov (1970), the Volga Delta alone holds between 5,000 and 15,000birds in winter. An average of 20,000 was reported during the autumn migration in the northCaspian between 1971 and 1975 (Krivenko, 1981). As there has been no evidence of any majordecline in this population, a figure of 20,000 would seem to be more appropriate. Krivenko (1993)gives an estimate of 36,000 for the post-breeding population of M. merganser in western and centralSiberia, which could account for most if not all of the birds wintering in the Caspian and Black Searegions.

Habitat/ecology:Mergus merganser breeds on freshwater lakes, pools and the upper reaches of rivers, generally in thevicinity of trees; it winters on large unfrozen lakes and brackish lagoons, less commonly on estuariesand rarely along sea coasts. In hard winters, many birds move to estuaries, coastal lagoons and shelteredsea coasts in areas with a water depth of less than 10 m (Durinck et al., 1994). The species usually occursin relatively small flocks, although it occasionally forms flocks of several thousand birds in winter.Large numbers of birds moult at the mouths of major rivers in northern Norway (Tana) and northernRussia (Frantzen, in litt.). Mass departure from northern breeding areas does not occur until the firstfrosts. Major movements occur in Russia and the Baltic in October and early November. Birds begin toarrive in countries bordering the North Sea in late October and early November, and reach a peak inDecember. In the Black Sea region, numbers increase from mid-October to mid-December. The returnmigration in spring begins very early; except in hard winters, many M. merganser leave Danish waters inlate January, while in other parts of the Baltic, most movements take place in March (Durinck et al.,1994). Most wintering areas are deserted by mid-April. Birds breeding in Britain and Switzerland returnto their breeding areas in March; those breeding in northern Fennoscandia and Russia return in lateApril or May.


232

Conservation status:The isolated Icelandic breeding population has been reported as probably decreasing (Koskimies, 1993)or stable (European Bird Database, 1994). The northwest European population is apparently stable orincreasing slightly. There have been some recent increases in the numbers of birds wintering in Sweden,Lithuania, Poland and Germany, but the numbers wintering in the Netherlands have shown a markeddecline in recent years (Svazas et al., 1994). A recent trend analysis based on mid-winter counts suggestslong-term stability in northwest Europe, but this analysis excludes a large number of birds wintering inthe Baltic (Rose, 1995). Breeding populations in Norway and Sweden are thought to be stable, whilethe large breeding population in Finland is thought to be increasing (European Bird Database, 1994).In Britain, there has been a major southward expansion in breeding range in recent decades, with thepopulation increasing from 1,000–2,000 pairs in 1968–72 to 2,700 pairs in 1988–91 (S. Carter in Gibbonset al., 1993). However, decreases have been reported in the relatively small breeding populations inGermany and the Baltic States (European Bird Database, 1994). An analysis of mid-winter counts incentral Europe shows no significant trends over the last 20 years (Rose, 1995). However, the breedingpopulation appears to be increasing, with increases reported in Switzerland, Austria and France (EuropeanBird Database, 1994). Overall trends in the small Balkans population are unknown, although thepopulation of 5–10 pairs is said to be stable (European Bird Database, 1994). Trends in the populationswintering in the Black Sea region and Southwest Asia are also unknown. However, Krivenko (1993)reports a sharp decline in numbers in western and central Siberia between 1972 and 1989.

Network of key sites:Only seven key sites can be identified in Southwest Asia and even fewer are known in the Black Sea(5). Major wintering concentrations have been recorded along the edge of the ice in the north Caspian,but these are poorly documented. In northwest Europe key sites for M. merganser are only well knownin winter when the majority of the population is usually congregated on a few coastal lagoonal sites(Szecin lagoon in Poland up to 33,000 and Kursiu Lagoon in Lithuania 25,000 in 1994) which togetherwith 28 smaller sites make a fairly complete key wintering sites network. Only 5 key sites are knownfor other times of year but some sites in Sweden and the Kanin peninsula seem to be important toM. merganser on passage. With the lack of information to the contrary, it is assumed that the Balkanpopulation of approximately 30 pairs is dispersive and that it is not joined in winter by migratory birdsfrom further north. If this is true the cluster of 10 key sites in this region must be a very complete keysites network. Up to 94 M. merganser, thought to be the entire population, has been counted at Kastoriain Greece. The resident Icelandic population is known to occur in internationally importantconcentrations at eight sites of which the Myvatn Laxa complex and the Sog River are very importantat most times of year.

Protection status of key sites:Most of the important wintering sites in Denmark, the northern part of Kursiu Lagoon in Lithuania andseveral important sites in Poland, including part of the Gulf of Gdansk (Puck Bay), are protected, butmost of the other main wintering areas in northwest Europe are unprotected. Szecin Lagoon, on thePolish/German border, has been proposed as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Svazas et al., 1994).Most of the important sites in the Black Sea and Caspian regions are likely to be unprotected, but thesituation is poorly known.


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Thibault, J-C. & Guyot, I. (1988). Livre rouge desoiseaux menaces des region francaises d’outre-mer.CIPO/ICBP Monograph No.5. Saint-Cloud, France.258 pp.

Timmerman, A. (1981). On the Occurrence of Geese in theWestern Palearctic. In: Matthews, G.V.T. & Isakov, Yu.A.(eds), On the Mapping of Waterfowl Distributions,Migrations and Habitats. Proc. IWRB Symp. Alushta,1976: 73–106. USSR Academy of Sciences, Moscow,USSR.

Tkachenko, Y.E. & Litvinova, N.A. (1990). Wintering ofWaterfowl in Azerbaidzhan. In: Matthews, G.V.T. (ed.),Managing Waterfowl Populations. Proc. IWRB Symp.Astrakhan 1989: 32–33. IWRB Special PublicationNo.12. IWRB, Slimbridge, UK.

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Torres Esquivias, J.A., Moreno Arroyo, B. & Alcala-ZamoraBarron, A. (1994b). La Malvasia Canela (Oxyurajamaicensis) en Espana y su relacion con la MalvasiaCabeciblanca (Oxyura leucocephala). Oxyura VII, No.1:5–27.

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Tréca, B. (1978). Evolution des populations d’anatidesethiopiens et estimations des degats d’anatides sur le rizdans le delta du Senegal. Cah. ORSTOM ser. Biol. volXIII (4): 339–345.

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6. References

241

MUTE SWANCygnus olor

Monval & Pirot (1989) worked with three populations ofCygnus olor in the Western Palearctic but divided the westand Central European population into sub-populations forthe purpose of midwinter count data analysis. This approachis continued and extended to the selection of key sites, butthe Central Europe, North Sea and Baltic Sea sub-populations are combined as one population of 210,000individuals for the purpose of key site selection.

WESTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPEANPOPULATION

New Population Estimate = 240,000

Using January count data from the winters of 1966/67 –1985/86 Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 180,000C. olor, divided into five sub-populations, winterin western and Central Europe. The sub-populations were(i) Baltic/Scandinavia with 127,000 individuals, (ii) NorthSea areas of Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Francewith 14,500 individuals, (iii) Central Europe with 13,500individuals, (iv) Great Britain with 18,000 and (v) Irelandwith 7,000 individuals. Rose (1995) calculated annualindices for C. olor which show that the western sub-populations have been increasing at 4.81% per annum,and the Central sub-population at 2.47% per annum, sincethe last estimate was made in 1986.

The total western and Central European population isnow estimated to number 240,000 individuals dividedbetween sub-populations as follows.

Baltic/Scandinavian sub-population

New Sub-population Estimate = 170,000

In 1993, the most complete January count of the Balticregion was undertaken. This count lead to an estimate of160,000 C. olor wintering in the Baltic in this year (Pihl1994). In addition there are a further 8,000 more inland inPoland (Wieloch 1991) and up to 1,000 in Norway resultingin a new increased estimate of 170,000 for this sub-population. Due to the recent succession of mild winters inthe Baltic the number of C. olor is probably at a maximumand might be expected to fall dramatically in the next harshwinter.

Great Britain sub-population


There was a full survey of the Great Britain population in

Annex IRevised population estimates

for some Anatidae in Western Eurasia

1990 (Delany et al., 1992) which gave an increasedestimate of 25,748 birds, here rounded to 25,000 forthe purpose of international population estimates.

North Sea Germany/Netherlands/Belgium/France sub-population


In the absence of a dramatic increase in completeness ofcounts for this region a new population estimate of 20,000individuals is suggested on the basis of the 4.81% perannum increase in the population since 1986. This is notcontradicted by the recent maximum simultaneous countof 17,350 individuals.

Central European sub-population


As for the North Sea sub-population a new estimateof 16,000 is suggested through the application ofthe 2.47% per annum increase to the 1986 estimateof 14,500. The recent maximum simultaneous countwas of 14,000 and the estimation of missing counts forthe purpose of trend analysis lead to a prediction of17,000 for the total population in this year. These areboth in accordance with the preferred new estimate of16,000.

Irish sub-population


Shepherd (1993) gives full justification for this newsub-population estimate, which agrees quite closelywith the 9,000 that results from applying the predictedincrease of 2.47% per annum since 1986 (Rose 1995)to the 1986 sub-population estimate of 7,000 (Monval& Pirot, 1989).

BLACK SEA/EAST MEDITERRANEAN


Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated an increasingpopulation of approximately 20,000 individuals but hadvery little census data on which to base their estimate.They noted the exceptionally high counts ofunidentified swans in the Sea of Azov (30,000 and48,000) and predicted that these were probably C. olor.The increased numbers now known to be in thenorthern Black Sea amount to between 10,000 and15,000 birds. The increase can also now be measuredat 3.79% per annum.

242

The 3.79 % per annum increase since the Monval &Pirot (1989) estimate of 20,000 would give anextrapolated population size of 26,000 in 1993, the finalyear of the recent population trend analysis (Rose,1995). Adding the 10,000–15,000 resulting from bettercoverage of the Ukrainian Black Sea gives an estimateof 35,000–40,000, which is only marginally lower thanthe 45,000 estimated from the maximum count in 1994.Korzyukov et al. (1991) estimated the Azov-Black Seapopulation at over 50,000 birds.

It is concluded that the total of 45,000 arising fromthe most comprehensive survey in 1994 seems to bethe best estimate.

CASPIAN


A census of C. olor throughout the former USSR inspring 1987 revealed that there had been a massiveincrease in the numbers of swans in the Caspian regionsince the previous census in the 1970s, and suggestedthat the total population was about 250,000 birds(Krivonosov, 1991a). This total included 13,370 pairsand 215,900 non-breeding birds in the north Caspian(mainly the Volga Delta), 4,000 pairs and 11,000 non-breeding birds in Kazakhstan, 100 pairs in Uzbekistanand 50 pairs in Turkmenistan. It now seems likely thatsubstantial numbers of birds from the Caspianpopulation move to the Black Sea region during severewinters. This may, to some extent, account for therecent very high counts (40,000+) in the Black Sea(in recent harsh winters).

WHOOPER SWANCygnus cygnus

ICELAND, UK & IRELAND


Cranswick et al. (in press) give full justification for thisestimate. Trends calculated for this population (Monval& Pirot, 1989; Rose, 1995) are misleading due to achange in distribution of the population betweenwintering sites. The population is probably currently inslight decline (Cranswick et al., in press).

NORTHWEST CONTINENTAL EUROPE


Ruger et al. (1986) give the northwest ContinentalEuropean population as 25,000 individuals. The resultsof a special mid-winter yellow-billed swan survey duringJanuary 1995 yielded totals of 27,500 in Denmark andSweden alone. The final results of this survey are not yetknown (Beekman, in press) so a minimum estimate of40,000 is taken based on the results from Denmark andSweden.


Population Estimate = 17,000

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the population at17,000 birds, but very few of these were ever counted. Therate of decrease since the Monval & Pirot (1989) estimatehas not been significant and it is still very difficult to knowhow C. cygnus are divided between the Black Sea and theCaspian. The importance of the Sea of Azov and the AralSea region for wintering birds is also unknown.

It is concluded that the existing estimate of 17,000cannot yet be improved upon even though it is notsupported by good data.

CASPIAN

New Population Estimate = 20,000 (10,000–25,000)

Rusanov (1987) gives an average count of 13,900 in thenorth Caspian from 1970–1980 and an average of 85,000swans of mixed species from 1980–1984. The 1993 and1994 counts from the southern Caspian and wetlandsbetween the Caspian and Aral Seas give a maximum of5,880 birds in January 1994. The existing estimate ofunder 25,000 (Rose and Scott 1994) is consequently stillvalid, but the range 10,000–25,000 would seem to be morerealistic with 20,000 as the best guess of the realpopulation size.

Krivenko (1989) estimated the west Siberianpopulation in late summer from 1971–86 at an average of52,000 birds. Ravkin (1991) estimated the breedingpopulation on the west Siberian plain at 316,000 birds,on the basis of extrapolation of counts from aerialtransects. This estimate has not been taken into accountas it is generally considered to be an over-estimate.

COMMON SHELDUCKTadorna tadorna

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the population size at250,000 birds, of which 66% were counted annually.

A rate of increase of between 1.95% per annum and3.51% per annum since 1986 (Rose 1995) would give anextrapolated population size of between 290,000 and320,000 in 1993.

Meltofte (1994) uses the maximum Wadden Seaestimate of 254,000 birds from November 1980 to whichhe adds the numbers estimated for the UK, France andthe Dutch Delta to give a minimum estimate of 320,000birds in 1980. Removing estimation and taking theNovember 1980 counts alone gives 285,000 birds but thistotal is made at a time when many birds are moving fromthe Wadden Sea to the other wintering areas andconsequently could be subject to double counting.Although not disagreeing with the 1980 estimate of

Annex I: Revised population estimates for some Anatidae in Western Eurasia

243

320,000 T. tadorna as a possibility, the precautionaryapproach has been preferred throughout this report. If the1980 estimate were however to be adopted, currentincreases in the population (Rose, 1995) would predictthat the population was now over 400,000 individuals.

It may of course be that the trend analysis is at faultand the increase has been much smaller. Missing countsand gaps in geographical coverage are accounted for byRose (1995), but improvements in counting techniqueare not.

Ignoring population trends, the 1980 estimate of320,000 is very similar to the the maximum mid-wintercount of 286,690 counted in 1994 and the extrapolatedestimate of 290,000–320,000 from mid-winter count data.

Breeding data can be found in the European BirdCensus Council database, and gives a maximum of only125,000 birds, suggesting that breeding numbers aresubstantially underestimated, or that over 50% of thepopulation is comprised of non-breeding birds.

In conclusion, an estimate of 300,000 arising from themost complete full survey of 286,690 in January 1994 andpredicted by applying trend analysis results to the Monval& Pirot estimate of 250,000 in 1986 is preferred.

BLACK SEA/MEDITERRANEAN


This population is very difficult to monitor. Harsh weatherredistribution is very large and frequent, nothing is knownabout some very important areas, counting is inconsistentin many others, and the movements of the birds are verypoorly understood. Monval & Pirot (1989) did not splitthe east and west Mediterranean, but gave a combinedestimate of 75,000. In the west 15,000–20,000 wereestimated based on Walmsley (1987) plus around 60,000in the east.

The recent data indicate much larger numbers inNorth Africa than anticipated, and far fewer birds in thoseparts of the northern Black Sea that have recently beensurveyed. The new minimum estimates of 35,000 for thewest Mediterranean and 25,000–35,000 for the eastMediterranean are however rather similar in total to the75,000 that has existed since the 1970s, so no change isrecommended.

In the west Mediterranean the new estimate is basedon the maximum count of 35,000 in 1993, when over20,000 T. tadorna were counted in Algeria. A great dealof variability in the counts is caused by the difficulty inobtaining comparable coverage between years in NorthAfrica. T. tadorna are opportunistic in their ability toadapt to varying water levels, and can exploit theephemeral wetlands of North Africa to their fullest,making census very difficult. Trend analysis is virtuallyimpossible and probably unadvisable under theseconditions, but the increasing counts at most key sitessince 1986 suggest a real increase. If more complete andconsistent monitoring of T. tadorna in the westMediterranean could be achieved there are signs that a

population of over 50,000 individuals could probably beconfirmed.

In the east, there are still problems in achieving fulland regular coverage in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov,but there are no significant gaps for T. tadorna other thanthe Sea of Azov and Egypt. The only possibility forestimating population size in these regions is to guess 5,000wintering in the Sea of Azov based on the density ofwintering birds in the Ukrainian Black Sea and use 1,000–6,000 in Egypt (Urban, 1993).

For other east Mediterranean countries, the highestsimultaneous count was of 18,795 birds in 1993 whenexcellent geographical coverage was achieved. In 1993,only 10,098 birds were counted in regularly countedcountries which held over 15,000 birds between them in1989. In conclusion, the regularly counted countries ofthe east Mediterranean and southern Black Sea supportat least 10,000–15,000 wintering birds to which a further10,000 can be added from occasionally counted countriesto give a minimum estimate of 20,000–25,000 based onIWC counts alone. This gives a total of 25,000–35,000when the estimates for the Sea of Azov and Egypt areadded. Much of the discrepancy with the 60,000 estimatedby Monval & Pirot (1989) is probably due to an earlierover-estimation of the numbers of birds in Ukraine andRussia in winter.

EURASIAN WIGEONAnas penelope

NORTHWEST EUROPE

New Population Estimate = 1,250,000.

In 1994, over 1,150,000 A. penelope were countedsimultaneously. When the total 1994 count from theNetherlands is available, the real figure will be higher.

A rate of increase of 7.48% per annum since theMonval & Pirot (1989) estimate of 750,000 would givean extrapolated population size of 1,350,000 in 1994which is very similar to the actual count of 1,150,000and the proposed estimate of 1,250,000.

Between 250,000 and 350,000 pairs breed in Europe(European Bird Census Council data), accounting forsome 750,000–1,000,000 individuals in mid-winter. Itseems likely that all of the birds breeding in northernEurope winter in northwest Europe along with many birdsbreeding further east in northwestern Siberia.



A. penelope wintering in this region are thought tooriginate from breeding grounds in western and CentralSiberia (Cramp et al., 1977; Monval & Pirot, 1989). Themid-winter waterfowl census data indicate that by mid-January, very few individuals are left in Central Europeand on the northern Black Sea coasts. At this time, the


244

main concentrations of A. penelope are on theMediterranean coasts and in Egypt.

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 600,000 A.penelope winter in the Mediterranean, with approximately220,000 in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean sub-regionand 380,000 in the west Mediterranean sub-region.

In the west Mediterranean counts are now about 20,000individuals less than they were when Monval & Pirot (1989)estimated 380,000, hence the new estimate of 360,000. Theadjustment of 100,000 to account for birds at sites nevercounted (Monval & Pirot, 1989) has been continued forconsistency but seems rather high and is not consistentwith the approach taken for most other species. This isconsequently one of the only sub-regional populationestimates that could conceivably be too high. An absoluteminimum estimate from IWC data alone would be 260,000based on the 1994 maximum count and the recent averageadjusted for inconsistent coverage (missing counts).

In the east, Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated apopulation of approximately 220,000 winteringA. penelope. This included 128,280 from counts plus anestimation of uncounted countries. The current average(1989–1993), including a correction for irregular coverage(imputed values) is virtually identical at 130,000 and newstatistical techniques support the earlier calculations ofMonval & Pirot (1989).

There remains the question of estimating the numberof A. penelope wintering in the uncounted or irregularlycounted countries of the east Mediterranean. Monval &Pirot (1989) estimated 90,000 to give the estimate of220,000.

New data allow the number of A. penelope winteringin relatively unknown areas to be assessed rather moreaccurately, as follows:

i. In the northern Black Sea, an aerial survey of theUkrainian coasts in 1994 revealed 1,250 A. penelopewhich is consistent with the densities encountered inBulgaria and Romania. It is also reasonable to assumethat the same sort of number might be found aroundthe Russian Black Sea/Sea of Azov coasts. This wouldsuggest a population of perhaps 5,000–10,000 birds forthe northern Black Sea and Sea of Azov in mid-winter,of which only 1,250 are counted.

ii. On the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, up to1,000 A. penelope winter in Israel, and probably thesame sort of number in Syria (450 counted in 1993)and Jordan (100 counted in 1992). This suggests thatapproximately 3,000 A. penelope winter on the fareastern shores of the Mediterranean.

iii. A full survey of Albanian coastal wetlands wasconducted for the first time in February 1993, andrevealed a total of 7,000 A. penelope. From this figurea wintering population of approximately 10,000 canbe estimated. This figure urgently needs verification,as February 1993 was exceptionally cold with almostunprecedented harsh weather movements recorded inmany species of waterfowl. The number of A. penelope

wintering in Albania during an average winter istherefore unknown.

iv. For Egypt, Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated a winteringpopulation of 31,000 based on historic data. Since then,an aerial survey has been undertaken during the winterof 1989/1990 revealing 33,800 A. penelope (Meiningerand Atta, 1991). Based on these figures, an estimated40,000–70,000 A. penelope are thought to winter inEgypt (Urban, 1993).

In conclusion, it can be estimated that irregularlycounted countries account for 60,000–90,000 winteringA. penelope that are excluded from most years of IWCdata. This leads to the new population estimate of 200,000for the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region.

Count coverage in the Mediterranean still needs tobe improved before population estimates and trends forA. penelope can be substantiated. It seems probable thatthe number of birds wintering in the east Mediterraneanis declining but a similar decline in numbers is notapparent in the west Mediterranean. The current estimateof 560,000 is very consistent with the estimate of 600,000by Monval & Pirot (1989). The difference is due mainlyto a more cautious estimation of population size, and doesnot indicate a real decline in numbers. A change isproposed because we should be giving a minimum estimateof population size and we are already adding a guess of150,000–200,000 birds from uncounted or irregularlycounted areas. This is a similar number to that added byMonval & Pirot despite major increases in coverage. Tobe consistent with other species, we should give aminimum estimate based on maximum counts in theabsence of any better data by which to estimate populationsize. This would reduce the estimate to 460,000 which isnot thought to be realistic at present.

GADWALLAnas strepera

European breeding birds probably account for virtuallyall of the birds wintering in northwest Europe and most ifnot all of those wintering in the Black Sea/Mediterraneanregion. Counts of wintering birds would suggest that thereare approximately 100,000–200,000 birds breeding inEurope. In fact considerably more are estimated fromEuropean atlas studies (225,000–350,000) so there couldbe some considerable under-estimates on the winteringgrounds. As over 90,000 birds are actually counted in theseregions with many major coverage gaps in the east, a totalpopulation of 225,000–350,000 in northwest Europe andthe Black Sea/Mediterranean region could be possible.

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Monval & Pirot (1989) give an estimate of 12,000 ofwhich 50% were counted annually. The peak count at


245

that time was of 8,910 in January 1983. Since 1986, thereis thought to have been a doubling of the populationthrough an increasing trend of 9.97% per annum (Rose,1995) and a maximum count of 26,363 in 1993 whichexcluded some data from countries that only counted areduced site list. A population estimate of 30,000 isproposed based on the maximum count. This assumes thatMonval & Pirot (1989) underestimated a little in 1986by 1,000–2,000 birds which is inevitable when meancounts are used to estimate the size of a rapidly increasingpopulation and stresses the need for regular calibrationof estimates against counts when significant increases ordecreases are taking place.

Estimates of breeding populations in northwest Europesuggest that there might be as many as 40,000–50,000birds in the population. Birds breeding in the UnitedKingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, France and Belgiumare probably resident (10,000–13,000). These are joinedin winter by birds breeding in Iceland and the Baltic(Poland, Germany, Sweden), which amount to 30,000–35,000 individuals. Some birds may also reach westernEurope from west-central Russia (Cramp et al., 1977).

BLACK SEA and MEDITERRANEAN

New Population Estimate = 75,000–150,000 (100,000)

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 75,000 A. streperawinter in the Mediterranean/Black Sea region, but only35% were counted and most of these were in the westMediterranean. With a little more information it is nowpossible to raise the estimate with approximately 25,000–100,000 in the east and 60,000 in the west. For the purposeof population estimation this is rounded to a range of75,000 –150,000 individuals. No increase is inferred, onlyan increase in knowledge hence the continuity of thelower limit with the estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989).For the purpose of selecting key sites a population estimateof 100,000 is preferred.

In 1986, counts from the east amounted to only 720birds annually yet between 8,000 and 30,000 birds wereestimated to winter (Monval & Pirot, 1989), indicatingthe importance of major gaps in coverage for the northernBlack Sea and Romania. Counts are still quite low, but in1971 and 1988 aerial surveys in the Danube Delta givehigher totals. This indicates that without full coverage ofthis site, no reliable estimate of the numbers of A. streperain the east Mediterranean/Black Sea region is possible.In 1971 and 1988, the total counts were 26,000 and12,500 respectively, from which 36,000 and 14,000 birdswere estimated after accounting for gaps in coverage.Neither of the aerial surveys was complete, and much ofthe difference between the two counts is probably due todifferences in coverage. It is believed that the actualnumber of A. strepera in the Danube Delta was probablyconsiderably higher in both years.

On the basis of these two mid-winter counts alone, itis now estimated that there are between 25,000 and100,000 birds wintering in the Black Sea/east

Mediterranean for which the population trend isunknown.

The total count in the west Mediterranean andCentral Europe in 1994 was 59,768 birds with 53,963 ofthese in the west Mediterranean. In Central Europe,maximum estimated numbers have been up to 15,000.These figures are higher than those available to Monval& Pirot (1989) mainly because of large numbers ofA. strepera found wintering in Algeria. Allowing for gapsin coverage, it is now estimated that the winteringpopulation in the west Mediterranean and Central Europeis a minimum of 60,000 birds.

Cramp et al. (1977) suggest that Russian breeding birds(165,000–255,000) winter in the east Mediterranean andBlack Sea along with some 20,000–50,000 residentbreeding birds, but this completely neglects the 60,000birds wintering in the west Mediterranean where onlyabout 3,000–5,000 breed. West Mediterranean winteringbirds must therefore originate from east European breedingstocks. The recently emerging importance of Algeria(30,000 in harsh weather) suggests movement through theBalkans from the east, and links the west Mediterraneanwith more easterly breeding populations which obviouslymix with the western population in harsh weather.

It is concluded that the IWC misses a large number ofbirds wintering in the northern half of the Black Sea. Thisis supported by the infrequent aerial surveys in the DanubeDelta and the very substantial numbers appearing in Algeriaduring harsh weather. It is therefore possible that themajority of the Russian breeding birds are here and in theSea of Azov.

COMMON TEALAnas crecca

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated 400,000 wintering birdsfrom a sum of five year means equal to 250,000 and a 1983maximum count of 208,000. Despite a more strategicapproach to monitoring, recent counts have only beenmarginally higher. From the reduced site list, an estimated250,000 birds is obtained allowing for gaps in coverage.The actual counts from this sample are usually only about75% of the complete coverage counts, so 350,000 can besafely assumed as a minimum population size and themaximum likely to be counted by the current IWCnetwork. The original estimate of 400,000 is consequentlystill very appropriate allowing for 50,000 birds inuncounted areas which for a species as widely dispersed asthe A. crecca is minimal. The actual size of the populationis likely to be considerably higher as indicated by breedingseason data.

Breeding estimates are not very useful because of theirvariability. European Bird Census Council data give amassive 775,000–1,170,000 breeding pairs in European


246

Russia based on data from Krivenko, and yet Krivenkopublished 370,000 pairs for the same area in 1984. Thenew breeding estimate would lead to 2,500,000–3,500,000A. crecca breeding in European Russia as opposed to justover 1,000,000 estimated in 1984. There are, however,600,000–750,000 A. crecca breeding in Finland and afurther 100,000–150,000 pairs further west. These westernbreeding birds give rise to at least 300,000–450,000wintering birds in northwest Europe, and presumably somebirds from Finland and Russia can be added to these.


New Population Estimate = 750,000–1,350,000(1,050,000)

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 1,000,000 A. creccawinter in the Mediterranean and Black Sea dividedbetween the west Mediterranean and Central Europe(250,000) and the east Mediterranean/Black Sea(750,000). Over half of these birds (500,000–600,000)were guessed to winter in unsurveyed areas of the northernBlack Sea which remain relatively unknown and couldpotentially be unimportant as a wintering ground.Improvements in the quality of the data and a slight non-significant increase now lead to an estimate of 350,000wintering A. crecca in the west Mediterranean and CentralEurope. The uncertainty over the northern Black Sea, inaddition to recently shown declines in the winteringnumbers in Turkey cast doubt on the Black Sea/eastMediterranean population estimate and lower it from750,000 to 375,000–1,000,000

The new estimate for the whole region is consequently750,000–1,350,000.

Between 1989 and 1993, an average, after correctingfor missing counts, of 308,000 A. crecca wintered in thewest Mediterranean and 20,000 wintered in Central Europeto give a combined total of 328,000. The maximum countwas 280,000 birds in 1989 from which a potentiallyexaggerated 440,000 can be estimated when uncountedwetlands are accounted for. It is concluded that the1989–1993 average of 328,000 for the west Mediterranean/Central Europe is an absolute minimum. From this anestimate of 350,000 seems appropriate for the whole westMediterranean/Central Europe to allow a little for birdson never surveyed wetlands. This is higher than the 220,000minimum available to Monval & Pirot (1989) due toimproved analytical technique, coverage improvementsand possibly a slight non-significant population increase.

Data are now available from Ukraine where a completeaerial survey of the coast yielded only 130 A. crecca.However, these aerial surveys are conducted fromhelicopter which will cause A. crecca to take flight at avery great distance. Under these circumstances, it mightbe safer to assume that the numbers of A. crecca are stillunknown in this region, and that the Monval & Pirotestimate of 500,000–600,000 remains valid.

Other gaps in coverage are on the eastern shores ofthe Mediterranean. About 10,000–15,000 A. crecca are

known to winter in Israel, and Albania has recently beenshown to support up to 8,000 birds. The winteringpopulation in Egypt has been estimated at 5,000–15,000birds (Urban, 1993). It is concluded that the irregularlycounted countries in the east Mediterranean account for25,000–40,000 A. crecca. To these can be added the further500,000–600,000 guessed for the northern Black Sea andSea of Azov coasts but not found in recent aerial surveys.

Countries for which data are available were alsodifficult for Monval & Pirot (1989) to assess because ofthe lack of recent data from Turkey. This meant that theaverage total count available to them for this region wasof only 57,200 wintering A. crecca. Extensive counts weremade in Turkey in the period 1967–1972, but were thendiscontinued until the 1980s. During the early period,over 300,000 and up to 350,000 A. crecca were countedin the regularly covered countries of the eastMediterranean. Allowing for irregularities in coverage,this gives estimates of up to 900,000 and an average of500,000. In the late 1980s and 1990s counts resumed inTurkey but the maximum counts had dropped to around150,000 and the coverage adjusted estimate was only300,000 birds. Allowing for missed birds at very smallwetlands a current total of 350,000 is preferred for theregularly counted countries of the east Mediterranean.This is considerably less than the numbers in the late1960s and early 1970s

The total estimate for the Black Sea and eastMediterranean is therefore 350,000 in regularly countedcountries, plus 25,000–40,000 in occasionally countedcountries and between nil and 600,000 in the northernBlack Sea, giving 375,000–1,000,000 as opposed to550,000–1,500,000 in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

As there are only about 15,000 pairs of A. creccabreeding in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region, itcan be assumed that the majority of wintering birds comefrom Finland and Russia.

MALLARDAnas platyrhynchos

New Population Estimates

5,000,000 NW Europe (wintering)1,000,000 W Mediterranean (wintering)2,250,000 Black Sea/E Mediterranean (wintering)

As total midwinter counts for any species as widelydispersed as A. platyrhynchos are never likely to be veryuseful in estimating population size, more emphasismust be placed on population trends. As recent trends innorthwest Europe have been relatively stable and ajustification for the existing estimate of 5,000,000 hasrecently been produced (Pihl, 1995), no change isrecommended.

Similarly there is no evidence to suggest a change innumbers in the Mediterranean and Central Europe butfor the purposes of conservation, two populations are


247

suggested on the basis of population trends (Rose, 1995).There is a particularly apparent decline in winteringnumbers present in the east of Central Europe that is visiblethroughout the east Mediterranean. This contrasts withthe situation in the west Mediterranean where thepopulation appears stable.

To create new population estimates, the IWC data from1967–1986 was used to calculate the relative abundanceof A. platyrhynchos in the east and west Mediterraneanafter adjusting for inconsistencies in coverage. The ratioof abundance was then applied to the Monval & Pirot(1989) estimate of 4,000,000 for the whole region to givenew estimates of 1,000,000 for the west Mediterraneanand 3,000,000 in the east Mediterranean. Populationtrends since 1986 can then be used to create new 1993estimates of 1,000,000 for the west Mediterranean and2,250,000 for the east Mediterranean.

NORTHERN PINTAILAnas acuta

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated 70,000 individuals basedon a mean of 63,035 between 1983 and 1986. Recentanalyses, using only a selected sample of wetlands, supportthis calculation. A maximum count of 61,000 in 1983 hasbeen recorded from the reduced site list and from thismaximum count, 70,377 was estimated to account for gapsin coverage. The reduced site list supported an average of46,844 birds from 1983–1986 adjusted to 54,254 to accountfor missing counts.

Trends have been non-significant for this populationbut a combination of slow declines, smaller counts and a1989–1993 estimate of only 45,000 birds wintering on allreduced sites contribute to a lower estimate of 60,000rather than 70,000. This is indication of a true decline,but it is probably well within the limits of naturalfluctuation. This opportunity is taken to adjust theestimate slightly, as under current proposed schedules ofupdate this will not be possible for another nine yearsunless rapid changes take place outside of the level ofnatural fluctuation. It is suggested that future revisionsare not made unless the population moves outside of the50,000–75,000 range.

BLACK SEA/MEDITERRANEAN/WEST AFRICA

New Population Estimate = 1,200,000

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 300,000 A. acutawinter in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, but gave noindication of how A. acuta were divided between the BlackSea/east Mediterranean and west Mediterranean/CentralEuropean sub-regions. They also separated West Africanwintering birds which they estimated to numberapproximately 1,000,000. Analyses of IWC data from

1967–1993 indicate that the wintering population ofA. acuta in the Black Sea/ Mediterranean region isprobably lower than estimated by Monval & Pirot, due toan erroneous 50,000 to 75,000 assumed to be in thenorthern Black Sea plus an ongoing decline. New datawould suggest that 225,000 to 260,000 would have been abetter estimate for the 1982–1986 period, and there arenow 190,000–230,000 giving rise to an estimate of200,000. A peak count of 180,000 in 1991 seems to supportthe estimate of 200,000

Black Sea/east Mediterranean

New Sub-population Estimate = 125,000 (110,000–150,000)

Many countries in this region have never submittedrepresentative waterfowl count data as part of the IWCscheme, but only Libya is within the major wintering rangeof A. acuta. In Libya, there seem to be suitable coastallagoons which, based on counts from similar habitat insouthern Tunisia, might be expected to support up to10,000 wintering A. acuta. Alternatively, no more thanhalf the numbers in Egypt would be expected, based onavailable habitat comparisons, and in Egypt there are onlyan estimated 1,000–5,000 birds (Urban, 1993). Inconclusion, Libya probably supports from 0–10,000A. acuta in mid-winter and most likely around 1,000–3,000 birds.

Other countries have provided data to the IWC butnot regularly. In the northern Black Sea, aerial survey ofthe Ukrainian coasts in 1994 revealed 565 A. acuta, whichis consistent with the densities encountered in Bulgariaand Romania. It is also reasonable to assume that the samesort of number might be found around the Russian BlackSea/Sea of Azov coasts. This would suggest a populationof perhaps 1,000–1,500 birds for the northern Black Seaand Sea of Azov in mid-winter. If the delta regions ofAzov are equal in importance to the Danube, up to 4,000more might winter, giving an overall estimate of only1,000–5,000.

On the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, up to351 A. acuta have wintered in Israel in recent years (351in 1992, 200 in 1993) compared to a mean of 670 in earlieryears (Monval & Pirot, 1989). Probably the same sort ofnumber winter in Syria (800 during the IWC in 1993)and Lebanon (190 from five sites in 1975). This suggeststhat there are approximately 2,000 A. acuta wintering onthe far eastern shores of the Mediterranean.

Much larger numbers (over 15,000) occur in Iraq, butthese are most likely to be a part of the Southwest Asianpopulation, in view of the low numbers of A. acuta in thefar eastern Mediterranean.

A full survey of Albanian coastal wetlands wasconducted for the first time in February 1993, revealing atotal of 747 A. acuta. From this figure, a winteringpopulation of approximately 1,000 can be estimated. Thisfigure urgently needs verification, as February 1993 wasexceptionally cold with almost unprecedented harsh


248

weather movements being recorded in many species ofwaterfowl. The number of A. acuta wintering in Albaniaduring an average winter is therefore unknown.

For Egypt, Monval & Pirot (1989) made no estimate,but suggested that Egypt was primarily a staging area forA. acuta on migration to and from the Sahel. Urban(1993) estimates a wintering population of 1,000–5,000A. acuta based on historic counts.

In conclusion 5,000–23,000 A. acuta are probablyaccounted for by unknown or sporadically countedcountries.

The 50,000–75,000 suggested for the northern BlackSea by Monval & Pirot (1989) almost certainly refers tolate autumn concentrations which leave the area by mid-January.

The sum of five year means, including imputed values,for the 1982–1986 period is equal to 78,615. If theestimated 5,000–23,000 in relatively unknown areas isadded, an estimate of approximately 85,000–100,000 isobtained for the 1982–1986 period. Monval & Pirot(1989) added 60,000–80,000 A. acuta to the wholeMediterranean to account for missed birds. This decisionis followed for consistency, assuming 20,000 in the westand 40,000–60,000 in the east to reflect the difference incoverage of the two regions. The final Black Sea/eastMediterranean estimate for 1982–1986 is therefore125,000–160,000.

Applying the same process to the 1989–1993 periodgives the sum of five year means as 64,494 and an overallestimate of 110,000–150,000. This result reflects the slowpopulation decline in the area.

West Mediterranean


Monval & Pirot (1989) gave a sum of five year means forA. acuta in this region as 47,690, from which they gaveno sub-regional population estimate. The sum of five yearmeans including imputed values for the same period isequal to 77,820 for the west Mediterranean plusapproximately 500–1,000 for Central Europe giving a totalof circa 80,000 A. acuta and an estimate of 100,000 toaccount for missed birds.

Applying the same process used to compare the recentanalysis of 1982–1986 data to the Monval & Pirot (1989)analysis, the 1989–1993 period gives the sum of five yearmeans as 58,759 for the west Mediterranean and CentralEurope, and an estimate of circa 80,000 to account formissed birds. This result indicates the possibility of recentdecline in the area.

West Africa

New Sub-population Estimate = 1,000,000

No extensive surveys have been carried out since the1980s, from which a tentative estimate of 1,000,000 wasmade. This could now be much lower if declines seen inthe Mediterranean sub-region are apparent throughout the

flyway. Another survey is urgently required to substantiatepopulation size and identify population trends.

SOUTHWEST ASIA/EAST AFRICA


Nothing has changed since the five year analysis of AsianData so the estimate is still valid. This becomes 700,000with those wintering in East Africa.

NORTHERN SHOVELERAnas clypeata

The distinction of populations in this species is difficult.There is an almost continuous wintering range atMediterranean latitudes from the Atlantic coasts to eastAsia with divergences into northwest Europe and SahelianAfrica. The breeding range is equally uniform across thewhole of Eurasia. The European population breeding northof 55 degrees is thought to winter in northwest Europe,while birds south of this line winter throughout theMediterranean. The east Mediterranean also harboursbirds from Western Siberia that winter in the Black Sea,east Mediterranean and Caspian. This population is alsoprobably contributing birds to the Egyptian and Africanpopulations (Cramp et al., 1977).

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Up to 20,000 birds have been counted from a reducedsample of sites in 1983 and from this 33,000 wereestimated to account for gaps in coverage. Between 1982and 1986 the sum of five year means was 26,520 fromwhich a population size of 40,000 was estimated (Monval& Pirot, 1989). The reduced site list supported an averageof 15,165 birds during this period adjusted to 22,652 toaccount for missing counts. There is nothing to cast doubton the 40,000 estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989).

Trends have been non-significant for this population,and data from 1989–1993 are very comparable with thosefrom 1982–1986. No adjustment to the estimate istherefore necessary.

The birds wintering in northwest Europe are thoughtto originate from Iceland, Scandinavia and northernEuropean Russia east to 60°E. European Bird CensusCouncil data indicate a total of 40,000–50,000 birdsbreeding in northwest Europe which agrees quite closelywith wintering estimates.

BLACK SEA/MEDITERRANEAN/WEST AFRICA


In the east Mediterranean, regularity of midwintercounting has been difficult to achieve and very rarely has


249

complete geographical coverage been accomplished.Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 200,000A. clypeata winter in the east Mediterranean/Black Seaand 175,000 in the west Mediterranean, with a further15,000 in sub-Saharan West Africa.

Monval & Pirot (1989) gave independent estimatesfor the east and west Mediterranean but in summarydefined one population of 375,000 individuals andseparated the 15,000 in West Africa. Rose & Scott(1994) split the Mediterranean into two regions toconform to Monval & Pirot (1989) and added the WestAfrican wintering birds to the east Mediterraneanpopulation to give 220,000. On the basis of recentanalyses, the original decision of Monval & Pirot(1989) to recognize only one population in theMediterranean (of about 375,000 birds) is supported,but the West African birds should probably be added.

Very few A. clypeata are counted in the eastMediterranean/Black Sea and the estimation ofnumbers in irregularly counted or unknown areasaccounts for 83% of the total. Despite these difficulties,there is now a lot more information than there was atthe time of the last estimate of 200,000 and 150,000 issuggested now from a range of 100,000–170,000. Theremay have been a slight decline, but the estimate isadjusted through a more exact knowledge of therelatively unknown wintering areas.

The west Mediterranean estimate of 175,000 isincreased to 280,000 based on a real increase and moreexact data for North Africa. There have been no newdata for West Africa, but the 15,000 estimated byMonval & Pirot (1989) was updated to 20,000following a more thorough investigation of the data byPerennou (1991).

Those birds breeding in most of European Russiaand Central and southeast Europe winter in theMediterranean Basin south to North Africa and in WestAfrica. Their number is estimated at 200,000–300,000from breeding bird censuses. This is quite consistentwith the new winter estimate as some western Siberianbreeding birds must surely also winter in theMediterranean.


New Sub-population Estimate = 150,000 (100,000–170,000)Monval & Pirot (1989) = 200,000

Many countries in this region have never submittedrepresentative waterfowl count data as part of the IWCscheme, but only Libya is within the major winteringrange of A. clypeata. In Libya, there seems to be suitablecoastal lagoons which from similar habitat in Tunisiamight be expected to support up to 8,000 birds.Alternatively, we would expect approximately half thenumbers in Egypt based on available habitat comparisonsand this figure would be much higher. In conclusion,Libya probably supports around 8,000 A. clypeata. There

are no mid-winter waterfowl counts from BosniaHerzegovina, Georgia or Moldova, but these countriesare unlikely to support more than a few A. clypeatabecause of the severity of the winters.

Other countries have provided data to the IWC butnot regularly. In the northern Black Sea, aerial surveyof the Ukrainian coasts in 1994 revealed only 50A. clypeata – fewer than might be supposed from thedensities encountered in Bulgaria and Romania butconsistent with the dwindling of numbers northwardsin the Black Sea. It is reasonable to assume that thesame sort of low numbers exist around the Russian BlackSea/Sea of Azov coasts. This would suggest a negligiblepopulation for the Sea of Azov in mid-winter. If thedelta regions of the Sea of Azov are comparable to theDanube Delta, up to 5,000 might winter in exceptionalyears, but fewer than 1,000 are more likely.

On the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, up to22,000 A. clypeata have wintered in Israel in recentyears, with a 1989–1993 five-year mean of 18,345compared to a mean of 17,500 in earlier years (Monval& Pirot, 1989). Overall, 20,000 seems a reasonabletotal. Fewer seem to winter in Syria (500 IWC 1993)and Lebanon (251 from five sites in 1975). This suggeststhat approximately 20,000–25,000 A. clypeata winteron the far eastern shores of the Mediterranean.

A full survey of Albanian coastal wetlands wasconducted for the first time in February 1993, andrevealed a total of 2,893 A. clypeata. From this figure awintering population of approximately 3,000–5,000 canbe estimated. This figure urgently needs verification,as February 1993 was exceptionally cold with almostunprecedented harsh weather movements recorded inmany species of waterfowl. The number of A. clypeatawintering in Albania during an average winter istherefore unknown.

For Egypt, Monval & Pirot (1989) only had datafrom 1979 and 1980, but now there are also counts from1990. The counts from 1979 and 1980 are 64,761 and75,532 respectively, while in 1990, 40,964 werecounted. Urban (1993) estimates a winteringpopulation of 50,000–100,000 A. clypeata based onhistoric counts, but there may have been a decline innumbers during the 1980s. This seems to be the mostreasonable estimate.

The average counts for the entire Black Sea/eastMediterranean region over the 1982–1986 period are16,693 from which a total of 34,226 is calculated allowingfor gaps in coverage. This is identical to the 34,000 five-year mean given by Monval & Pirot (1989). If the 80,000–145,000 in relatively unknown areas is added, an estimateof 115,000–180,000 is obtained for the 1982–1986 period.Consequently 150,000 may have been a more appropriateestimate than 200,000. The differences in populationestimation are solely attributable to the estimation ofunknown areas which account for up to 83% of the total.Clearly the quantity of data must be increased for thisspecies as a matter of urgency.


250

Applying the same process to the 1989–1993 periodgives the sum of five year means as 25,539 and anestimate of 100,000–170,000 adding the proportion fromunknown areas.

West Mediterranean

New Sub-population Estimate = 280,000Monval & Pirot (1989) = 175,000

Monval & Pirot (1989) gave a sum of five-year mean forA. clypeata in this region as 143,140 with a peak count of147,180 in 1985, from which they estimated 175,000individuals. The average adjusted for gaps in coverage forthe same period is equal to 212,515 for the westMediterranean plus approximately 1,500 for CentralEurope giving a total of about 215,000 and an estimate ofabout 250,000 to account for missed birds. Applying thesame process to the 1989–93 data gives a coverageadjusted count of 255,000 and an estimate of 280,000 toaccount for missed birds. This result indicates the effectof the recent significant increase of 2.48% per annum andan addition of 75,000 birds as a result of increasedknowledge of North African wetlands.

West Africa


No extensive surveys have been carried out since the 1980sfrom which a tentative estimate of 15,000 was made(Monval & Pirot, 1989) and updated to 20,000 by moreextensive analysis of the same data (Perennou, 1991). Highcounts have included 34,250 in the Senegal Delta, 6,000in the Central Niger Delta and 12,500 at Lake Chad.Counts are highly variable and peak at 40,000 in 1987.The variability is probably due to exchange of birds withthe Mediterranean, so estimates are based on mean ratherthan peak values.

SOUTHWEST ASIA/EAST AFRICA


The previous estimate of 300,000 from the five yearanalysis of Asian waterfowl census data (Perennouet al., 1994) is clearly too low. Counts in SouthwestAsia have amounted to 50,000 in recent years and100,000 in the 1970s with no coverage in Iraq which isa key wintering area for this species. At least 150,000and probably nearer 250,000 A. clypeata can be assumedto winter in Southwest Asia. Urban (1993) estimatedthe total population wintering in eastern Africa(excluding Egypt) to be 100,000–240,000 birds; highcounts in recent years have included over 25,000 inEthiopia (in 1994), a dry season minimum of 22,000 inKenya, mainly at Lake Naivasha, and over 15,000 inTanzania (in 1995). Combining the Southwest Asianand African figures suggests a total population of about400,000 from a range of 250,000–500,000.

RED-CRESTED POCHARDNetta rufina

The northwest European wintering population was notconsidered by Monval & Pirot (1989) because of itssmall size and disputed feral origin. The populationremains small; the birds are resident and quite discretefrom those in Central Europe. The total breedingpopulation is estimated at 100–125 pairs, with 10–25pairs in the Netherlands, 30–40 pairs in Poland, 50 pairsin the UK and a few pairs in France and Germany. Thissuggests a total population of 300–375 individuals. Thisnorthwest European group is still not consideredbecause of its disputed feral origins.

CENTRAL EUROPE/WEST MEDITERRANEAN


On average, about 4,000 birds have been counted inCentral Europe in recent years, rising to a peak of 9,500in 1994. Adding this rapidly increasing population tothe slowly declining population of the westMediterranean gives a minimum estimate of 25,000.This is not indicative of an increase but rather aredistribution of birds and better data. The total numberis thought to have remained relatively constant.

This is a minimum estimate. If the large fluctuationsin the west Mediterranean can be understood, theestimate could rise to about 35,000 based on averagecounts, or 50,000 if maximum counts are representativeof the real population size.

Because of the very rapid increase in the CentralEuropean population, the apparent ongoing redistributionand the huge, poorly understood fluctuations in the sizeof the Spanish population, it is recommended that thispopulation is monitored very closely, and that estimatesof population size are adjusted every three years untilconfident estimates are produced and the population hasstabilised.

Central Europe

New Sub-population Estimate = 4,000 (1994 peak of9,500)

When Monval & Pirot (1989) discussed the status ofWestern Palearctic wintering populations of N. rufina,there was a small wintering population in Central Europesimilar in size to the resident population in northwestEurope. Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated this CentralEuropean population at 200 birds. The northwestEuropean population is still not of sufficient size toinfluence whole population trends, but the CentralEuropean population has undergone an exponential andstatistically significant increase since 1986. The rate ofincrease from 1984–1993 has been 57.23% per annum.This rate predicts that this small population is nearly 100times the size it was in 1984. The mean count for thefive-year period 1989–93 was only 2,500. However, 9,500


251

birds were counted in January 1994. This very high totalbrings the mean count for the five-year period 1990–94to 3,654. For other populations, mean counts have beenused to create population estimates, but in this exceptionalcircumstance, this approach would clearly give a very lowestimate. Because key sites are selected through meancounts, to avoid overshoot of the real population size andto remain consistent with other population estimates forthe region, an estimate of 4,000 is recommended basedon the mean count from 1990–1994. Obviously, with sucha high rate of increase in the population, this estimate isalmost immediately out of date. It is thereforerecommended that the estimate be amended every threeyears until the rate of increase slows down, i.e. thepopulation increases by less than 20% over the three yearperiod since the last estimate.

Only 320–595 pairs or 1,000–2,000 individuals arethought to breed in Central Europe. This would beconsistent with the wintering population in 1990 orthereabouts, and might be low because it is already outof date with such a rapidly increasing population.

West Mediterranean

New Sub-population Estimate = 21,000 (20,000–75,000)

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the westMediterranean population at 20,000 birds, butacknowledged that the average counts from Spain aloneexceeded this figure (23,670). Despite the fact that theN. rufina is extremely concentrated in winter, thecounts of this species are extremely variable, and theeffects of the peaks and troughs are visible for a numberof years. There is no instant recovery. Some of thetroughs can be associated with the drying out of keywetlands such as Gallocanta in Spain, and maytherefore represent real declines and peaks. Thefluctuations in numbers are still no better understoodthan in 1989 when Monval & Pirot decided thatcaution was prudent and endorsed the earlier estimateof 20,000. This estimate is based on the counts madeduring the lowest points of the cycles. The combinedwest Mediterranean and Central European count ofapproximately 18,500, made during the last low pointof the cycle in 1992, is consistent with this estimate.Until the reasons for the fluctuations are understood,it is recommended that this cautious approach to theestimation of population size be retained.

The last four troughs occurred in 1982, 1983, 1988and 1992 when estimates, adjusted for coverage, wereall in the region of 21,000 individuals. Adopting theminimum estimate principle of Monval & Pirot (1989)in the absence of better data leads to a new estimate of21,000 for the west Mediterranean. The highest countwas in 1979 when nearly 50,000 were counted.Estimates around this year ranged from 70,000–75,000when gaps in coverage were taken into account. Countsfrom 1982 to 1986 averaged 21,000, and gave an

estimated average total of about 35,000, while countsduring the period 1989–1993 averaged 16,000, and gavean estimated total of about 30,000.

In conclusion, our understanding of the trends inthe population and our abil ity to assess thecompleteness of counts have both improved but leadto only a very small adjustment of the 1989 estimatefrom 20,000 to 21,000 as these are based on minimumestimates which have remained very constant. Therehas been a reduction in average counts of approximately5,000 since the last estimate.

Recent breeding estimates suggest that there are5,700–8,990 pairs breeding in the region or 17,000–27,000 wintering individuals, which agrees well withthe minimum estimate of 21,000.



Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated the eastMediterranean/Black Sea population at 50,000 birds.Breeding data for the eastern European region suggest7,642–17,240 pairs or 23,000–52,000 winteringindividuals. The middle of this range is consistent withthe recent dramatic decline in the total counts in mid-winter. The population in the east Mediterranean andBlack Sea has been fairly consistently counted since1987, but more years are needed before the suspecteddeclining trend can be substantiated. The very lownumbers counted in the Danube Delta since 1986 andthe lower numbers counted in Turkey concur withMonval & Pirot (1989), who concluded that thispopulation might have undergone a decline. Moreprecise monitoring is needed in the eastern Black Sea,particularly the Danube Delta and eastern Sea of Azov,before any further conclusions can be drawn. With somuch uncertainty until more data can be collected apopulation of 50,000 is retained with the proviso thatit could be as low as 23,000 if based on minimumbreeding estimates and that it is very unlikely to behigher than 50,000.

Monval & Pirot (1989) thought that the northernBlack Sea area supported about 5,000 birds; this isprobably a maximum if recent counts are indicative oftrue numbers. The Danube Delta is crucial for thisspecies with up to 75% of the population estimated towinter at this single site. The equally large delta regionsin the southeast Sea of Azov are completely unknownin mid-winter, but are reported to be important forN. rufina and could conceivably support very largewintering concentrations. As no aerial surveys of theDanube delta have been carried out since 1988 and theSea of Azov is still unknown, there is no possibility forupdating the rather unsubstantiated estimate of 50,000.This could be rather high as the 1988 Danube surveyrevealed only 7,900 birds as opposed to 31,800 in 1970.Recent maximum counts have also been low, i.e. 5,422in 1992, 4,356 in 1993 and 3,000 1994.


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COMMON POCHARDAythya ferina

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Trend analysis shows that there has been virtually nochange in this population since the analysis of Monval &Pirot (1989). There were higher numbers in the late1970s, with perhaps up to 450,000 birds.

The sum of the five year mean from 1982–1986 was243,000.

The average total count from 1982–1986 whenMonval & Pirot (1989) estimated 350,000 wasapproximately 175,000. Total counts have been higherrecently 174,677 in 1992, 242,354 in 1993 and 221,928in 1994 but this is thought to be due to better countcoverage and hence the stable trend.

Breeding estimates indicate that there are 89,420–128,455 pairs or approximately 250,000–400,000individuals in northwest Europe. The A. ferina winteringin northwest Europe presumably originate from thebreeding grounds in northern Europe, but some of theA. ferina from these areas also winter in Central Europeand the west Mediterranean. About 90,000–100,000 pairsor 250,000–300,000 individuals are believed to breed inEuropean Russia. If it is assumed that one third of thesebirds winter in northwest Europe (100,000) a further250,000 birds must breed in northwest Europe leaving0–150,000 for the west Mediterranean plus the remaining200,000 from European Russia and the majority fromfurther south and east.

The estimate of 350,000 might be a little high, but250,000 have been counted, so 300,000 must be theabsolute minimum. Changes are recommended in thefuture if the number is suspected to have fallen under250,000 or risen over 400,000. This is based on a 20%change in either direction from a current slightly highestimate, and corresponds to the extreme limits of currentpopulation size.

CENTRAL EUROPE/BLACK SEA/MEDITERRANEAN

New Population estimate = 1,000,000

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 1,250,000A. ferina winter in the Central Europe/Mediterranean/Black Sea region, with most in the Black Sea/eastMediterranean sub-region for which no five-year meancould be given and for which most birds were thought towinter in poorly surveyed regions. An assessment ofpopulation trends was felt to be inappropriate in 1986 forthe Black Sea/east Mediterranean, but was conducted forCentral Europe and the west Mediterranean, where asteady increase from 1967 to the late 1970s was followedby a sharp and continuing decline.

There is no evidence of any significant change innumbers since Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated

1,250,000 as most of the decline had already taken place.There has been the development of new statisticaltechniques and improvements in census coverage thataccount for the new lower estimate of 1,000,000. Therehas also been some further minimal decline in numbers,mainly in the east.



Moldova, Georgia and the Sea of Azov could besignificant gaps in the census coverage of winteringA. ferina. Moldova borders the Romanian Danube Delta,and contains a small proportion of the northern edge ofthis vast wetland complex. As the Romanian DanubeDelta has been known to support over 50% (up to369,000 in 1971) of the A. ferina thought to be winteringin the Black Sea/east Mediterranean, it is notunreasonable to expect that large numbers might winterin Moldova. Similarly, the most suitable wetlands inGeorgia and Sea of Azov are situated on the oppositeshores of the Black Sea at approximately the samelatitude as the Danube Delta, so might also provide idealwintering grounds for A. ferina.

Because of the presence of completely unknown andpotentially very important wintering areas for A. ferinain the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, the best that can beachieved is to provide a minimum estimate for this sub-population.

The coverage of the region was most complete inJanuary 1993 when weather conditions were alsoextremely harsh pushing many waterbirds south andtowards the coast from traditional wintering grounds. Asthe IWC has better coverage in the south of the regionand on the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, it is likelythat the total number of A. ferina counted in January 1993might be close to the best minimum estimate for theregion. This total came to 277,187, with the only majorgap being the Russian Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Therewere, however, indications from the first counts receivedfrom Albania and Syria that some areas of the formerYugoslavia and the far eastern Mediterranean shores couldsupport substantial numbers. If the Russian Black Sea andSea of Azov support an equal number of birds to theUkrainian shores, then a further 65,000 can be added. Inaddition, there are an estimated 10,000–20,000 A. ferinawintering in Egypt (Urban, 1993), giving a total of350,000.

To this could be added a guess for birds in completelyunknown areas to give a total of perhaps 400,000, anda further 150,000 found in the Danube Delta duringthe 1988 aerial survey, give a total of 550,000.

The coverage adjusted average for this region from1989–1993 amounts to approximately 300,000 birds.Because of the large fluctuations and irregular counts,this figure is a best estimate but rather dangerous as itcould conceivably be an over-estimate. To this figureshould be added the 300,000 estimated to winter in


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areas counted only occasionally, areas not counted atall and the Danube Delta, to give 600,000. This is rathersimilar to the minimum estimate of 550,000, and probablyquite appropriate.

In conclusion the Black Sea/east Mediterraneanwintering population of A. ferina is now estimated at600,000 for the 1989–1993 period. Trends are unknown,and no comparison can be made with Monval & Pirot(1989). Recent total counts have been 222,534 in 1992,256,187 in 1993, 265,459 in 1994.

To reflect the uncertainty in this estimate, changesare proposed only if the population falls to below 350,000(the minimum size at present) or rises to above 700,000.

West Mediterranean


Monval & Pirot (1989) gave a sum of five-year mean forA. ferina in this region and Central Europe as 314,000,with an average total count of 236,000, but gave no sub-regional population estimate. The coverage adjustedaverage count for the same period is equal to 324,077,with 139,276 in Central Europe and 184,801 in the westMediterranean. This suggests close agreement with theearlier analyses.

Applying the same process used to compare therecent analysis of 1982–1986 data to the Monval & Pirot(1989) analysis, the 1989–1993 period gives an averagecoverage adjusted count of 309,832 for the westMediterranean and Central Europe, indicating a slowdecline since the 1982–1986 analyses as expected from arecent analysis of population trends. The decline is notsignificant and not sufficient to warrant a change inpopulation estimates.

In the west Mediterranean, a peak count of 225,000was made in 1978, and a coverage adjusted estimate of400,000 individuals existed for a number of years.

Total counts of 54,364 (without Spain) in 1992,74,554 (without Spain) in 1993, and 98,146 (with 5,385in the Guadelquivir) in 1994 have been much lower,mainly due to the absence of Spanish data, so cannot beused to estimate population size. The coverage adjustedcounts give a minimum estimate of 175,000 from averagecounts of just 95,000. The reduced list estimates have beenabout 116,000 individuals.

Applying the same sort of adjustments as made innorthwest Europe for missed birds yields estimates ofapproximately 250,000 individuals.

Central Europe


Monval & Pirot (1989) gave a sum of five-year mean forA. ferina in this region and the west Mediterranean as 314,000,but gave no sub-regional population estimate. The coverageadjusted average count for the same period is equal to 324,077with 139,276 in Central Europe and 184,801 in the westMediterranean. This suggests close agreement with the earlier

analyses. The good coverage of Central European wetlandsfor A. ferina suggests 150,000 is probably a good sub-regionalpopulation estimate.

Recent total counts have been 77,273 in 1992, 78,840in 1993, 111,386 in 1994. Applying the same adjustmentsfor missed birds as in northwest Europe gives estimates of130,000 from a reduced site list estimate of 67,000, and160,000 from recent maximum counts. These are veryconsistent with the total count coverage adjusted estimateof 150,000.

BREEDING NUMBERSIf two-thirds of the birds breeding in European Russia, plusup to 150,000 from northwest Europe, all winter in CentralEurope and the west Mediterranean, this accounts for200,000–350,000 wintering birds. In addition, 43,904–68,608 pairs or 150,000–200,000 birds breed within theregion, giving a combined total of 350,000–550,000wintering birds. This is marginally higher than the estimatefrom winter counts, but considering that the proportionalsplit between the Mediterranean and northwest Europe isa total guess, the combined estimate is very close.

If the estimate of 350,000 wintering birds in northwestEurope is correct, a further 450,000–750,000 Europeanbreeding birds remain. These almost certainly winter inthe Mediterranean Basin or Black Sea region. Therefore arecruitment of 200,000–500,000 from breeding grounds inAsia is necessary to equal the new wintering estimates forthe region.

Only 30,000 A. ferina are thought to breed in CentralSiberia, but western Siberia might be expected to support500,000–800,000 breeding birds if breeding densities arecomparable to those in Europe. This would give a total of550,000–850,000 wintering birds. Subtracting the200,000–500,000 moving into the Mediterranean andBlack Sea leaves up to 650,000 for Southwest Asia andSouth Asia in winter. Perennou et al. (1994) estimatethat there are at least 700,000 A. ferina wintering in thesetwo regions, an estimate which agrees well with thepredicted number.

TUFTED DUCKAythya fuligula

NORTHWEST EUROPE

New Population Estimate = 1,000,000

347,746 Aythya fuligula were counted from the reducedsite list in 1993, giving an estimate of 562,695 afteradjusting for coverage gaps. In 1994, a maximum 525,293was counted from the reduced site list, but no coverageadjusted estimate is available yet. The maximum totalcount was of 743,000 in 1993. This was mainly due tothe extensive efforts in the Baltic where 600,000(550,000–650,000) are estimated to winter (Pihl, 1994).In 1993, a further 385,000 were counted outside the Balticto give an estimate of 985,000 excluding any additional


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birds that were uncounted in non-Baltic regions. Theoverall estimate should therefore be 1,000,000

Central Europe is an area of comparable or bettercoverage and similar dispersion and here 60% of thetotal estimate is represented by the reduced site list. Ifthis proportional representation of the reduced list isassumed to be the same in northwest Europe, a totalpopulation of about 850,000 is estimated before anyaddition of birds from completely uncounted areas.Monval & Pirot estimated 750,000 from a five-yearmean of 650,000, adding 100,000 birds from uncountedareas. Adding this 100,000 to the coverage adjustedestimate of 850,000 gives 950,000 individuals in total.

An increasing trend of 3.33% per annum(Rose, 1995) since Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated750,000 also leads to a 1993 population estimate of950,000.

In conclusion, an estimate of 1,000,000 based onthe results of the best coverage of this species in 1993is the most appropriate estimate and is supported byvery comparable estimates of 950,000 from trendanalysis extrapolation and also from a calculatedadjustment to the reduced site list estimate to allowfor uncounted birds.

CENTRAL EUROPE/BLACK SEA/MEDITERRANEAN


A. fuligula wintering in this region are thought to breedin Central Europe, Central European Russia andnorthwestern Siberia (Cramp et al., 1977; Monval & Pirot,1989). This breeding range overlaps extensively with thearea from which birds wintering in the adjacent flywaysof northwest Europe and Southwest Asia/northeast Africaare thought to originate.

Monval & Pirot (1989) estimated that 600,000A. fuligula winter in the Mediterranean withapproximately 200,000 in the Black Sea/eastMediterranean sub-region and 400,000 in the CentralEurope/west Mediterranean sub-region. This assumed thatapproximately 70% of the population was countedannually in Central Europe/west Mediterranean, and thatthe sum of the five year means for each site in this sub-region represented approximately 95% of the estimatedtotal number of birds. This makes the estimate rather moreconservative than for other species.

An assessment of population trends was felt to beinappropriate in 1986 for the Black Sea/eastMediterranean but was conducted for Central Europe andthe west Mediterranean, where a steady increase followedby what appeared to be the start of stabilisation in 1983was apparent (Monval & Pirot, 1989).

There is no evidence of any significant change innumbers since Monval & Pirot estimated 600,000 as mostof the increase had already taken place. There has been acontinuing increase in the west Mediterranean sub-region

but the number of birds involved is not enough to influencethe whole population.

Central Europe


Monval & Pirot (1989) gave a sum of five-year means forA. fuligula in the west Mediterranean and Central Europeas 375,750, from which they estimated a population ofapproximately 400,000.

Coverage adjusted estimates from recent analyses givean average estimate of 285,791 for 1986 and 286,199 for1989–1993, indicating the stability of this major portionof the Central Europe/west Mediterranean population.This makes the combined west Mediterranean/CentralEuropean coverage adjusted 1986 estimate of 324,251unexpectedly lower than the 375,750 sum of five-yearmeans given by Monval & Pirot (1989). The combinedestimate for 1989–1993 is 338,434, indicating overallstability. The differences are not large enough to suggestchanges from the 400,000 estimated by Monval & Pirot,and are consistent with the maximum annual coverageadjusted totals of 330,000 in Central Europe and 70,000in the west Mediterranean.


New Sub-population Estimate = 200,000–450,000

Moldova borders the Romanian Danube Delta and containsa small proportion of the northern edge of this vast wetlandcomplex. As the Romanian Danube Delta has been knownto support up to 90% of the A. fuligula thought to bewintering in the Black Sea/east Mediterranean, it is notunreasonable to expect that large numbers might winter inMoldova. Similarly wetlands in Georgia are situated on theopposite shores of the Black Sea at the same latitude as theDanube Delta so might also provide ideal winteringgrounds, as might the offshore areas of the Ukrainian BlackSea and all of the Sea of Azov. These areas are relatively orcompletely unknown. It is therefore not safe to even guessthe number of A. fuligula wintering in completely unknownareas of this region. The best that can be achieved is toprovide a minimum estimate for this sub-population.

Other countries have provided data to the IWC, butnot to the extent necessary for trend analysis. Most countriesharbouring large numbers of wintering A. fuligula areincluded in this category. The only exception is Romaniaand perhaps Turkey as well, which have been reasonablyconsistently counted. However, the Danube Delta inRomania is the single most important wintering site, andits vast size and inaccessibility have inevitably resulted ininconsistent coverage.

The coverage of the region was most complete inJanuary 1993 when weather conditions were also extremelyharsh, pushing many waterbirds south and towards the coastfrom traditional wintering grounds. As the IWC has bettercoverage in the south of the region and on theMediterranean and Black Sea coasts, it is likely that the


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total of A. fuligula counted in January 1993 might be closeto the best minimum estimate for the region. This totalcame to 184,731, and the only major gaps were the RussianBlack Sea/Sea of Azov and Egypt. If the Russian Black Seaand Sea of Azov areas supported an equal number of birdsto the Ukrainian shores, then a further 15,000 can be added,plus 7,000–15,000 in Egypt to give a total of 210,000. Thisis very similar to the estimate of Monval & Pirot (1989).

If statistical techniques are used to impute missingvalues which are then used to calculate a sum of five yearmeans for each site, the irregularities of counts, highproportion of missing values and wild fluctuations innumbers are all indications that the results given mightbe misleading and in particular might give rather highpopulation estimates. The sum of all imputed counts in1993 plus counts from other countries amounts to amaximum of 450,000, which probably represents anabsolute upper limit to the population.

In conclusion, the Black Sea/east Mediterraneanwintering population of A. fuligula is now estimated at200,000 with an upper limit of 450,000 for the 1989–1993period. Trends are unknown, and this figure is anadjustment of the figure given by Monval & Pirot (1989)in the light of new information.

West Mediterranean


A maximum count of 30,000 in 1976 yields an estimate of70,000 when adjustments have been made for gaps incoverage.

The average of coverage adjusted estimates for 1982–1986 is equal to 38,460 as opposed to 52,235 for the period1989–1993. In conclusion, an estimate of 40,000 seemsmost appropriate for the 1982–1986 period which, followingan increase, is now 55,000. To remain comparable withMonval & Pirot (1989), the maximum annual estimate of70,000 is taken.

A very similar figure of 67,500 would be obtained byapplying the same sort of adjustments as made innorthwest Europe for missed birds (adding 20% to thefive year average estimate)

BREEDING CENSUSESRecent figures from BirdLife International suggest aEuropean breeding population of 620,000–840,000 pairswhich would be expected to give a wintering population of1,900,000–2,500,000 birds. If western Siberia supportsequivalent numbers to Central Siberia as might be expected,a further 500,000 should be added to give 2,400,000–3,000,000 wintering birds concentrated in Western Eurasia.From wintering surveys, Perennou et al. (1994) estimated200,000 in Southwest Asia; the results presented heresuggest that there are 200,000–450,000 A. fuligula winteringin the Black Sea/east Mediterranean region and 400,000in Central Europe and the west Mediterranean. NorthwestEurope supports a further 1,000,000 wintering birds to givean overall total of 1,800,000–2,100,000, somewhat lower

than the 2,400,000–3,000,000 birds expected frombreeding censuses.

COMMON GOLDENEYEBucephala clangula

NORTHWEST EUROPE


Recent analyses suggest the following breakdown of thewintering population of B. clangula in this region. 210,000in the Baltic (Pihl et al., 1995) plus 31,500 in UK andIreland (Cranswick & Waters, 1995), plus 10,000 in theNetherlands plus 6,000 in Germany plus 3,500 France andBelgium, plus 18,000 Norway (Nygard, 1988) to give279,000 based on recent IWC data. If we decide to splitsouthern Germany and Switzerland from the Danubecatchment we add another 22,000 to give 301,000 whichis quite near to the listed 300,000 of Monval & Pirot (1989).

CENTRAL EUROPE/ADRIATIC/BALKANS(MIDDLE DANUBE)


New data from the Balkans and Danube catchmentindicate that Monval & Pirot (1989) greatlyunderestimated the number of birds in this region to theextent that an entire new wintering population now needsto be added. It seems sensible to split Switzerland andSouthern Germany as part of northwest Europe to leavea Danube catchment and Adriatic wintering populationwhich is probably a mix of birds coming from both eastand west. Based on the analysis of IWC data (Rose, 1995)and estimation of missing counts, it would number 73,000birds here rounded to 75,000. The breakdown of nationalestimated wintering totals are as follows: Austria 3,000,Czech Republic 2,000, Slovakia 3,000, Hungary 50,000and the former Yugoslavia and the Adriatic 15,000.

Looking at breeding data gives 250,000 pairs in Europewith 150,000 pairs in Finland alone. There are 500,000birds in Central Siberia going to the Himalayas, so Europemust receive the Western Siberia breeding birds in winteras well. Breeding estimates consequently far exceedwintering numbers.

BLACK SEA WINTERING POPULATION

Population estimate = 20,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989)

The Black Sea wintering population of B. clangula isprobably largely outside of the geographical coverage ofthe IWC which at present does not extend as far as theextreme northeastern limits of the Black Sea. Between1989 and 1993, expansion of the census in other areas ofthe Black Sea (particularly Ukraine) has taken place andup to 9,016 birds (1991) have been recorded with anannual average (1989–1993) of 2,694 B. clangula counted.Trends are still not possible to estimate for this region.


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CASPIAN WINTERING POPULATION

Population Estimate = <25,000

SMEWMergellus albellus

NORTHWEST/CENTRAL EUROPE WINTERING

New Population Estimate = 30,000 (Pihl & Laursen,in press)

The M. albellus population wintering in northwest Europeis difficult to monitor for many reasons. The two mostimportant are (i) there are significant numbers of individualsin maritime areas best surveyed by aerial survey and (ii) thelarge maritime and lagoon wintering proportion of thepopulation seems to be very prone to extremely large scalecold weather movements. For these reasons, the three majorwintering areas for the species were excluded from trendanalysis. These are the coast of Rostock in Germany, theIJsselmeer and Markermeer in the Netherlands and SzczecinLagoon on the German/Polish border. Only when all theseregions are counted thoroughly and simultaneously can anestimate of population size be made.

Only in Poland is there information from a morecomplete count of inland rivers which alone suggests apopulation of 2,400 wintering M. albellus. This is seventimes the number represented by the sites used for trendanalysis (320). Although coverage might be better inGermany, Netherlands, Belgium and France it is stillprobably reasonable to assume that there are at leastdouble the 3,000 M. albellus accounted for in thesecountries (6,000 minimum + 2,500 in Poland). This shouldbe added to the 17,500 in the Baltic Sea and the variablenumber in the IJsselmeer (10,000–20,000) to give 35,000–45,000 birds. Until more counts of Szczecin Lagoon aremade it is impossible to ascertain the extent to which birdsare included twice, at this site and at the IJsselmeer. Thisinformation is essential for a more accurate populationestimate.

In Northwest Europe, Szczecin Lagoon on the Polish/German border has recently been discovered to supportsufficiently large concentrations of wintering M. albellusto account for the fluctuations in annual totals presentedby Monval & Pirot (1989). A simultaneous count of 25,000individuals in January 1992 and a count of 30,000 in theearly winter also suggests that the estimate of 15,000 ofMonval & Pirot (1989) is much too low.

EAST MEDITERRANEAN/BLACK SEAWINTERING

Population Estimate = 65,000 (Monval & Pirot, 1989)

In the East Mediterranean/Black Sea, the IWC can accountfor only 5,000 wintering M. albellus. Key areas are theDanube Delta and the Danube catchment in the region ofYugoslavia. Neither of these areas are very well known andthere are clearly many potentially important areas of the

Black Sea coast, particularly in the East, that have neverbeen censused. The occasional occurrence ofinternationally important numbers at very southerlylocations in the East of the region (Israel and Iraq) alsosupport the theory that many birds might be winteringfurther North in the eastern Black Sea.

GOOSANDERMergus merganser

NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL EUROPE(EXCLUDING ICELAND) WINTERING


The new total estimate for Northwest and Central Europe= 200,000 (170,000 in the Baltic, 15,000 in theNetherlands/Germany/France/Belgium, 5,000–8,000 in theUnited Kingdom, 3,000 in Norway and 10,000 in CentralEurope).

Monval & Pirot (1989) give the Northwest and CentralEuropean wintering population as 150,000. This wasconsidered to be too low by Rose & Scott (1994).

From seaduck surveys, Pihl et al. (1995) estimate170,000 (140,000–200,000) wintering individuals in theBaltic. This includes an unexpected 35,000–40,000 foundwintering on Szczecin Lagoon during recent surveys. Thenumber at this site could easily be added to the total ofMonval & Pirot (1989) to give an overall estimate of190,000 as they had no idea of its existence when makingtheir population estimate.

In the Netherlands numbers of M. merganser are veryvariable (8,000 in good years; 5,248 from reduced site list),non-Baltic Germany has 3,892 from the reduced site list,France has 1,145 from the reduced site list and a maximumcount of 1,200 while Belgium has 171 from the reduced sitelist and 200 maximum count. From this a wintering totalof 15,000 is estimated.

M. merganser appears to be relatively sedentary in theUnited Kingdom with a possible influx from the northwestand an exodus of males to moult in Norway (Little &Meek, 1996). In the United Kingdom there is a breedingpopulation of about 2,700 pairs that could be expected togive a wintering population of approximately 8,100individuals if they were all resident. Extrapolation of winteratlas information for the United Kingdom gives an estimatedpopulation of 8,900. The very complete mid-winter censusin the United Kingdom only accounts for an estimatedwintering population of 3,500 individuals. Obviously ifthe IWC is missing an equal proportion of the populationin northwest Europe, the population estimates should beraised substantially.

Central Europe has 9,593 from the total list and 4,322from reduced site list. In Central Europe, coverage is verygood and the reduced site list comprises approximately50% of the total list which can be assumed to be almostcomplete. For this region there are 10,000 estimatedwintering M. merganser.


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Annex 2: Key sites for Anatidae in Africa and Western Eurasia

Annex 2Key sites for Anatidae in Africa

and Western Eurasia

Key sites tables are listed for each country in alphabetical order. Note that elsewhere in this publication “Chad” and“Lake Chad” are referred to; in the tables that follow these are “Tchad” and “Lac Tchad” respectively.

Each site is given an importance code indicating the reason it was selected as a key site. The importance codes refer tothe following key site selection criteria.

Importance Reason for selectioncode

1 Five or more counts available between 1984 and 1993 with an average of the last five countsexceeding 1% of the population size.

2 An average of the last five counts exceeding 1% of the population size but the first of these countsis prior to 1984.

3 Five or more counts available between 1984 and 1993 of which three or more exceed 1% of thepopulation size, but the average count does not.

4 Three of the last five counts exceed 1% of the population size but the average does not and the firstof these counts is prior to 1984.

5 Less than five counts are available but three counts have exceeded 1% of the population size since1984.

6 Less than five counts are available but three counts have exceeded 1% of the population size, thefirst of these prior to 1984.

7 The site qualifies as a potential harsh weather or drought refuge only.

8 At least one count exceeding 1% of the population size but less than three of the last five countsavailable between 1984 and 1993 reach this value and the average of the last five counts is lessthan 1% of the population size.

9 As code 8 except that the last five counts start prior to 1984.

10 Less than five counts available and less than three counts exceeding 1% of the population size butthe average of all counts exceeds 1% of the population size.

11 Less than five counts available of which one or two exceed 1% of the population size but theaverage of all available counts does not. This code is also used for concentrations of globallythreatened species thought to be important despite being below 1% of the population size, and forconcentrations of very large populations that exceed 20,000 individuals yet still fail to exceed 1%of the population size.

We apologise for the many site names throughout this Annex that lack important accents on some letters. Mostof this information was exported from databases going back to 1967 that, at present, do not store this information.We intend to correct this as soon as possible.

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AFGHANISTANSites in Afghanistan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.

Key Site Species for which Important Season Maximum Year of Average ImportanceCount Maximum Count code

Hamoun-I Puzak Oxyura leucocephala Winter 10 1976 - 10COORDINATES: N3130E06142 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 3150 1976 - 10

Anas penelope Winter 11050 1976 - 10Anas strepera Winter 12050 1976 - 10Anas crecca Winter 27200 1976 - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 21300 1976 - 10Anas acuta Winter 15600 1976 - 10Anas clypeata Winter 10100 1976 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 63 1971 - 11Netta rufina Winter 2500 1976 - 10Aythya ferina Winter 50000 1976 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1976 - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 2500 1976 - 10

ALBANIASites in Albania that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Nartes Lagoon Oxyura leucocephala Winter 4 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N4030E01918 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

ALGERIASites in Algeria that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Barrage de Bougzhoul Anas penelope Winter 6400 1977 1207 8COORDINATES: N3538E00250 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - - - 11

Barrage de la Cheffia Anas penelope Winter 95000 1974 27 8COORDINATES: N3634E00802 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas crecca Winter 11000 1982 - 8

Chott Sidi Khouiled (Ouargla) Tadorna ferruginea Winter 28 1989 10 9COORDINATES: N3158E00520 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Chott El Beida Tadorna tadorna Winter 756 1975 3 8COORDINATES: N3555E00550 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Garaet Ank Djemel Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3 1988 1 11COORDINATES: N3547E00650 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 24 1986 5 11

Garaet El-Tarf Tadorna tadorna Winter 2750 1978 - 8COORDINATES: N3540E00709 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Garaet Guellif Anser anser Winter 2000 1984 1005 10COORDINATES: N3547E00700 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 800 1988 165 8

Gde Sebkha D’Oran Tadorna tadorna Winter 1150 1988 309 8COORDINATES: N3531W00050 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 200 1972 - 8

Lac de Gharabas Tadorna tadorna Winter 1060 1986 259 9COORDINATES: N3536W00030 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 150 1975 - 9

Lac des Oiseaux Oxyura leucocephala Spring 209 1992 - 1COORDINATES: N3645E00802 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 90 1989 39 1

Anser anser Winter 5000 1977 - 8Anas clypeata Winter 7000 1986 2972 8

Lac Fetzara Anser anser Winter 12000 1984 3938 2COORDINATES: N3645E00728 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 22020 1985 1700 8

Anas clypeata Winter 7000 1984 780 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 7 1985 - 11

Lac Melah Aythya nyroca Winter 13 1989 3 11COORDINATES: N3650E00822 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 12300 1973 621 8

Lac Oubeira Oxyura leucocephala Winter 98 1988 20 1COORDINATES: N3645E00822 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 317 1989 97 9

Anas penelope Winter 14000 1975 1388 8Anas clypeata Winter 10000 1982 849 8Aythya ferina Winter 10000 1982 2538 8Aythya nyroca Winter 13 1989 3 11Aythya fuligula Winter 9000 1977 750 8

Lac Tonga Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 84 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N3650E00828 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 2 1985 - 11

Anas strepera Winter 2500 1989 656 8Anas clypeata Winter 5900 1988 1488 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - - - 11Aythya nyroca Breeding 1800 1992 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 60 1985 - 11

Les Lacs = Chott de Tinnsilt Tadorna tadorna Winter 3000 1989 755 1COORDINATES: N3554E00628 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Marais de la Macta Tadorna tadorna Winter 3500 1979 42 8COORDINATES: N3541W00009 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 15100 1978 472 8

Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - - - 11Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 220 1977 - 8

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Marais de Mekhada Anser anser Winter 8000 1978 50 8COORDINATES: N3645E00802 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 27500 1978 2140 8

Plaine de Guerbes Anser anser Winter 324 1988 324 10COORDINATES: N3650E00715 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 35 1987 7 11

Salines D’Arzew Tadorna tadorna Winter 2420 1988 694 8COORDINATES: N3541W00015 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 2500 1986 1128 1

Sebkhet El Hamiett Tadorna tadorna Winter 1000 1985 392 8COORDINATES: N3547E00530 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Sebkhet Ez-Zemoul Tadorna tadorna Winter 950 1987 466 8COORDINATES: N3554E00633 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Sidi-Chami (Disparu) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1979 - 11COORDINATES: N3543W00030 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

AUSTRIASites in Austria that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Donau: Wien-Wolfsthal Anas platyrhynchos Winter 11184 1972 2393 8COORDINATES: N4808E01647 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 922 1977 321 8

Ennsstauseen Bucephala clangula Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N4807E01429 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Grundlsee Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1992 3 11COORDINATES: N4738E01351 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Inn: Stau Obernberg Bucephala clangula Winter 3385 1975 159 8COORDINATES: N4819E01319 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Neusiedlersee Seewinkel Hansag Anser f. rossicus Autumn 15533 1989 - 8COORDINATES: N4746E01652 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Spring 8926 1989 6472 10

Anser f. rossicus Winter 7211 1988 1645 8Anser albifrons Spring 1980 1989 1272 10Anser albifrons Winter 12558 1994 4566 1Anser anser Autumn 8895 1989 394 1Anser anser Spring 6500 1987 1977 10Anser anser Winter 12785 1995 3551 1Anas crecca Winter - - - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 50 - - 8

Salzkammergut Aythya fuligula Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N4752E01348 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala clangula Winter - - - 10

Waldviertel Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11COORDINATES: N4836E01520 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

AZERBAIJANSites in Azerbaijan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3100 1991 3100 10COORDINATES: N4005E04740 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 900 1991 900 10

Anser albifrons Winter 700 1991 - 10Anser erythropus Winter 1000 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Passage 7000 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 12000 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 10500 - - 10Netta rufina Winter 2800 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 4872 - - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 500 - - 10Aythya nyroca Passage 840 - - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 25 - - 11Aythya fuligula Winter 9000 1991 9000 10

Aggel (Ah Gol) Lake +(Uchmangol) Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 660 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N4005E04740 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Akh-Chala Plavni Novogolov-Skie Marshes Anser anser Winter 1800 - - 10COORDINATES: N3930E04840 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Artem Bay Cygnus cygnus Winter 500 - - 10COORDINATES: N4028E05020 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Caspian Sea Coast (Shah Cape-Kira Delta) Aythya ferina Winter 87700 - - 10COORDINATES: N4000E04930 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 17300 - - 10

Aythya marila Winter 4500 - - 10

Divichi Liman Aythya nyroca Breeding 500 - - 10COORDINATES: N4115E04905 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Passage 500 - - 10

Glinanyi Island Cygnus cygnus Winter 500 - - 10COORDINATES: PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Kirov Bay and Kizil Agach Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5000 1962 520 10COORDINATES: N3905E04857 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus olor Winter 8500 1991 8500 10

Anser albifrons Winter 15000 - - 10Anser erythropus Winter 1000 - - 10Anser anser Winter 38000 1982 6040 10Branta ruficollis Winter 200 - - 11

260



Kirov Bay and Kizil Agach ... continued Anas penelope Winter 61900 1991 61900 10Anas strepera Winter 3460 1991 3460 10Anas crecca Winter 115000 1983 66200 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 36730 1991 36730 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 9 - - 11Netta rufina Winter 28000 1993 10000 1Aythya ferina Winter 93300 1991 93300 10Aythya fuligula Winter 35000 1991 - 10Aythya marila Winter - - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 1000 - - 10

Mahmud-Chala Anser albifrons Winter 400 1989 - 10COORDINATES: N3930E04840 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser erythropus Winter - - - 10

Anser anser Winter 1600 1986 - 10Anas penelope Winter 3000 - - 10Anas strepera Winter 2100 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 7000 - - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 500 - - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 500 - - 10

Milskaya Steppe Anser erythropus Winter 5000 1980 - 10COORDINATES: N4000E04800 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Novogolovskaya-Chala Aythya nyroca Winter 500 - - 10COORDINATES: PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Sangachal Bay Cygnus cygnus Winter 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N4011E04927 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Passage 5000 - - 10

Sarysu Lake Anser albifrons Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N4002E04807 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser erythropus Spring 250 - - 10

Anser erythropus Winter - - - 10Anser anser Winter - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 90000 1993 67500 1Anas acuta Winter 100000 1993 75000 1Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 570 1993 - 10Netta rufina Winter 220000 1993 165000 1Aythya ferina Winter 550000 1993 400000 1Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 10Aythya nyroca Passage - - - 10Aythya nyroca Winter - - - 10

Southeast Shirvan Anser albifrons Winter 3000 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N3940E04910 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Varvara Reservoir Aythya nyroca Winter 500 - - 10COORDINATES: PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Yashma Island Aythya marila Winter 2000 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N4042E04927 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Zorat-Kilazi Spit Aythya fuligula Winter 10000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4058E04914 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

BELARUSSites in Belarus that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Prypiat Flooplain Anser f. rossicus Spring 10000 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N5205E02700 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser albifrons Spring 30000 1995 - 10

Anser erythropus Spring 250 1995 - 10Anas strepera Breeding 1300 1995 - 10Anas penelope Spring 20000 1995 - 10Anas platyrhynchos Breeding 24000 1995 - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 360 1995 - 11

BELGIUMSites in Belgium that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Blankaartgebied/IJzerbroeken Anser albifrons Winter 8810 1986 350 7COORDINATES: N5059E00251 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 46430 1994 24356 1

Anas crecca Winter 4870 1992 2693 8Anas acuta Winter 894 1995 397 8Anas clypeata Winter 856 1992 438 1

Blokkersdijk + havengebied Antwerpen Linkeroever Anas strepera Moulting 1000-2000 - - 1COORDINATES: N5117E00415 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas strepera Winter 1256 1985 429 1

Anas clypeata Autumn 2348 1990 - 1Anas clypeata Winter 983 1992 540 1

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Drongen Anas clypeata Spring 531 1996 - 8COORDINATES: N5104E00341 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 450 1995 296 8

De Kuifeend + havengebied Antwerpen Rechteroever Anas strepera Autumn 1762 1996 - 1COORDINATES: N5116E00421 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas strepera Moulting 1000-2000 - - 1

Anas strepera Winter 1441 1996 837 1Anas clypeata Autumn 1466 1992 - 1Anas clypeata Winter 590 1991 444 1

Gentse Kanaalzone Anas clypeata Winter 801 1996 226 7COORDINATES: N5109E00343 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya ferina Winter 6350 1985 1003 7

Aythya fuligula Winter 10000 1996 2922 7

261



Havengebied en polders Zeebrugge Anas penelope Winter 20000 1996 11065 8COORDINATES: N5120E00314 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 450 1995 311 8

Mergellus albellus Winter 845 1985 <5 7

Netevallei Lier-Duffel Aythya ferina Winter 4093 1996 1647 7COORDINATES: N5107E00433 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Oostkustpolders Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 20412 1984 15975 1COORDINATES: N5116E00308 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 54925 1986 19023 1

Polders en kreken Noord-Oost-Vlaanderen Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 384 1995 247 1COORDINATES: N5115E00340 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 1886 252 8

Anser albifrons Winter 18000 1996 4886 8

Schorren Beneden-Zeeschelde + polders Anser anser Winter 4210 1990 3190 1COORDINATES: N5121E00415 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Vijvergebied Midden-Limburg Anas strepera Winter 705 1992 479 1COORDINATES: N5059E00519 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Zeeschelde Gent-Nederlandse grens Anas strepera Winter 1660 1996 1045 1COORDINATES: N5108E00415 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas crecca Winter 16372 1996 11496 1

Anas acuta Winter 1040 1995 443 8Aythya ferina Winter 9870 1996 3065 8

BENINSites in Benin that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Tendi (Ou Dendi) Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 580 1984 580 10COORDINATES: N1156E00315 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 2535 1995 - 8

BODENSEE (AUSTRIA/GERMANY/SWITZERLAND)Anatidae populations, as defined in this publication, for which the Bodensee has supported more than 1% of individuals. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bodensee Cygnus olor Autumn 2550 - - 10COORDINATES: N4731E00943 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially protected Cygnus olor Winter - - - 10

Cygnus cygnus Spring 324 - - 10Cygnus cygnus Winter 333 - - 10Anas strepera Autumn 12600 - - 10Anas strepera Spring 1400 - - 10Anas strepera Winter 7980 - - 10Anas crecca Autumn 10970 - - 10Anas crecca Winter 14900 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 26678 - - 10Anas acuta Autumn 1020 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 1310 - - 10Netta rufina Autumn 5966 - - 10Netta rufina Spring 1300 - - 10Netta rufina Winter 2959 - - 10Aythya ferina Spring 22654 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 64400 - - 10Aythya fuligula Spring 35739 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 115891 - - 10Bucephala clangula Spring 5000 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 8253 - - 10

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINASites in Bosnia Herzegovina that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Busko Blato Mergus merganser Winter 12 - - 10COORDINATES: N4336E01702 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Hutavo Blato Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N4302E01746 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 500 1969 - 10

BOTSWANASites in Botswana that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bokaa Dam Netta erythrophthalma July 700 - - 10COORDINATES: N2427E02600 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Phakalane Sewage Ponds Oxyura maccoa July 440 1994 247 10COORDINATES: N2435E02558 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Netta erythrophthalma January 605 - - 10

262


BULGARIASites in Bulgaria that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Alepu Marsh Aythya nyroca Breeding 3 1992 3 11COORDINATES: N4222E02743 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedArkatino Marsh Aythya fuligula Winter 10000 1976 3334 11COORDINATES: N4215E02739 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Breeding 3 - - 11Atanasovo Lake Complex Tadorna tadorna Winter 4141 1982 1987 1COORDINATES: N4231E02726 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 6014 1976 326 8

Aythya nyroca Winter 91 1967 - 11Belene Islands Anser anser Winter 515 1995 515 10COORDINATES: N4341E02726 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedBurgas Lake Complex Oxyura leucocephala Winter 38 1988 14 11COORDINATES: N4227E02725 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser albifrons Winter 23931 1995 8150 10

Branta ruficollis Winter 12 1995 12 11Anas clypeata Winter 13700 1976 3432 8Aythya ferina Winter 37000 1971 6837 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 3 - - 11Aythya fuligula Winter 15803 1992 6269 1

Danube: Mechka Fishponds Anas platyrhynchos Winter 26650 1984 6075 9COORDINATES: N4336E02550 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding 3 - - 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 48 1993 10 11Durankalak Lake Complex Oxyura leucocephala Winter 214 1983 0 8COORDINATES: N4336E02832 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 86355 1987 34603 1

Anser anser Winter 890 0 10Branta ruficollis Winter 10630 1995 4943 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 123000 1976 2605 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 8

Malko Sharkovo Reservoir Anser albifrons Winter 16000 1992 3340 8COORDINATES: N4204E02648 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMandra Lake Complex Oxyura leucocephala Winter 183 1993 52 8COORDINATES: N4220E02725 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 440 1993 111 8

Anser albifrons Winter 30370 1995 7378 2Aythya ferina Winter 16720 1993 5418 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 6 - - 11

Ovcharitza Reservoir Anser albifrons Winter 34755 1995 15701 2COORDINATES: N4211E02612 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPiasachnik Reservoir Anser albifrons Winter 16200 1989 6205 9COORDINATES: N4222E02430 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 50000 1989 19870 9Rosov Kladenetz Reservoir Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1982 - 11COORDINATES: N4206E02551 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedShabla Lake Complex Anser albifrons Winter 177335 1995 111194 1COORDINATES: N4331E02832 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 382 1987 87 8

Branta ruficollis Winter 55845 1993 17843 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 66515 1978 527 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 3 - - 11

Slanchev briag – Acheloy coast Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 48 1996 - 11COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSrebarna Lake Complex Anser albifrons Winter 45155 1992 9931 1COORDINATES: N4402E02704 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Winter 500 1993 100 8

Branta ruficollis Winter 60 1989 22 11Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11

Sredishte Anser anser Winter 250 1993 250 10COORDINATES: N4355E02730 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedTzerkovski Reservoir Anser albifrons Winter 8500 1995 8000 10COORDINATES: N4231E02648 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta ruficollis Winter 46 1995 46 11Varna Lake Complex Oxyura leucocephala Winter 13 1978 1 11COORDINATES: N4312E02740 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya ferina Winter 10621 1993 3567 8

BURKINA FASOSites in Burkina Faso that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Depressions de Beli Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 1280 1978 540 6COORDINATES: N1455W00010 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1800 1970 595 10Mares de Dori A Kaya Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1000 1986 333 11COORDINATES: N1330W00040 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownZones Inondables Pres de Dori Dendrocygna viduata Winter 25000 1970 8350 10COORDINATES: N1403W00002 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1969 4 11

CAMEROONSites in Cameroon that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Lac de Fianga Dendrocygna viduata Winter 6400 1987 3477 10COORDINATES: N0958E01513 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Plectropterus gambensis Winter 500 1987 183 11

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 700 1987 700 10

263



Lac Maga Dendrocygna viduata Winter 56000 1987 17275 6COORDINATES: N1048E01459 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Plectropterus gambensis Winter 22000 1987 6998 10

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 3800 1987 1816 10Anas acuta Winter 16000 1987 - 10

Lac Maga Amont (Guerleo) Plectropterus gambensis Winter 3300 1987 3300 10COORDINATES: N1035E01504 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Plaines du Logone: Maga-Zimado Dendrocygna bicolor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N1125E01502 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 4000 1987 4000 10

Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1137 1993 700 10Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 600 1987 600 10Anas querquedula Autumn 25000 - - 10

Site Unknown Pteronetta hartlaubii Winter 289 1987 64 1COORDINATES: N0340E01210 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Waza NP Dendrocygna viduata 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N1115E01440 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas hottentota Winter - 1976 - 11

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter - 1976 - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 200 1971 30 10

Yagoua Nord Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 900 1987 900 10COORDINATES: N1026E01511 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

COTE D’IVOIRESites in Cote d’Ivoire that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Comoe River Pteronetta hartlaubii - 69 - - 11COORDINATES: N0815W00400 Protected Staus: Unknown

CROATIASites in Croatia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Dunav: Batima Anas platyrhynchos Winter 30000 1990 11120 11COORDINATES: N4550E01853 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Jelas Polje Aythya nyroca Breeding 480 - - 11COORDINATES: N4508E01744 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 122 1988 37 11

Koncanica Fishponds Aythya nyroca Breeding 21 - - 11COORDINATES: N4540E01705 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Kopacki Rit Anser f. rossicus Autumn 50000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4529E01853 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Anas platyrhynchos Winter 40000 1983 6065 8

Aythya nyroca Breeding 600 - - 10

Neretve Delta Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N4257E01734 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve

Pokupsko Depression (Crna Mlaka) Aythya nyroca Autumn 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4537E01544 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Aythya nyroca Breeding 240 - - 11

Prelog Aythya nyroca Winter 120 - - 11COORDINATES: N4620E01635 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ribnjacarstvo (Slavonski Brod Fishpond) Aythya nyroca Winter 42 1992 42 11COORDINATES: N4509E01801 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Sava: Klakar Aythya nyroca Winter 18 1987 9 11COORDINATES: N4559E01805 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

CYPRUSSites in Cyprus that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Akhna Dam Aythya nyroca Winter 18 1994 15 11COORDINATES: N3502E03348 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Akrotiri Salt Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1990 - 11COORDINATES: N3431E03256 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Tadorna tadorna Winter 2247 1983 202 8

Asprokremnos Dam Aythya nyroca Winter 25 1985 1 11COORDINATES: N3441E03236 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Evretou Dam Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1989 5 11COORDINATES: N3452E03229 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Lanarca Salt Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 14 1985 - 11COORDINATES: N3447E03336 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Tadorna tadorna Winter 2000 1982 186 8

Aythya nyroca Winter 20 1985 - 11

CZECH REPUBLICSites in the Czech Republic that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Ceske Budejovice Fishponds Anser anser Autumn 3000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4915E01405 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

264



Labe: Roudnice – Litomerice Aythya nyroca Winter 21 1988 4 11COORDINATES: N5022E01414 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lednicke Rybniky Anser f. rossicus Autumn 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4846E01646 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Breeding 200 - - 10

Anser anser Passage 8000 - 2892 1Anser anser Winter 3800 1994 1368 1

Novy Mlyny Anser f. rossicus Autumn 80000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4852E01637 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 52700 1994 10540 1

Anser albifrons Autumn 20000 - 4660 1Anser albifrons Winter 20000 - - 10Anser anser Breeding 1000 - - 10Anser anser Passage 8000 - - 10Anser anser Winter 500 1991 80 8Anas platyrhynchos Autumn 25000 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 12000 1992 2935 8

Pohorelicke Rybniky Anser f. rossicus Autumn 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4855E01632 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 2000 - - 10

Rezabinec Nature Reserve Anser anser Autumn 1700 1992 759 1COORDINATES: N4915E01406 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 270 1991 270 10

Trebonsko Rybniky Anser f. rossicus Passage 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4903E01443 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Breeding 500 - - 10

Anser anser Passage 5000 - - 10Anser anser Winter 1020 - - 10Anas strepera Breeding 2500 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage 20000 - - 11Aythya fuligula Breeding 6000 - - 10

DENMARKSites in Denmark that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aebelo Somateria mollissima Winter 31116 1992 23331 10COORDINATES: N5532E01035 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Agero Branta b. hrota Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5645E00830 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Spring 3600 1995 - 1

Branta b. hrota Winter 954 1992 471 1

Alborg Bugt Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5700E01025 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Winter 34649 1992 22881 10

Anholt N Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5643E01130 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10


Arosund Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N5512E00941 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Arre So Mergus merganser Winter 4512 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5558E01205 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Avno Fjord/Dybso Fjord/Knudshoved Odde Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5507E01133 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 6685 1992 - 10

Cygnus cygnus Winter 268 1991 - 10Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10Anser f. fabalis Winter 2830 1987 242 8Aythya fuligula Autumn - - - 10Aythya fuligula Spring - -- - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 15300 1992 4542 8Mergus serrator Autumn 1265 1988 - 10Mergus merganser Winter 2611 1988 - 10

Ballum Enge Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5507E00843 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10

Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 18555 1995 7586 1Branta leucopsis Autumn - - - 10Branta leucopsis Spring - - - 10Branta leucopsis Winter 9710 1995 1004 11Branta b. bernicla Autumn - - - 10Branta b. bernicla Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas crecca Spring - - - 10

Basnaes/Holsteinborg Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5512E01124 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 1867 1991 - 10

Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10Anser f. fabalis Winter 4165 1987 678 8Anser anser Moulting 12960 1989 8378 1

Bogo Inddaemning Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5445E01100 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 2230 1989 1477 1

Boto Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5439E01156 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 6360 1987 719 8

Bredgrund Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5450E01000 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10


Bregentved Soer Anser anser Moulting 2513 1990 748 8COORDINATES: N5518E01200 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 11200 1993 - 10

Christianso Somateria mollissima Breeding 10800 1991 - 1COORDINATES: N5522E01510 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

265



Copenhagen Harbour and Lakes Aythya fuligula Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5545E01230 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 27000 1987 - 7

Mergellus albellus Winter 331 1987 - 7Danish Wadden Sea Tadorna tadorna Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5510E00835 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Breeding - - - 10

Tadorna tadorna Moulting - - - 10Tadorna tadorna Spring 17334 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 32997 - 14271 1Anas penelope Autumn 58445 - - 10Anas penelope Spring 13121 - - 10Anas penelope Winter 19120 1976 5126 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 26737 1969 13339 8Anas acuta Autumn - - - 10Anas acuta Spring 3263 - - 10Anas acuta Winter 5407 - 2622 1Anas clypeata Autumn 2013 - - 10Somateria mollissima Autumn 24687 - - 10Somateria mollissima Moulting - - - 10Somateria mollissima Spring 20123 - - 10Somateria mollissima Summer - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 75406 1969 34185 1

Droninglund Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5708E01015 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10Endelave Aythya marila Winter 10650 1989 5773 10COORDINATES: N5551E01010 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Breeding - - - 10Somateria mollissima Moulting - - - 10Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 81912 1992 65556 5

Fano Branta b. bernicla Autumn 36143 - - 10COORDINATES: N5510E00835 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. bernicla Spring 25537 - - 10

Branta b. bernicla Winter 4789 - - 10Branta b. hrota Autumn 2200 1992 1575 1Branta b. hrota Winter 142 - - 10

Faxe Bugt Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5510E01215 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 3535 - 3535 1

Mergus serrator Autumn - - - 10Mergus serrator Winter 1449 1991 712 11

Femer Baelt Somateria mollissima Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N5440E01100 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergus serrator Winter 5555 - 5555 1Filso Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N5542E00814 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter - - - 10Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 3680 1989 1268 1Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10Anser anser Moulting 10520 1992 3775 1

Fynske Soer Anser anser Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N5510E01017 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 10083 1992 - 10Gjorslev Anser anser Moulting 2870 1990 1667 8COORDINATES: N5522E01224 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGronne Revle Somateria mollissima Winter 39634 1991 20664 7COORDINATES: N5605E01143 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Melanitta nigra Spring - - - 7Gunderslevholm: Tysrup-Bavelse Anser f. fabalis Spring 1900 1989 957 1COORDINATES: N5522E01133 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 2900 1995 879 1

Aythya fuligula Winter 4700 1995 - 10Hals Branta b. hrota Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5708E01025 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Winter 540 1991 114 1Harboore Tange Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 575 1991 193 8COORDINATES: N5639E00811 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10

Branta b. hrota Winter 1308 1992 - 10Anas acuta Autumn - - - 10Anas acuta Spring - - - 10

Harboore Tange (Skibsted Fjord) Branta b. hrota Winter 242 1992 48 8COORDINATES: N5639E00811 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHelnaes Bugt Aythya marila Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5508E01008 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya marila Winter 6000 1991 3533 1

Somateria mollissima Winter 25245 1988 7281 8Hjelm Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5608E01050 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Winter 21552 1991 17814 5Melanitta nigra Autumn - - - 10Melanitta nigra Spring - - - 10Melanitta nigra Winter - - - 10

Hjelm and South Djursland Bucephala clangula Winter 3158 1991 2382 11COORDINATES: N5608E01040 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHorsens Fjord Aythya marila Winter 4500 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5549E01003 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedKas Bredning Mergus serrator Autumn 3100 1988 - 10COORDINATES: N5638E00840 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKattegat Melanitta nigra Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5643E01125 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Melanitta nigra Moulting - - - 10

Melanitta nigra Spring - - - 10Melanitta nigra Summer - - - 10Melanitta nigra Winter 829497 1992 - 1Melanitta fusca Autumn - - - 10Melanitta fusca Moulting - - - 10

266



Kattegat ... continued Melanitta fusca Spring - - - 10Melanitta fusca Summer - - - 10Melanitta fusca Winter 101649 1992 33981 10

Klinte K. Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N5637E01017 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLaeso S Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5712E01112 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Breeding - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Moulting - - - 10Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 341170 - 341170 1Bucephala clangula Winter 6425 - 6425 1

Langeland N Somateria mollissima Spring 31000 1988 - 10COORDINATES: N5512E01058 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Winter - - - 10Langeland/Aero Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5447E01033 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Spring 50000 1991 - 10

Somateria mollissima Winter - - - 10Lille Baelt Cygnus olor Winter 3060 - 3060 1COORDINATES: N5520E00943 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 10935 - 10935 1

Aythya marila Spring - - - 10Aythya marila Winter 5495 - 5495 1Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 59052 1992 40949 5Bucephala clangula Winter 5530 - 5530 1

Logstor Bredning Bucephala clangula Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5653E00906 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Bucephala clangula Spring - - - 10

Bucephala clangula Winter 4575 1992 2871 11Mergus serrator Autumn 4046 1988 - 10Mergus serrator Winter - - - 10

Lolland N Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5455E01130 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 15445 - 15445 1

Cygnus cygnus Winter 527 1993 193 10Aythya fuligula Winter 16880 - 16880 1Somateria mollissima Winter 32253 1987 15075 1Bucephala clangula Winter 5009 1992 2853 8Mergus serrator Autumn - - - 10Mergus serrator Spring - - - 10Mergus serrator Winter 4113 1993 2961 1Mergus merganser Winter 2410 - 2410 1

Lovns Bredning Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N5638E00914 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Bucephala clangula Autumn - - - 10

Bucephala clangula Spring - - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 6889 1989 6295 5

Lyse/Elefantgr. Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5537E01055 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Somateria mollissima Winter 52600 1987 - 10Mariager Fjord Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5643E01020 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 1037 1991 - 10

Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10Cygnus cygnus Winter 2325 1993 1058 10Branta b. hrota Autumn 4200 1993 3100 10Branta b. hrota Winter 2828 1989 1761 1Tadorna tadorna Autumn - - - 10Tadorna tadorna Spring - - - 10Tadorna tadorna Winter - - - 10Aythya marila Autumn - - - 10Aythya marila Spring - - - 10Aythya marila Winter 8670 1992 2997 11Bucephala clangula Autumn - - - 10Bucephala clangula Spring - - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter - - - 10

Maribo Soerne Anser anser Moulting 6150 1992 5268 1COORDINATES: N5445E01133 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya ferina Winter 5850 1991 - 10

Aythya fuligula Autumn - - - 10Aythya fuligula Spring - - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 39280 1991 7623 11

Nakskov Fjord Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5448E01100 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter - - - 10

Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10Nibe/Gjol Bredning Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5702E00938 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter - - - 10

Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10Cygnus c. bewickii Winter - - - 10Branta b. hrota Winter 1200 1995 646 1Anas penelope Autumn 21600 1991 - 10Anas penelope Spring - - - 10

Nissum Fjord Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 2895 1989 1341 1COORDINATES: N5625E00809 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10

Branta b. hrota Spring 1070 1990 - 10Branta b. hrota Winter 408 1992 181 1Anas acuta Autumn - - - 10Anas acuta Spring - - - 10

Nordfelt and Borre Sømose Anser f. fabalis Winter 1780 1987 366 8COORDINATES: N5501E01227 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Nors So and Vendlet So Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5702E00835 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

267



Nykobing F. Reserve Aythya fuligula Winter 11000 1983 5693 8COORDINATES: N5449E01152 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedOdense Fjord Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5528E01031 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 10333 1970 3739 2Offshore Danish Wadden Sea Melanitta nigra Autumn 41150 - - 10COORDINATES: N5515E00825 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Melanitta nigra Moulting - - - 10

Melanitta nigra Spring 37005 - - 10Melanitta nigra Summer - - - 10Melanitta nigra Winter 120490 1987 23325 1

Omo Stalgrunde Aythya fuligula Winter 10000 1972 7806 9COORDINATES: N5510E01110 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Autumn 12800 1988 - 10

Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 47000 1993 - 10Mergus serrator Autumn 521 1988 - 10

Oveso Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N5702E00837 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRanders Fjord Branta b. hrota Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5635E01020 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Spring - - - 10

Branta b. hrota Winter - - - 10Rodsand and Sakfjed Inddaemning Cygnus olor Moulting 9300 1989 - 1COORDINATES: N5440E01135 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 4540 - 4540 1

Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10Anser f. fabalis Winter 6570 1987 39 8Branta b. bernicla Spring - - - 10

Roskilde Fjord Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5540E01205 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 7155 1993 3268 2

Cygnus cygnus Winter 508 1970 195 9Aythya fuligula Autumn - - - 10Aythya fuligula Spring - - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 53920 1995 27300 1Bucephala clangula Winter 6909 1996Mergus merganser Winter 5301 1996 - 10

Saeby Aythya marila Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5720E01033 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya marila Winter 18240 1969 6750 1Saltbaekvig Anser f. fabalis Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5542E01113 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10

Anser f. fabalis Winter 1100 1993 457 8Anser anser Moulting - - - 10

Saltholm Cygnus olor Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N5540E01225 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Moulting - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Breeding 21000 - - 10Samso E Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5552E01045 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Breeding - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Moulting - - - 10Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 192960 - 192960 1Melanitta nigra Autumn - - - 10Melanitta nigra Spring - - - 10Melanitta nigra Winter 16460 - 16460 1Bucephala clangula Winter 7220 - 7220 1

Sejero Bugt Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5550E01115 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Spring 33000 1989 - 10

Somateria mollissima Winter 50526 1991 46819 5Melanitta nigra Autumn - - - 10Melanitta nigra Moulting - - - 10Melanitta nigra Spring 49000 1989 - 10Melanitta nigra Winter 16300 - 16300 1Melanitta fusca Autumn - - - 10Melanitta fusca Moulting 10000 1991 - 10Melanitta fusca Spring 7500 1989 - 10

Sjaellands Rev Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5610E01115 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10

Somateria mollissima Winter - - - 10

Skjern A Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5555E00825 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 5362 1989 1931 1

Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10

Sprogo Somateria mollissima Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5515E01100 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria mollissima Spring - - - 10


Sydfynske Ohav Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5455E01030 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 4315 - 4315 1

Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10Branta b. bernicla Spring - - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 106723 1989 72587 5Bucephala clangula Winter 4920 - 4920 1Mergus serrator Autumn - - - 10Mergus serrator Spring - - - 10Mergus serrator Winter 1387 1991 1086 11Mergus serrator Winter - - - 10

The Sound (Vestamager) Cygnus olor Winter 2175 - 2175 1COORDINATES: N5535E01232 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 13195 - 13195 1

Bucephala clangula Winter 3525 1992 2822 11Mergus merganser Winter 2840 - 2840 1

Tipperne Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5553E00814 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 387 1992 188 10

Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 5203 1990 3369 1

268



Tipperne ... continued Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10Anser anser Moulting - - - 10Anas penelope Autumn - - - 10Anas penelope Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas crecca Spring - - - 10Anas acuta Autumn 1374 1991 380 11Anas acuta Spring - - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn - - - 10

Tisso Anser anser Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N5533E01115 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedTonder Marsk Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5457E00845 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 490 1984 83 8

Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 304 1981 6 8Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn - - - 10Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 2377 1992 677 1Anser anser Moulting - - - 10Branta leucopsis Autumn - - - 10Branta leucopsis Spring - - - 10Branta leucopsis Winter 6243 - 730 8Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas crecca Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Winter 10594 - - 10

Tylstrup Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5710E00958 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10

Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10Ulvshale-Nyord Cygnus olor Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N5505E01215 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 10030 - 10030 1

Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10Anser anser Moulting - - - 10Branta leucopsis Spring - - - 10Anas penelope Autumn - - - 10Anas penelope Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas crecca Spring - - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn - - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 4117 1991 2705 11

Vejlerne Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5705E00901 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 625 1993 459 5

Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 1396 1992 971 1Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10Anser f. fabalis Autumn - - - 10Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10Anser f. fabalis Winter 804 1990 599 8Anser anser Moulting - - - 10Anas penelope Autumn - - - 10Anas penelope Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas crecca Spring - - - 10

Vejsnaes Flak Melanitta nigra Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5442E01025 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Melanitta nigra Winter - - - 10Veno Bugt Branta b. hrota Spring 310 1995 155 1COORDINATES: N5630E00840 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Bucephala clangula Autumn - - - 10

Bucephala clangula Spring - - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 9760 1980 1542 8Mergus serrator Autumn - - - 10Mergus serrator Winter 2565 1992 1232 3

Vest Stadil Fjord Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5611E00809 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 8500 1988 730 1

Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 10Anser anser Moulting - - - 10

Voersa Stensnaes Branta b. hrota Winter 92 1993 29 8COORDINATES: N5713E01032 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

EGYPTSites in Egypt that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes ref er to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


El Malaha Tadorna tadorna Winter 2650 1973 - 10COORDINATES: N3113E03219 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas clypeata Winter 8200 1990 - 10Lake Burullus Anas penelope Winter 35600 1980 - 10COORDINATES: N3129E03050 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 63458 1979 - 10

Aythya nyroca Winter 6582 1979 - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 13400 1981 - 10

Lake Manzala Tadorna tadorna Winter 1011 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3117E03202 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 12097 1990 - 10

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1979 - 11

Lake Maryut Aythya nyroca Winter 48 1980 - 11COORDINATES: N3108E02956 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Lake Nasser Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 11000 1976 - 10COORDINATES: N2300E03240 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1990 - 11

269



Lake Qaran Anas clypeata Winter 11686 1980 - 10COORDINATES: N2928E03040 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Nile: Luxor-Aswan Aythya nyroca Winter 183 - - 11COORDINATES: N2500E03300 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Wadi El Natrun Tadorna tadorna Winter 5000 1983 - 10COORDINATES: N3027E03030 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 2 1986 - 11

ESTONIA*Sites in Estonia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Assamalla Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 200 1993 200 1COORDINATES: N5914E02616 PROTECTED STATUS: Not protectedAbruka Island Branta leucopsis Spring 2500 1993 1800 1COORDINATES: N5808E02230 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Bucephala clangula Autumn 4800 1991 - 8Audru Polder Cygnus cygnus Spring 600 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5823E02420 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 400 1990 - 8

Branta leucopsis Spring 6000 1993 2500 1Emajoe Suursoo Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 800 1994 - 8COORDINATES: N5824E02715 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedHaademeeste Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 400 1990s - 8COORDINATES: N5804E02429 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHaapsalu Bay Cygnus olor Winter 3000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5858E02332 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus cygnus Autumn - - 500 8

Cygnus cygnus Spring 2300 1990s 1000 1Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 2000 1995 300 1Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 2000 1996 500 1Anas strepera Spring >500 1994 - 10

Haeska Anser anser Autumn 2400 1991 940 8COORDINATES: N5847E02340 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHalvati Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 460 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5841E02353 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 200 1995 - 8Hari Kurk Strait Somateria mollissima Moulting 23000 1993 18000 8COORDINATES: N5900E02300 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHarilaid at Sea Polysticta stelleri Winter 2500 1994 1600 1COORDINATES: N5830E02150 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHiiumaa Anser anser Passage - - 4000 8COORDINATES: PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta leucopsis Spring 4400 1993 1620 8Ihamaa Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 600 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5825E02628 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedIrbe Strait Aythya marila Spring 37000 1986 - 8COORDINATES: PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 700000 1

Melanitta fusca Winter - - 190000 1Kaansoo Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 1250 1993 200 1COORDINATES: N5848E02247 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKaktla (Saaremaa) Branta leucopsis Passage 3900 1993 2020 1COORDINATES: N5823E02305 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedKalli Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 1750 1995 200 1COORDINATES: N5832E02401 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKarala (Saaremaa) Branta leucopsis Passage 10000 1994 3990 1COORDINATES: N5815E02154 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedKidise Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 700 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5829E02357 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKilksama Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 800 1994 300 1COORDINATES: N5827E02433 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKloostri Anser anser Autumn 2800 1994 1118 11COORDINATES: N5844E02348 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedKodavere Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 230 1993 200 1COORDINATES: N5841E02710 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKudema Bay Polysticta stelleri Winter 400 1992 95 1COORDINATES: N5831E02215 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKuresoo Cygnus c. bewickii Passage 2000 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5825E02505 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedKuressaare Bay Anas strepera Autumn 2800 1991 - 8COORDINATES: N5814E02230 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLahepera Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 400 1993 250 1COORDINATES: N5834E02713 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLao-Liu coast Cygnus cygnus Spring 500 1995 300 8COORDINATES: N5815E02412 PROTECTED STATUS: Not protected Cygnus c. bewickii Passage 2000 1996 1000 1Lemmetsa Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 260 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5827E02425 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMatsalu Bay Cygnus cygnus Passage 1200 1994 500 1COORDINATES: N5845E02340 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Passage 13500 1994 8500 1

Anser f. rossicus Passage 6000 1991 4500 1Anser anser Autumn 10000 1991 6900 1Branta leucopsis Spring 20900 1993 8200 1Anas acuta Passage 4900 1990s - 8Anas clypeata Spring 500 1990s - 8

* Additional key site information omitted from this table can be found on page 336 at the end of Annex 2.

270



Matsalu Bay ... continued Aythya ferina Moulting 9100 1990s - 8Aythya fuligula Spring 12000 1990s - 8Mergellus albellus Spring 500 1990s - 8Bucephala clangula Spring 10000 1990s - 8

Mustvee Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 1000 1993 200 1COORDINATES: N5851E02958 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedNatsi Bog Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 600 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5831E02403 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedOmedu Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 420 1993 200 1COORDINATES: N5846E02702 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedPaldiski Bay Cygnus cygnus Spring 700 1990s 500 1COORDINATES: N5918E02404 PROTECTED STATUS: Not protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 300 1990s 200 1Parnu Bay and Kihnu Aythya marila Spring 57000 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5808E02410 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Clangula hyemalis Spring 2800000 1993 - 8

Melanitta fusca Spring 70000 1993 - 8Melanitta nigra Spring 111000 1993 - 8Mergellus albellus Spring 250 1990s - 8

Petaaluse Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 260 1993 - 8COORDINATES: N5840E02343 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedRaana Anser anser Autumn 2300 1991 1280 8COORDINATES: N5847E02348 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedRajakula Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 210 1993 150 8COORDINATES: N5847E02658 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedRaluste (Saaremaa) Branta leucopsis Passage 5100 1996 3400 1COORDINATES: N5805E02208 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedRame Bay Mergellus albellus Spring 300 1991 - 8COORDINATES: N5834E02335 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedRiga Bay (North) Aythya marila Spring 70000 1986 - 8COORDINATES: N5820E02325 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Clangula hyemalis Spring 259000 1986 - 8

Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 167000 1Melanitta nigra Spring 29700 1986 - 8Melanitta fusca Spring 46000 1986 11250 1Melanitta fusca Winter - - 11300 1

ETHIOPIASites in Ethiopia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Akaki Region Anas undulata Winter 381 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N0850E03850 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedAshange Lake Oxyura maccoa Winter 121 1994 121 10COORDINATES: N1235E03930 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 4420 1994 4420 10

Anas penelope Winter 3365 1995 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 30 1994 30 11

Bale Mountains National Park and L. Deemtu Cyanochen cyanopterus Breeding - - - 10COORDINATES: N0700E03945 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna ferruginea Breeding 210 1970 115 10

Tadorna ferruginea Spring 52 1975 - 10Tadorna ferruginea Winter - - - 10

Gaferssa Reservoir Cyanochen cyanopterus August 190 - 154 10COORDINATES: N0903E03831 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLake Abijatta Anas clypeata Winter 22260 1994 6949 2COORDINATES: N0733E03831 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLake Adele Anas penelope Winter 4000 1969 4000 10COORDINATES: N0926E04158 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLake Alemaya Anas querquedula Winter 1500 1973 - 10COORDINATES: N0925E04200 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas clypeata Winter 5000 1973 - 10Lake Arakit Anas penelope - 8000 1983 - 10COORDINATES: N0752E03756 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLake Bilate (Boyo Swamp) Anas undulata Winter - 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N0730E03803 PROTECTED STATUS: Controlled Hunting AreaLake Langhu Anas clypeata Winter 6000 1969 6000 10COORDINATES: N0922E04149 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownReservoir North of Hosaina Cyanochen cyanopterus Winter 500 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N0800E03755 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSululta Plain Cyanochen cyanopterus Autumn 350 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N0910E03850 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cyanochen cyanopterus Summer 240 1992 - 10

Cyanochen cyanopterus Winter 150 1992 - 10Web Valley Marshes Cyanochen cyanopterus - 300 1970 - 10COORDINATES: N0700E03040 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

ETHIOPIA/KENYASites in Ethiopia/Kenya that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwintercounts at the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Import ance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning ofthis Annex.


Lake Turkana: Omo River Delta Anas acuta Winter 10000 1982 - 10COORDINATES: N0430E03600 Protected status: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 90000 1982 - 10

271


FINLANDSites in Finland that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aland Islands Polysticta stelleri Winter 320 - - 10COORDINATES: N6015E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownFoglo – Dragsfjard Somateria mollissima Moulting 150000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5945E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Polysticta stelleri Winter 10 1989 2 11Gulf of Finland Somateria mollissima Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N6000E02500 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Polysticta stelleri Spring 1100 1986 - 10

Clangula hyemalis Spring 1000000 - - 10Melanitta nigra Spring 200000 - - 10

Hailuoto Cygnus cygnus Autumn 3000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6500E02445 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHeina-Suvanto-Suvantojarvi Anser f. fabalis Spring 800 -- - 10COORDINATES: N6308E02610 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKirkon-Vilkkilantura Cygnus cygnus Spring 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N6032E02745 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 200 - - 10Liminka Bay Cygnus cygnus Spring 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6450E02520 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. fabalis Spring 10000 - - 10

Anser erythropus Spring 50 - - 11Merikylanlahti Anser erythropus Spring 20 - - 11COORDINATES: N6449E02442 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

FRANCESites in France that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Baie de Bourgneuf et Noirmoutier Branta b. bernicla Winter 8000 1992 6411 1COORDINATES: N4705W00215 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas crecca Winter 9250 1982 903 8

Anas acuta Winter 700 1972 81 8Anas clypeata Winter 850 1982 166 8

Baie de la Somme Tadorna tadorna Winter 10911 1992 8750 1COORDINATES: N5013E00139 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas acuta Winter 2500 1979 292 8Baie de L’Aiguillon et Pointe D’Arcay Branta b. bernicla Winter 4110 1994 2035 8COORDINATES: N4619W00111 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 9200 1986 6682 1

Anas penelope Winter 21810 1979 842 8Anas crecca Winter 29545 1982 1043 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 27900 1983 2741 8Anas acuta Winter 12300 1970 952 1Anas clypeata Winter 8249 1980 318 8

Baie de St Brieuc/Yffiniac Branta b. bernicla Winter 4400 1995 3000 1COORDINATES: N4838W00233 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedBaie de Vilaine Branta b. bernicla Winter 3610 1993 2584 8COORDINATES: N4730W00228 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya marila Winter 5440 1993 2034 8Baie des Veys Tadorna tadorna Winter 3700 1987 448 8COORDINATES: N4920W00109 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas acuta Winter 1358 1982 186 8Baie du Mont St Michel Branta b. bernicla Winter 4600 1995 3525 1COORDINATES: N4840W00140 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 4040 1985 2116 8

Anas penelope Winter 25000 1982 292 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 20000 1979 2341 8

Bassin du Leman Aythya fuligula Winter 19823 1993 13620 1COORDINATES: N4631E00634 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedBassin d’Arcachon: Le Teich Branta b. bernicla Winter 38065 1995 28598 1COORDINATES: N4440W00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas acuta Winter 3160 1987 1742 1

Anas clypeata Winter 1220 1987 172 8Cote Charentaise Melanitta nigra Winter 16681 1994 8768 8COORDINATES: N4553W00122 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedCote de La Rochelle Anas acuta Winter 1250 1971 314 9COORDINATES: N4609W00107 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedCote Ouest du Cotentin Melanitta nigra Winter 18650 1990 8336 8COORDINATES: N4856W00255 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedCours du Rhin Anas strepera Winter 4984 1990 3999 1COORDINATES: N4920E00742 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 64963 1981 34386 1

Aythya ferina Winter 27556 1980 5436 1Aythya fuligula Winter 37014 1988 24578 1

Dombes-Vallee de l’Ain Anas clypeata Winter 1016 1982 182 8COORDINATES: N4558E00507 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedEtang de Bagnas Tadorna tadorna Winter 1200 1977 4 8COORDINATES: N4315E00332 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedEtang de Biguglia Aythya ferina Winter 13500 1978 1228 8COORDINATES: N4231E00932 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 9000 1976 3150 8Etang de Hourtin/Carcans Anas crecca Winter 4096 1982 46 8COORDINATES: N4508W00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedEtangs de la Brenne Anas strepera Winter 330 1983 176 8COORDINATES: N4641E00113 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas strepera Winter 330 1983 176 8

Anas clypeata Winter 1091 1981 264 8Aythya ferina Winter 6155 1982 1075 8

Etangs de la Sologne Anas clypeata Winter 618 1982 28 8COORDINATES: N4729E00151 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

272



Etangs de Lorraine Aythya ferina Winter 5991 1989 3165 8COORDINATES: N4854E00644 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedGolfe du Morbihan Branta b. bernicla Winter 9540 1992 8094 1COORDINATES: N4731W00248 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 3890 1993 2787 8

Anas penelope Winter 35000 1967 2834 8Anas crecca Winter 7420 1979 1506 8Anas acuta Winter 4000 1973 1274 1Anas clypeata Winter 950 1979 368 8Aythya ferina Winter 4700 1987 1391 8Mergus serrator Winter 1730 1992 1556 1

Herault Coast Tadorna tadorna Winter 1502 1993 1502 10COORDINATES: N4315E00325 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedIle de Re Branta b. bernicla Winter 17805 1992 12903 1COORDINATES: N4609W00123 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedIles St Aubin/Angers Aythya ferina Winter 7000 1970 224 9COORDINATES: N4729W00033 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLa Camargue Tadorna tadorna Winter 2781 1993 1543 1COORDINATES: N4331E00432 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas penelope Winter 30080 1976 11169 1

Anas strepera Winter 16111 1981 11494 1Anas crecca Winter 54790 1973 23039 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 45000 1965 16056 1Anas clypeata Winter 17175 1982 6999 1Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 6 1974 0 11Netta rufina Winter 5540 1981 3642 1Aythya ferina Winter 20163 1974 9719 8Aythya fuligula Winter 8100 1991 4528 8

La Grande Briere Anas strepera Winter 319 1992 150 9COORDINATES: N4709W00217 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLac du Der-Chantecoq Anas strepera Winter 1220 1983 5 8COORDINATES: N4834E00450 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 31500 1982 373 8Lac D’Annecy Netta rufina Winter 274 1987 28 8COORDINATES: N4550E00613 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLittoral Oceanique: Loire – Gironde Melanitta nigra Winter 16750 1990 16750 10COORDINATES: N4600W00200 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLittoral Sud Vendee Melanitta nigra Winter 17000 1984 674 8COORDINATES: N4631W00028 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLoire: Estuary et Massereau et Barracons Anas crecca Winter 13180 1982 5778 1COORDINATES: N4720W00205 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas acuta Winter 2500 1969 135 8

Anas clypeata Winter 4500 1983 1187 1Marais d’Olonne et Chanteloup Anas acuta Winter 930 1981 601 1COORDINATES: N4631W00146 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 760 1993 455 1Moeze-Ile D’Oleron Branta b. bernicla Winter 19620 1992 14581 1COORDINATES: N4555W00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedPort du Bouc – Fos Sur Mer Netta rufina Winter 375 1985 104 11COORDINATES: N4320E00501 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedRade de Brest Mergus serrator Winter 2150 1990 985 8COORDINATES: N4820W00425 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedRade de Lorient Branta b. bernicla Winter 3890 1992 2260 8COORDINATES: N4742W00320 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedRade de Penerf Anas acuta Winter 800 1978 354 9COORDINATES: N4731W00240 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 2100 1968 30 9

Aythya ferina Winter 5300 1971 60 9Reserve Naturelle de Moeze/Oleron Tadorna tadorna Winter 3819 1987 1311 8COORDINATES: N4554W00101 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 846 1993 264 8Reserve de St-Denis-du Payre Anas clypeata Winter 720 1983 40 8COORDINATES: N4620W00107 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedRhone: Grand Netta rufina Winter 1150 1985 1150 10COORDINATES: N4331E00440 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedSeine: Estuaire Anas acuta Winter 1700 1977 676 1COORDINATES: N4931E00018 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedSeine: Honfleur – Cabourg (Baie) Melanitta nigra Winter 28800 1989 10421 8COORDINATES: N4915E00134 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedSeine: Lavacourt – Bray Sur Seine Aythya ferina Winter 4264 1987 4264 10COORDINATES: N4830E00230 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedSeine: Pont de l’Arches – Verdon Aythya ferina Winter 5620 1989 3898 1COORDINATES: N4915E00125 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedStation D’epuration de Rochefort/Mer Anas clypeata Winter 430 1990 243 8COORDINATES: N4556W00100 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedSud-Loire Anas acuta Winter 1500 1971 18 8COORDINATES: N4704W00145 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 2300 1992 1878 1

Aythya ferina Winter 7000 1967 1950 8Yffiniac-Morieux Anas acuta Winter 2000 1985 271 8COORDINATES: N4831W00240 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

GAMBIASites in Gambia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


River Gambie Middle Section Plectropterus gambensis Winter 500 1970 - 10COORDINATES: N1330W01515 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1250 1970 - 10

273


GERMANYSites in Germany that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aassee Anas strepera Autumn 490 - - 10COORDINATES: N5430E00957 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAhlhorner Fishteiche Anas crecca Autumn 8114 - - 10COORDINATES: N5256E00808 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAller: Hademsdorf-Rethem Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 443 - - 10COORDINATES: N5240E00944 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 417 - - 10Allwoerdener Aussendeich Anser anser Spring 2350 1990 - 10COORDINATES: N5410E00918 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAlte Elbe Bosevig Anser f. rossicus Winter 3100 1990 1550 11COORDINATES: N5148E01248 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAmmersee Netta rufina Winter 310 - - 10COORDINATES: N4800E01107 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 17138 - 651 9Beetzsee/Riewendsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 11000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5228E01240 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBergwitzsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 30000 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N5148E01236 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBinnendeichsflächen Jadebusen Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 1295 1984 - 8COORDINATES: N5436E00811 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBlankensee/Grossinsee Anas clypeata Winter 511 - - 10COORDINATES: N5215E01308 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBock and Grosser Werder Anser albifrons Winter 23500 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N5425E01256 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 9700 1992 5117 10Borgfelder Wummewiesen Und “nasses Dreieck” Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 200 - - 10COORDINATES: N5307E00830 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBreitlingsee Wusterwitzer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 3200 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5222E01226 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBrodtener Ufer Aythya ferina Winter 4453 - - 10COORDINATES: N5359E01052 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 20768 - 3243 9

Aythya marila Spring 3382 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 17950 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 6320 - - 10

Caciliengroden-Dangast Anas strepera Autumn 400 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownChiemsee Netta rufina Autumn 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4755E01227 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Netta rufina Winter 800 - - 10

Aythya fuligula Autumn 10000 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 13000 - - 10

Conventer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5412E01155 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 14000 1994 - 10

Aythya ferina Winter 3900 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 11200 - - 10

Daenische Wiek Kooser Wiesen Anser f. rossicus Winter 7200 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5405E01330 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 38340 1992 - 10

Anser anser Autumn 6500 1992 3689 10Darsser Bodden Cygnus olor Winter 6829 - 166 8COORDINATES: N5424E01250 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 1117 - 185 8

Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 416 - - 10Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 221 - - 10Anser f. rossicus Winter 12920 1990 6225 5Anser albifrons Winter 86000 1992 - 10Anser anser Autumn 8000 1992 5147 5Anas platyrhynchos Winter 26678 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 15332 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 10551 - - 10Aythya marila Spring 6750 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 12258 1993 10321 1Bucephala clangula Winter 4383 1991 2664 8Mergellus albellus Winter 1595 1994 636 1Mergus merganser Winter 8000 1974 28 8

Dassower See Aythya ferina Winter 4300 - - 10COORDINATES: N5353E01047 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala clangula Moulting 4100 - - 10

Bucephala clangula Winter 4000 - - 10Deichvorland In Oderbruch Cygnus cygnus Winter 1200 - 320 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDobersdorfer See Anas strepera Winter 540 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDollart and Rheiderland Anser albifrons Winter 43572 1989 25790 10COORDINATES: N5315E00710 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Spring 5483 1993 - 10

Anser anser Winter 6580 1989 2284 1Donau: 2248-2390 Aythya ferina Winter 12075 - - 10COORDINATES: N4850E01251 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 25567 - - 10Dretzee Anser f. rossicus Winter 4680 1991 2127 11COORDINATES: N5250E01312 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDummer Anas platyrhynchos Winter 75000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5231E00820 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas acuta Winter 600 - - 10

Anas clypeata Autumn 480 - - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 700 - - 10

Ehrenhain Anser f. rossicus Winter 28100 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5052E01233 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

274



Elbaue: Schnackenburg-Lauenburg Cygnus cygnus Winter 2550 - 399 1COORDINATES: N5305E01127 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 2400 - - 10Elbe Burg – Schoenhausen Anser f. rossicus Winter 5800 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5230E01200 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe Lowland Wittenberge Anser f. rossicus Winter 4875 1992 2083 11COORDINATES: N5255E01150 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: 371-388 Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 176 - - 10COORDINATES: N5232E01206 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 373 - - 10Elbe: 414-423 Aythya nyroca Winter 46 1992 9 11COORDINATES: N5249E01206 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: 436-442 Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 197 - - 10COORDINATES: N5254E01153 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Aland-Niederung Cygnus cygnus Winter 400 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 200 - - 10Elbe: Barnkrug-Otterndorf Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 5000 1978 - 10COORDINATES: N5347E00907 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1600 - - 10

Anser anser Autumn 2280 1989 - 10Branta leucopsis Winter 31600 - - 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 3370 - - 10Anas crecca Winter 4350 - - 10Anas acuta Winter 1300 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 1550 - - 10

Elbe: Bishorst-Pinnaukruckau Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 723 - - 10COORDINATES: N5338E00932 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 430 - - 10Elbe: Glückstadt – Hamburg Anser anser Winter 2325 1990 1284 11COORDINATES: N5335E00930 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Haseldorfer Marsch Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 348 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Hitzacker – Alt Garge Anser erythropus Winter 5 1989 1 11COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Luhesand-Hahnofersand Anas clypeata Winter 470 - - 10COORDINATES: N5338E00945 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Otterndorf - Glückstadt Anser albifrons Winter 10775 1989 10775 10COORDINATES: N5348E00855 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Branta leucopsis Autumn 17395 1989 17395 10

Branta leucopsis Winter 13706 1989 13706 10Elbe: St Margarethen-Stormundung Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 516 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Steckby Anser f. rossicus Winter 3030 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N5155E01202 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Stormundung-Kruckaumundung Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1131 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownElbe: Wedeler Marsch Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 954 - - 10COORDINATES: N5337E00940 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 2270 1992 - 10

Anas crecca Winter 8700 - - 10Anas acuta Spring 1100 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 488 - - 10

Emsaltwasser B. Vellage Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 350 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownEmstal Nordl Aschendorf Cygnus cygnus Spring 433 - - 10COORDINATES: N5304E00718 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 212 - - 10

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 180 - - 10Ems: Bingen-Pogum Cygnus cygnus Winter 3489 - - 10COORDINATES: N4958E00755 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownEschefelder Teiche Anser f. rossicus Winter 8830 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5104E01231 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownFelchowsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 12000 1991 9600 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 13000 1991 11900 10

Anser anser Autumn 2000 1992 - 10Flensburger Aussenforde Somateria mollissima Autumn 20000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5448E00954 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 17507 - - 10Galenbecker See Anser f. rossicus Autumn 9000 1990 9000 10COORDINATES: N5335E01340 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Autumn 7500 1990 7500 10

Anser albifrons Winter 13000 1990 4344 11Anser erythropus Autumn 13 1996 - 11Anas strepera Autumn 1000 - - 10Anas strepera Spring 600 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 800 - - 10Anas clypeata Spring 600 - - 10

Geithain Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5105E01242 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownGreifswalder Bodden Cygnus olor Winter 11161 - 1249 8COORDINATES: N5415E01330 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1644 - 220 8

Anas crecca Winter 10000 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 13967 - - 10Aythya marila Spring 15120 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 16485 1991 13062 1Bucephala clangula Winter 7812 1992 5810 1Mergellus albellus Winter 662 - 231 3Mergus serrator Winter 5335 1990 2401 1Mergus merganser Winter 12300 - - 10

Grober Ploner See Anas strepera Autumn 393 - - 10COORDINATES: N5407E01024 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 23660 - - 10

275



Grosser Binnensee Aythya marila Spring 3500 - - 10COORDINATES: N5419E01037 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 3300 - - 10Grosser Teich Torgau Anser f. rossicus Winter 9500 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N5133E01259 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownGrubensee Lauchhammer Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1993 2010 11COORDINATES: N5128E01351 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownGrubenseen Merseburg Anser f. rossicus Winter 17700 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5116E01148 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHauke-Haien-Koog Anas clypeata Autumn 1800 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas clypeata Moulting 500 - - 10Helmestausee Bergakelbra Anas clypeata Autumn 750 - - 10COORDINATES: N5125E01104 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHemmelmarker See Aythya fuligula Winter 15000 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 7500 - - 10Hiddensee/Bessin Anser anser Autumn 5000 1992 2640 10COORDINATES: N5434E01308 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHohwachter Bucht Aythya marila Winter 6590 - - 10COORDINATES: N5418E01043 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala clangula Winter 6000 - - 10Inn: Salzachmundung Anas strepera Autumn 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4825E01326 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 4000 - - 10

Aythya ferina Autumn 11542 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 11295 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 10484 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 4000 - - 10

Inn: Stausee Unterhalb Wasserburg Anas strepera Winter 2151 - - 10COORDINATES: N4805E01212 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Autumn 520 - - 10Isle of Poel Anser f. rossicus Winter 3680 1992 1404 11COORDINATES: N5400E01128 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownIsmaninger Speichersee Mit Fischteichen Anas strepera Autumn 5962 - - 10COORDINATES: N4813E01145 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Spring 999 - - 10

Anas strepera Summer 7800 - - 10Netta rufina Autumn 3100 - - 10Netta rufina Moulting 3170 - - 10Netta rufina Spring 281 - - 10Aythya ferina Moulting 21000 - - 10Aythya fuligula Moulting 18200 - - 10

Jadebusen: Vareler Hafen-Wapeler Siel Anser anser Winter 3500 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5436E00811 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownJasmunder Boddenkette Cygnus cygnus Winter 911 - 169 8COORDINATES: N5424E01335 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 9550 1991 4177 11

Anser anser Autumn 3030 1993 - 10Aythya ferina Winter 8362 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 24013 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 3869 1971 11 8Mergellus albellus Winter 1194 1991 820 1

Kachliner See Anas strepera Winter 1200 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKasseteiche Anas strepera Autumn 620 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKeezer See Anser albifrons Winter 9780 1990 - 10COORDINATES: N5344E01143 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKiel Bucht Somateria mollissima Winter 303355 - - 10COORDINATES: N5420E01008 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Melanitta nigra Winter 62770 - - 10Kieler Förde Aythya fuligula Winter 23544 - 5000 10COORDINATES: N5424E01011 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Somateria mollissima Winter 36000 1982 9000 11Kleiner Binnensee Anas clypeata Autumn 800 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKleines Oderhaff Bucephala clangula Winter 5827 1994 2331 8COORDINATES: N5344E01408 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergellus albellus Winter 3781 1993 1779 1

Mergus merganser Winter 8518 1994 4051 1Koelpinsee Anser f. rossicus Autumn 3000 1991 3000 10COORDINATES: N5330E01236 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKossenblatter Seen Anser f. rossicus Winter 3950 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5208E01406 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKrakower Obersee Anser anser Autumn 3000 1990 1600 11COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Autumn 12000 - - 10Kremmener Luch Anser f. rossicus Winter 4030 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5248E01300 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKrummenhagen See Anser albifrons Winter 7000 1990 7000 10COORDINATES: N5414E01301 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKubitzer Bodden Anser albifrons Winter 11000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5404E01302 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKuhlrader Moor Anser anser Autumn 2000 1991 1300 11COORDINATES: N5344E01058 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKuhrener Teich Anas strepera Autumn 630 - - 10COORDINATES: N5411E01018 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas clypeata Autumn 600 - - 10Kummerower See Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 220 - - 10COORDINATES: N5349E01250 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 12000 1992 6305 10

Anas acuta Spring 850 - - 10Kuste Der Probstei Aythya marila Winter 20000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5426E01022 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

276



Lanker See Mergus merganser Winter 3000 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lebrader Teiche Anas strepera Autumn 1830 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lech: Stausee Rain Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1972 2 11COORDINATES: N4843E01050 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lewitz-Teiche Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 1077 - - 10COORDINATES: N5325E01138 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 25000 1994 - 10

Anas strepera Winter 1400 - - 10

Lower Havel and Gulper See Cygnus cygnus Spring 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N5245E01216 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 200 - - 10

Anser f. rossicus Winter 45000 1990 - 10Anser albifrons Winter 33000 1992 - 10Anser anser Autumn 5400 1990 4133 5Anas clypeata Spring 1200 - - 10

Lowland Sude-Schaale Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1992 6000 10COORDINATES: N5322E01054 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ls Breitlingsee, Wusterwitzer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 3200 1992 1850 11COORDINATES: N5222E01226 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Main: Dettingen-Oberrad Aythya ferina Winter 4593 1993 2106 8COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Main: Kitzingen-Hohenfeld Aythya ferina Spring 3927 - - 10COORDINATES: N5001E01020 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Mechower See Anser anser Autumn 4550 1990 - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Mickowsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 3340 1993 1293 11COORDINATES: N5342E01144 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Moenchsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 25000 1990 25000 10COORDINATES: N5327E01248 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Muhlenberger Loch Tadorna tadorna Winter 3000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5332E00952 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 8000 - - 10

Anas clypeata Autumn 2600 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 4500 - - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 2000 - - 10

Mulde Eilenberg Anser f. rossicus Winter 4425 1993 2331 11COORDINATES: N5125E01241 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Muldestausee Anser f. rossicus Winter 9500 1993 4652 5COORDINATES: N5138E01218 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Neolith-Teich Anser f. rossicus Winter 29000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5149E01159 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Neuendorfer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 10500 1990 3500 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Neuendorfer Wiek Ruegen Anser anser Autumn 2400 1991 1475 11COORDINATES: N5417E01332 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Neustadter Bucht Anas strepera Winter 450 - - 10COORDINATES: N5405E01050 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Spring 10300 - - 10

Aythya marila Winter 15400 - - 10

Nordervieland Hafen Bremen Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 197 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Nordsee: Lister Tiefe Somateria mollissima Winter 30000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5440E00830 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Melanitta nigra Autumn 84475 - - 10

Melanitta nigra Spring 30000 - - 10Melanitta nigra Summer 38590 - - 10Melanitta nigra Winter 190000 - - 10

Ober and Unter Uckersee Anser f. rossicus Winter 4200 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5314E01353 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 2050 1992 1727 11

Oberrhein: Feldflur Zw. Grissheim Und Zienken Anser f. rossicus Winter 5010 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N4750E00738 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Oder Bank Melanitta nigra Winter 56750 - - 10COORDINATES: N5420E01425 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Oder River Lowland Near Friedrichsthal Anser f. rossicus Winter 7000 1990 2810 8COORDINATES: N5310E01423 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 10000 1990 2330 8

Oder River Lowland Near Neuruednitz Anser f. rossicus Winter 43200 1991 13340 1COORDINATES: N5247E01423 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Oder River Lowland Near Schwedt Anser albifrons Winter 8550 1990 6000 10COORDINATES: N5304E01422 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Winter 10650 1990 5346 5

Oder: Friedrichsthal Anser f. rossicus Winter 7000 1990 - 10COORDINATES: N5310E01423 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 10000 1990 - 10

Oder: Neuruednitz Anser f. rossicus Winter 49000 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5247E01423 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 21000 1994 - 10

Oder: Schwedt Anser f. rossicus Winter 10650 1990 - 10COORDINATES: N5304E01422 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 8550 1990 - 10

Oder: Seelow Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5237E01435 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Oetteliner See Anser albifrons Winter 11430 1992 3503 11COORDINATES: N5352E01201 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Opfinger Stausee Aythya ferina Autumn 6610 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya ferina Winter 8910 - - 10

277



Ostbucht Des Fehmarnsundes Aythya fuligula Winter 23520 1982 338 9COORDINATES: N5424E01109 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 9500 - - 10

Somateria mollissima Winter 21000 - 5800 10Melanitta nigra Winter 24500 - - 10

Ostkuste Oldenburgs Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 402 - - 10COORDINATES: N5420E01110 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Spring 11920 - - 10

Aythya fuligula Winter 15427 1982 110 9Aythya marila Spring 10885 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 12035 1982 - 9

Ostseeboddengewasser Westrugen-Zingst Cygnus olor Autumn 4400 - - 10COORDINATES: N5432E01307 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Spring 4400 - - 10

Cygnus olor Winter 13461 - 16 8Cygnus cygnus Winter 1400 - 96 8Anas strepera Autumn 420 - - 10Anas crecca Autumn 5600 - - 10Anas acuta Autumn 1500 - - 10Anas acuta Spring 5800 - - 10Anas acuta Winter 1250 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 400 - - 10Aythya fuligula Autumn 30000 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 21609 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 13065 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 3400 - - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 1000 - - 10Mergus serrator Autumn 2500 1994 1207 8Mergus serrator Spring 1750 - - 10

Ostseekuste Anas platyrhynchos Winter 21590 - - 10COORDINATES: N5426E01106 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Spring 3200 - - 10

Aythya marila Winter 11000 - - 1Melanitta nigra Winter 16780 - - 10Mergus serrator Winter 3275 - - 10

Ostsee: Priwall-Ahlbeck Cygnus cygnus Winter 495 - - 10COORDINATES: N5359E01103 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 5123 - - 10

Mergus serrator Winter 2113 - - 10Ostufer Der Muritz Aythya ferina Autumn 15000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5326E01245 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya fuligula Autumn 20000 - - 10Ost- Und Sudokuste Fehmarns Aythya fuligula Winter 31400 - 6782 8COORDINATES: N5427E01117 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 22630 - - 10Pagensand Cygnus cygnus Spring 440 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownPeenestrom; Usedomer Bodden U Seen Cygnus cygnus Winter 482 - - 10COORDINATES: N5355E01347 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Winter 3055 1993 1553 11

Anser albifrons Winter 6969 1992 3747 11Aythya fuligula Winter 13607 - 5142 8Mergellus albellus Winter 2216 1990 1001 1Mergus merganser Winter 3605 1993 2271 1

Peetscher See Anser f. rossicus Winter 5500 1992 2830 11COORDINATES: N5348E01200 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownPlauer See Aythya ferina Winter 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 20000 - - 10

Bucephala clangula Winter 3000 - - 10Pomeranian Bay Melanitta nigra Winter 34720 - - 10COORDINATES: N5405E01415 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Melanitta fusca Winter 357210 - - 10

Mergus serrator Winter 5315 - - 10Pritzerber See Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N5230E01228 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownPutzarer See Anas strepera Winter 6000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5340E01343 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRambower Moor Anser f. rossicus Winter 5132 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5308E01136 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRangsdorfer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 13600 1993 6627 1COORDINATES: N5218E01326 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownReitzer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 5600 1990 - 10COORDINATES: N5222E01239 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRheiderland Branta leucopsis Winter 3438 1993 688 8COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRhein: Breisach-Nonnenweier Anas strepera Winter 1549 - - 2COORDINATES: N4802E00736 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 23100 - - 10

Aythya ferina Winter 11200 - - 2Aythya fuligula Winter 11500 - - 10

Rhein: Eltville-Bingen Aythya ferina Winter 7930 - - 10COORDINATES: N5000E00801 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedRhein: Meissenheim-Marlen Aythya ferina Winter 12000 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 11500 - - 10Rhein: Murgmundung-Grauelsbaum Anas platyrhynchos Winter 29714 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya ferina Winter 12673 - - 10

Aythya fuligula Spring 15313 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 18249 - - 10

Rhein: Nonnenweier-Meissenheim Anas strepera Winter 1088 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya ferina Winter 11250 - - 10Rhein: Weil-Breisach Anas platyrhynchos Winter 32020 - - 2COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRieselfelder Munster Anas clypeata Autumn 700 - - 10COORDINATES: N5202E00739 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

278



Rietzer See Anser f. rossicus Winter 5600 1990 3300 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 2000 1992 - 10

Roeggeliner See/Kuhlrader Moor Anser anser Autumn 2500 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5412E01225 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ruehner See and Buetzower Stadtsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 3500 1992 2333 10COORDINATES: N5350E01158 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 10000 1994 4333 10

Rugen: Hagensche Wiek Anser albifrons Winter 19500 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5416E01348 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Rugen: Libitz/Prieb.w. Anser albifrons Winter 15000 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N5424E01313 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ruhr: Baldeneysee Aythya ferina Winter 5000 - 132 8COORDINATES: N5124E00708 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ruhr: Hengsteysee Aythya ferina Winter 3594 - - 10COORDINATES: N5124E00728 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ruhr: Stausee Geisecke Aythya ferina Winter 3608 - - 10COORDINATES: N5127E00737 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Russee Anas clypeata Autumn 450 - - 10COORDINATES: N5418E01005 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Schaalsee Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 1992 1588 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 2150 1992 2125 10

Schlei Aythya fuligula Winter 14969 - - 10COORDINATES: N5437E00953 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergus merganser Winter 2000 - - 10

Schollener See Anser f. rossicus Winter 7000 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N5240E01208 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Schoritzer Wiek Anser albifrons Winter 31000 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5415E01320 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 9800 1990 4777 10

Schweriner See Aythya fuligula Spring 18000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5338E01125 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Selenter See Anas strepera Autumn 800 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas clypeata Autumn 570 - - 10

Senftenberger Seen Anser f. rossicus Winter 3026 1991 1675 11COORDINATES: N5132E01355 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Speicherbecken Borna Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1993 5250 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Starnberger See Netta rufina Winter 276 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Stausee Bautzen Anser f. rossicus Winter 12000 1994 1475 10COORDINATES: N5113E01427 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Steinhuder Meer Anas clypeata Autumn 510 - - 10COORDINATES: N5228E00920 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya ferina Autumn 4457 - - 10

Aythya ferina Spring 4287 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 4000 - - 10Mergus merganser Winter 2800 - - 10

Stossdorfer Seen Anser f. rossicus Winter 10000 1992 1688 10COORDINATES: N5150E01349 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Strelasund Cygnus olor Winter 3310 1969 821 8COORDINATES: N5423E01250 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 512 - 85 8

Anser albifrons Winter 19300 1992 - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 13477 - - 10Aythya marila Spring 15080 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 5250 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 5280 1992 3737 1Mergellus albellus Winter 923 1994 537 1Mergus merganser Winter 2530 1974 21 8

Sude-Schaale Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5322E01054 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Sudufer Der Eckernforder Bucht Aythya fuligula Winter 10559 1987 3545 8COORDINATES: N5428E01008 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 5210 - - 10

Bucephala clangula Winter 8000 - - 10

Sumpfsee Anser albifrons Winter 6900 1991 2448 11COORDINATES: N5345E01211 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 6780 1992 3987 10

Tagebau Haselbach Anser f. rossicus Winter 4380 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5105E01224 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Tagesbausee Goitsche Anser f. rossicus Winter 17100 1990 3870 10COORDINATES: N5139E01216 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Talsperre Quitzdorf Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N5111E01447 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Talsperre Schoembach Anser f. rossicus Winter 4170 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N5054E01235 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Teichgebiet Peitz Anser f. rossicus Winter 3450 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5151E01425 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Teterower See Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1992 2100 11COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 8000 1992 4400 11

Thurbr./Kachliner S Anser f. rossicus Winter 3284 1990 1560 11COORDINATES: N5354E01407 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Traveforde Cygnus cygnus Winter 1006 - 156 11COORDINATES: N5357E01052 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya ferina Winter 5261 - - 10

Aythya fuligula Winter 22250 - - 10

279



Traveforde ... continued Aythya marila Autumn 40000 - - 10Aythya marila Spring 4500 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 26838 - - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 280 - - 10Mergus merganser Winter 2511 - - 10

Udarser Wiek Anser albifrons Winter 13400 1990 - 10COORDINATES: N5428E01316 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 2500 1990 1985 11

Unterer Niederrhein Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N5143E00614 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas acuta Winter 800 - - 10

Aythya ferina Winter 6000 - - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 250 - - 10

Unterer Niederrhein, Bislicher-Insel-Komplex Anser albifrons Winter 23848 1990 12154 10COORDINATES: N5139E00630 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 9675 1989 4930 10

Unterer Niederrhein, Byland-Komplex Anser f. rossicus Winter 7488 1990 4580 10COORDINATES: N5152E00605 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 48027 1990 28903 10

Unterer Niederrhein, Grietherbusch-Komplex Anser f. rossicus Winter 6930 1989 3568 10COORDINATES: N5149E00621 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 13040 1990 6550 10

Unterer Niederrhein, Hübsch-Komplex Anser f. rossicus Winter 7550 1989 3950 10COORDINATES: N5142E00627 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 29298 1989 16730 10

Unterer Niederrhein,orsoyer Rheinbogen-Komplex Anser albifrons Winter 24518 1989 17521 10COORDINATES: N5134E00640 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Unterer Odertai Bei Schwedt Cygnus cygnus Spring 600 - - 10COORDINATES: N5301E01418 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1000 - 249 9

Anas strepera Spring 500 - - 10Anas crecca Spring 4700 - - 10Anas acuta Spring 4300 - - 10Anas clypeata Spring 2500 - - 10Aythya ferina Spring 12300 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 6500 - - 10

Unterwarnow R. Anser albifrons Winter 25000 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5410E01208 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Unterweser Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 360 - - 10COORDINATES: N5323E00830 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 13500 - 3100 8

Varchentiner See Anser f. rossicus Winter 7000 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5337E01250 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 2500 1989 - 10

Wadden Sea (Hamburgisches) Tadorna tadorna Autumn 52300 - - 1COORDINATES: N5358E00830 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Spring 4207 - - 1

Tadorna tadorna Winter 8025 - - 1

Wadden Sea (Ns) Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 898 - - 10COORDINATES: N5343E00828 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 2587 - - 10

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 317 - - 10Branta leucopsis Spring 15713 - - 1Branta leucopsis Winter 30178 - - 1Branta b. bernicla Autumn 7976 - - 10Branta b. bernicla Spring 19268 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Autumn 98097 - - 1Tadorna tadorna Spring 26069 - - 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 53819 - - 1Anas penelope Autumn 28315 - - 10Anas penelope Spring 18779 - - 10Anas crecca Autumn 10031 - - 10Anas crecca Spring 4380 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Spring 25519 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 53644 - - 10Anas acuta Spring 3037 - - 10Anas acuta Winter 2932 - - 10Anas clypeata Spring 644 - - 10Anas clypeata Summer 695 - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 37206 - - 10

Wadden Sea (Sh) Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 592 - - 10COORDINATES: N5424E00849 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 230 - - 10

Branta leucopsis Spring 27563 - - 1Branta leucopsis Winter 31662 - - 10Branta b. bernicla Autumn 47365 - - 10Branta b. bernicla Winter 94467 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Autumn 81509 - - 1Tadorna tadorna Moulting 125000 - - 1Tadorna tadorna Spring 19541 - - 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 74877 - - 1Anas penelope Autumn 137737 - - 1Anas penelope Spring 25507 - - 1Anas penelope Winter 84947 - - 1Anas strepera Autumn 306 - - 10Anas crecca Autumn 25000 - - 10Anas crecca Winter 4950 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 70974 - - 10Anas acuta Autumn 5927 - - 10Anas acuta Spring 15000 1993 - 10Anas acuta Winter 1733 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 1768 - - 10Anas clypeata Spring 857 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 880 - - 10Somateria mollissima Moulting 150000 - - 1Somateria mollissima Summer 21019 - - 10Somateria mollissima Winter 61069 - - 10

Wallnau Anser anser Moulting 2079 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N5428E01102 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Summer 2040 1989 2040 10

280



Wallnau ... continued Anas strepera Autumn 722 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 600 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 7509 1987 1502 8Somateria mollissima Spring 25000 - - 8Somateria mollissima Winter 33691 - 605 8Melanitta nigra Spring 20000 - - 10Melanitta nigra Winter 19000 - - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 6000 - - 10

Warder See Anser anser Moulting 3000 1990 - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Summer 2000 1989 2000 10

Anas clypeata Autumn 800 - - 10

Weserstaustufe Schlüsselburg Aythya ferina Winter 4600 1977 70 8COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Wesseker See Anas strepera Autumn 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5439E01010 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Spring 350 - - 10

Anas clypeata Autumn 400 - - 10

Westbucht Des Fehmarnsundes Aythya ferina Winter 8000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5426E01106 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 11396 1979 539 9

Aythya marila Winter 8000 - 110 9Somateria mollissima Winter 45000 - 18194 10

Wieker Bodden Wittow Peninsula Anser albifrons Winter 15940 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N5435E01315 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Windebyer Noor Aythya marila Winter 5600 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Wismar Bucht Cygnus olor Winter 4135 - 209 8COORDINATES: N5408E01132 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 864 - 91 8

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 500 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 3518 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 55050 - - 10Aythya marila Winter 47466 1993 28531 1Bucephala clangula Winter 3365 1994 1696 8Mergus serrator Winter 1300 1967 4 8Mergus merganser Winter 2500 - - 10

Wittensee Aythya fuligula Winter 15000 - - 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Witzker See Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 1990 2400 11COORDINATES: N5241E01226 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Wostevitzer Teiche (R) Anser albifrons Winter 6500 1990 2852 11COORDINATES: N5429E01334 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Zschornaer Stausee Anser f. rossicus Winter 14000 1993 7750 10COORDINATES: N5116E01344 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

GHANASites in Ghana that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Navrongo Dendrocygna viduata Winter 2750 1984 2750 10COORDINATES: N1050W00103 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

GREECESites in Greece that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aetolikon Lagoon Aythya ferina Winter 15050 1987 5816 11COORDINATES: N3825E02130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Agoulinitsa Lagoon (Drained) Netta rufina Winter 4500 1970 1125 10COORDINATES: N3736E02130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya ferina Winter 11400 1969 5350 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1970 3 11

Agros (Drained) Aythya nyroca Winter 22 1968 12 11COORDINATES: N4052E02250 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedAlyki Lagoon Tadorna tadorna Winter 2100 1989 738 8COORDINATES: N4025E02235 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas penelope Winter 7000 1973 1904 8Amvrakikos Wetlands Anas penelope Winter 61000 1989 26773 1COORDINATES: N3852E02050 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Winter 1500 1968 5 8

Anas crecca Winter 45000 1969 10136 1Anas acuta Winter 48000 1969 6343 8Anas clypeata Winter 18000 1969 2573 8Netta rufina Winter 500 1969 - 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 300 - - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1973 1 11Aythya ferina Winter 40000 1970 7221 8

Axios Delta, Loudhias Delta, Aliakmon Delta Tadorna tadorna Winter 1400 1982 688 8COORDINATES: N4029E02243 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 70000 1970 1428 8

Anas strepera Winter 1000 1969 8 8Epanomi Lagoon Branta ruficollis Winter 5 1987 - 11COORDINATES: N4025E02256 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

281



Evros Delta Cygnus olor Winter 2014 1987 429 8COORDINATES: N4052E02612 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 400 1969 8 8

Anser albifrons Spring 35000 1985 35000 10Anser erythropus Passage 150 - - 11Anser erythropus Winter 116 1988 23 11Branta ruficollis Passage 2000 1985 2000 10Branta ruficollis Winter 1800 1 17 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 1320 1982 504 8Anas penelope Winter 63000 1970 13797 1Anas strepera Winter 3860 1989 1050 1Anas crecca Winter 34568 1971 7924 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 26000 1973 9400 8Anas acuta Winter 36000 1969 14409 1Anas clypeata Winter 8820 1983 1887 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11

Ismaris (Formerly Mitrikou) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 30 1983 - 11COORDINATES: N4056E02517 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Winter 70 1984 - 11

Anser anser Winter 3000 0 - 10Anas crecca Winter 12000 1970 1782 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 - - 11

Kaiafa Netta rufina Winter 1050 1971 54 9COORDINATES: N3731E02130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Kastoria Aythya nyroca Breeding 45 - - 11COORDINATES: N4029E02118 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Mergus merganser Winter 94 1989 20 2

Kerkini Oxyura leucocephala Winter 11 1994 - 11COORDINATES: N4113E02312 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Winter 26 1988 6 11

Anser anser Winter 890 1982 292 2Tadorna tadorna Winter 1260 1982 177 8Anas penelope Winter 6500 1988 1742 8Anas strepera Winter 1187 1988 275 8Anas crecca Winter 40227 1971 2915 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 37200 1982 4489 8Aythya ferina Winter 27000 1987 12476 1Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 - - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 93 1988 32 11Mergus merganser Winter 2 1968 - 8

Kheimaditis Lake and Lake Zazaris Aythya nyroca Breeding 90 - - 11COORDINATES: N4030E02135 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Kotychi Lagoon Anas penelope Winter 6000 1973 1912 8COORDINATES: N3758E02117 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas acuta Winter 12000 1973 986 8

Anas clypeata Winter 12000 1973 520 8

Lysimachia Aythya nyroca Winter 200 1989 40 11COORDINATES: N3836E02123 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Messi Lagoon Tadorna tadorna Winter 2200 1973 321 8COORDINATES: N4056E02510 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 6000 1970 553 8

Aythya ferina Winter 20000 1970 2 8

Messolongi and Aitolikon Lagoons Tadorna tadorna Winter 754 1970 147 8COORDINATES: N3820E02130 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 12050 1987 7184 1


Mikri and Megali Prespa Cygnus olor Winter 600 1993 202 11COORDINATES: N4045E02104 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Mergus merganser Breeding 24 - - 1

Mergus merganser Winter 13 1988 3 2

Nestos Delta and Keramoti Lagoons Cygnus olor Winter 1143 1994 131 10COORDINATES: N4057E02444 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Porto Lagos Lagoons Anser erythropus Winter 50 - - 11COORDINATES: N4100E02507 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 3000 - - 10

Branta ruficollis Passage 61 1985 61 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 1235 1989 395 8Anas crecca Winter 12000 1967 3214 8Anas clypeata Winter 5200 1986 1386 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 - - 11

Ptelea-Elos Lagoon (Karakatsali) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5 1989 1 11COORDINATES: N4056E02517 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 4240 1989 1626 1

Anas penelope Winter 20000 1970 1076 8Aythya ferina Winter 10000 1970 2 8

Spercheios Delta Tadorna tadorna Winter 806 1993 418 8COORDINATES: N3850E02240 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas crecca Winter 10900 1989 3293 8

Aythya nyroca Passage 1500 - - 10Mergus merganser Winter 30 1990 6 1

Taka Aythya nyroca Winter 14 1969 4 11COORDINATES: N3725E02225 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Trichonis Aythya nyroca Winter 25 1989 5 11COORDINATES: N3836E02130 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Vistonis (Bourou) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 900 1994 231 1COORDINATES: N4102E02510 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 12000 1970 381 8


Volvi and Koronia Aythya ferina Winter 28500 1982 6523 8COORDINATES: N4041E02325 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 18 1968 - 11

Aythya fuligula Winter 11000 1976 2228 8Mergus merganser Winter 6 1987 - 8

Voulkaria Netta rufina Winter 500 1989 100 8COORDINATES: N3852E02050 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Xirolimni Lagoon (Fanari) Anas penelope Winter 6000 1973 984 8COORDINATES: N4056E02510 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

282


GREENLANDSites in Greenland that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aqajarua – Sullorsuaq Somateria spectabilis Moulting 30000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6940W05200 Protected status: Not Protected

Eqalummiut Nunaat-Nassuttuup Nunaa Anser a. flavirostris Autumn 2500 - - 10COORDINATES: N6725W05030 Protected status: Not Protected Anser a. flavirostris Breeding 300 - - 10

Fleming Fjord Branta leucopsis Autumn 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N7137W02307 Protected status: Not Protected

Hochstetter Forland Anser brachyrhynchus Moulting 3000 1973 - 10COORDINATES: N7330W02000 Protected status: Protected Branta leucopsis Autumn 400 - - 10

Hurry Fjord Branta leucopsis Autumn 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N7053W02230 Protected status: Not Protected

Ikkattoq Fjord and Islands Mergus serrator Moulting 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6240W05015 Protected status: Not Protected

Kilen Branta b. hrota Autumn 625 - - 10COORDINATES: N8115W01200 Protected status: Protected Branta b. hrota Breeding 210 - - 10

Kjoveland Branta leucopsis Autumn 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N7122W02447 Protected status: Not Protected

Kuannersuit Kuussuat Anser a. flavirostris Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N6940W05317 Protected status: Not Protected Clangula hyemalis Breeding - - - 10

Myggbukta Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N7329W02134 Protected status: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Autumn - - - 10

Naternaq Anser a. flavirostris Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N6820W05200 Protected status: Not Protected Anser a. flavirostris Breeding 300 - - 10

Nuna Masarsuttalik Anser brachyrhynchus Moulting 4000 - - 10COORDINATES: N7100W02400 Protected status: Not Protected

Orsted Dal and Coloradodal Branta leucopsis Autumn 1600 - - 10COORDINATES: N7140W02320 Protected status: Not Protected

Qinnguata Marraa – Kuussuaq Mergus serrator Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N6956W05417 Protected status: Not Protected

Sarqaqdalen Anser a. flavirostris Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N7007W05210 Protected status: Not Protected

Stordal-Moskusoksefjord-Badlanddai-Loch Fyne Branta leucopsis Autumn 440 1973 - 10COORDINATES: N7330W02200 Protected status: Partially Protected

GUINEA-BISSAUSites in Guinea-Bissau that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at the siteor the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Lagoa de Cufada Nettapus auritus Winter 250 1990 125 11COORDINATES: N1143W01502 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve

HUNGARYSites in Hungary that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Balaton Anser albifrons Winter 5000 - - 8COORDINATES: N4646E01709 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 30000 1985 15513 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1979 13 11Bucephala clangula Winter 8710 1983 4085 2

Balaton West Anser f. rossicus Autumn 9000 1987 4567 10COORDINATES: N4646E01909 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 13000 1985 1419 8

Anser anser Winter 1500 1992 600 1

Balaton-Ost Anser f. rossicus Autumn 4050 1995 1570 8COORDINATES: N4655E01803 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Spring 3800 1993 1851 11

Anser f. rossicus Winter 15000 1991 7270 1

Biharugra-Begecs Fishponds Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4658E02136 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 10000 - - 8

Anser anser Winter 2050 - - 10Anser erythropus Winter 278 - - 10

Csaj Lake at Tomorkeny Anser albifrons Autumn 1500 1989 139 8COORDINATES: N4636E02007 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Spring 1700 1992 702 8

Anser albifrons Winter 1200 1995 445 8Anser erythropus Winter 71 1992 14 11Anser anser Autumn 1200 1993 283 1Anser anser Spring 680 1992 239 1Anser anser Winter 566 1992 266 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 25000 1974 2501 8

Csokmo, Halasto Aythya nyroca Winter 16 1984 16 11COORDINATES: N4659E02120 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

283



Dinnyes Ferto + Velencei-To Aythya nyroca Breeding 90 - - 11COORDINATES: N4710E01832 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Drava: Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1985 168 8COORDINATES: N4550E01806 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna 2: Baja – Dunafoldvar Anser albifrons Winter 2500 1993 834 10COORDINATES: N4630E01858 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 20090 1992 9730 11

Bucephala clangula Winter 850 1988 549 11

Dunakanyar (Danube Bend) Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1986 765 9COORDINATES: N4745E01905 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: 1795-1798 Fkm Venek Bucephala clangula Winter 1210 1986 355 9COORDINATES: N4745E01744 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: 1809-1821 Fkm Asvanyraro Bucephala clangula Winter 1609 1987 550 9COORDINATES: N4750E01728 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: 1832-1836 Fkm Tejfalusziget Dunasziget Bucephala clangula Winter 1230 1987 258 9COORDINATES: N4806E01720 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: 1837-1844 Fkm Dunakiliti Bucephala clangula Winter 908 1989 445 9COORDINATES: N4756E01720 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Beda-Karapancsa Anser albifrons Autumn 1000 1988 130 8COORDINATES: N4557E01851 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 3000 1995 1640 1

Duna: Gemenc Anser f. rossicus Autumn 8000 1987 4700 1COORDINATES: N4615E01853 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Winter 10000 - - 10

Anser albifrons Autumn 1000 1988 270 8Anser albifrons Winter 3000 1995 1360 1Anser anser Spring 200 1990 40 8

Duna: Gönyü-Szob Anser f. rossicus Autumn 3000 1990 604 8COORDINATES: N4742E01846 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Spring 4000 1989 3633 10

Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 - - 10Anser anser Autumn 500 1993 100 8Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1983 3 11Bucephala clangula Winter 862 1993 368 11

Duna: Gyor Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1968 - 11COORDINATES: N4740E01736 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Horany-Surany Bucephala clangula Winter 835 1986 478 11COORDINATES: N4709E01929 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Karapancsa Anser f. rossicus Autumn 8000 1995 4100 1COORDINATES: N4557E01851 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Winter 8000 1995 4400 1

Anser anser Autumn 2000 1994 650 1Anser anser Spring 1500 1987 180 3Anser anser Winter 1000 1995 400 1

Duna: Nyergesujfalu Bucephala clangula Winter 1088 1990 379 11COORDINATES: N4745E01831 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Sutto Bucephala clangula Winter 759 1990 210 8COORDINATES: N4745E01825 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Sutto-Nesmely Bucephala clangula Winter 1000 1983 1000 10COORDINATES: N4745E01823 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Szodliget Bucephala clangula Winter 800 1978 343 11COORDINATES: N4745E01908 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Szodliget-God Bucephala clangula Winter 2000 1982 2000 10COORDINATES: N4740E01900 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Duna: Tahi Bucephala clangula Winter 780 1978 181 9COORDINATES: N4745E01904 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ferto To (Lake Ferto) Anser f. rossicus Autumn 9524 1991 4739 1COORDINATES: N4730E02028 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Autumn 9949 1995 5871 1

Anser anser Spring 2726 1991 1456 1

Hortobagy Anser f. rossicus Spring 15000 1992 5368 1COORDINATES: N4737E02105 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 65000 1992 16706 1

Anser albifrons Autumn 17000 1994 5200 1Anser albifrons Spring 110000 1994 48500 1Anser albifrons Winter 47000 - -Anser albifrons Winter 130000 1992 37460 1Anser erythropus Autumn 450 1988 130 1Anser erythropus Spring 54 1992 33 11Anser erythropus Winter 300 1986 19 8Anser anser Autumn 2800 1988 960 1Anser anser Breeding 540 - - 10Anser anser Spring 6700 1987 1236 1Anser anser Winter 4800 1992 1512 1Anas platyrhynchos Autumn 60000 - - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 210 - - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 18 1975 - 11

Kardoskuti Feherto Anser f. rossicus Winter 8240 1994 1738 8COORDINATES: N4630E02028 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Autumn 3850 1992 954 8

Anser albifrons Spring 10400 1995 4370 1Anser albifrons Winter 40000 1986 7228 1Anser erythropus Autumn 11 1989 - 11Anser erythropus Spring 380 1995 76 1Anser erythropus Winter 635 1994 175 1

Kisbalaton Oxyura leucocephala Winter 13 1991 3 11COORDINATES: N4640E01914 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Autumn 7000 1988 2340 8

Anser f. rossicus Spring 33000 1995 9420 1Anser f. rossicus Winter 70000 1985 13100 1Anser albifrons Autumn 3500 1993 974 8Anser albifrons Spring 9000 1995 2192 1

284



Kisbalaton ... continued Anser albifrons Winter 9000 1995 2640 1Anser anser Autumn 5000 1993 2460 1Anser anser Breeding 240 - - 11Anser anser Spring 11000 1995 3752 1Anser anser Winter 10000 1995 6030 1Aythya ferina Spring 10000 - - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 240 - - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 1000 1975 1000 10Bucephala clangula Winter 20000 1975 20000 10

Kiskunsagi Szikes Tavak Anser f. rossicus Spring 3000 1989 250 8COORDINATES: N4652E01914 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1989 817 8

Anser albifrons Autumn 2000 1994 504 11Anser albifrons Spring 15000 1994 3280 1Anser albifrons Winter 25000 1994 7620 1Anser erythropus Autumn 50 1994 13 11Anser erythropus Spring 80 1993 26 11Anser erythropus Winter 500 1994 126 1Anser anser Autumn 500 1994 298 10Anser anser Spring 1500 1994 630 1Anser anser Winter 1000 1994 286 1Aythya nyroca Autumn 45 - - 11Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11

Lake Feher at Kardoskut Anas platyrhynchos Winter 250000 1976 1618 8COORDINATES: N4630E02038 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Breeding 45 1985 11

Lake Ferto Anser f. rossicus Winter 15800 - - 10COORDINATES: N4730E02028 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Autumn 1756 1995 699 8

Anser albifrons Spring 2037 1991 513 8Anser albifrons Winter 8603 1995 3535 1Anser anser Winter 10933 - - 10

Nagyberki Halastavak Aythya nyroca Winter 80 1983 80 11COORDINATES: N4620E01804 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Nagyhegyes Elepi-H.to Anser albifrons Winter 1500 1992 324 8COORDINATES: N4731E02120 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Palkonya Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1983 - 11COORDINATES: N4559E01754 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Pitvaros, Kiralyhegyes Ret, Legelo Anas platyrhynchos Winter 30000 1973 8130 11COORDINATES: N4615E02040 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Retszilasi Fishponds Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1995 746 8COORDINATES: N4650E01835 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 800 1995 293 10

Anser anser Spring 1000 1993 306 1Anser anser Winter 800 1995 232 1Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1967 - 11

Soponya Fishponds Anser f. rossicus Autumn 28000 1992 14600 1COORDINATES: N4702E01827 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Spring 5000 1987 2500 8

Anser f. rossicus Winter 40000 - - 10Anser albifrons Autumn 1000 1992 340 8Anser albifrons Spring 5000 1995 1910 1Anser albifrons Winter 4000 1985 640 8Anser anser Autumn 1500 1993 740 1Anser anser Spring 1000 1992 366 1Anser anser Winter 800 1986 140 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 25000 1993 6738 11

Sumonyi Halastavak Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 1989 855 8COORDINATES: N4558E01754 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Szaporca Aythya nyroca Autumn 100 - - 11COORDINATES: N4550E01806 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding 18 - - 11

Szegedi Feherto Anser f. rossicus Autumn 4000 1987 100 8COORDINATES: N4615E02010 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Autumn 7500 1989 762 8

Anser albifrons Spring 1100 1988 78 8Anser albifrons Winter 5000 1985 1386 1Anser anser Autumn 250 1993 134 8Anser anser Spring 300 1987 30 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 25000 1978 981 8Mergellus albellus Winter 650 1988 130 8

Tata: Oreg-To Anser f. rossicus Autumn 12000 1987 1098 8COORDINATES: N4739E01818 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 36400 - - 10


Tiszaalpari Ret Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 1985 - 11COORDINATES: N4748E02000 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Tisza-Ii: Viztarozo Anser albifrons Autumn 1500 1990 58 8COORDINATES: N4730E02030 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Spring 2000 1992 501 8

Anser albifrons Winter 2000 1992 840 8Anser erythropus Autumn 11 1990 - 11Anser erythropus Winter 11 1989 2 11Anser anser Autumn 1250 1988 129 8Anser anser Spring 320 1987 31 8Anser anser Winter 2400 1987 159 8

Velencei To (Lake Valence) Anser f. rossicus Autumn 35000 1992 20745 1COORDINATES: N4710E01832 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Spring 11000 1992 2281 8

Anser f. rossicus Winter 50000 1986 4114 1Anser albifrons Autumn 2640 1993 1233 1Anser albifrons Winter 5840 1994 2912 1Anser anser Autumn 1200 1987 225 1Anser anser Breeding 240 - - 10Anser anser Spring 350 1988 187 3Anser anser Winter 480 1992 281 1

285


ICELANDSites in Iceland that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Akureyri Mergus merganser Winter 32 1977 - 10COORDINATES: N6540W01805 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Alftafjordur-Hamarsfjordur Cygnus cygnus Moulting 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6434W01430 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Moulting 10000 - - 10

Alftafjordur-Hofsstadavogur Branta b. hrota Spring 7000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6500W02240 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Alftanes Branta b. hrota Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N6405W02200 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergus merganser Winter 25 1969 - 10

Apavatn Mergus merganser Winter 13 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N6410W02040 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Borgar Fjordur Somateria m. borealis Moulting 100000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6430W02200 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Breida Fjordur Branta b. hrota Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N6520W02300 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Somateria m. borealis Breeding 150000 - - 10

Bruara-Laugarvatn Bucephala islandica Winter 20 - - 10COORDINATES: N6410W02035 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Eyelendid Branta leucopsis Autumn 15000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6532W02020 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ferjubakkafloi-Nordura Cygnus cygnus Autumn 1800 - - 10COORDINATES: N6436W02140 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser a. flavirostris Autumn 1200 - - 10

Gardskagi Somateria m. borealis Winter 40000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6405W02242 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Grunnafjordur Branta b. hrota Spring 6000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6423W02155 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Hjorsey-Straumfjordur Branta b. hrota Spring 10000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6432W02215 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Moulting 1300 - - 10

Longufjordur Branta b. hrota Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N6445W02230 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Somateria mollissima borealis Moulting 80000 - - 10

Lonsfjordur Cygnus cygnus Moulting 4000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6425W01440 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Myvatn-Laxa Cygnus cygnus Moulting 700 - - 10COORDINATES: N6540W01700 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 300 - - 10

Aythya fuligula Breeding 10000 - 6500 10Aythya marila Breeding 4000 - 3300 1Aythya marila Moulting 3900 - 10Histrionicus histrionicus Breeding 400 - 220 10Bucephala islandica Breeding 1300 - 1100 1Bucephala islandica Moulting 1400 - - 1Bucephala islandica Winter 1500 - - 1Mergus merganser Winter 174 1977 - 10

Olfusforir Cygnus cygnus Autumn - - - 10COORDINATES: N6357W02115 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser a. flavirostris Autumn 5000 - - 10

Mergus merganser Winter 46 1977 - 10

Osar Histrionicus histrionicus Winter 120 - - 10COORDINATES: N6357W02242 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Oxarfjordur Anser anser Moulting - - - 10COORDINATES: N6610W01640 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Safamyri Cygnus cygnus Autumn 200 - - 10COORDINATES: N6347W02035 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser a. flavirostris Autumn 4000 - - 10

Seydisfjordur Mergus merganser Winter 15 1976 - 10COORDINATES: N6518W01350 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Siglufjordur Histrionicus histrionicus Winter 123 1977 - 10COORDINATES: N6610W01853 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Skogar Anser anser Moulting 3000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6542W01935 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Skumsstadavatn Cygnus cygnus Autumn 200 - - 10COORDINATES: N6340W02030 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser a. flavirostris Autumn 1000 - - 10

Histrionicus histrionicus Winter 200 1971 - 10

Sog Cygnus cygnus Autumn 200 - - 10COORDINATES: N6410W02115 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala islandica Winter 156 1977 - 10

Mergus merganser Winter 271 1975 - 10

Stafnes-Hvalsnes-Sandgerdi Histrionicus histrionicus Winter 150 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N6400W02245 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Thjorsarver Anser brachyrhynchus Breeding 30000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6435W01915 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Thorvaldsstadir-Hrafnsvik Mergus merganser Winter 9 1971 - 10COORDINATES: N6602W01457 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Veidivotn Bucephala islandica Winter 50 - - 10COORDINATES: N6410W01850 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ystrafall: Adaldalur Bucephala islandica Winter 26 1977 - 10COORDINATES: N6551W01725 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

286


IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF)Sites in Iran that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes ref er to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Abbas Ali Kesh Ab-Bandan Anas penelope Winter 12000 1974 7633 10COORDINATES: N3630E05310 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 60000 1974 36941 10Adzhiyab Floodlands Anas acuta Winter 13000 1989 2736 9COORDINATES: N3728E05412 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAgh Gol Marsh Anser anser Winter 3605 1994 1334 1COORDINATES: N3410E04850 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 450 1989 85 8

Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 3 - - 11Ahwaz and Shush Marshes and Plains Tadorna ferruginea Winter 360 1975 104 11COORDINATES: N3110E04840 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas acuta Winter 7503 1975 1963 11

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 900 1975 225 11Alagol, Ulmagol and Ajigol Lakes Oxyura leucocephala Winter 19 1975 - 11COORDINATES: N3723E05438 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Winter 150 - - 11

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 368 1994 91 8Anas strepera Winter 2480 - - 10Anas crecca Winter 20000 1970 674 8Anas querquedula Winter 1500 1993 300 8Anas clypeata Winter 30000 1970 239 8Aythya fuligula Winter 4000 1988 400 8

Amirkelayeh Lake Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 16 1977 1 8COORDINATES: N3718E05010 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Winter 1300 1990 361 8

Netta rufina Winter 2500 1973 476 8Aythya ferina Winter 4200 1990 1304 8Aythya nyroca Winter 5 - - 11Aythya fuligula Winter 2200 1991 566 8

Anar Marz Ab-Bandan Anas strepera Winter 4800 1974 510 8COORDINATES: N3642E05250 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAnzali Mordab Oxyura leucocephala Spring 25 - - 11COORDINATES: N3725E04928 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 2530 - - 10

Cygnus cygnus Winter 849 - - 10Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 51 - - 8Anser albifrons Winter 500 - - 10Anser erythropus Winter 32 - - 11Anser anser Winter 1500 1970 - 8Anas penelope Winter 30000 - - 8Anas strepera Winter 14900 - - 8Anas crecca Winter 540000 - - 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 67800 1972 - 8Anas acuta Winter 55000 - - 8Anas querquedula Spring 3850 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 24300 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 65000 - - 8Aythya nyroca Winter 130 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 34500 - - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 382 1972 - 8

Aras Rud (Bralan-Aras Dam) Anser anser Winter 2100 1994 848 11COORDINATES: N3950E04420 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 2118 1991 673 10

Aythya nyroca Winter 18 1990 6 11Bakhtegan and Tashk Lakes Anser albifrons Winter 154 - - 10COORDINATES: N2940E05330 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Winter 90 - - 11

Anser anser Winter 8245 1989 3761 1Tadorna ferruginea Winter 13427 1989 6623 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 14500 1981 4597 2Anas penelope Winter 72000 1981 14400 2Anas strepera Winter 21000 1981 4200 2Anas crecca Winter 90000 1981 37984 2Anas platyrhynchos Winter 127500 1989 60774 1Anas acuta Winter 103980 1972 3994 8Anas clypeata Winter 19000 1993 5580 2Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 5000 1990 1680 1Aythya ferina Winter 47000 1981 10579 2Aythya nyroca Winter 25000 1981 5000 2

Bandar Krashahr Lagoon and Sefid Rud Oxyura leucocephala Spring 25 - - 11COORDINATES: N3720E04955 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 24 1972 24 10

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 12370 1971 2664 9Biza Dasht Tadorna ferruginea Winter 700 1986 350 10COORDINATES: N3600E04600 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownByby Shirvan Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 6 1970 - 11COORDINATES: N3712E05445 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas penelope Winter 3000 1970 - 8Caspian Coast Anzaly-Langarud Anas penelope Winter 9110 1973 9 8COORDINATES: N3725E04953 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas crecca Winter 20956 1976 19 8

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 32313 1977 25 8Aythya fuligula Winter 2055 1974 7 8

Caspian Coast Astara-Hashtpar Aythya fuligula Winter 5230 1971 94 8COORDINATES: N3814E04857 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedCaspian Coast Babolsar-Farahabad Anas penelope Winter 12843 1972 384 9COORDINATES: N3645E05250 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas crecca Winter 35450 1973 554 9

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 123720 1972 4407 9Anas clypeata Winter 4297 1972 79 9Netta rufina Winter 2367 1972 - 9

Caspian Coast Bandar Turkman-Gomishan-Ussr Border Anser anser Winter 3200 1989 1968 10COORDINATES: N3700E05403 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas strepera Winter 2550 1988 1033 11

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 11400 1988 6480 11Anas acuta Winter 14200 1988 6215 11

287



Caspian Coast Bandar Turkman-Gomishan-Ussr Border ... continued Anas clypeata Winter 4500 1988 1501 11Aythya marila Winter 1660 1990 553 10

Caspian Coast Chalus-Babolsar Anas crecca Winter 46850 1972 280 9COORDINATES: N3635E05200 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 57380 1972 2985 9

Aythya fuligula Winter 21400 1983 5381 2Bucephala clangula Winter 499 1973 6 9

Caspian Coast Farahabad-Ashur Oxyura leucocephala Winter 28 1972 - 11COORDINATES: N3655E05335 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas penelope Winter 2930 1985 518 8

Anas crecca Winter 48970 1986 24 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 10134 1971 992 8Netta rufina Winter 3031 1972 - 8Aythya ferina Winter 5070 1989 1048 8Aythya fuligula Winter 8099 1985 142 8

Caspian Coast Hashtpar-Anzaly Anas penelope Winter 2980 1989 597 8COORDINATES: N3743E04842 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 29500 1972 1302 8

Aythya fuligula Winter 3100 1989 694 8Caspian Coast Langarud-Ramsar Anas crecca Winter 94544 1973 149 9COORDINATES: N3705E05030 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 21916 1977 2297 9

Aythya fuligula Winter 9453 1971 1534 9Caspian Coast Ramsar-Chalus Anas crecca Winter 19724 1973 220 9COORDINATES: N3645E05100 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas platyrhynchos Winter 22745 1973 2433 9

Aythya fuligula Winter 8834 1975 3029 2Bucephala clangula Winter 284 1972 25 9

Caspian Coast Gasankuli – Kuidzhuk Cygnus cygnus Winter 653 1977 2 8COORDINATES: N3740E05355 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas acuta Winter 7700 1980 1322 8Chaf Bala Ab-Bandan Cygnus cygnus Winter 680 1994 340 10COORDINATES: N3716E05012 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 5 1994 3 11Chah Nimeh Oxyura leucocephala Winter 2 1986 - 11COORDINATES: N3000E06000 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 96 1993 20 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 57 1993 11 10Changiz Marsh Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 46 1994 46 10COORDINATES: N3845E04520 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 3500 1994 3500 10

Tadorna tadorna Winter 1400 1994 1400 10Chogha Kor Marsh Oxyura leucocephala Spring 10 1995 - 11COORDINATES: N3155E05054 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 135 1994 47 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 120 1994 74 1Damgah Azbaran Anas strepera Winter 1950 1990 1950 10COORDINATES: N3632E05218 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDasht-E Moghan (Aras River) Anser albifrons Winter 331 1991 91 8COORDINATES: N3800E04700 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 1371 1991 592 8Dasht-E-Arjan and Parishan Oxyura leucocephala Spring 61 1995 - 11COORDINATES: N3034E05153 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 455 1988 16 1

Anser albifrons Winter 180 1991 36 8Anser anser Winter 5760 1989 2490 1Tadorna ferruginea Winter 4180 - - 1Anas penelope Winter 5610 - - 1Anas strepera Winter 2200 1990 894 8Anas crecca Winter 45000 - - 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 14000 - - 8Anas acuta Winter 25000 - - 8Anas clypeata Winter 5862 1986 1292 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Spring 61 1995 - 11Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 5500 1992 1900 1Aythya ferina Winter 20000 1974 777 8Aythya nyroca Winter 950 1992 199 1Aythya fuligula Winter 2520 1988 318 8

Dasht-E-Shoeybi Anser albifrons Winter 1274 1990 425 10COORDINATES: N3600E04600 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 10076 1990 4583 10

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 643 1990 285 11Dez River Marshes Anser albifrons Winter 420 - - 10COORDINATES: N3150E04838 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser erythropus Winter 190 - - 11

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 10011 1974 8 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Spring 7 1995 - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 11 1975 - 11

Dez Dam Anser anser Winter 4500 1991 1112 1COORDINATES: N3238E04828 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 70 1992 16 11Dorudsan Dam Anas acuta Winter 10000 1977 532 8COORDINATES: N3015E05220 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedFereidoon Kenar Marshes Anser albifrons Winter 1700 1988 58 8COORDINATES: N3635E05231 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser erythropus Winter 11 1992 2 11

Anser anser Winter 15060 1993 6093 1Anas penelope Winter 31200 1993 9408 1Anas strepera Winter 20000 1991 10001 1Anas crecca Winter 163235 1986 42400 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 80000 1991 33128 1Anas acuta Winter 83200 1983 30196 1Anas clypeata Winter 24600 1983 4044 1Aythya ferina Winter 31200 1993 6974 1

Galugah Ab-Bandan Aythya ferina Winter 3600 1974 846 9COORDINATES: N3700E04900 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 175 1971 - 10Gandoman Marsh Oxyura leucocephala Spring 6 1995 - 11COORDINATES: N3150E05107 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 750 - - 10

Aythya nyroca Winter 140 1991 40 10Gareh Chay Rud Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2820 1990 564 1COORDINATES: N3410E04820 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

288



Gavekhoni and Ziandeh Rud Anser anser Winter 1740 1989 459 8COORDINATES: N3220E05247 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 3276 1990 1769 1

Tadorna tadorna Winter 11300 1991 4571 1Anas penelope Winter 4560 1989 - 8Anas strepera Winter 6607 1990 1321 1Anas crecca Winter 41519 1990 10401 8Anas acuta Winter 13256 1990 2839 8Anas clypeata Winter 8374 1989 841 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 26 1994 5 11

Gerde Gheet and Mamiyand Marsh Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 6 - - 11COORDINATES: N3702E04540 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 4000 1994 2093 10

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 2500 1992 1700 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 3000 1992 1603 10Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1993 3 11

Ghara Gheshlaq Marshes Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 39 1991 8 1COORDINATES: N3710E04550 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Winter 4379 1993 2601 1

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 7223 1994 1520 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 15000 1991 3742 1Anas acuta Winter 10000 1970 - 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 60 - - 11Aythya fuligula Winter 2700 1990 540 8

Gharaso (Boralan) Marsh Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 8 1993 3 11COORDINATES: N3945E04436 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 3400 1993 1136 10

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 500 1993 167 11

Gomishan Marsh Cygnus cygnus Winter 256 1989 60 8COORDINATES: N3715E05355 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser erythropus Winter 1773 1969 - 10

Anser anser Winter 3200 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 850 1993 288 8Anas penelope Winter 16000 1991 4368 1Anas strepera Winter 13000 1991 4568 1Anas crecca Winter 30000 1991 10824 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 40000 1991 20672 1Anas acuta Winter 8000 1991 4270 8Anas clypeata Winter 12000 1991 5478 1Aythya ferina Winter 17000 1991 10368 1Aythya marila Winter 4800 1994 960 10Mergus merganser Winter 204 1989 41 8

Goorous Marsh Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 22 1994 7 10COORDINATES: N3702E04546 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 11450 1994 5683 10

Tadorna tadorna Winter 3200 1994 1067 10

Gopy (Kobi) Lake Oxyura leucocephala Autumn 100 - - 11COORDINATES: N3657E04530 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 9 1975 - 11

Anser anser Winter 7000 1991 2040 1Tadorna ferruginea Winter 2886 1974 3 8Tadorna tadorna Winter 1300 1992 500 8Anas querquedula Autumn 3000 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 5000 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 20000 1970 - 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 4 - - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 1200 1975 - 8

Gori Gol Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 40 - - 11COORDINATES: N3750E04640 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11

Haft Barm Lake Oxyura leucocephala Spring 6 1995 - 11COORDINATES: N2940E05210 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 36 1986 2 8

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1030 1968 - 8Anas crecca Winter 34000 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 200 - - 11

Hamidieh Plains Anser anser Winter 10052 1994 5289 1COORDINATES: N3120E04820 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 1845 1994 632 8

Anas penelope Winter 9482 1994 2671 1Anas strepera Winter 12418 1994 3963 1Anas acuta Winter 8924 1994 2432 8Anas clypeata Winter 8976 1994 2794 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 658 1994 136 8Aythya nyroca Winter 42 1985 - 11

Hamoun-I Puzak (South End) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 42 - - 10COORDINATES: N3120E06145 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Winter 2446 1970 612 11

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 814 1993 180 8Anas penelope Winter 2500 1974 1141 11Anas crecca Winter 57976 1977 22259 10Anas strepera Winter 4500 1974 1316 11Anas platyrhynchos Winter 26354 1994 6512 8Anas clypeata Winter 18100 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 213 1993 43 11Aythya ferina Winter 9620 1994 2224 11Aythya nyroca Winter 950 1994 259 1

Hamoun-I Sabari and Hamoun-I Hirmand Anser anser Winter 3956 1993 1358 1COORDINATES: N3045E06115 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1656 1993 618 1

Tadorna tadorna Winter 8461 1994 2336 1Anas penelope Winter 8000 1981 568 8Anas strepera Winter 13000 1974 - 8Anas crecca Winter 222500 1974 - 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 35000 1973 2721 8Anas acuta Winter 300000 1973 1168 8Anas clypeata Winter 18000 1976 1202 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1020 1993 205 8Aythya ferina Winter 74883 1983 387 8Aythya nyroca Winter 956 1993 265 1Aythya fuligula Winter 6200 1984 - 8

289



Harm Karion Oxyura leucocephala Winter 230 1987 77 10COORDINATES: N2810E05330 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 1364 1994 682 11

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 7500 1994 4586 10

Hashelan Marsh Aythya nyroca Winter 130 1970 - 10COORDINATES: N3433E04655 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Helleh River Delta Oxyura leucocephala Winter 173 1988 - 8COORDINATES: N2910E05050 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 10056 1993 5400 1

Anser erythropus Winter 37 - - 11Tadorna ferruginea Winter 750 1990 150 8Tadorna tadorna Winter 1388 1987 328 8Anas penelope Winter 8072 1991 3248 1Anas strepera Winter 1915 1992 839 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8000 1989 502 8Anas acuta Winter 12000 1990 4229 8Anas querquedula Winter 5000 1990 1290 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1000 1975 47 8

Hirem Tadorna ferruginea Winter 885 1994 885 10COORDINATES: N2740E05410 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Horeh Bamdej Marshes Anser anser Winter 2500 1991 527 8COORDINATES: N3145E04836 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 5300 1974 65 9

Anas strepera Winter 6500 1974 228 9Anas crecca Winter 15850 1975 3192 9Anas platyrhynchos Winter 15500 1975 3120 9Anas clypeata Winter 4960 1974 119 9Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1103 1974 2 9Aythya nyroca Winter 7 - - 11

Incheh Borun Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 160 1994 32 8COORDINATES: N3713E05430 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 36 - - 11

Izeh and Shiekho Lakes Oxyura leucocephala Winter 285 1994 101 10COORDINATES: N3152E04954 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 3565 1994 2189 10

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 750 1989 150 8Anas strepera Winter 7765 1994 4244 10Anas acuta Winter 12100 1989 2681 8Anas clypeata Winter 6842 1994 4394 10Aythya ferina Winter 9360 1989 1992 8Aythya fuligula Winter 6400 1989 1280 8

Jom Jomeh Marsh Aythya nyroca Winter 17 1992 11 11COORDINATES: N3301E04743 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Kafeh Larestan and Surrounds Tadorna ferruginea Winter 360 1988 120 11COORDINATES: N2928E05354 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Kafeh Uazd Khasht and Shohrehpar Tadorna ferruginea Winter 403 1990 202 11COORDINATES: N2949E05225 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Kaftar Lake Anser anser Winter 1350 1994 315 8COORDINATES: N3034E05247 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 4350 1984 280 8

Anas strepera Winter 1420 1994 484 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8000 1976 5995 8Anas acuta Winter 15000 1976 1266 8Anas clypeata Winter 30000 1976 1320 8Aythya fuligula Winter 6000 1976 - 8

Kamjan Marshes Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1125 1975 254 9COORDINATES: N2945E05305 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Kaniborazan Anser anser Winter 3400 1994 1294 10COORDINATES: N3647E04544 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Karkheh River Marshes Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 250 1975 63 11COORDINATES: N3145E04825 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 3 - - 11

Karun River Marshes Anser albifrons Winter 1730 - - 10COORDINATES: N3145E04854 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 590 - - 10

Anser anser Winter 10050 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Winter 400 1972 29 9Anas crecca Winter 15300 1974 7562 11Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 34 1977 - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 22 1983 4 11

Lapoo-Zargmarz Ab-Bandan Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5 1972 - 11COORDINATES: N3650E05317 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 5 1971 - 8

Anas strepera Winter 1500 1989 75 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1994 - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 290 1994 58 1

Lavandavil Marsh Cygnus cygnus Winter 243 1994 49 8COORDINATES: N3818E04852 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Mahabad Dam (Yusef Kandy) Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1994 10 10COORDINATES: N3640E04540 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Maharlu Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 9 1987 - 11COORDINATES: N2930E05248 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 102 1971 - 11

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 6255 1989 706 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 3350 1994 996 1Anas penelope Winter 5200 1986 985 8Anas strepera Winter 8000 1984 230 8Anas crecca Winter 16500 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8000 1989 3239 8Anas clypeata Winter 6000 1984 156 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 37 1974 - 11Aythya ferina Winter 3500 1984 240 8Aythya fuligula Winter 2160 1986 - 8

Miankaleh and Gorgan Bay Oxyura leucocephala Winter 607 1977 1 8COORDINATES: N3650E05345 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 245 1994 53 8

290



Miankaleh and Gorgan Bay ... continued Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 16 - - 8Anser erythropus Winter 7500 - - 8Anser anser Winter 10020 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Winter 12518 1986 8 8Tadorna tadorna Winter 1605 1990 393 8Anas penelope Winter 72535 1975 36 8Anas strepera Winter 32400 1983 734 8Anas crecca Winter 125590 1975 128 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 132082 1985 15967 1Anas acuta Winter 30412 1991 9968 1Anas querquedula Autumn 3640 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 45846 1975 91 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Autumn 29 - - 11Netta rufina Winter 2192 1986 71 8Aythya ferina Winter 22500 1988 1596 8Aythya nyroca Winter 1600 1984 - 8Aythya fuligula Winter 8000 - - 8Aythya marila Winter 2382 1990 577 10Bucephala clangula Winter 1110 - - 8Mergus serrator Winter 702 1971 1 8Mergus merganser Winter 556 1990 122 8

Mishdagh Dasht Tadorna tadorna Winter 2500 1985 2500 10COORDINATES: N3600E04600 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownNowruzlu Dam Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 27 1990 17 1COORDINATES: N3655E04610 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 156 - - 10

Tadorna ferruginea Autumn 650 - - 10Anas querquedula Autumn 5000 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1971 - 11

Oveizeh and Surrounds Anser anser Winter 1850 1990 1850 10COORDINATES: N3130E04805 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRoshandan Ab-Bandan Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1150 1990 230 8COORDINATES: N3640E05249 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 19 1990 4 11Selke Protected Region Cygnus cygnus Winter 765 1992 286 1COORDINATES: N3720E04928 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 51 1992 10 1

Anas penelope Winter 30600 1974 1322 8Anas strepera Winter 8013 1992 1968 1Anas crecca Winter 93990 1974 8993 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 9416 1977 104 8Anas acuta Winter 30000 1971 1357 8Aythya ferina Winter 4200 1992 1191 8Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1988 1 10

Seyed Mohalli, Zarinkola and Larim Sara Oxyura leucocephala Winter 27 1987 - 11COORDINATES: N3645E05300 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 359 - - 10

Anas penelope Winter 32300 - - 8Anas strepera Winter 16240 1977 435 8Anas crecca Winter 86000 - - 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 12850 - - 8Anas acuta Winter 20400 1977 29 8Anas clypeata Winter 25000 1977 18 8Netta rufina Winter 4435 - - 10Aythya ferina Winter 4840 1988 512 8Aythya nyroca Winter 185 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 2000 - - 10

Shadegan Marshes Anser anser Winter 3500 1991 1225 1COORDINATES: N3020E04820 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 3720 1992 804 1

Anas penelope Winter 26400 1985 1170 8Anas strepera Winter 21405 1985 2963 1Anas crecca Winter 348435 1975 5355 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 9500 1989 182 8Anas acuta Winter 237150 1975 1783 8Anas querquedula Spring 12500 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 16975 1975 2074 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 19979 1973 3444 1Aythya ferina Winter 13200 1985 1508 8Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1985 - 11

Shahkelayeh Ab-Bandan Aythya nyroca Winter 65 1971 16 10COORDINATES: N3710E05011 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownShalo Marsh Aythya nyroca Winter 86 1994 17 10COORDINATES: N3203E05050 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSharol Dasht Aythya nyroca Winter 624 1985 624 10COORDINATES: N3600E04600 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownShur Gol, Yadegarlu and Dorgeh Sangi Oxyura leucocephala Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N3700E04530 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 68 1994 14 1

Anser erythropus Autumn 175 - - 11Anser anser Winter 3000 1994 600 9Tadorna ferruginea Winter 2350 1991 500 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 1200 1987 240 9Anas crecca Autumn 45100 - - 10Anas acuta Winter 7000 1971 - 8Anas clypeata Winter 6500 1970 150 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 360 1995 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Spring 1130 1995 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 10 1971 - 11Aythya ferina Winter 15000 1970 80 8Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11

Siakesheem P.r. Cygnus olor Winter 2530 1988 132 8COORDINATES: N3725E04921 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 680 1977 64 8

Anas penelope Winter 10000 1973 229 8Anas strepera Winter 4423 1977 557 8

291



Siakesheem P.r. ... continued Anas crecca Winter 475000 1973 1397 8Anas acuta Winter 30000 1973 29 8Anas clypeata Winter 20000 1973 - 8Aythya ferina Winter 30000 1973 1245 8Aythya nyroca Winter 32 1977 3 11Aythya fuligula Winter 30500 1973 22 8

Susangerd Marshes Anser anser Winter 1995 1990 399 9COORDINATES: N3145E04755 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas strepera Winter 1755 1990 397 9

Marmaronetta angustirostris Spring 560 1995 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 60 - - 11

Uromieh Lake Oxyura leucocephala Winter 58 1976 - 11COORDINATES: N3750E04530 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 63 1989 13 1

Anser albifrons Winter 3600 1994 720 1Anser anser Winter 5672 1988 900 8Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1705 1990 441 1Tadorna tadorna Moulting 35000 1995 - 10Tadorna tadorna Summer 3600 1995 - 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 64000 - 14225 1Anas querquedula Autumn 21200 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - - - 11Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11

Voshmigir Dam Aythya nyroca Winter 15 1972 - 11COORDINATES: N3712E05445 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergellus albellus Winter 340 1972 - 8Zargan Plain Anser anser Winter 7500 1990 7500 10COORDINATES: N3120E04829 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1252 1973 487 2

Anas crecca Winter 23500 1973 7441 9Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 650 1973 130 9

Zaribar Lake Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 14 - - 11COORDINATES: N3532E04607 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 3 1975 - 11

Aythya nyroca Breeding 250 - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 4000 1974 - 8

IRAQSites in Iraq that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes ref er to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Al Musayyib Wetland Anas clypeata Winter 6000 1968 - 10COORDINATES: N3250E04418 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedAl Sharqi Ponds Anas strepera Winter 1310 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3205E04650 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAttariya Plains Tadorna ferruginea Winter 412 - - 10COORDINATES: N3325E04455 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 13 - - 11Baquba Wetlands Anas penelope Winter 5000 1968 - 10COORDINATES: N3355E04450 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas strepera Winter 6000 1968 - 10

Anas clypeata Winter 8650 1968 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 180 1968 - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 1000 1967 - 10

Central Marshes Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - 1960 - 11COORDINATES: N3120E04705 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedFuhud Marshes Anas strepera Winter 5390 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3100E04639 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 16295 1979 - 10Haur Al Hammar Anas penelope Winter 6000 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3045E04705 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas strepera Winter 10830 1979 - 10

Anas crecca Winter 59600 1979 - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 12300 1979 - 10Anas acuta Winter 12200 1979 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - 1960 - 11Aythya fuligula Winter 42280 1979 - 10

Haur Al Haushiya Anas strepera Winter 1310 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3205E04654 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHaur Al Hawiizeh Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - 1960 - 11COORDINATES: N3122E04737 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHaur Al Sa’adiyah Anser anser Winter 1030 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3213E04633 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 2850 1979 - 10

Anas strepera Winter 5000 1979 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 30 1979 - 11

Haur Al Shuwaija Anser albifrons Winter 325 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3242E04555 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 70 1979 - 11

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1280 1979 - 10Anas penelope Winter 2700 1979 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 100 1920 - 11

Haweija Marshes Anser albifrons Autumn 2000 1960 - 10COORDINATES: N3515E04355 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHor Abul Warid and Hor Al Abara Anas clypeata Winter 4000 1968 - 10COORDINATES: N3400E04455 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHor Aluwez Anas penelope Winter 6000 1975 - 10COORDINATES: N3037E04220 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 5375 1979 - 10

Aythya fuligula Winter 39255 1979 - 10Lake Razazah Anas strepera Winter 3000 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3246E04340 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas clypeata Winter 5400 1979 - 10

Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 210 - - 11Mergellus albellus Winter 1000 1979 - 10

292



Samarra Lake Aythya ferina Winter 10000 - - 10COORDINATES: N3415E04350 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 25 - - 11Shatt Al Gharraf Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding - 1960 - 11COORDINATES: N3200E04600 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedTharthar Lake Anas platyrhynchos Winter 10000 1989 - 10COORDINATES: N3405E04320 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya ferina Winter 10000 1989 - 10Usathe Lake Anas strepera Winter 3000 1979 - 10COORDINATES: N3237E04355 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas clypeata Winter 5000 1979 - 10

IRELANDSites in Ireland that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Baldoyle Est Branta b. hrota Winter 761 1991 152 9COORDINATES: N5325W00603 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedBallyallia Lough Anas crecca Winter 4000 1984 1931 9COORDINATES: N5247W00856 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas clypeata Winter 768 1977 511 2Ballycotton-Shanagarry Cygnus olor Winter 110 1972 11 9COORDINATES: N5149W00802 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 194 1991 65 9Ballyhaunis Lakes Cygnus olor Winter 174 1995 39 11COORDINATES: N5340W00846 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedBannow Bay Branta b. hrota Winter 1161 1995 - 1COORDINATES: N5213W00648 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedBarrow: Monasterevin-Athy Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 191 1986 191 10COORDINATES: N5259W00707 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedBarrow: Upper Floodplain Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 180 1980's - 8COORDINATES: N5245W00655 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedBlackwater Callows Cygnus cygnus Winter 245 1980s - 8COORDINATES: N5210W00800 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCahore Marshes Anser a. flavirostris Spring 410 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5235W00612 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCamus Bay Cygnus olor Winter 149 1980's - 8COORDINATES: N5512W00810 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCarlingford Lough Branta b. hrota Winter 315 1995 - 1COORDINATES: N5405W00610 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCastlebar Lough Cygnus olor Winter 115 1980's - 8COORDINATES: N5350W00925 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCastlemain Harbour Branta b. hrota Spring 773 1980s - 1COORDINATES: N5204W00956 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas acuta Winter 1500 1967 492 9

Anas clypeata Winter 700 1973 180 9Coole Lough Anas clypeata Winter 420 1986 143 11COORDINATES: N5302W00847 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCork Harbour Cygnus olor Winter 102 1986 34 9COORDINATES: N5149W00811 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Tadorna tadorna Winter - - - 11

Mergus serrator Winter 384 1986 187 9Corofin Lakes Cygnus olor Autumn 243 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5255W00905 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedCull/Killag Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 272 1986 54 9COORDINATES: N5211W00637 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedDonegal Bay Cygnus olor Winter 109 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5437W00810 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedDublin Bay Branta b. hrota Winter 2295 1980s - 1COORDINATES: N5320W00613 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas acuta Winter 635 1971 298 9Dundalk Bay Branta b. hrota Winter 334 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5400W00618 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedDunfanaghy New Lake Cygnus olor Winter 111 1979 56 11COORDINATES: N5509W00759 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedDungarvan Estuary and Harbour Branta b. hrota Winter 694 1980s 73 1COORDINATES: N5200W00736 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedDurnesh Lough Cygnus olor Winter 110 1985 110 10COORDINATES: N5422W00818 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedGlen Lough Cygnus cygnus Winter 248 1995 49 9COORDINATES: N5336W00734 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedInishkea Islands Branta leucopsis Winter - - - 1COORDINATES: N5415W01008 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedInner Galway Bay Branta b. hrota Winter 540 1992 187 8COORDINATES: N5308W00903 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus olor Winter 365 1985 121 1

Mergus serrator Winter 424 1981 156 8Killala Bay Branta b. hrota Winter 270 1980s - 1COORDINATES: N5415W00910 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLady’s Is. lake Cygnus olor Winter 233 1972 38 9COORDINATES: N5211W00626 Status: Not Supplied Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 268 1972 12 9

Mergus serrator Winter 258 1986 53 9Little Brosna Callows Cygnus olor Winter 316 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5304W00802 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus cygnus Winter 201 1980s - 8

Anser a. flavirostris Spring 594 1995 - 8Anas penelope Winter 12250 1980s - 11Anas clypeata Winter 570 1984 191 9

293



Lough Boderg Anser a. flavirostris Winter 325 1992 127 9COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Carra Anas clypeata Winter 500 1974 301 9COORDINATES: N5334W00914 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Corrib Cygnus olor Winter 290 1996 - 9COORDINATES: N5324W00914 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya ferina Autumn 8000 1996 - 1

Aythya ferina Winter 22000 1970's - 1

Lough Derg Cygnus olor Winter 592 1980s - 8COORDINATES: N5300W00820 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Derravaragh Cygnus olor Winter 232 1972 19 9COORDINATES: N5336W00725 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya ferina Winter 5600 1970's 763 9

Lough Ennell Cygnus olor Winter 424 1988 150 2COORDINATES: N5325W00725 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas clypeata Winter 750 1980 231 9

Lough Foyle Cygnus olor Winter 157 1985 85 3COORDINATES: N5507W00705 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus cygnus Winter 1110 1982 133 8

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 370 1982 87 8Branta b. hrota Winter 4340 1990's - 1Anas penelope Winter 14800 1990's - 8

Lough Gara Anser a. flavirostris Winter 605 1980s - 8COORDINATES: N5356W00827 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Gur Cygnus olor Winter 165 1976 47 9COORDINATES: N5225W00838 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas clypeata Winter 542 1980 260 9

Lough Iron Anser a. flavirostris Winter 560 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5335W00728 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Oughter Cygnus cygnus Winter 271 1988 168 11COORDINATES: N5402W00723 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Owel Anas clypeata Autumn 2000 - - 8COORDINATES: N5331W00725 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas clypeata Winter 750 1977 258 9

Lough Rea Anas clypeata Winter 480 1976 240 11COORDINATES: N5308W00838 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Ree Cygnus olor Spring 301 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5335W00800 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Lough Swilly Cygnus olor Winter 448 1969 156 2COORDINATES: N5459W00730 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus cygnus Spring - - - 8

Cygnus cygnus Winter 801 1988 336 2Anser a. flavirostris Spring 550 1995 - 8Anser anser Winter 1047 1995 - 8Branta b. hrota Winter 273 1980's - 8

Loughs Kinale and Derragh Cygnus olor Winter 100 1980,s - 8COORDINATES: N5340W00740 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Mulroy Bay Cygnus olor Winter 117 1980's - 8COORDINATES: N5318W00945 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

North Wicklow Coastal Marshes Branta b. hrota Winter 1000 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5302W00603 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Rahasane Turlough Cygnus olor Winter 120 1985 72 9COORDINATES: N5308W00847 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 292 1977 39 9

Anas clypeata Winter 650 1975 4 9

River Foyle: Strabane – Derry Cygnus cygnus Spring 452 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5455W00832 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus cygnus Winter 300 1991 300 10

River Shannon: Lower Cygnus olor Spring 130 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5245W00842 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

River Slaney Cygnus olor Winter 160 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5222W00632 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

River Suck Anser a. flavirostris Winter 345 1980s - 8COORDINATES: N5340W00823 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Rogerstown Est Cygnus olor Winter 114 1969 8 9COORDINATES: N5331W00603 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Branta b. hrota Winter 1257 1995 - 1

Seagrange Park Branta b. hrota Winter 460 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5320W00615 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Shannon Callows Cygnus olor Winter 444 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5315W00750 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus cygnus Winter 901 1995 - 8

Shannon Estuary Cygnus olor Winter 124 1971 31 9COORDINATES: N5231W00850 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Branta b. hrota Winter 318 1995 - 8

Shenick Island: Skerries Branta b. hrota Winter 200 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5335W00600 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Sligo Bay Branta b. hrota Winter 621 1980s - 1COORDINATES: N5418W00840 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Southwest Clare Lakes Cygnus olor Winter 108 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5240W00915 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Swords: Malahide Est Broad Meadow Cygnus olor Winter 112 1986 61 9COORDINATES: N5325W00613 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Branta b. hrota Winter 1167 1995 - 8

Tacumshin Lough White Hole Cygnus olor Winter 317 1978 179 2COORDINATES: N5211W00626 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 177 1970 84 9

Branta b. hrota Winter 513 1980s - 8

The Lough: Cork Cygnus olor Winter 127 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5152W00828 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

The Mullet, Blacksod and Broadhaven Branta leucopsis Winter 413 1980s - 8COORDINATES: N5415W01000 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Branta b. hrota Winter 292 1980s - 8

294



Tralee Bay and Lough Gill Cygnus olor Winter 318 1967 98 2COORDINATES: N5215W00956 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Branta b. hrota Winter 1430 1980s - 1

Anas acuta Winter 666 1969 236 9Anas clypeata Winter 444 1969 129 9

Tramore Backstrand Branta b. hrota Winter 500 1995 - 1COORDINATES: N5210W00710 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedTrawbeaga Bay Branta leucopsis Winter 643 1995 200 9COORDINATES: N5520W00721 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Branta b. hrota Winter 319 1995 - 1Wexford Harbour + Slobs Cygnus olor Winter 226 1988 98 2COORDINATES: N5211W00626 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 518 1976 92 9

Anser a. flavirostris Winter 10450 1995 - 1Branta b. hrota Winter 2609 1995 - 1Anas acuta Winter 700 1972 18 9Aythya marila Winter 4277 1981 966 10

Wilkinstown Cygnus cygnus Winter 367 1986 - 8COORDINATES: N5337W00615 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

ISRAELSites in Israel that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Carmel Coast Oxyura leucocephala Winter 7 1990 - 11COORDINATES: N3233E03455 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 13 1977 - 10

Aythya nyroca Winter 153 1977 - 11Golan Heights Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 15 - - 10COORDINATES: N3300E03545 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 25 1993 - 11Hula Valley Oxyura leucocephala Winter 12 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N3303E03537 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 31524 1975 - 10

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 23554 1993 - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 15000 - - 10Anas clypeata Winter 8721 1991 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 30 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 138 1993 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 750 1974 - 10Aythya ferina Winter 11500 1974 - 10

Jezreel/Beit Shaan Valley Oxyura leucocephala Winter 139 1992 - 10COORDINATES: N3232E03520 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas clypeata Autumn 12000 1982 - 10

Anas clypeata Winter 7868 1982 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 6 1989 - 11Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 - - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 1024 1986 - 10

Judean Foothills Oxyura leucocephala Winter 68 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N3145E03455 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1989 - 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 15 1991 - 11Lake Galilee Oxyura leucocephala Winter 192 - - 10COORDINATES: N3248E03535 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 8319 1985 - 10

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 15 1993 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 75 1983 - 11

North Coast Israel Tadorna tadorna Winter 920 1985 - 10COORDINATES: N3250E03505 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownNorth Jordan Valley Oxyura leucocephala Winter 302 1989 - 10COORDINATES: N3225E03535 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Winter 4883 1988 - 10

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 10 1990 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 94 1992 - 11

North Negev Aythya nyroca Winter 92 1989 - 11COORDINATES: N3110E03445 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

ITALYSites in Italy that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes ref er to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bacino Montedison Aythya nyroca Winter 33 1985 17 11COORDINATES: N4041E01759 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrea Aythya nyroca Winter 26 1983 8 11COORDINATES: N4143E01359 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownCampotosto Lagoon Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1987 3 11COORDINATES: N4233E01322 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownCaorle Lagoon Anser albifrons Winter 2750 - - 10COORDINATES: N4537E01301 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 370 - - 10

Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1975 - 11Cave di Migliarino Aythya nyroca Winter 11 1983 4 11COORDINATES: N4347E01018 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Cave di Pietrafitta Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1988 5 11COORDINATES: N4300E01212 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownColumena Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1981 2 11COORDINATES: N4004E01814 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownComacchio Area Anser anser Winter 740 - - 10COORDINATES: N4437E01205 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya ferina Winter 16000 1976 176 9

295



Comacchio Area ... continued Aythya nyroca Winter 95 1976 - 11Diga Poma Aythya nyroca Winter 30 1976 10 11COORDINATES: N3756E01306 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownFoce del Simeto Aythya nyroca Breeding 9 - - 11COORDINATES: N3724E01506 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownGorgo Lagoon Aythya nyroca Winter 55 1987 55 11COORDINATES: N3725E01320 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLaghi Pontini Aythya nyroca Winter 11 - - 11COORDINATES: N4116E01302 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLaguna di Orbetello and Lago di Burano Aythya nyroca Passage 15 - - 11COORDINATES: N4224E01119 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 19 1986 2 11Lame di San Rossore E Migliarino Aythya nyroca Passage 30 - - 11COORDINATES: N4346E01016 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLanca Po di Venezia Anas penelope Winter 7800 1989 3900 11COORDINATES: N4458E01223 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLesina Aythya nyroca Winter 1000 1985 200 2COORDINATES: N4149E01518 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 6000 1983 1260 9Manfredonia Gulf Tadorna tadorna Winter 11287 1989 5306 2COORDINATES: N4134E01553 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas penelope Winter 15060 1989 10373 2

Anas strepera Winter 1500 1978 200 9Anas clypeata Winter 5000 1978 1004 9Aythya nyroca Winter 250 1978 50 1

Marano Lagoon Bucephala clangula Winter 4050 1982 1751 1COORDINATES: N4545E01315 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala clangula Winter 4050 1982 1751 1Pian di Spagna and Lago di Mezzola Aythya nyroca Passage 50 - - 11COORDINATES: N4613E00927 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPunte Alberete and Vallee Della Canna Aythya nyroca Breeding 90 - - 11COORDINATES: N4430E01215 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedSiracusa Salines Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1992 2 11COORDINATES: N3658E01517 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSoprano di Serradifalco Lagoon Aythya nyroca Winter 99 1987 37 11COORDINATES: N3726E01354 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownStagno di Cabras Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1980 - 11COORDINATES: N3956E00827 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownStagno di Molentargius Aythya nyroca Winter 13 1974 2 11COORDINATES: N3913E00910 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownStagno di S’ena Arrubia Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1975 - 11COORDINATES: N3945E00835 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownS.clemente-Primaro Aythya ferina Winter 20000 1978 1698 9COORDINATES: N4436E01218 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 6000 1978 477 9Tagliamento-Isonzo Anas penelope Winter 14850 1989 6028 1COORDINATES: N4540E01315 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala clangula Winter 4450 1977 423 8

Mergus serrator Winter 1500 1978 120 8Valgrande Franchetti Aythya nyroca Winter 31 1993 6 11COORDINATES: N4534E01252 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownValle Casse Campotto Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1989 3 11COORDINATES: N4436E01150 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownValle Ca’ Pisani Anas penelope Winter 6000 1976 348 9COORDINATES: N4458E01223 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownValle Ca’ Zuliani Anas penelope Winter 7000 1976 522 9COORDINATES: N4458E01223 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownValle Dragoiesolo Netta rufina Winter 340 1976 - 9COORDINATES: N4529E01238 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownValle Figheri Aythya nyroca Winter 42 1986 8 11COORDINATES: N4518E01207 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownValle Miana-Serraia Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1976 - 11COORDINATES: N4518E01207 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownVeneto Anser albifrons Winter 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4522E01212 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 300 - - 10Viverone Anas platyrhynchos Winter 15000 1977 2298 8COORDINATES: N4518E00802 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownV. di Volano L. Naziana Aythya fuligula Winter 6200 1977 905 9COORDINATES: N4447E01217 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownV. Furlana Aythya ferina Winter 25000 1977 2394 9COORDINATES: N4436E01210 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

JORDANSites in Jordan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Azraq Oasis Tadorna tadorna Winter 3490 1992 457 8COORDINATES: N3146E03650 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 20000 - - 10

Anas strepera Winter 2000 - - 10Anas crecca Winter 180000 1967 - 10Anas acuta Winter 100000 1967 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 180 1989 36 1Aythya nyroca Winter 84 1984 - 11

296


* Additional key site information omitted from this table can be found on page 336 at the end of Annex 2.

KALININGRAD (RUSSIA)Sites in Kaliningrad that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Polesk Mergellus albellus Winter 300 1992 150 11COORDINATES: N5453E02106 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

KAZAKHSTAN*Sites in Kazakhstan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Caspian Coast: O-Va Durneva-Turkmenia Border Cygnus olor Winter 4000 1991 4000 10COORDINATES: N4400E05100 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 200 1991 200 10

Netta rufina Winter 10000 1991 10000 10Aythya ferina Winter 20000 1991 20000 10Aythya marila Winter 25000 1991 25000 10

Chardara Vdchr Anser anser Winter 6000 1970 4250 10COORDINATES: N4110E06815 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1500 1991 950 10

Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1970 50 1Aythya fuligula Winter 6000 1970 3000 10Bucephala clangula Winter 6000 1970 3000 10

Ili River Delta Aythya nyroca July 7500 1996 - 8COORDINATES: N4530E07430 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedKarakol Lake Cygnus olor Winter 8000 1991 8000 10COORDINATES: N4330E05300 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 500 1991 500 10

Netta rufina Winter 3000 1991 3000 10Aythya marila Winter 5000 1991 5000 10

Kurgaldzhino and Tengiz Lakes Anser albifrons Autumn - - 2000 1COORDINATES: N5027E06910 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Autumn - - 2000 1Kushmurun Lake Cygnus cygnus Breeding 221 1987 - 10COORDINATES: N5300E06430 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownNE Caspian Shallows Cygnus olor Autumn - - 250000 1COORDINATES: N4640E05100 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSorbulak Lake Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8000–15000 1991 8000 10COORDINATES: N4410E07630 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergellus albellus Winter 8000–10000 - - 8Tobol Ishim Watershed Anser albifrons Autumn - - 2000 1COORDINATES: N5430E06600 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser erythropus Autumn - - 2000 1Turgai Depression Cygnus cygnus Breeding 334 1987 - 10COORDINATES: N4842E06211 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Breeding 3448 1987 - 10

Anser anser Moulting 153100 - 76170 10

KENYASites in Kenya that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Apero Rice Scheme Anas querquedula Winter 3000 1983 2100 10COORDINATES: S0010E03455 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedDandora Oxidation Ponds Anas erythrorhyncha Winter 2553 1994 511 9COORDINATES: S0115E03655 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedKingangop Dam Anas acuta Winter 8000 1981 - 10COORDINATES: S0042E03634 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLake Naivasha Anas undulata Winter 781 1991 427 8COORDINATES: S0046E03621 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas querquedula Winter 2000 1988 - 10Lake Nakuru NP Anas clypeata Winter 6000 1973 802 9COORDINATES: S0022E03605 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Netta erythrophthalma Winter 2295 1972 7 9Lake Solai Anas clypeata Winter 8000 1981 - 10COORDINATES: N0002E03610 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedLake Turkana: Ferguson’s Gulf Anas querquedula Winter 3000 1985 - 10COORDINATES: N0330E03600 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas clypeata Winter 10000 1972 - 10Makuyu Dam Anas querquedula Winter 5000 1985 3750 10COORDINATES: S0051E03710 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedOl Bolossat Anas querquedula Winter 2000 1977 550 11COORDINATES: S0020E03626 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anas clypeata Winter 10000 1977 2713 11Simini’s Dam, Njabeni Anas acuta Winter 8000 1981 2350 11COORDINATES: S0040E03620 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedTana Bridge Anas querquedula Winter 2500 1983 933 11COORDINATES: S0050E03720 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedThika Sewage Ponds Anas querquedula Winter 2000 1988 - 10COORDINATES: S0057E03717 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

LAC TCHAD (CAMEROON, NIGER, NIGERIA, TCHAD)Sites in Lac Tchad that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Lac Tchad (All Quadrats) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 14410 1984 4287 2COORDINATES: N1340E01420 Protected status: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 13457 1987 2961 2

Plectropterus gambensis Winter 575 1987 135 9

297



Lac Tchad (All Quadrats) ... continued Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 704 1987 255 9Anas acuta Winter 472514 1987 147887 2Anas querquedula Winter 535326 1984 235146 2Anas clypeata Winter 5200 1987 - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 45 1970 - 9

LATVIASites in Latvia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Babite Lake Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - 200 10COORDINATES: N5655E02345 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedDaugava at Lielvarde Cygnus cygnus Spring 800 - 530 10COORDINATES: N5642E02452 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEngure Lake Aythya ferina Breeding 3900 - 2700 1COORDINATES: N5717E02452 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedGulf of Riga: West Coast Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 220000 1COORDINATES: N5725E02300 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Melanitta fusca Winter - - 200000 1

Bucephala clangula Moulting - - 13000 1Mergus serrator Winter - - 1890 1

Kemeru Tirelis Cygnus cygnus Autumn 450 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N5700E02334 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLatvian Coast: Ainazi-Svetupe River Bucephala clangula Moulting - - 8000 1COORDINATES: N5747E02418 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedLatvian West Coast: Inshore Mergus merganser Winter 12100 1996 - 1COORDINATES: N5700E02100 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLatvian West Coast: Offshore Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 21560 11COORDINATES: N5630E02030 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLiepaja Lake Cygnus olor Winter 2120 1992 1024 8COORDINATES: N5630E02104 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedLubana Lowlands Cygnus cygnus Passage - - 500 1COORDINATES: N5650E02652 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Passage - - 250 1

Anser f. rossicus Passage 10000 - 2000 1Anser anser Passage - - - 10Anas crecca Passage - - 4000 1Anas acuta Passage 3000 - 3000 10Aythya ferina Passage - - 4000 1Mergellus albellus Passage - - 300 1

Satini Fishponds Cygnus cygnus Spring 510 - 450 10COORDINATES: N5639E02224 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSkrunda Fishponds Cygnus cygnus Autumn 450 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N5640E02155 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedTeichi and Pelecares Bog Anser f. rossicus Passage 4000 1984 - 10COORDINATES: N5630E02600 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

LITHUANIASites in Lithuania that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Kursiu Lagoon and Nemunas River Delta Cygnus cygnus Spring 4000 1963 460 3COORDINATES: N5521E02112 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 3300 1992 570 1

Cygnus c. bewickii Spring - - 570 1Anser f. rossicus Autumn 18000 1985 7800 2Anser albifrons Autumn 7000 1992 6270 2Anser erythropus Autumn 256 1993 82 2Anser anser Autumn 900 1995 10Anser anser Spring 3200 1995 10Anas penelope Spring 30000 1961 - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 892 1994 - 5Aythya ferina Autumn 41100 1995 31400 1Aythya fuligula Autumn 50000 1961 27860 2Polysticta stelleri Winter 13 1995 5 11Mergellus albellus Winter 1100 1991 650 1Mergus merganser Winter 25420 1994 11350 1

Kursiu Spit Anas crecca Spring 10300 1994 - 5COORDINATES: N5418E02055 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas penelope Spring 13200 1994 - 10

Aythya marila Spring 8000 - - 10Clangula hyemalis Winter 300000 1994 100000 1Melanitta fusca Spring 92700 1994 >15000 1Melanitta fusca Winter 700000 1994 41200 1

Meteliai Lakes Aythya nyroca Breeding 21 - - 11COORDINATES: N5418E02347 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPalanga Polysticta stelleri Winter 1489 1994 690 1COORDINATES: N5555E02103 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Clangula hyemalis Winter 71000 1995 62000 1

Mergus merganser Winter 15000 - - 10Zuvintas Lake Anser f. rossicus Autumn 19000 1986 6000 2COORDINATES: N5430E02337 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Autumn 9200 1986 - 2

Anser anser Autumn 900 10Anser anser Moulting 400 1995 10Anas clypeata Autumn 500 1986 - 10Aythya nyroca Breeding 24 - 24 11

298


MACEDONIA (FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF)Sites in Macedonia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Dojran Lake Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1989 2 11COORDINATES: N4113E02244 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedOhrid Lake Netta rufina Winter 7000 1990 3613 5COORDINATES: N4100E02040 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1990 3 11

Aythya fuligula Winter 6500 1989 3113 11Mergus merganser Winter 1 1987 0 11

Prespa Lake Aythya fuligula Winter 9000 1989 6375 10COORDINATES: N4050E01843 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Mergus merganser Winter 3 1989 1 10

MADAGASCARSites in Madagascar that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Amboromalandy Lake Sarkidiornis melanotos October 258 - - 10COORDINATES: S1600E04600 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas erythrorhyncha October 481 - - 10

Anas hottentota October 1878 - - 10Ankerika Dendrocygna viduata Winter 492 1994 492 10COORDINATES: S1901E04427 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedAntsamaka Thalassornis leuconotus Winter - 1995 - 11COORDINATES: S1902E04422 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas bernieri Winter 29 1994 29 10

Anas erythrorhyncha Winter 202 1994 202 10Antsohaly (Antsoale) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 566 1994 566 10COORDINATES: S1906E04434 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 916 1994 916 10Befotaka Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 386 1994 386 10COORDINATES: S1901E04424 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 406 1994 406 10Lac Alaotra Anas melleri Winter 71 1994 71 10COORDINATES: S1735E04820 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas erythrorhyncha Winter 244 1994 244 10

Anas hottentota Winter 308 1994 174 10Lac Bemamba Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 472 1993 388 10COORDINATES: S1850E04422 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 500 1993 434 10

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 800 1993 400 10Anas bernieri Winter 21 1994 20 10Anas erythrorhyncha Winter 600 1993 345 10Anas hottentota Winter 100 1993 78 10

Lac D’Alarobia/Tsarasotro (Antananarivo) Dendrocygna viduata Winter 1148 1994 849 10COORDINATES: S1900E04732 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas erythrorhyncha Winter 980 1994 576 10Lac Soamalipo Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 408 1994 408 10COORDINATES: S1901E04425 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 499 1994 499 10

MALAWISites in Malawi that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Kuti Ponds Thalassornis leuconotus Winter 550 1993 285 10COORDINATES: S1342E03425 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

MALISites in Mali that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes ref er to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Central Inner Niger Delta Dendrocygna viduata Winter 12200 1979 831 9COORDINATES: N1540W00400 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 530 1972 181 2

Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1040 1986 337 9Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 2780 1980 132 9Anas acuta Winter 29740 1986 11001 9Anas querquedula Winter 42060 1987 18406 9Aythya nyroca Winter 2125 1986 443 2

Fleuve Niger: Gao – Labbezonga Dendrocygna viduata Winter 28500 1983 10635 6COORDINATES: N1430E00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 750 1983 194 10

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 5700 1983 1980 6Anas acuta Winter 15400 1984 4375 11Anas querquedula Winter 34100 1978 13363 11

F.Niger: Gourna Rharous-Bourem Dendrocygna viduata Winter 33800 1983 16099 2COORDINATES: N1635W00010 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 975 1983 346 2

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 5100 1983 1825 2Anas acuta Winter 29000 1983 8671 9Anas querquedula Winter 30400 1978 10064 9Aythya nyroca Winter 230 1978 7 10

Lac Debo (Inner Niger Delta) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 5514 1994 1133 1COORDINATES: N1520W00410 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 8060 1983 653 8


299



Lac Faguibine (Inner Niger Delta) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 67100 1983 14280 2COORDINATES: N1640W00400 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 28400 1983 5680 2

Anas acuta Winter 126800 1983 27966 2Anas querquedula Winter 150000 1983 41981 2Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1983 60 1

Lac Fati (Inner Niger Delta) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 3900 1984 988 9COORDINATES: N1610W00350 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 356 1985 94 9

Aythya nyroca Winter 2140 1985 445 2Lac Horo (Inner Niger Delta) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 23000 1984 75 2COORDINATES: N1610W00400 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 3000 1985 788 9


Lac Kabara (Inner Niger Delta) Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 340 1972 12 9COORDINATES: N1540W00440 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1500 1980 329 9

Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1979 15 11Lac Korienze (Inner Niger Delta) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 3000 1978 - 8COORDINATES: N1520W00350 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 7500 1983 16 8

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 450 1984 0 8Anas querquedula Winter 26815 1980 1348 8

Lac Tanda (Inner Niger Delta) Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 460 1977 - 9COORDINATES: N1540W00500 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLac Tele (Inner Niger Delta) Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1984 20 10COORDINATES: N1620W00350 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLac Walado Debo (Inner Niger Delta) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 9000 1978 365 8COORDINATES: N1510W00410 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 16300 1978 330 8

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 263 1986 113 8Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1310 1987 430 8Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1100 1991 233 8Anas acuta Winter 125500 1978 8975 3Anas querquedula Winter 83130 1986 37365 1

Mare de Gossi Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 900 1972 128 9COORDINATES: N1548W00119 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Plectropterus gambensis Winter 780 1984 414 4

Anas querquedula Winter 21000 1984 7063 9Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 61 1972 - 9

Mares du Gourma Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 300 1978 71 9COORDINATES: N1539W00235 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownNE Inner Niger Delta Lakes Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 3500 1983 700 9COORDINATES: N1550W00300 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 8000 1983 1600 9

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 807 1972 1 9Plectropterus gambensis Winter 700 1980 29 9Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1210 1980 2 9Anas acuta Winter 25800 1974 1054 9Aythya nyroca Winter 20 1974 - 11

Northern Inner Niger Delta Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 1560 1978 28 9COORDINATES: N1620W00320 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 5012 1978 23 9

Anas acuta Winter 12860 1979 338 9Aythya nyroca Winter 263 1979 0 10

Southern Inner Niger Delta Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 12284 1986 2813 2COORDINATES: N1430W00410 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 45672 1978 12551 2

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 1050 1984 215 2Plectropterus gambensis Winter 16381 1986 4894 2Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 14696 1978 1634 2Anas acuta Winter 201455 1978 39260 2Anas querquedula Winter 803617 1987 233034 2Aythya nyroca Winter 4000 1977 71 9

MAURITANIASites in Mauritania that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aftout-Es-Sahel Anas acuta Winter 24000 1970 - 10COORDINATES: N1718W01612 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas querquedula Winter 55000 1970 - 10Diawling NP Dendrocygna viduata Winter 13000 1995 1661 8COORDINATES: N1626W01623 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 200 1976 5 8

Plectropterus gambensis Winter 702 1975 1 8Anas acuta Winter 33100 1995 1180 8Anas querquedula Winter 84000 1995 700 8Anas clypeata Winter 6200 1995 - 10

Kaedi, Gorgol Anas querquedula Winter 38000 1976 38000 10COORDINATES: N1615W01320 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLac de Mal Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 370 1976 123 9COORDINATES: N1657W01321 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas acuta Winter 15550 1984 4089 9

Aythya nyroca Winter 16 1987 3 11Lac d’Aleg Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 9100 1983 2120 2COORDINATES: N1705W01359 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Dendrocygna viduata Winter 4000 1984 1444 9

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 260 1984 64 9Plectropterus gambensis Spring 1850 1996 - 10Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 2920 1996 - 10Anas querquedula Winter 91680 1983 41288 2

Lac Rkiz Plectropterus gambensis Moulting - - - 11COORDINATES: N1645W01510 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

300



Mares de Kankossa Aythya nyroca Winter 40 1987 40 11COORDINATES: N1555W01133 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownPodor-Bogue: Vallee du Senegal Plectropterus gambensis Winter 925 1976 463 11COORDINATES: N1640W01430 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 520 1976 280 11

Anas querquedula Winter 27165 1976 21083 10Soufa-Gleita Aythya nyroca Winter 60 1987 60 11COORDINATES: N1600W01230 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSud du Lac Rkiz (Interdunes) Plectropterus gambensis Winter 510 1976 172 11COORDINATES: N1640W01529 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

MOROCCOSites in Morocco that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aguelmane Aberhane Tadorna ferruginea Winter 38 1985 3 8COORDINATES: N3241W00531 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Aguelmane Affenourrir Tadorna ferruginea Winter 386 1989 239 1COORDINATES: N3318W00513 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Aguelmane Azigza Tadorna ferruginea Winter 61 1991 15 8COORDINATES: N3302W00525 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Aguelmane de Sidi Ali Tadorna ferruginea Winter 320 1992 210 1COORDINATES: N3240W00505 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Aguelmane N’tghalouine Tadorna ferruginea Winter 33 1991 17 11COORDINATES: N3324W00506 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Aguelmane Tifounassine Tadorna ferruginea Winter 302 1991 102 1COORDINATES: N3312W00506 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage Al Massira Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1973 1993 395 1COORDINATES: N3329W00726 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 282 1993 56 8

Barrage de Mansour Ed-Dehbi Tadorna ferruginea Winter 400 1983 58 1COORDINATES: N3048W00646 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage de Taghdout Tadorna ferruginea Winter 600 1987 157 10COORDINATES: N3033W00718 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1991 1 11

Barrage D’el Kansera Tadorna ferruginea Winter 65 1983 4 8COORDINATES: N3400W00600 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage Ialla Takerkoust Tadorna ferruginea Winter 59 1984 17 8COORDINATES: N3121W00807 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage Idriss Premier Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1991 - 11COORDINATES: N3443W00442 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage Mechra Homadi Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1983 - 11COORDINATES: N3441W00257 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage Rwidane Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 14 1991 5 11COORDINATES: N3344W00658 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Barrage Wad Al Makhazine Tadorna ferruginea Winter 65 1991 22 11COORDINATES: N3457W00545 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Daya D’el Jadida Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 8 1993 3 11COORDINATES: N3313W00831 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Daya Pres de Khnifiss Tadorna ferruginea Winter 63 1990 34 10COORDINATES: N2801W01213 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 10 1990 5 11

Dayet Afourgah Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 7 1981 - 11COORDINATES: N3334W00507 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Dayet Al Hafs (Jorf Lasfar) Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 149 1992 30 1COORDINATES: N3308W00837 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Dayet Annoceur Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 15 1972 - 11COORDINATES: N3334W00507 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Dayet Ifrah Tadorna ferruginea Winter 90 1983 20 3COORDINATES: N3339W00446 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Embouchure de L’oued Dr’a Tadorna ferruginea Winter 400 1983 87 2COORDINATES: N2840W01105 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Embouchure de L’oued Massa Tadorna ferruginea Winter 47 1981 4 8COORDINATES: N3001W00939 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 350 1988 140 1

Aythya nyroca Winter 16 1983 3 11

Embouchure de L’oued Moulouya Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1984 - 11COORDINATES: N3509W00223 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Embouchure Oued El Ouar Tadorna ferruginea Winter 50 1984 20 3COORDINATES: N2808W01153 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Embouchure Oued Loukkos Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 50 1989 10 8COORDINATES: N3509W00611 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Iriki Depression Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1000 1970 - 10COORDINATES: N2950W00630 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Lac de Ouiouane Tadorna ferruginea Winter 26 1989 17 8COORDINATES: N3313W00519 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lagune de Khnifiss Tadorna ferruginea Winter 300 1993 61 1COORDINATES: N2808W01159 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1986 - 11

Lagune de Layoune Tadorna ferruginea Winter 908 1986 476 10COORDINATES: N2709W01314 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

301



Lagune de Sidi Moussa-Oualidia Tadorna ferruginea Winter 58 1991 12 8COORDINATES: N3247W00857 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 736 1987 104 1

Marais de Moul Bergui Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 19 1972 19 11COORDINATES: N3231W00857 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Marais du Bas Loukkos Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 23 1992 8 11COORDINATES: N3508W00604 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 68 1993 33 11

Merja Daoura et Sidi Mohammed Ben Mansour Anas penelope Winter 6100 1974 18 9COORDINATES: N3438W00618 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Merja de Douy Et Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 120 1987 8 8COORDINATES: N3406W00501 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Merja Oulad Skher Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1992 - 11COORDINATES: N3503W00613 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Merja Sidi Bou Ghaba Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1400 1984 286 1COORDINATES: N3416W00639 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Merja Zerga Tadorna tadorna Winter 4700 1988 2162 1COORDINATES: N3445W00617 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 26000 1975 8190 1

Anas strepera Winter 1350 1988 99 8Anas clypeata Winter 10960 1991 4973 1Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 20 1976 1 11

Merzouga (Daiet Srij) Tadorna ferruginea Winter 250 1987 120 10COORDINATES: N3105W00359 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Plan D’eau de Safi Tadorna ferruginea Winter 54 1991 18 11COORDINATES: N3215W00916 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Restinga (Oued) Smir Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1987 - 11COORDINATES: N3547W00524 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Sebkha Bou Areg Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1992 1 11COORDINATES: N3508W00257 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Sebkha Zima Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1000 1968 38 1COORDINATES: N3209W00850 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna tadorna Winter 882 1989 300 8

Anas clypeata Winter 5500 1968 163 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 336 1988 123 1

Sedd El Mejnoun; El Kelaa des Sgharnas Tadorna ferruginea Winter 98 1985 38 10COORDINATES: N3209W00818 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 15 1988 4 11

NAMIBIASites in Namibia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Swakoppoort Dam Oxyura maccoa Winter 784 1993 392 10COORDINATES: S2213E01630 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

THE NETHERLANDSSites in the Netherlands that have at least once supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at the siteor the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Alblasserwaard Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 883 1993 577 1COORDINATES: N5153E00450 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 48102 1991 25414 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 2365 1991 625 8Ameland Branta bernicla Spring 22452 1994 14685 1COORDINATES: N5327E00547 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta bernicla Winter 17790 1994 10493 1

Tadorna tadorna Autumn 21396 1987 6689 1Anas penelope Winter 13453 1992 8808 8

Amsterdamsche en Schoonebeker Veld Anser f. fabalis Winter 1300 1986 325 11COORDINATES: N5241E00700 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedAnkeveense plassen Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 420 1991 279 1COORDINATES: N5218E00506 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser albifrons Winter 6902 1990 2793 8Balgzand en Wieringen Branta bernicla Winter 5782 1993 3469 1COORDINATES: N5255E00452 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna tadorna Autumn 9887 1989 3082 1

Anas crecca Autumn 4148 1989 1434 8Anas acuta Winter 1174 1990 707 1Anas clypeata Winter 787 1990 342 8

Biesbosch Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 487 1992 303 1COORDINATES: N5145E00446 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser albifrons Winter 17453 1992 12308 1

Anser anser Winter 2957 1993 2353 1Branta leucopsis Winter 9522 1993 5032 1Anas strepera Autumn 700 1993 338 1Anas strepera Winter 1077 1992 577 1Aythya fuligula Autumn 13286 1987 5675 8

Brabantse- /Gelderse Maas Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 2486 1994 916 1COORDINATES: N5149E00534 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 22906 1993 7178 1

Anas penelope Winter 13740 1994 4855 8Aythya ferina Winter 5061 1993 2833 8

De Deelen Anser albifrons Winter 65000 1990 23596 1COORDINATES: N5302E00555 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 2701 1994 1720 3Dollard e.o. Anser albifrons Winter 6005 1991 2306 8COORDINATES: N5316E00708 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Autumn 11768 1993 8922 1

Anser anser Spring 4868 1993 3144 1

302



Dollard e.o. ... continued Branta leucopsis Autumn 6666 1993 2302 1Branta leucopsis Spring 11900 1994 6412 1Branta leucopsis Winter 5700 1994 3134 1Anas crecca Autumn 8301 1989 4432 1Anas acuta Winter 656 1990 206 8

Drontermeer e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 989 1990 480 1COORDINATES: N5230E00551 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1829 1994 1583 1

Anser albifrons Winter 17500 1990 4889 8Dwingelosche Heide Anser f. fabalis Winter 2450 1986 812 1COORDINATES: N5248E00624 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedEemmeer, Nijkerkernauw, Nuldernauw e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 2480 1990 1772 1COORDINATES: N5201E00520 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 900 1988 493 1

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 5156 1993 3632 1Anas penelope Autumn 16841 1992 15810 1Anas penelope Winter 18710 1993 16229 1Aythya ferina Winter 4365 1993 1974 8Anas clypeata Autumn 1420 1989 464 1

Eilandspolder Anas penelope Winter 18180 1990 11074 8COORDINATES: N5234E00450 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedFluessen – Heegermeer Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 10200 1992 4027 1COORDINATES: N5257E00534 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 1864 1989 913 1

Anser albifrons Spring 27450 1992 10773 1Anser albifrons Winter 63100 1990 24770 1Branta leucopsis Autumn 9000 1992 2317 1Branta leucopsis Spring 7600 1993 2888 1Branta leucopsis Winter 17100 1993 8882 1

Fochtelooerveen Anser f. rossicus Winter 8000 1994 4316 1COORDINATES: N5300E00624 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedFriese noordkust Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 1800 1993 826 1COORDINATES: N5322E00546 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Anser anser Autumn 4805 1989 2258 1

Branta leucopsis Autumn 77904 1991 33820 1Branta leucopsis Spring 42775 1992 19243 1Branta leucopsis Winter 45575 1992 34916 1Branta bernicla Spring 47470 1993 40052 1Tadorna tadorna Autumn 16989 1988 9775 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 19265 1994 12829 1Anas penelope Autumn 32126 1987 12907 1Anas penelope Winter 26793 1990 18536 1Anas crecca Autumn 4765 1989 2052 8Anas acuta Autumn 670 1990 366 8Anas clypeata Autumn 415 1989 232 8

Gaasterland en Lemsterland Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 247 1990 116 8COORDINATES: N5252E00533 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 4025 1991 823 1

Anser albifrons Autumn 99350 1991 25545 1Anser albifrons Spring 42430 1993 16278 1Anser albifrons Winter 87676 1994 62243 1Anser anser Autumn 4450 1991 2205 1Branta leucopsis Winter 19670 1994 11861 1

Gelderse Poort Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 181 1991 91 8COORDINATES: N5153E00602 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 4116 1993 2351 8

Anser albifrons Spring 17787 1992 8929 1Anser albifrons Winter 67156 1992 43104 1Anas strepera Winter 349 1992 187 8Anas clypeata Autumn 1086 1989 724 1

Goeree Anser anser Autumn 8443 1991 3103 1COORDINATES: N5151E00401 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 3285 1993 2287 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 7030 1991 3513 1Gooimeer Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 812 1989 284 1COORDINATES: N5219E00514 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas clypeata Autumn 1270 1989 307 8

Aythya ferina Autumn 10455 1993 3769 1Aythya ferina Winter 10325 1993 6094 1Aythya fuligula Winter 14640 1993 7130 8

Grevelingen Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 472 1990 314 1COORDINATES: N5146E00359 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Autumn 3165 1992 814 8

Branta leucopsis Autumn 9250 1990 3249 1Branta leucopsis Winter 11860 1990 8214 1Branta bernicla Spring 4303 1990 2884 8Anas penelope Winter 19457 1993 9239 8Bucephala clangula Winter 6913 1989 4036 1Mergus serrator Autumn 5720 1993 4094 1Mergus serrator Winter 4698 1992 4445 11

Griend Tadorna tadorna Autumn 3500 1987 2475 11COORDINATES: N5315E00516 PROTECTED STATUS: ReserveGroningse Noordkust Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 1942 1993 737 1COORDINATES: N5327E00631 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1139 1993 397 1

Anser anser Autumn 2637 1990 1736 8Branta leucopsis Autumn 26259 1993 9314 1Branta leucopsis Spring 7342 1992 5975 1Branta leucopsis Winter 14591 1993 10291 1Branta bernicla Spring 10100 1991 8179 1Tadorna tadorna Autumn 9965 1985 8348 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 12861 1988 6026 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 20881 1994 11087 8Anas acuta Autumn 982 1985 677 1

Gronings-Drentse Veenkolonien Anser f. rossicus Winter 5849 1991 3408 1COORDINATES: N5303E00700 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 16257 1994 4977 8Groote Peel e.o. Anser f. fabalis Spring 885 1987 180 8COORDINATES: N5124E00552 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 5854 1994 4302 1

303



Groote en Kleine Wielen e.o. Anser albifrons Winter 30845 1990 20236 1COORDINATES: N5314E00555 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 8352 1992 4956 1Haringvliet Anser anser Autumn 5171 1992 3858 1COORDINATES: N5147E00412 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Winter 4134 1994 3260 1

Branta leucopsis Autumn 23898 1991 10438 1Branta leucopsis Spring 6920 1991 5720 1Branta leucopsis Winter 19484 1992 14707 1Anas penelope Autumn 17988 1992 12882 1Anas penelope Winter 24519 1994 15285 1Anas strepera Autumn 1009 1989 504 1Anas strepera Winter 754 1992 351 1Anas clypeata Autumn 1219 1989 335 8

Het Binnenveld Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 488 1991 170 8COORDINATES: N5202E00536 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 1000 1986 212 8Hoeksche Waard Anser albifrons Autumn 9600 1992 2276 8COORDINATES: N5147E00425 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 12120 1993 7254 1Hollands Diep Anser anser Autumn 2713 1992 1440 8COORDINATES: N5142E00430 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 3047 1994 1110 8

Anas strepera Winter 349 1991 262 3Anas clypeata Autumn 478 1989 130 8

IJssel Cygnus cygnus Winter 508 1991 310 8COORDINATES: N5218E00606 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 1108 1987 232 1

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1966 1992 1078 1Anser albifrons Winter 34378 1991 29021 1Anas penelope Spring 21974 1994 12055 8Anas clypeata Spring 545 1992 362 8Aythya ferina Winter 7439 1993 4785 1

IJsselmeer Anas penelope Winter 23035 1991 16748 1COORDINATES: N5249E00518 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas strepera Winter 905 1991 623 1

Aythya ferina Winter 21142 1992 8886 1Aythya fuligula Winter 44351 1993 29622 1Aythya marila Winter 155235 1991 130209 1Bucephala clangula Winter 4787 1992 2626 8Mergellus albellus Winter 1112 1990 367 1Mergus merganser Winter 6747 1992 4505 1

Ketelmeer Aythya ferina Autumn 6133 1993 4343 1COORDINATES: N5236E00545 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya ferina Winter 5760 1991 4961 1

Aythya fuligula Autumn 17202 1993 11853 1Aythya fuligula Winter 18230 1992 13764 1

Koevordermeer e.o. Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 7125 1993 4558 5COORDINATES: N5256E00541 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 19500 1991 9794 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 4000 1993 1800 1

Krimpenerwaard Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 449 1991 248 1COORDINATES: N5157E00442 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 415 1992 211 1

Anser albifrons Winter 17874 1992 12405 1Anas penelope Winter 30611 1993 18177 1

Kwade Hoek en Westplaat Anas acuta Winter 1055 1994 722 1COORDINATES: N5152E00401 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Lauwersmeer e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 3712 1993 1938 1COORDINATES: N5321E00613 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 478 1994 356 1

Anser albifrons Spring 10054 1993 6537 1Anser albifrons Winter 14414 1993 11379 1Anser anser Autumn 10206 1990 9772 1Anser anser Spring 4220 1990 2349 1Branta leucopsis Autumn 22868 1989 12689 1Branta leucopsis Spring 12390 1994 8213 1Branta leucopsis Winter 19889 1992 15226 1Anas penelope Autumn 24358 1990 17850 1Anas strepera Autumn 1995 1989 1396 1Anas crecca Autumn 22063 1986 12783 1Anas acuta Autumn 16285 1987 11702 1Anas clypeata Autumn 5430 1986 2740 1

Leekstermeergebied Anser albifrons Winter 25844 1990 20729 1COORDINATES: N5311E00629 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 4300 1992 1313 8

Lek Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 898 1994 490 1COORDINATES: N5158E00500 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 11959 1994 5128 8

Anas penelope Winter 14892 1994 8504 8Anas strepera Autumn 451 1992 198 8

Lepelaarplassen e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 709 1992 274 1COORDINATES: N5223E00512 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 516 1992 358 1

Anser anser Autumn 3675 1990 2908 1

Limburgse Maas Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 453 1994 260 1COORDINATES: N5122E00610 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 6191 1994 2085 8


Maasland Den Bosch-Oss Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 542 1991 353 1COORDINATES: N5147E00532 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 9700 1991 3824 8

Markermeer Anas crecca Winter 7250 1991 1579 8COORDINATES: N5233E00515 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 59210 1992 34232 1

Anas strepera Winter 533 1994 342 1Aythya ferina Winter 36068 1990 16090 1Aythya fuligula Winter 81760 1990 45396 1Aythya marila Winter 78295 1992 28117 1Bucephala clangula Winter 4880 1993 2103 8Mergellus albellus Winter 1039 1994 567 1

Markiezaat Anas strepera Winter 607 1990 342 1COORDINATES: N5128E00416 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve

304



Midden Delfland en Oude Leede Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 515 1992 208 1COORDINATES: N5158E00421 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Nederrijn Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 458 1993 259 1COORDINATES: N5156E00538 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 9326 1994 2826 8

Nieuwe Waterweg/Calandkanaal Anas strepera Winter 494 1993 307 1COORDINATES: N5156E00412 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergellus albellus Winter 428 1991 115 8

Nieuwkoopse Plassen Anas strepera Winter 417 1994 83 8COORDINATES: N5209E00448 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Noordoostpolder-west Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 2175 1991 1272 1COORDINATES: N5244E00541 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 4733 1991 1696 1

Anser f. rossicus Winter 14720 1991 11420 1Anser albifrons Winter 21570 1991 1Branta leucopsis Winter 10660 1991 2862 1

Noordzee benoorden de Wadden Somateria mollissima Winter 72804 1993 46570 1COORDINATES: N5330E00523 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Melanitta nigra Winter 140000 1993 103796 1

Noord-Beveland Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 538 1992 257 1COORDINATES: N5135E00347 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 3108 1994 1392 8

Oosterschelde Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 653 1991 149 8COORDINATES: N5135E00356 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Branta leucopsis Winter 1761 1990 468 8

Branta bernicla Autumn 14090 1990 10814 1Branta bernicla Spring 7861 1994 6628 1Branta bernicla Winter 10335 1993 8662 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 3580 1994 3252 1Anas penelope Winter 18194 1990 13651 1Anas acuta Autumn 3458 1990 1791 1Anas acuta Winter 4411 1989 1861 1Anas clypeata Autumn 1009 1989 918 1Anas clypeata Winter 764 1990 575 1

Oostvaardersplassen Cygnus cygnus Winter 400 1991 253 8COORDINATES: N5227E00521 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Anser albifrons Spring 6700 1992 4148 8

Anser anser Autumn 12110 1990 7259 1Anser anser Spring 5381 1989 2836 1Anser anser Winter 3842 1991 2147 1Branta leucopsis Winter 5400 1994 3755 1Anas strepera Spring 1510 1990 598 1Anas crecca Autumn 126500 1988 52580 1Anas crecca Winter 20140 1989 5002 1Anas clypeata Autumn 6575 1989 3916 1

Oostzaanse Polders en Het Ilperveld Anas penelope Winter 19550 1989 15589 1COORDINATES: N5227E00455 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Oost- en Westdongeradeel Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 885 1993 278 10COORDINATES: N5321E00556 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 90000 1990 30552 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 7500 1990 2700 1

Oost-Flevoland-noord Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 2155 1992 851 1COORDINATES: N5232E00544 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 2658 1990 1758 1

Oost-Flevoland-zuid Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 1749 1992 475 1COORDINATES: N5228E00536 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1236 1993 346 1

Anser f. rossicus Winter 3000 1990 1710 8Anser anser Autumn 4172 1989 1878 8

Oost-Zeeuwsch Vlaanderen Anser albifrons Winter 18184 1992 14868 1COORDINATES: N5118E00401 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Oude Land van Strijen Anser albifrons Winter 13806 1993 10579 1COORDINATES: N5145E00431 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 4804 1994 2487 1

Oude Maas Anas strepera Winter 305 1994 234 8COORDINATES: N5150E00428 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 15485 1991 9225 8

Oude Venen Anser albifrons Winter 23936 1990 13282 1COORDINATES: N5308E00556 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 9000 1990 3576 1

Anas penelope Winter 34000 1989 19894 1

Oudegaasterbrekken e.o. Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 21605 1993 11176 1COORDINATES: N5300E00534 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 7625 1993 2295 1

Anser albifrons Winter 12760 1993 5148 8Branta leucopsis Autumn 6600 1991 3043 1Branta leucopsis Winter 10405 1993 5036 1

Overflakkee Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 793 1993 506 1COORDINATES: N5144E00412 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 3365 1993 2255 8

Anser albifrons Winter 10118 1993 2448 8Anser anser Winter 5948 1993 2286 1Branta leucopsis Winter 6976 1993 1638 8

Polder Mastenbroek Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 579 1989 395 1COORDINATES: N5235E00602 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 39200 1992 25191 1

Polder Zeevang Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 175 1992 122 8COORDINATES: N5233E00501 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 25110 1989 12285 8

Polders Ronde Hoep en Groot-Mijdrecht Anser albifrons Winter 11101 1994 5706 8COORDINATES: N5215E00457 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Polders Zoetermeer-Alphen aan de Rijn Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 798 1994 439 1COORDINATES: N5206E00430 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Polders rond Fijnaart Anser anser Spring 2045 1994 439 8COORDINATES: N5139E00432 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 5100 1991 1730 8

Polders rond Steenbergen Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 404 1993 176 1COORDINATES: N5135E00421 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Putten Anser albifrons Winter 10500 1989 6126 1COORDINATES: N5150E00419 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 5500 1991 1417 8

305



Raamsdonk, Heusden e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 880 1991 430 1COORDINATES: N5142E00504 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedReeuwijkse Plassen e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1079 1992 412 1COORDINATES: N5202E00446 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 25000 1990 14976 1Reitdiepdal Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 250 1994 56 8COORDINATES: N5320E00623 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedRottige Meenthe Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 219 1991 77 8COORDINATES: N5251E00553 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedRottumeroog en Zuiderstrand Tadorna tadorna Autumn 4355 1987 2683 11COORDINATES: N5333E00635 PROTECTED STATUS: ReserveRottumerplaat Tadorna tadorna Autumn 5090 1984 1677 11COORDINATES: N5333E00628 PROTECTED STATUS: ReserveSchiermonnikoog Branta leucopsis Autumn 5760 1992 2610 1COORDINATES: N5329E00613 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Spring 5095 1992 3729 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 5997 1992 4445 1Branta bernicla Spring 4050 1992 2570 8Branta bernicla Winter 3050 1991 2772 8Tadorna tadorna Autumn 5415 1984 2480 8Anas acuta Autumn 891 1984 318 11Anas clypeata Winter 420 1989 126 8

Schouwen-Duiveland Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 1159 1992 714 1COORDINATES: N5142E00355 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 926 1993 763 1

Anser f. rossicus Winter 4155 1989 3219 1Branta leucopsis Winter 3796 1991 1895 1Branta bernicla Autumn 4890 1991 3129 1Branta bernicla Winter 5171 1994 4298 1

Slotermeer e.o. Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 3910 1993 1967 1COORDINATES: N5255E00538 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 14300 1992 8675 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 15200 1992 3765 1Sneekermeer e.o. Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 8020 1992 2310 1COORDINATES: N5302E00546 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 82665 1990 32590 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 37705 1992 17400 1Anas penelope Winter 44676 1989 27894 1

Staphorsterveld en Haerster- en Gennerbroek Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 991 1994 646 1COORDINATES: N5236E00608 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 7039 1993 3728 8Terschelling Branta bernicla Spring 19065 1992 14851 1COORDINATES: N5324E00522 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta bernicla Winter 6861 1994 5411 1

Tadorna tadorna Autumn 9575 1987 5577 1Anas penelope Winter 19843 1994 10001 8Anas acuta Winter 2847 1990 1368 1

Texel Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 616 1993 173 1COORDINATES: N5306E00451 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 770 1992 584 1

Anser f. rossicus Winter 4630 1992 1842 8Branta bernicla Autumn 7200 1989 6184 1Branta bernicla Spring 12000 1992 10070 1Branta bernicla Winter 8023 1994 6116 1Anas penelope Winter 16217 1990 10074 8Anas acuta Autumn 643 1987 271 8

Tholen Branta bernicla Winter 5075 1991 3118 1COORDINATES: N5135E00408 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedTjeukemeer e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 204 1993 54 8COORDINATES: N5254E00549 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 8651 1992 2704 8

Branta leucopsis Winter 1800 1992 680 8Anas strepera Winter 612 1993 134 8Aythya ferina Winter 6902 1994 2658 8Mergellus albellus Winter 440 1994 160 8

Van Oordt’s Mersken e.o. Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 5000 1989 1000 1COORDINATES: N5302E00602 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser albifrons Winter 25000 1990 13890 1

Branta leucopsis Autumn 8000 1989 4600 1Branta leucopsis Winter 14000 1992 7780 1

Veerse Meer Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 395 1993 156 8COORDINATES: N5132E00343 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 2100 1989 1172 8

Mergus serrator Winter 1925 1991 1450 1Veluwemeer e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 3184 1990 1940 1COORDINATES: N5224E00543 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1013 1990 537 1

Anas acuta Autumn 640 1993 170 8Aythya ferina Autumn 3940 1993 1948 8

Vlieland Tadorna tadorna Autumn 3150 1990 1890 8COORDINATES: N5316E00459 PROTECTED STATUS: ReserveVolkerakmeer Branta leucopsis Winter 1828 1994 1031 8COORDINATES: N5139E00415 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Tadorna tadorna Summer 4140 1990 2560 8

Anas penelope Autumn 18095 1990 13878 1Anas strepera Autumn 2014 1993 1019 1Anas strepera Spring 606 1994 318 1Anas strepera Summer 1103 1994 518 1Anas crecca Autumn 5662 1991 2882 8Anas platyrhynchos Autumn 22474 1993 18488 8Anas acuta Autumn 4143 1993 2320 1Anas acuta Winter 2602 1989 1054 1Anas clypeata Autumn 3691 1991 2542 1Anas clypeata Spring 1595 1992 742 1Anas clypeata Summer 2608 1992 746 1Aythya fuligula Autumn 24911 1993 11902 1Bucephala clangula Winter 3864 1994 3385 1

Vughtse Gement Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 318 1990 227 1COORDINATES: N5142E00514 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 472 1992 375 1

306



Waal Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 682 1992 338 1COORDINATES: N5150E00523 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 16442 1990 11897 1

Anas penelope Winter 20468 1992 15555 1Aythya ferina Winter 5409 1994 3377 8Anas clypeata Autumn 489 1993 343 8

Waddenzee (open water) Aythya marila Winter 38145 1994 15645 1COORDINATES: N5307E00506 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve Somateria mollissima Winter 114494 1995 87842 1

Walcheren Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 206 1991 145 3COORDINATES: N5132E00336 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Waterland Anser albifrons Winter 6960 1992 4575 8COORDINATES: N5225E00500 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 19898 1993 12406 8

Weerribben e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 447 1993 248 1COORDINATES: N5247E00556 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 933 1989 563 1

Westerschelde Anser albifrons Winter 12652 1992 7171 1COORDINATES: N5123E00344 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 25867 1992 17886 1

Anser anser Winter 43459 1994 28395 1Tadorna tadorna Autumn 6045 1991 3956 1Tadorna tadorna Summer 6495 1989 4994 1Anas penelope Autumn 46451 1992 29595 1Anas penelope Winter 30055 1992 26732 1Anas acuta Autumn 3489 1992 2013 1Anas acuta Winter 3371 1989 2579 1

West-Zeeuwsch Vlaanderen Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 770 1992 312 1COORDINATES: N5120E00349 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 12430 1994 8233 1

Anser anser Autumn 2338 1989 1061 8Wieden Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 531 1990 285 1COORDINATES: N5240E00603 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 343 1994 218 1

Anser albifrons Spring 27037 1992 8465 1Anser albifrons Winter 26973 1994 15588 1

Wieringermeer Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 443 1993 203 1COORDINATES: N5251E00455 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 921 1993 545 1

Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1991 4437 1Witte and Zwarte Brekken e.o. Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 9700 1986 3590 1COORDINATES: N5259E00540 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 8500 1993 5067 5Wonseradeel en Workum Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn 2650 1989 959 1COORDINATES: N5300E00527 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 10550 1989 3435 1

Anser albifrons Spring 23474 1991 16900 1Anser albifrons Winter 97680 1990 46767 1Anser anser Autumn 2215 1992 1547 8Branta leucopsis Autumn 7622 1993 2792 1Branta leucopsis Spring 16412 1994 7012 1Branta leucopsis Winter 40495 1992 22443 1

Wormer- en Jisperveld Anas penelope Winter 12660 1981 6286 8COORDINATES: N5230E00450 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedZoommeer Anas strepera Autumn 515 1991 336 1COORDINATES: N5130E00414 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas acuta Autumn 1672 1989 1127 1

Anas clypeata Autumn 1577 1990 1003 1Zuidlaardermeer e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 326 1990 174 1COORDINATES: N5309E00641 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 498 1991 256 1Zuid-Beveland-oost Anser albifrons Winter 11765 1991 10139 1COORDINATES: N5127E00405 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 2428 1991 639 8

Branta bernicla Winter 3025 1991 1832 8Zuid-Beveland-west Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 200 1993 83 8COORDINATES: N5129E00351 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedZuid-Beveland-midden Anser albifrons Winter 14745 1991 4767 8COORDINATES: N5225E00525 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 14280 1993 11890 1

Branta leucopsis Winter 4600 1993 994 8Zwarte Meer e.o. Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 285 1991 172 1COORDINATES: N5237E00556 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser albifrons Winter 31514 1994 16430 1

Anser anser Autumn 7220 1993 2120 1

NIGERSites in Niger that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Dan Doutchi Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 509 1993 268 10COORDINATES: N1400E00530 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Fleuve Niger: Labezanga-Niamey Dendrocygna viduata Winter 9450 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N1430E00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 7771 1995 - 10

Fleuve Niger: Niamey-Tillaberi Dendrocygna viduata Winter 11249 1993 8918 1COORDINATES: N1300E00220 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 600 1984 126 9

Anas querquedula Winter 33000 1984 7169 9

Galmi Aythya nyroca Winter 26 1994 26 11COORDINATES: N1359E00543 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Gatawani Dendrocygna viduata Winter 3971 1993 2111 10COORDINATES: N1150E00332 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMare de Dosso Dendrocygna viduata Winter 3003 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N1315E00310 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMare de Mari (Tillaberi) Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 580 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N1411E00130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

307



Mare de Tahoua Dendrocygna viduata Winter 4266 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N1450E00510 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 1894 1993 1184 1Mare de Zinder Anas acuta Winter 20480 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N1415E00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMare Marie (Tillaberi) Dendrocygna viduata Winter 2900 1995 1454 10COORDINATES: N1415E00130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedP.n. Du W Dendrocygna viduata Winter 4047 1993 1587 10COORDINATES: N1400E00100 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedTabalak Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 1385 1993 1008 5COORDINATES: N1405E00535 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedTara I Et Ii Dendrocygna viduata Winter 3895 1994 3024 10COORDINATES: N1153E00320 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

NIGERIASites in Nigeria that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


F. Niger: Gaya-Kainji Dam Dendrocygna viduata Winter 26850 1984 26850 10COORDINATES: N1110E00400 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownF. Yedseram: Bama Aythya nyroca Winter 200 1967 200 10COORDINATES: N1130E01240 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHadejia-Nguru Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 4080 1992 1693 1COORDINATES: N1239E01021 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 47879 1995 7754 1

Plectropterus gambensis Winter 2249 1993 1575 1Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 2594 1989 1146 1Anas acuta Winter 25083 1994 17959 1Anas querquedula Winter 98689 1995 19097 1Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 50 1978 - 8Aythya nyroca Winter 3800 1972 108 1

Kazaure Thalassornis leuconotus Winter 20 1968 - 9COORDINATES: N1240E00810 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1968 50 1Nguru – Matara (Kano) Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 2000 1967 563 11COORDINATES: N1250E01000 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Thalassornis leuconotus Winter 20 1967 5 11

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 500 1967 125 11Anas hottentota Winter 100 1970 25 11Aythya nyroca Winter 1500 1969 825 1

NORWAYSites in Norway that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Helgeland Archipelago Branta leucopsis Spring 12000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6530E01100 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedJøa Sørsmøla Mergus serrator Winter 3216 1989 681 8COORDINATES: N6318E00753 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedMaere Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 1COORDINATES: N6357E01125 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedNordre Øyeren Natrue Reserve Cygnus cygnus Winter 200 - - 1COORDINATES: N5953E01109 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Spring 7600 - - 8Porsanger Fjord Anser erythropus Autumn 60 - - 11COORDINATES: N7030E02530 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Anser erythropus Spring 97 - - 11Varanger Fjord Polysticta stelleri Spring 12500 - - 10COORDINATES: N7000E03000 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedVesterålen Anser brachyrhynchus Spring - - - 1COORDINATES: N6846E01517 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

OMANSites in Oman that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Dhofar Khawrs Aythya nyroca Winter 51 1994 17 10COORDINATES: N1702E05426 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedKhawr Dhirif Aythya nyroca Winter 15 - - 11COORDINATES: N1856E05721 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

POLANDSites in Poland that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bieganowo (Arable Land) Anser f. rossicus Winter 4000 1992 4000 10COORDINATES: N5217E01714 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

308



Borzymowskie Aythya nyroca Winter 500 1977 200 9COORDINATES: N5231E01852 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBuda Stalowska Fishponds Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 33 11COORDINATES: N5030E02147 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedCentral Polish Coast Somateria mollissima Winter - - 23500 1COORDINATES: N5450E01700 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 260400 1

Melanitta fusca Winter - - 53900 1Mergellus albellus Winter 511 1993 201 11

Dabie Lake Cygnus cygnus Winter - - 550 1COORDINATES: N5330E01500 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser f. rossicus Spring - - 15000 1

Anser anser Autumn - - 5000 1Aythya fuligula Winter - - 14000 1Bucephala clangula Winter - - 10000 1Mergellus albellus Winter - - 650 1Mergus merganser Winter - - 10000 1

Druzno Lake Anas strepera Moulting - - 700 1COORDINATES: N5403E01927 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas clypeata Moulting - - 1000 1Gdansk Bay Aythya marila Winter - - 6460 1COORDINATES: N5435E01840 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 9472 1991 6227 5

Mergus serrator Winter - - 2215 1Goczalkowice Reservoir Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 18 11COORDINATES: N4955E01852 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGoreckie Lake Anser f. rossicus Winter 5000 1995 4300 10COORDINATES: N5217E01647 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLeba: M.reskowo-J.sianowskie Aythya nyroca Winter 112 1984 22 11COORDINATES: N5420E01810 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLezczak Fishponds Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 21 11COORDINATES: N5008E01816 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLuknajno Lake Cygnus olor Moulting - - 2200 10COORDINATES: N5349E02138 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Netta rufina Autumn - - 900 10Miedwie Lake Anser f. rossicus Winter 7000 1993 1750 11COORDINATES: N5313E01454 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMietkow Reservoir Anser f. rossicus Winter 10000 1992 4509 10COORDINATES: N5057E01636 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownMilicz Fishponds (Jamnik Complex) Anser f. rossicus Winter 13300 1995 7650 10COORDINATES: N5130E01659 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 45 11Milicz Fishponds (Potasznia Complex) Anser anser Autumn 2670 1994 2670 10COORDINATES: N5133E01731 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 33 11Milicz Fishponds (Ruda Sulowska Complex) Anser f. rossicus Winter 3410 1994 2105 10COORDINATES: N5131E01706 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 105 11Milicz Fishponds (Slawno complex) Anser f. rossicus Winter 3500 1992 1549 10COORDINATES: N5133E01723 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 159 11Mosty-Zahajki Reservoirs Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 18 11COORDINATES: N5140E02315 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedNysa Reservoirs Anser f. rossicus Autumn - - 6000 1COORDINATES: N5027E01715 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedOder Bank Melanitta fusca Winter - - 56750 1COORDINATES: N5330E01415 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedOdra: Lower Valley (Gryfino) Anser albifrons Winter 15000 1992 4124 11COORDINATES: N5315E01427 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownOdra: Lower Valley (Marwice) Anser f. rossicus Winter 7082 1994 3550 10COORDINATES: N5315E01427 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownOdra: Mudflats (Stary Kostrzynek) Anser albifrons Winter 8000 1993 3750 11COORDINATES: N5250E01410 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Winter 11000 1992 8463 5Otmuchowski Reservoir Anser f. rossicus Winter 10650 1995 5588 10COORDINATES: N5028E01706 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Piwonia: K/M Sosnowica Aythya nyroca Winter 18 1983 4 11COORDINATES: N5134E02256 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Plon Lake Anser albifrons Winter 13585 1995 6520 10COORDINATES: N5309E01506 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser f. rossicus Winter 3396 1995 1092 10

Pomeranian Bay Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 803400 1COORDINATES: N5320E01415 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Melanitta nigra Winter 34720 - - 1

Melanitta fusca Winter - - 357210 1Mergus serrator Winter - - 5315 1

Przemkow Fishponds Aythya ferina Autumn - - 9000 1COORDINATES: N5134E01549 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 12 11

Rosowko Lake Anser albifrons Winter 11000 1992 5504 11COORDINATES: N5319E01425 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Rozpuda Aythya nyroca Winter 235 1983 60 11COORDINATES: N5402E02236 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

San: K/M Sanok 17km Aythya nyroca Winter 184 1971 1 11COORDINATES: N4936E02211 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Siemien Fishponds Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 30 11COORDINATES: N5140E02250 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Slonsk Reserve Anser f. rossicus Autumn - - 25000 1COORDINATES: N5233E01443 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. rossicus Winter 43312 1993 10828 10

Anas strepera Breeding - - 360 1

Slupsk Bank Clangula hyemalis Winter - - 56550 1COORDINATES: N5420E01630 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

309



Sobieszewo – Stogi 5km Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1979 63 11COORDINATES: N5418E01845 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSwidwie Reservoir Anser albifrons Winter 7500 1992 2029 11COORDINATES: N5334E01422 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSzczecin Lagoon Aythya ferina Winter - - 9410 1COORDINATES: N5350E01430 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya fuligula Winter - - 54200 1

Aythya marila Winter 36900 1992 21288 5Bucephala clangula Winter 7738 1993 4016 10Mergellus albellus Winter 30000 1992 6529 5Mergus merganser Winter 33085 1993 20342 5

Warta: Chojno – Wronki 12km Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1982 20 11COORDINATES: N5243E01623 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownWarta: Gorzow – Borek 18km Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1984 20 11COORDINATES: N5236E01522 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownWarta: Middle River Anas clypeata Breeding - - 600 1COORDINATES: N5212E01810 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding - - 15 11Wiercica: K/M Potok Zloty 2km Aythya nyroca Winter 150 1979 30 11COORDINATES: N5056E01904 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownWisla: Grudziadz 12km Aythya nyroca Winter 140 1981 51 11COORDINATES: N5331E01848 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownWistula Lagoon Aythya ferina Moulting - - 9000 10COORDINATES: N5422E01930 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya fuligula Autumn - - 12000 10

Mergellus albellus Winter 3257 1990 1265 5Wistula: Deblin-Plock Anas platyrhynchos Winter - - 20071 11COORDINATES: N5200E02038 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedZgierzyniecki Reservoir Anser f. rossicus Winter 3150 1992 2400 10COORDINATES: N5227E01626 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

PORTUGALSites in Portugal that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Aveiro Melanitta nigra Winter 23410 1994 13779 11COORDINATES: N4039W00834 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedBarragem Do Alvito Netta rufina Winter 250 1987 1 8COORDINATES: N3817W00754 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEstuario Do Tejo Anser anser Winter 3320 1996 1727 8COORDINATES: N3845W00905 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 5819 1992 3090 8

Anas crecca Winter 14377 1991 8145 8Lagoa de Sto. Andre Netta rufina Winter 619 1994 390 8COORDINATES: N3806W00849 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedRia de Faro Anas penelope Winter 6793 1993 2635 8COORDINATES: N3700W00755 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

ROMANIA/MOLDOVASites in Romania/Moldova that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Stânca Cos tes ti Reservoir Anser anser Winter 2000 1991 - 10COORDINATES: N4757E02710 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 250 1990 250 10

ROMANIASites in Romania that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bacau I and II Reservoirs Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1988 40 11COORDINATES: N4638E02655 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 200 1983 28 9

Mergus merganser Winter 290 1993 120 2Balta Alba Anas strepera Autumn 1000 1970 200 10COORDINATES: N4515E02715 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas clypeata Winter 5000 1972 - 10

Aythya nyroca Autumn 500 1969 - 10Aythya nyroca Summer 1000 1970 - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1970 - 11

Black Sea Coast Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5 1988 1 11COORDINATES: N4430E02850 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 510 1994 220 1

Anser anser Autumn 1050 1990 1050 10Anser anser Winter 10000 1990 2750 1Branta ruficollis Winter 460 1994 92 11Anas platyrhynchos Winter 41000 1990 7000 10Aythya ferina Winter 29000 1990 9000 10Aythya nyroca Winter 165 1992 30 11Aythya fuligula Winter 11000 1995 4000 10Bucephala clangula Winter 1100 1993 500 1Mergellus albellus Winter 2300 1993 950 1

Cefa Fishponds Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N4655E02141 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 60 1991 30 11

310



Danube Delta and Razelm-Sinoe Lagoon Complex Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 2 - - 11COORDINATES: N4510E02920 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1988 1 11

Cygnus olor Breeding 2100 - - 10Cygnus olor Winter 3307 1971 522 1Cygnus cygnus Winter 3394 1994 846 1Anser albifrons Winter 358000 1989 125000 1Anser anser Breeding 4200 - - 10Anser anser Winter 50000 1989 19000 1Branta ruficollis Winter 36000 1991 13000 1Anas strepera Spring 20360 1971 - 8Anas strepera Winter 9807 1988 - 10Anas crecca Spring 10963 1971 - 8Anas platyrhynchos Spring 404573 1971 - 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 170100 1988 30000 1Anas clypeata Spring 5100 1971 - 8Netta rufina Autumn 32220 1969 - 8Netta rufina Winter 7110 1988 300 10Aythya ferina Spring 369150 1971 - 1Aythya ferina Winter 171160 1969 9860 10Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11Aythya nyroca Spring 10200 1971 - 8Aythya nyroca Winter 584 1989 168 10Aythya fuligula Autumn 182756 1969 - 1Aythya fuligula Winter 12000 1991 2860 10Melanitta fusca Winter 17 1989 - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 280 1979 52 10Mergellus albellus Winter 4986 1992 2484 1Mergus serrator Winter 811 1989 256 8Mergus merganser Winter 280 1988 58 10

Dobrudja Anser albifrons Autumn - - 150000 2COORDINATES: N4415E02815 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 364000 1989 100000 2

Anser erythropus Winter 1000 1989 - 10Drägasäni Reservoir Anser anser Winter 1000 1989 433 10COORDINATES: N4436E02418 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1989 17 11Fizes Valley Aythya nyroca Autumn 36 1994 12 11COORDINATES: N4657E02405 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGârleni Aythya nyroca Winter 70 1974 13 11COORDINATES: N4638E02647 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 900 1983 418 2Insula Micä a Brä ilei Aythya nyroca Summer 46 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N4455E02755 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedLake Agigea Oxyura leucocephala Winter 9 1969 9 11COORDINATES: N4402E02832 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLake Comana Aythya nyroca Autumn 100 1990 - 11COORDINATES: N4410E02606 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLake Dunareni Aythya nyroca Summer 29 1992 - 11COORDINATES: N4411E02746 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLake Tasaul Branta ruficollis Winter 400 1988 - 11COORDINATES: N4421E02835 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya ferina Winter 10000 1988 2456 9

Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11Lake Techirghiol Oxyura leucocephala Winter 18 1990 15 11COORDINATES: N4358E02840 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Autumn 75 1993 - 11

Anser erythropus Winter 65 1989 16 11Tadorna tadorna Winter 1200 1969 14 8Aythya nyroca Winter 150 1988 - 11

Lakes Istria-Nuntas i-Tuzla Anser albifrons Winter 40000 1992 15788 1COORDINATES: N4432E02844 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Winter 86 1989 7 11

Anser anser Winter 30000 1989 - 10Branta ruficollis Passage 300 1990 300 11Branta ruficollis Winter 9000 1991 1970 1

Lakes Maæa-Rädeanu-Cârja-Vädeni Aythya nyroca Summer 12 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N4604E02807 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMures : Rädesti Aythya nyroca Winter 24 1990 5 11COORDINATES: N4604E02807 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMures : Tifra-Aiud Aythya nyroca Winter 35 1990 16 11COORDINATES: N4610E02340 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownParches -Somova Aythya nyroca Breeding - 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N617E02345 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 8 1994 - 11Pitesti Reservoirs Cygnus cygnus Winter 175 1993 30 10COORDINATES: N4512E02838 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedPoræile de Fier Reservoir Aythya nyroca Spring 846 1996 - 1COORDINATES: N4442E02220 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 412 1993 - 10Rotba0 Fishponds Aythya nyroca Spring 10 1994 - 11COORDINATES: N4553E02633 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedStrejesti Reservoir Anser anser Winter 300 1989 150 11COORDINATES: N4435E02419 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 75 1989 26 11

RUSSIASites in Russia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Akhtarski and Sladki Limans Cygnus olor Breeding - - 3200 1COORDINATES: N4600E03800 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Breeding - - 5000 1

311



Azov Sea: Eastern Coast Oxyura leucocephala Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N4546E03805 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus olor Passage - - - 10

Cygnus olor Winter - - - 10Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10Cygnus cygnus Winter - - - 10Anser f. rossicus Passage - - - 10Anser albifrons Passage - - - 10Anser albifrons Winter - - - 10Anser erythropus Passage - - - 10Anser erythropus Winter - - - 10Anser anser Passage - - - 10Anser anser Winter - - - 10Branta ruficollis Passage - - - 10Anas penelope Passage - - - 10Anas strepera Passage - - - 10Anas crecca Passage - - - 10Anas crecca Winter - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter - - - 10Anas acuta Passage - - - 10Anas querquedula Passage - - - 10Anas clypeata Passage - - - 10Netta rufina Passage - - - 10Netta rufina Winter - - - 10Aythya ferina Passage - - - 10Aythya ferina Winter - - - 10Aythya nyroca Passage - - - 10Aythya fuligula Passage - - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 120000 - - 10

Azov Sea: Kuban Delta Aythya nyroca Breeding 1500 - - 10COORDINATES: N4520E03715 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Caspian: Biryuchek Island Anser albifrons Autumn - - 7000 1COORDINATES: N4540E04900 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Caspian: Kizlyar Bay Anser anser Winter 31400 1981 - 10COORDINATES: N4440E04700 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas crecca Winter 52000 1981 - 10

Netta rufina Winter 8300 1981 - 10

Chalmny-Varre Cygnus cygnus Autumn - - 2000 1COORDINATES: N6700E03710 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Chaselskaya Lakes Anas crecca Breeding - - - 10COORDINATES: N6528E07910 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas acuta Breeding - - - 10

Aythya fuligula Breeding - - - 10

Dvuobje (Middle Ob River) Cygnus cygnus Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N6500E06530 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Spring - - - 10

Anser f. fabalis Spring - - - 10Anser albifrons Spring - - - 10Anser erythropus Spring - - - 10Anser anser Spring - - - 10Branta ruficollis Passage - - - 10Anas penelope Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Spring - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Spring - - - 10Anas acuta Spring - - - 10Anas querquedula Spring - - - 10Anas clypeata Spring - - - 10Aythya fuligula Spring - - - 10Aythya marila Spring - - - 10Melanitta nigra Spring - - - 10Melanitta fusca Spring - - - 10Bucephala clangula Spring - - - 10

Faustovo Floodplains Anser albifrons Spring - - 15000 1COORDINATES: N5519E03836 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Kandalakshskaya Bay Somateria mollissima Breeding 26400 1977 - 1COORDINATES: N6700E03315 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Bucephala clangula Moulting - - 10000 1

Kanin Peninsula: Cygnus c. bewickii Breeding - - - 1COORDINATES: N6640E04440 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Kanin Peninsula: Torna-Shoina Interstream Area Cygnus cygnus Summer 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6757E04317 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Passage - - - 10

Anser erythropus Spring 1500 - - 10Branta leucopsis Breeding 6000 - - 10Branta leucopsis Spring - - - 10Branta b. bernicla Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Passage - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - - 10Aythya marila Breeding 9000 - - 10Polysticta stelleri Passage - - - 10Melanitta nigra Passage - - - 10Melanitta fusca Passage - - - 10Bucephala clangula Passage - - - 10Mergus merganser Passage - - - 10

Khaypudyrskaya Bay Branta b. bernicla Autumn - - - 1COORDINATES: N6835E05945 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Kola Peninsula: Ainovy Islands Polysticta stelleri Breeding 1000 - 750 1COORDINATES: N6950E03135 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Mergus merganser Breeding 2000 2000 1

Kola Peninsula: Gavrilovsky Archipelago Polysticta stelleri Breeding 640 1992 - 1COORDINATES: N6910E03556 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Kola Peninsula: Iokanga and Ponoy Rivers Anser f. rossicus Breeding - - - 1COORDINATES: N6730E03715 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

312



Kola Peninsula: Kildin Island – Murmansk Polysticta stelleri Spring 2063 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N6918E03330 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKola Peninsula: Lumbovka-Ponoy Reka Rivers Anser f. rossicus Moulting - - 15000 1COORDINATES: N6730E04030 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKola Peninsula: Ponoy Losinga-Zakaznik Cygnus cygnus Autumn - - 500 1COORDINATES: N6700E03900 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedKola Peninsula: Rybachky Peninsula Polysticta stelleri Spring 4488 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N6935E03300 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKola Peninsula: Savikha Bay-Litsky Islands Polysticta stelleri Spring 15000 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N6820E03850 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKola Peninsula: Som Ostrovov Polysticta stelleri Spring 6009 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N6900E03630 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedKola Peninsula: Voronjya River Mouth Mergus merganser Autumn 3430 - 2650 1COORDINATES: N6911E03549 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedManych-Godilo Lakes Oxyura leucocephala Autumn 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4436E04300 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Spring - - - 10

Cygnus cygnus Spring - - - 10Anser albifrons Spring - - 45000 1Anser albifrons Winter 100000 - - 10Anser erythropus Autumn 10000 - - 10Anser erythropus Spring - - 5000 1Anser anser Breeding 4500 - - 10Branta ruficollis Passage - - 25000 1Branta ruficollis Winter - - 1500 1Tadorna tadorna Autumn 105000 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Moulting - - 22000 1Anas penelope Autumn - - - 10Anas strepera Spring - - - 10Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Spring 450000 - - 10Anas acuta Spring 22500 - - 10Anas querquedula Autumn - - - 10Anas clypeata Spring 555000 - - 10Netta rufina Autumn 285000 - - 10Aythya ferina Spring - - - 10Aythya fuligula Spring 52500 - - 10Bucephala clangula Autumn - - - 10Mergellus albellus Autumn - - - 10Mergus merganser Autumn - - - 10

North Karelia Lakes Cygnus cygnus Breeding - - 3000 1COORDINATES: N6600E03300 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedOka Valley Anser albifrons Spring - - 15000 1COORDINATES: N5443E04110 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedOnega Bay Branta leucopsis Autumn - - - 1COORDINATES: N6430E03530 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta b. bernicla Autumn - - - 1

Somateria mollissima Winter - - 20000 1Pechora Delta Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 15000 1980 - 10COORDINATES: N6815E05345 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya marila Moulting 10Pskovsko-Chudskoye Lakes Anser f. rossicus Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N5709E02751 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Passage - - - 10

Anas penelope Passage - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Moulting - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - - 10Anas acuta Passage - - - 10Aythya ferina Moulting - - - 10Aythya fuligula Moulting - - - 10Aythya fuligula Passage - - - 10Bucephala clangula Moulting - - - 10Bucephala clangula Passage - - - 10

Pyasina and Pura Rivers Branta ruficollis Moulting 3541 1995 10COORDINATES: N7310E08530 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedPyasina River Delta Anser albifrons Breeding 82500 - - 10COORDINATES: N7348E08720 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Moulting 72537 - - 10

Anas acuta Breeding - - - 10Somateria spectabilis Breeding - - - 10Clangula hyemalis Breeding - - - 10Clangula hyemalis Moulting - - - 10

Streca and Varzuga Rivers Cygnus cygnus Autumn - - 500 1COORDINATES: N6630E03740 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedUstje Obi (Mouth of Ob River) Cygnus cygnus Breeding 28500 - - 10COORDINATES: N6638E06900 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn - - - 10

Anser f. rossicus Autumn - - - 10Anser albifrons Autumn - - - 10Anser erythropus Autumn - - - 10Anser anser Autumn 1500 - - 10Branta ruficollis Passage - - - 10Anas penelope Autumn 165000 - - 10Anas crecca Autumn - - - 10Anas acuta Autumn 801000 - - 10Anas querquedula Autumn - - - 10Aythya fuligula Autumn 82500 - - 10Aythya marila Autumn 15000 - - 10Melanitta nigra Autumn 91500 - - 10Melanitta fusca Autumn 46500 - - 10Bucephala clangula Autumn 6000 - - 10

Vashutkiny, Padimeyskiye and Khargeyskiye Lakes Anser f. rossicus Moulting - - 50000 1COORDINATES: N6800E06200 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

313



Vaygach Island Cygnus c. bewickii Breeding - - - 1COORDINATES: N7000E05930 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Breeding - - - 1

Veselovskoye Reservoir Anser anser Breeding - - 8000 1COORDINATES: N4700E04130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta ruficollis Passage - - 25000 1

Vinogradovskaja Valley Anser albifrons Spring 15000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5540E03730 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Volga Delta Oxyura leucocephala Passage - - - 11COORDINATES: N4600E04840 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Breeding 21000 - - 1

Cygnus olor Passage - - - 10Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10Anser albifrons Passage - - - 10Anser albifrons Winter 10000 1981 - 10Anser anser Breeding 30000 - - 1Anser anser Moulting 25000 - - 1Anser anser Passage - - - 10Anser anser Winter 4800 1981 - 10Anas crecca Moulting - - - 1Anas platyrhynchos Breeding 21000 - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Moulting - - - 1Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 47700 1981 - 10Anas acuta Moulting - - - 1Anas acuta Passage - - - 10Anas querquedula Moulting - - - 1Netta rufina Breeding 6000 - - 10Aythya ferina Breeding 24000 - - 1Aythya fuligula Passage - - - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 213300 1981 - 10Mergellus albellus Winter 1200 1981 - 10

Vyalye Lake Anser albifrons Autumn - - - 1COORDINATES: N5910E03010 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Vyborg Bay Cygnus cygnus Autumn - - - 1COORDINATES: N6035E02835 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn - - - 1

Branta b. bernicla Autumn - - - 1Clangula hyemalis Spring 207510 - - 8Melanitta nigra Spring 124780 - - 8Melanitta fusca Spring 13001 - - 8

Western Chertovo Lakes Anas crecca Breeding 55000 - - 10COORDINATES: N6410E08000 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas acuta Breeding 172500 - - 10

Aythya fuligula Breeding 17500 - - 10

Western Ilmen Area Cygnus olor Breeding 4500 - - 10COORDINATES: N4600E04725 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus olor Passage - - - 10

Cygnus cygnus Passage - - - 10Anser anser Breeding 3000 - - 10Anser anser Moulting 9000 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Autumn 3000 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Breeding 6000 - - 10Tadorna tadorna Passage - - - 10Anas strepera Passage - - - 10Anas crecca Moulting 40000 - - 10Anas crecca Passage - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - - 10Anas acuta Passage - - - 10Anas querquedula Passage - - - 10Netta rufina Passage - - - 10Aythya ferina Passage - - - 10

Yurto Lakes Cygnus cygnus Autumn 500 - - 10COORDINATES: N6335E07910 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2600 - - 10

SAUDI ARABIASites in Saudi Arabia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Al-Ha’ir Aythya nyroca Winter 70 - - 10COORDINATES: N2425E04650 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding 2 1991 - 11

Al-Jamdal Oxyura leucocephala Winter - - - 11COORDINATES: N2833E03617 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Al-Jawf Oxyura leucocephala Winter - - - 11COORDINATES: N2800E03942 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Jubayl Lagoons = Sabkah Al Fasl Tadorna tadorna Winter 855 1994 436 11COORDINATES: N2700E04940 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Tabuk Aythya nyroca Breeding 35 - - 11COORDINATES: N2823E03638 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter - - - 11

Wadi Hanifah 50km Aythya nyroca Winter 31 1991 18 11COORDINATES: N2420E04700 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Wadi Jizan Dam = Malaki Aythya nyroca Winter 128 1988 41 11COORDINATES: N1703E04258 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Wadi Tendeha Dam Aythya nyroca Winter 21 1993 16 11COORDINATES: N1820E04230 PROTECTED STATUS: Not protected

Yanbu Al-Bahr Oxyura leucocephala Spring 50 1984 - 11COORDINATES: N2608E03800 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

314


SENEGALSites in Senegal that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Boundoum Kassak Plectropterus gambensis Winter 500 1976 103 9COORDINATES: N1622W01600 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Debi Dendrocygna viduata Winter 2600 1993 520 9COORDINATES: N1630W01600 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 247 1993 49 9

Lac de Guier Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 2010 1983 86 8COORDINATES: N1612W01540 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 7900 1976 133 8

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 1390 1973 - 8Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1665 1980 56 8

Lampsar and Djeuss Floodplains Dendrocygna viduata Winter 6300 1972 1256 8COORDINATES: N1615W01618 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas acuta Winter 40000 1989 8601 8

Anas querquedula Winter 50000 1971 7376 8

Ndiael Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 340 1973 - 9COORDINATES: N1614W01605 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas querquedula Winter 50000 1959 120 9

P.N. du Niokolo Koba Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1668 1987 334 9COORDINATES: N1300W01300 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 901 1987 180 9


P.N. des Oiseaux du Djoudj Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 32620 1987 420 8COORDINATES: N1625W01615 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 66050 1986 5012 1

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 2662 1991 755 1Plectropterus gambensis July 10163 1976 557 1Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 3210 1976 239 8Anas acuta Winter 240984 1986 54598 1Anas querquedula Winter 246000 1976 92001 1Anas clypeata Winter 34250 1989 11000 1Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 4 1979 11Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1993 - 11Aythya nyroca Winter 230 1972 12 10

SLOVAKIASites in Slovakia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Cenkov-Moca Anser anser Winter 280 1993 93 11COORDINATES: N4745E01829 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Cenkov-Sturovo Anser f. rossicus Winter 4000 1985 832 8COORDINATES: N4747E01839 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Cicovske Mrtve Rameno Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 - - 11COORDINATES: N4745E01744 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Duajske Luhy Anser f. rossicus Passage - - - 10COORDINATES: N4756E01735 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Passage - - - 10

Anser anser Winter 280 1993 - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - 30000 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 25701 1993 - 10Bucephala clangula Winter 2940 1993 - 10

Duna: Bratislava-Sap Anser f. rossicus Winter 40051 1994 - 10COORDINATES: N4750E01720 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Latorica Aythya nyroca Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N4828E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Orava Reservoir Anser anser Passage 500 - - 10COORDINATES: N4924E01933 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Parizske Mociare Aythya nyroca Breeding 60 - - 11COORDINATES: N4745E01831 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedTrnavske Rybniky Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11COORDINATES: N4822E01733 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedZemplinska Sirava Reservoir Anser f. rossicus Winter 6000 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N4848E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Passage - - - 11

SLOVENIASites in Slovenia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Drava: Ormoz Bucephala clangula Winter 800 1990 337 8COORDINATES: N4625E01613 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedDrava: Ptuj Anser anser Winter 200 - - 10COORDINATES: N4625E01551 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Bucephala clangula Winter 1103 1993 501 8

SOUTH AFRICASites in South Africa that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Allemanskraaldam Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 4481 1992 4481 10COORDINATES: S2817E02709 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Plectropterus gambensis Winter 2654 1994 2654 10

315



Botriviervlei Anas smithii Winter 352 1994 352 10COORDINATES: S3421E01906 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

De Hoop Vlei Anas smithii Winter 509 1994 509 10COORDINATES: S3426E02025 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Kalkfonteindam Tadorna cana Winter 1047 1992 1047 10COORDINATES: S2930E02515 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Knelpoortdam Anas undulata Winter 1087 1992 1087 10COORDINATES: S2946E02653 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Langvlei Anas undulata Winter 807 1992 807 10COORDINATES: S3358E02241 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas smithii Winter 853 1992 853 10

Rocher Pan Anas smithii Winter 528 1992 528 10COORDINATES: S3236E01818 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Spioenkop Dam Anas undulata Winter 615 1994 615 10COORDINATES: S2841E02929 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Strandfontein Sewage Works Anas smithii Winter 581 1992 581 10COORDINATES: S3405E01831 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

SPAINSites in Spain that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Albufera de Adra Oxyura leucocephala - 230 - 103 1COORDINATES: N3638W00302 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedAlbufera de Alcudia Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1992 - 11COORDINATES: N3945E00303 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAlbufera de Valencia Anas strepera Winter 1000 1968 77 8COORDINATES: N3916W00023 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas clypeata Winter 28752 1991 18573 1

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1986 - 11Netta rufina Winter 12205 1986 7516 1Aythya ferina Winter 12285 1981 2788 8

Albufera Mallorca Oxyura leucocephala - 8 - 6 10COORDINATES: N3945E00303 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedAlmenara (Estanques-Estanys) Netta rufina Winter 700 1975 350 1COORDINATES: N3943W00015 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownArrozales de Puebla y Villafranco Anas clypeata Winter 7300 1991 7300 10COORDINATES: N3609W00551 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBahia de Cadiz Anas penelope Winter 14000 1968 1047 9COORDINATES: N3629W00613 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownCampo Golf Almerimar Oxyura leucocephala - 30 1995 30 10COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedCampo Golf Playa Serena Oxyura leucocephala - 23 1995 23 10COORDINATES: N3834W00542 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedCanada de las Norias Oxyura leucocephala - 104 - 34 1COORDINATES: N3646W00244 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedCharcones de Entinas Oxyura leucocephala - 5 - 3 11COORDINATES: N3638W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedCharcones Miguel Esteban Oxyura leucocephala - 39 - 17 1COORDINATES: N3931W00305 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedCorta de Olivillos Oxyura leucocephala - 2 - 1 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedCoto del Rey Anser anser Winter 2620 1991 2620 10COORDINATES: N3700W00700 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDehesa de Monreal Oxyura leucocephala - 128 - 48 1COORDINATES: N3950W00339 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Netta rufina Winter 285 1986 155 11Delta del Ebro Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1979 - 11COORDINATES: N4040E00041 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDelta del Llobregat Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1991 - 11COORDINATES: N4118E00205 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1985 - 11

Depuradora Santa Pola Oxyura leucocephala - 2 - 2 11COORDINATES: N3808W00038 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Desembocadura Guadalhorce Oxyura leucocephala - 4 - 2 11COORDINATES: N3638W00427 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Doñana Anser anser Autumn 4300 1986 1163 9COORDINATES: N3700W00624 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Spring 7241 1987 1836 9

Ebro Delta Anas penelope Winter 9455 1988 5846 1COORDINATES: N4040E00041 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 4119 1985 1942 1

Anas crecca Winter 12875 1985 6834 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 42822 1989 35549 1Anas clypeata Winter 15500 1976 11792 1Netta rufina Winter 6144 1992 3878 1

Embalse de Casas de D. Antonio Aythya nyroca Winter 22 1988 4 11COORDINATES: N3940W00550 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Embalse de Cordobilla Oxyura leucocephala - 3 - 1 11COORDINATES: N3720W00442 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Embalse de Elchie Oxyura leucocephala - 5 - 5 11COORDINATES: N3813W00031 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

316



Embalse de la Coronela Oxyura leucocephala - 243 1991 61 1COORDINATES: N3710W00525 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEmbalse de la Vinuela Oxyura leucocephala - 7 - 7 10COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEmbalse de Malpasillo Oxyura leucocephala - 44 - 7 1COORDINATES: N3717W00440 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedEmbalse del Chato Oxyura leucocephala - 2 - 2 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEmbalse del Esla Anser anser Winter 2502 1992 1251 10COORDINATES: N4145W00548 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownEmbalse del Hondo Oxyura leucocephala - 37 - 14 1COORDINATES: N3818W00046 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedEmbalse del Vicario Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N3856W00358 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEmbalse Santiago-S. Martin Aythya nyroca Winter 15 1985 3 11COORDINATES: N4222W00707 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownEmbalse Vega del Jabalon Oxyura leucocephala - 90 - 27 1COORDINATES: N3856W00358 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEstero de Domingo Rubio Oxyura leucocephala - 2 - 2 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedGallocanta (Inc: El Langunazo) Anas penelope Winter 11100 1981 680 8COORDINATES: N4056W00130 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 3860 1978 127 8

Anas crecca Winter 12541 1989 4367 8Netta rufina Winter 35680 1979 38 8Aythya ferina Winter 79220 1979 16485 1

Grande y Chica de Villafranca Netta rufina Winter 2765 1985 445 1COORDINATES: N3924W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownGraveras Ciempozuelos Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGuadiamar Encauzado Oxyura leucocephala - 4 - 4 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedGuadiamar – Hato Blanco Anser anser Winter 2570 1991 2570 10COORDINATES: N3740W00550 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLaguna Amarga Oxyura leucocephala - 60 - 16 1COORDINATES: N3718W00436 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Arjona Oxyura leucocephala - 3 - 2 11COORDINATES: N3609W00551 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Capacete Oxyura leucocephala - 18 - 18 1COORDINATES: N3659W00451 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Cigarrera Oxyura leucocephala - 9 - 5 10COORDINATES: N3652W00553 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Comisario Oxyura leucocephala - 20 - 11 1COORDINATES: N3629W00601 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna de Jarales Oxyura leucocephala - 3 - 2 11COORDINATES: N3718W00434 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna de Jeli Oxyura leucocephala - 29 - 12 1COORDINATES: N3625W00601 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna de la Mata Netta rufina Winter 407 1992 127 11COORDINATES: N3750W00040 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLaguna de la Ratosa Oxyura leucocephala - 7 - 7 1COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna de los Tollos Oxyura leucocephala - 13 - 13 10COORDINATES: N3652W00600 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLaguna de Medina Oxyura leucocephala - 559 1992 173 1COORDINATES: N3636W00601 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Autumn 110 - 0 10

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 12 1972 1 11Laguna de Palos Oxyura leucocephala - 15 - 8 1COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna de Tarage Oxyura leucocephala Winter 2 - 0 11COORDINATES: N3629W00601 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Laguna de Tarelo Oxyura leucocephala - 465 - 96 1COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Laguna de Tiscar Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N3725W00440 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Laguna de Zonar Oxyura leucocephala - 130 - 25 1COORDINATES: N3729W00441 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Laguna del Acebuche Oxyura leucocephala - 11 - 5 10COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Laguna del Gosque Oxyura leucocephala - 114 - 43 1COORDINATES: N3713W00505 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Laguna del Hoyo Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1988 - 11COORDINATES: N4052W00450 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Laguna del Portil Oxyura leucocephala - 1 1993 1 11COORDINATES: N3720W00646 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Laguna del Rincon Oxyura leucocephala - 105 - 31 1COORDINATES: N3727W00437 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Laguna del Taray Oxyura leucocephala - 8 - 8 1COORDINATES: N3929W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

317



Laguna Dulce Oxyura leucocephala - 50 - 29 1COORDINATES: N3659W00451 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Fuente Piedra Oxyura leucocephala - 11 - 6 10COORDINATES: N3659W00444 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Galiana Oxyura leucocephala - 1 1989 1 11COORDINATES: N3630W00540 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLaguna Gobierno Oxyura leucocephala - 4 - 2 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLaguna Grande V. C. Oxyura leucocephala - 5 - 5 11COORDINATES: N3929W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLaguna Honda Oxyura leucocephala - 3 - 2 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Montellano Oxyura leucocephala - 14 - 8 1COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Pena Oxyura leucocephala - 9 - 4 10COORDINATES: N3652W00553 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Pilon Oxyura leucocephala - 4 - 4 11COORDINATES: N3652W00553 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Salada Oxyura leucocephala - 4 - 4 11COORDINATES: N3659W00451 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Santa Ollala Oxyura leucocephala - 13 - 7 1COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Taraje Oxyura leucocephala - 127 - 31 1COORDINATES: N3700W00553 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLaguna Vega O Pueblo P. M. Oxyura leucocephala - 53 - 17 1COORDINATES: N3924W00256 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedLagunas de las Canteras Oxyura leucocephala - 5 - 5 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLagunas de Terry Oxyura leucocephala Winter 76 1988 26 1COORDINATES: N3620W00600 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedLagunas de Zorilla Oxyura leucocephala Winter 107 1989 36 1COORDINATES: N3650W00550 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLagunas Ojos de Villaverde Netta rufina Winter 495 1989 495 10COORDINATES: N3845W00222 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLas de Terry Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 30 1991 6 8COORDINATES: N3620W00600 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedLas de Zorilla Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 120 1972 - 8COORDINATES: N3650W00550 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLas Nuevas Anser anser Winter 6165 1991 6165 10COORDINATES: N3720W00520 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLas. de Alcazar Anas clypeata Winter 5010 1980 132 9COORDINATES: N3924W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 775 1972 - 9La. de Campillos (136500452+3) Netta rufina Winter 350 1972 - 8COORDINATES: N3710W00445 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. de Fuente de Piedra Aythya ferina Winter 17600 1972 14 8COORDINATES: N3659W00444 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. de los Tollos (El Cuervo) Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 50 1973 - 8COORDINATES: N3652W00600 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. de Manjavacas Netta rufina Winter 2070 1986 576 1COORDINATES: N3924W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. de Medina Anas strepera Winter 1000 1974 150 8COORDINATES: N3636W00601 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 775 1983 33 8La. de Pastrana Netta rufina Winter 700 1979 450 10COORDINATES: N3929W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. de Retamar La. de Dehesa Netta rufina Winter 1469 1972 198 9COORDINATES: N3924W00256 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. del Taray Netta rufina Winter 4592 1986 109 8COORDINATES: N3929W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLa. Nava Grande de Malagon Netta rufina Winter 500 1981 - 8COORDINATES: N3906W00351 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLucio Congrejo Grande Oxyura leucocephala - 3 - 2 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLucio de Vetalengua Oxyura leucocephala - 5 - 5 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLucios de Mari Lopez Anser anser Winter 2750 1991 2750 10COORDINATES: N3650W00540 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas penelope Winter 7500 1991 7500 10

Anas crecca Winter 13500 1991 13500 10Anas clypeata Winter 22500 1991 22500 10

Maltiempo (Marismillas) Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedMar Menor Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 15 1978 - 11COORDINATES: N3736W00046 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownMarismas de Sevilla Oxyura leucocephala Winter 185 1992 185 10COORDINATES: N3725W00459 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownMarismas del Guadalquivir Anser anser Winter 71191 1989 45058 1COORDINATES: N3659W00619 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna tadorna Winter 5296 1989 2759 1

Anas penelope Winter 113910 1985 44782 1Anas strepera Winter 8700 1985 4375 1

318



Marismas del Guadalquivir ... continued Anas crecca Winter 159110 1989 77385 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 17000 1972 7554 8Anas acuta Winter 39800 1985 13111 1Anas clypeata Winter 85500 1985 47270 1Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 525 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 230 1989 60 1Netta rufina Winter 5010 1989 1942 1Aythya ferina Winter 15610 1985 1899 8

Marismas del Odiel Oxyura leucocephala - 3 - 3 11COORDINATES: N3709W00715 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPantaneta de Gibalbin Oxyura leucocephala - 23 - 9 1COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedPlaya del Hondo Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3 1992 1 11COORDINATES: N3818W00046 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownPreparque Este Anas penelope Winter 12300 1991 12300 10COORDINATES: N3659W00610 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. Conde de Guadalhorce Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 3 1987 1 11COORDINATES: N3650W00451 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. de Almansa Netta rufina Winter 294 1989 59 9COORDINATES: N3850W00105 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. de Buendia Netta rufina Winter 2521 1980 20 9COORDINATES: N4018W00242 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. de Gasset Netta rufina Winter 373 1980 10 8COORDINATES: N3906W00358 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. de Guadalmellato Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1992 3 11COORDINATES: N3802W00446 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. de Iznajar Aythya nyroca Winter 52 1976 19 11COORDINATES: N3715W00417 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. de Orellana Anas strepera Winter 1333 1991 611 8COORDINATES: N3854W00528 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 15983 1989 8235 8P. de Penarroya Netta rufina Winter 1411 1987 392 1COORDINATES: N3856W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownP. del Ebro Netta rufina Winter 435 1981 - 8COORDINATES: N4259W00401 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1975 - 11P. del Hondo Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 45 - - 10COORDINATES: N3818W00046 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 6 1992 2 11

Netta rufina Winter 1520 1978 274 1Raco de Lolla Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedRia de Cedeira Aythya nyroca Winter 16 1987 4 11COORDINATES: N4336W00803 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRio Ojailen Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedRio Zujar Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N3850W00521 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedRuidera (138500251-7) Netta rufina Winter 500 1983 12 8COORDINATES: N3852W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSalina de la Mata Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1986 - 11COORDINATES: N3756W00046 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSalina de la Mata Netta rufina Winter 1000 1984 237 8COORDINATES: N3756W00046 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSalina de Santa Fe Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 3 1975 1 11COORDINATES: N3808W00038 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSalinas de Cerrillos Oxyura leucocephala - 151 - 39 1COORDINATES: N3638W00243 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSalinas de Santa Pola Oxyura leucocephala - 19 - 19 10COORDINATES: N3808W00038 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedSalinas de Santa Pola y Pinet Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 9 - - 11COORDINATES: N3808W00038 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1975 - 11

Netta rufina Winter 421 1988 160 8Tabla de Vado Ancho Netta rufina Winter 858 1983 173 9COORDINATES: N3924W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownTablas de Daimiel Anas strepera Winter 10000 1980 326 8COORDINATES: N3902W00338 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 21275 1983 8301 8

Anas clypeata Winter 5000 1980 467 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1 1972 - 11Netta rufina Winter 5365 1983 36 8

Tablas del Giguela (Molineta) Netta rufina Winter 900 1968 900 10COORDINATES: N3906W00338 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownVado-Ancho Oxyura leucocephala - 1 - 1 11COORDINATES: N3924W00317 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedVedados de Silla Netta rufina Winter 350 1984 350 10COORDINATES: N3922W00023 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownVedados de Sueca Anas strepera Winter 3300 1972 674 9COORDINATES: N3911W00015 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas clypeata Winter 6000 1972 1601 9

Netta rufina Winter 8500 1984 1700 2Vegas Altas El Palazuelo Netta rufina Winter 250 1983 63 11COORDINATES: N3900W00550 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownVeta la Palma Oxyura leucocephala - 141 - 46 1COORDINATES: N3659W00546 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

319



Villafafila (Grande y Chica) Anser anser Winter 56930 1992 17598 1COORDINATES: N4150W00534 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Zonas Humedas del Sur de Cordoba Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 135 - - 1COORDINATES: N3725W00445 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

SUDANSites in Sudan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Jebel Aulia Dam Aythya nyroca Winter 5 1983 - 11COORDINATES: N0800E03010 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lake Abiad Anas querquedula Winter 15000 1983 15000 10COORDINATES: N1015E02955 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lake Keilak Anas querquedula Winter 11000 1983 11000 10COORDINATES: N1045E02920 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Nile: Khartoum Anas penelope Winter 3000 1983 3000 10COORDINATES: N1535E03230 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 15 1983 - 11

Sudd/Jonglei Canal Anas acuta Winter - - - 10COORDINATES: N0700E03110 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas querquedula Winter - - - 10

White Nile Bird Sanctuary Anas clypeata Winter 4700 1983 - 10COORDINATES: N1545E03230 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 105 1983 105 10

SVALBARD AND JAN MAYENSites in Svalbard and Jan Mayen that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bjornoya Anser brachyrhynchus Autumn - - - 1COORDINATES: N7430E01900 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Autumn - - - 10

Boheman Branta leucopsis Breeding 150 - - 10COORDINATES: N7822E01440 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Daudmansoyra Anser brachyrhynchus Moulting 900 - - 10COORDINATES: N7815E01300 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Breeding 300 - - 10

Branta leucopsis Moulting 500 - - 10

Dunoyane Branta leucopsis Breeding 2100 - - 10COORDINATES: N7704E01500 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Forlandsoyane Branta leucopsis Breeding 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N7820E01136 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Breeding 30 - - 11

Isoyane Branta leucopsis Breeding 750 - - 10COORDINATES: N7708E01448 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Nordenskiold-Kysten Branta leucopsis Breeding 1200 - - 10COORDINATES: N7750E01350 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Moulting 3000 - - 10

NW Spitzbergen National Park Branta leucopsis Breeding 350 - - 10COORDINATES: N7937E01230 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Olsholmen Branta leucopsis Breeding 300 - - 10COORDINATES: N7715E01415 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Tusenoyane Branta leucopsis Breeding 240 - - 10COORDINATES: N7705E02210 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Breeding 1800 - - 10

SWEDENSites in Sweden that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Alboke Anser f. fabalis Winter 1410 1994 837 10COORDINATES: N5656E01647 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Almhult Cygnus cygnus Spring 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5635E01415 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Alstasjön Anser f. fabalis Spring 1400 1983 818 2COORDINATES: N5940E01722 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Araslövsjön Cygnus cygnus Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5603E01407 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 780 1975 191 9

Anser f. fabalis Autumn 871 1978 53 8Anser f. fabalis Spring 1808 1982 507 9Anser f. fabalis Winter 2890 1991 2064 1

Asnen Anser f. fabalis Autumn 950 - 950 1COORDINATES: N5645E01435 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergus merganser Autumn 15000 - - 10

Barsebäck Anser f. fabalis Autumn 3000 1983 58 8COORDINATES: N5545E01255 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 2000 1989 1355 1

Börringe Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2550 1979 791 8COORDINATES: N5529E01320 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 1125 1986 439 9

Anser f. fabalis Winter 1990 1986 468 8Anser anser Autumn 2000 - - 10

Bottorp Anser anser Autumn 2146 1988 918 8COORDINATES: N5636E01614 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

320



Bråviken Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2000 1990 1500 8COORDINATES: N5835E01623 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 4912 1994 4012 1

Aythya fuligula Autumn 11000 - - 10Dybäck Anser f. fabalis Winter 2500 1983 556 8COORDINATES: N5524E01333 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedEgeside Anser f. fabalis Spring 3500 1983 1495 2COORDINATES: N5553E01412 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 5181 1992 4217 1Ellestadsjön Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1400 1985 268 8COORDINATES: N5533E01343 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 4000 1989 2634 1Falsterbo Peninsula Anas clypeata Autumn 400 1995 - 10COORDINATES: N5525E01250 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedFinjasjon Cygnus cygnus Winter 417 1983 87 8COORDINATES: N5613E01338 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedFoteviken Cygnus olor Winter 2150 1974 614 8COORDINATES: N5528E01256 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 5552 1978 41 8

Anser anser Autumn 2205 1994 1936 8Anas penelope Autumn 16000 1995 - 10Mergus merganser Winter 2163 1970 4 8

Gamleby Anser anser Autumn 4000 1993 2476 1COORDINATES: N5745E01625 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGetteron Anas crecca Autumn 4000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5708E01213 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGodelov Anser f. fabalis November 822 - 822 1COORDINATES: N5534E01325 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGotland East Coast Branta leucopsis Spring - - - 1COORDINATES: N5724E01842 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 11760 - 11760 1

Aythya marila Winter 3695 - 3695 1Clangula hyemalis Winter 379800 - 379800 1Bucephala clangula Winter 3840 - 3840 1Mergus serrator Winter 2420 - 2420 1Mergus merganser Winter 3245 - 3245 1

Gotland Northwest Coast Clangula hyemalis Winter 23230 - 23230 11COORDINATES: N5755E01845 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedGo-Karlskrona Aythya fuligula Winter 27648 1989 13539 1COORDINATES: N5611E01523 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHäckeberga Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1180 1978 336 9COORDINATES: N5534E01325 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 1540 1991 760 8Hammarsjon Cygnus cygnus Spring - - - 10COORDINATES: N5559E01412 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 2610 1980 839 2

Anser f. fabalis Winter 10595 1989 6353 1Hjalmaren Mergus merganser Autumn 10000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5915E01545 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedHjälstaviken Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2400 1993 1925 1COORDINATES: N5939E01722 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 800 1986 399 9

Anser f. fabalis Winter 800 1988 367 9Anser anser Autumn 2663 - 2663 1

Hoburgs Bank Clangula hyemalis Winter 925120 - 925120 1COORDINATES: N5645E01835 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedJordberga Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1258 1978 345 9COORDINATES: N5525E01324 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 875 1981 319 9

Anser f. fabalis Winter 3375 1978 211 8Kabusa-Hammar Anser f. fabalis Spring 1300 1978 680 9COORDINATES: N5522E01400 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 4500 1993 2616 1Kalmar Sound Aythya fuligula Winter 15000 - 15000 1COORDINATES: N5650E01630 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergus merganser Winter 1990 - 1990 1Kapellhamn-Slite Mergus merganser Winter 3214 1993 1109 8COORDINATES: N5754E01844 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKarlshamn-Ronneby Aythya fuligula Winter 11250 1985 400 8COORDINATES: N5611E01505 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKrageholmsjön Anser f. fabalis Autumn 10000 1983 1656 1COORDINATES: N5530E01345 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 1428 1986 878 2

Anser f. fabalis Winter 3000 1983 1133 1Anser anser Autumn 4000 1994 2027 1

Kungsbacka Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1040 1977 137 8COORDINATES: N5725E01207 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 1067 1980 278 8Kvismaren Anser f. fabalis Autumn 25515 1994 19855 1COORDINATES: N5911E01522 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 4700 1986 2060 2

Anser f. fabalis Winter 11140 1994 3468 1Lake Tjalmejaure – Laisdalen Valley Anser erythropus Breeding 6 - - 11COORDINATES: N6618E01622 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLandsort-Musko Aythya fuligula Winter 12887 1984 5353 8COORDINATES: N5859E01752 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergus merganser Winter 5770 1970 426 8Lommabukten Cygnus cygnus Winter 400 1968 9 8COORDINATES: N5536E01301 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 14101 1969 794 8Marielund Anser f. fabalis Autumn 840 1978 109 8COORDINATES: N5646E01249 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedMockeln Mergus merganser Autumn 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5640E01408 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedNedre Dalalven Cygnus cygnus Spring 1000 - 1000 1COORDINATES: N6027E01527 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

321



Norra Oland Clangula hyemalis Winter 108052 1991 49000 1COORDINATES: N5722E01704 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

North Midsjo Bank Clangula hyemalis Winter 75980 - 75980 1COORDINATES: Not Protected PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Oland East Coast Bucephala clangula Winter 3875 - 3875 1COORDINATES: N5640E01645 PROTECTED STATUS: Reserve

Oppmannasjön Anser f. fabalis Winter 1500 1993 1135 1COORDINATES: N5605E01419 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Oresund Cygnus olor Winter 2670 - 2670 1COORDINATES: N5613E01239 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 17000 - - 10


Orust Cygnus cygnus Winter 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5810E01140 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Osten Cygnus cygnus Spring 1000 - 1000 1COORDINATES: N5833E01354 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Autumn 11500 1991 9534 1

Anser f. fabalis Spring 4200 1982 3262 2Anser f. fabalis Winter 11600 1993 8600 1

Pukaviksbukten Aythya fuligula Winter 12997 1985 3064 8COORDINATES: N5611E01446 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Revsudden-Monsteras Mergus merganser Winter 4884 1993 1236 8COORDINATES: N5654E01622 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Ringsjön Anser f. fabalis Winter 1510 1 1263 1COORDINATES: N5553E01330 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 2500 1991 1384 8

Roxen Mergus merganser Autumn 10000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4830E01545 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Segersjö Anser f. fabalis Autumn 3500 1991 2500 5COORDINATES: N5908E01535 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Skatelöv Anser f. fabalis Spring 1300 1985 633 9COORDINATES: N5645E01435 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 1500 1986 720 8

South Stockholm Archipelago Aythya fuligula Winter 11800 - 11800 1COORDINATES: N5650E01630 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Sövde Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2700 1980 607 8COORDINATES: N5535E01339 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 3500 1985 1408 2

Anser f. fabalis Winter 4500 1984 2297 1

Tåkern Cygnus olor Summer 2000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5822E01447 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser f. fabalis Autumn 49600 1989 21620 1

Anser f. fabalis Spring 5300 1979 3963 6Anser f. fabalis Winter 37000 1979 2345 1Anser anser Autumn 6100 - 4232 1Anas crecca Spring - - - 10Anas platyrhynchos Passage - - - 10Aythya ferina Summer 9800 - - 10

Tämnaren Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1000 1991 360 8COORDINATES: N6006E01712 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Autumn 3000 1994 2300 3

Trolleberg Anser f. fabalis Winter 3262 1990 924 1COORDINATES: N5540E01304 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Trolle-Ljungby Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1290 1982 254 8COORDINATES: N5600E01420 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 1850 1986 1338 2


Tullgarn Anser anser Autumn 3058 - 3058 1COORDINATES: N5857E01736 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Tysslingen Anser f. fabalis Autumn 1000 1991 783 11COORDINATES: N5918E01502 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Uråsa-Jät Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2000 1979 370 8COORDINATES: N5641E01452 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 950 1985 407 9


Vesan Anser f. fabalis Autumn 850 - 850 10COORDINATES: N5650E01337 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 3800 1986 1470 2


Veselången Anser f. fabalis Winter 975 1978 381 8COORDINATES: N5718E01222 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Vomb-Krankesjön Anser f. fabalis Autumn 5500 1980 172 8COORDINATES: N5540E01337 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Spring 5000 1985 1832 2


Yddingen Anser f. fabalis Autumn 2404 1978 120 8COORDINATES: N5533E01315 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser f. fabalis Winter 3150 1984 629 8

Ystad-Beddinge Bucephala clangula Winter 3538 1987 1140 8COORDINATES: N5525E01339 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

SWITZERLANDSites in Switzerland that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bieler See (Schussmundung Inkl) Aythya fuligula Winter 18520 1982 7247 8COORDINATES: N4702E00705 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

Colombier-La Thielle (Zihlkanal) Aythya fuligula Winter 41525 1982 2598 8COORDINATES: N4658E00657 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

322



Corcelettes-La Raisse,vaumarcus Netta rufina Winter 254 1993 71 8COORDINATES: N4652E00642 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya fuligula Winter 21350 1985 5392 8Cudrefin (Debarcadere Excl.)-Estavayer (Debarcadere Excl.) Netta rufina Winter 1116 1993 587 1COORDINATES: N4652E00657 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya fuligula Winter 13929 1989 6842 8Estavayer (Debarcadere Excl.)-Yvonnand Netta rufina Winter 1958 1993 742 1COORDINATES: N4647E00650 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya ferina Winter 17500 1991 6520 1

Aythya fuligula Winter 19800 1991 8109 8Fleur D’eau-Pointe de Promenthoux Aythya fuligula Winter 14650 1968 2839 8COORDINATES: N4625E00619 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedHermance Frontiere-Yvoire-Chateau Aythya fuligula Winter 12000 1993 6049 8COORDINATES: N4620E00619 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedJonction Arve/Rhone Pont Cff-U.e Verbois Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1985 1 11COORDINATES: N4609E00605 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya fuligula Winter 12178 1986 3174 8La Thielle (Zihlkanal)-Cudrefin (Debarcadere Incl.) Netta rufina Winter 2600 1991 718 1COORDINATES: N4658E00705 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya fuligula Winter 22000 1991 7043 8Mammern Exkl.-Stein Am Rhein (Brucke) Aythya ferina Winter 13700 1973 4470 1COORDINATES: N4736E00856 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya fuligula Winter 41409 1984 16109 1Stein Am Rhein (Brucke)-Unterhalb Bibermuhle (Land Aythya ferina Winter 10532 1985 1662 8COORDINATES: N4736E00847 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied Aythya fuligula Winter 14840 1992 4205 8Villeneuve la Tiniere-Rivaz Debarcadere Aythya fuligula Winter 13142 1978 2929 8COORDINATES: N4625E00651 PROTECTED STATUS: Not SuppliedYvoire-Chateau-Pointe des Balises Pres D’Anthy Aythya fuligula Winter 15930 1981 3733 8COORDINATES: N4620E00619 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Supplied

SYRIASites in Syria that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Baath Lake Anser anser Winter 1000 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N3552E03838 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedBahrat Homs (Qattine) Oxyura leucocephala Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N3438E03635 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Passage - - - 11

Oxyura leucocephala Winter 100 - - 11Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 20 1994 - 10Aythya fuligula Winter 8000 1994 - 10

Euphrates River Oxyura leucocephala Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N3540E03945 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Spring - - - 11

Oxyura leucocephala Winter 400 - 150 10Anser anser Winter 2000 - 500 10

Lake Muzayrib Aythya nyroca Autumn - - - 11COORDINATES: N3242E03601 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSabkhat Al-Jabbul Oxyura leucocephala Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N3604E03730 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Passage - - - 11

Oxyura leucocephala Winter 300 - 100 10Branta ruficollis Winter 300 - 150 11Tadorna ferruginea Spring 400 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Winter 300 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Spring - - - 11

Tual Al-Abba Marmaronetta angustirostris Autumn 20 1982 - 10COORDINATES: N3625E03920 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Autumn 20 1982 - 11

TANZANIASites in Tanzania that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Arusha NP Alkaline Lakes Oxyura maccoa - 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: S0315E03655 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

TCHADSites in Tchad that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Cuvette de M’Bourao Dendrocygna viduata Winter 3600 1987 1793 11COORDINATES: N0951E01451 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1000 1987 339 11Depression de Toubouri Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 900 1987 359 11COORDINATES: N0955E01501 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLac de Tikem Dendrocygna viduata Winter 5000 1987 2310 11COORDINATES: N0948E01506 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 1700 1987 567 10Lac Fitri Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 11000 1987 3590 2COORDINATES: N1250E01728 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Dendrocygna viduata Winter 24800 1987 9040 2

Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 200 1987 61 9Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1450 1984 593 2Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 5200 1987 2570 2

323



Lac Fitri ... continued Anas acuta Winter 56000 1986 24760 2Anas querquedula Winter 83000 1986 24520 2Aythya nyroca Winter 500 1987 180 2

Mare de Katoa Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 5000 1987 2500 10COORDINATES: N1050E01505 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas acuta Winter 15000 1987 7500 11Mare de Nzili Aythya nyroca Winter 40 1967 40 11COORDINATES: N1107E02257 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownMare Tchakam Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1969 50 10COORDINATES: N1329E02044 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownMourdi Depression (Mare de Bagada) Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 200 1962 - 10COORDINATES: N1800E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownPlaines du Logone (Tchad) Dendrocygna viduata Winter 13000 1987 3000 10COORDINATES: N1122E01508 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Alopochen aegyptiacus Winter 500 1986 125 11

Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1400 1986 635 10Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 2200 1987 554 10

Polders du Kanem Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 45 1970 35 10COORDINATES: N1200E00150 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1971 10 11

TUNISIASites in Tunisia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Ariana (Er Riana) Sebkha Oxyura leucocephala Winter 2 1986 - 11COORDINATES: N3650E01018 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 2000 1987 616 9

Anas clypeata Winter 8000 1987 1606 9Barrage Bezirk Oxyura leucocephala Winter 10 1989 4 1COORDINATES: N3643E01038 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Chiba Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3 1987 1 11COORDINATES: N3642E01046 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage El Haouareb Oxyura leucocephala Winter 50 1992 20 5COORDINATES: N3534E00944 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Ghdir El Goulla (El Golla I) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 59 1989 29 10COORDINATES: N3647E01004 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Lebna Oxyura leucocephala Winter 11 1989 4 1COORDINATES: N3644E01055 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Mlaabi Oxyura leucocephala Winter 21 1987 3 8COORDINATES: N3650E01058 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Mornaguia (El Golla Ii) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 12 1993 4 10COORDINATES: N3647E01002 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Oued El Kebir Oxyura leucocephala Winter 12 1987 3 8COORDINATES: N3614E00946 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Sidi Abdelmonem Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3 1991 1 11COORDINATES: N3652E01056 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBarrage Sidi Saad Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3 1989 1 11COORDINATES: N3522E00940 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBesbessia Oxyura leucocephala Winter 112 1978 - 8COORDINATES: N3658E00957 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 2 1986 - 11El Kebira Oxyura leucocephala Winter 95 1970 - 9COORDINATES: N3622E00951 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownEl Kourzia Sebkha Tadorna tadorna Winter 3200 1977 663 3COORDINATES: N3622E00943 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownEn Noual Sebkha Tadorna tadorna Winter 1500 1973 500 11COORDINATES: N3420E00948 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownGaraet Mabtouha Oxyura leucocephala Winter 33 1983 7 2COORDINATES: N3659E00957 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 2017 1990 793 2

Anas penelope Winter 12750 1990 6376 2Anas clypeata Winter 5880 1991 1786 9

Garaet Zougrata Aythya nyroca Winter 20 1970 4 11COORDINATES: N3359E00956 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHadj Kacem Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5 1975 3 10COORDINATES: N3452E01010 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKalaat El Andeless Estuaire Anas penelope Winter 25000 1975 5246 9COORDINATES: N3658E01010 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKneiss Islands and Coast Tadorna tadorna Winter 800 - - 10COORDINATES: N3422E01016 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLac de Tunis Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1300 1969 - 8COORDINATES: N3649E01015 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 10662 1975 3420 8

Aythya ferina Winter 26344 1974 648 8Lac Ichkeul Oxyura leucocephala Spring 700 1977 - 10COORDINATES: N3710E00940 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 600 1986 21 1

Anser anser Winter 20450 1989 5445 1Anas penelope Winter 50000 1977 14321 1Anas clypeata Winter 9100 1982 1503 8Aythya ferina Winter 120000 1986 20450 1

Lagune de Ghar El Melah Anas penelope Winter 25030 1974 5866 1COORDINATES: N3709E01011 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLagune de Soliman Oxyura leucocephala Winter 38 1978 - 8COORDINATES: N3644E01029 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna tadorna Winter 1650 1989 332 8

324



Menzel Dar Bel Ouar Sebkha Oxyura leucocephala Winter 8 1975 - 9COORDINATES: N3556E01023 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 150 1987 31 10Sebkha de Moknine Tadorna tadorna Winter 1850 1986 582 8COORDINATES: N3535E01057 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSebkha de Sejoumi Tadorna tadorna Winter 12600 1990 3206 1COORDINATES: N3646E01019 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 18000 1976 1730 8Sebkha El Jem Oxyura leucocephala Winter 349 1973 - 8COORDINATES: N3522E01020 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Aythya ferina Winter 10720 1973 - 8Sebkha et Saline de Monastir Tadorna tadorna Winter 2393 1986 205 8COORDINATES: N3545E01046 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSebkha Kelbia Oxyura leucocephala Winter 44 1968 - 8COORDINATES: N3552E01015 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 1800 1973 281 8

Anas penelope Winter 90000 1977 4413 8Anas acuta Winter 14000 1973 126 8Anas clypeata Winter 40000 1978 1261 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 5 1975 - 11Aythya ferina Winter 25000 1975 10 8Aythya nyroca Winter 27 1974 - 11

Sebkha Rherra Ou El Ghorra Tadorna tadorna Winter 950 1983 240 11COORDINATES: N3508E01030 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Sebkha Sidi Khalifa Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5 1974 - 8COORDINATES: N3614E01027 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna tadorna Winter 952 1973 115 8

Sebkha Sidi Mansour Oxyura leucocephala Winter 600 1971 - 9COORDINATES: N3414E00930 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 30 1992 6 9

Anas clypeata Winter 4700 1972 84 9Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 200 1971 - 9Aythya ferina Winter 15000 1975 1060 9Aythya nyroca Winter 2500 1971 - 9

Sidi El Hani Sebkha Oxyura leucocephala Winter 55 1975 14 10COORDINATES: N3529E01022 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

TURKEYSites in Turkey that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Acigol Tadorna ferruginea Breeding 450 - - 10COORDINATES: N3751E02948 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 350 1988 152 8

Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 150 1968 150 10

Aksehir Gölü Anser albifrons Winter 15900 1989 6450 8COORDINATES: N3833E03124 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas strepera Winter 5000 1969 - 8

Netta rufina Winter 576 1971 - 8

Akyatan Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 978 1992 478 1COORDINATES: N3635E03519 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 520 1989 224 8

Tadorna tadorna Winter 854 1992 372 8Anas penelope Winter 160000 1969 12320 1Anas crecca Winter 252475 1972 3647 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 40000 1969 2419 8Anas acuta Winter 100000 1969 910 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 70 1971 1 8Aythya ferina Winter 16801 1992 6922 8

Akyayan Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 191 1993 40 8COORDINATES: N3635E03539 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anas penelope Winter 29700 1971 4643 8


Amik Gölü Anas platyrhynchos Winter 30000 1969 7576 11COORDINATES: N3619E03615 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 7000 1967 1750 10

Aynas Swamp (Drained) Anas crecca Winter 12600 1968 2680 9COORDINATES: N3640E03452 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 1200 1968 251 2

Bafa Gölü Anas strepera Winter 1250 1989 282 8COORDINATES: N3732E02724 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Bataklik/Hotamis Anser anser Winter 1500 1967 - 9COORDINATES: N3737E03310 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 482 1972 155 9

Anas strepera Winter 2490 1971 - 9Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 4 1971 - 11Netta rufina Winter 790 1971 - 9

Bendimahi Delta Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 33 - - 11COORDINATES: N3856E04339 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Beysehir Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1990 - 11COORDINATES: N3742E03134 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas penelope Winter 9000 1967 1 9

Netta rufina Winter 500 1967 25 9Aythya nyroca Winter 80 1967 1 11

Burdur Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 9200 1988 5731 1COORDINATES: N3741E03012 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna ferruginea Breeding 5000 - - 10

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 550 1993 136 8Netta rufina Winter 2604 1973 429 8Aythya ferina Winter 54250 1986 12491 1Aythya fuligula Winter 11210 1973 69 8

Buyuk Cekmece Oxyura leucocephala Winter 8 1993 2 11COORDINATES: N4102E02836 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser erythropus Winter 1 1993 - 11

Calti Gölü Netta rufina Winter 3000 1969 160 9COORDINATES: N3746E02941 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya ferina Winter 70000 1969 - 9

325



Camalti Salt Pans Tadorna ferruginea Winter 200 1988 107 8COORDINATES: N3836E02657 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedCavuscu Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 92 1971 - 11COORDINATES: N3824E03154 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Autumn 300 - - 10

Netta rufina Winter 1610 - - 10Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1968 - 11

Celebibag Sazligi Tadorna ferruginea Moulting 300 - - 10COORDINATES: N3858E04320 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Corak Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 85 1971 - 11COORDINATES: N3741E02948 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 930 - - 10

Anas crecca Winter 20200 1986 6112 8Aythya ferina Winter 40000 1969 5 8Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1970 - 11

Demir Kopru Baraji Tadorna ferruginea Winter 534 1992 178 11COORDINATES: N3835E02825 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Düden (=kulu) Gölü Anser albifrons Winter 25500 1988 9384 10COORDINATES: N3932E03309 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Eber Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Breeding - - - 11COORDINATES: N3840E03113 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 17500 1967 700 9

Anas penelope Winter 10000 1967 39 9Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1968 - 11

Edremit Sazligi Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 60 - - 11COORDINATES: N3824E04318 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding 15 - - 11

Emen Gölü Anas acuta Winter 40000 1967 20030 10COORDINATES: N3709E03640 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ercek Gölü Tadorna tadorna Autumn 2500 - - 10COORDINATES: N3839E04333 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Breeding 300 - - 10

Tadorna ferruginea Moulting 9000 - - 10

Eregli Marshes Oxyura leucocephala Autumn 98 - - 11COORDINATES: N3731E03358 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 105 - - 11

Anser anser Winter 6000 - - 10Anas crecca Autumn 17320 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 9 - - 11Netta rufina Breeding 500 - - 10

Eregli (Ak-Gol) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 25 1986 - 11COORDINATES: N3731E03358 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 8000 1972 562 1


Garsurgole Tadorna tadorna Winter 2000 1969 667 11COORDINATES: N3720E03647 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 30000 1969 10000 10

Anas acuta Winter 50000 1969 16667 10

Goksu Delta Oxyura leucocephala Winter 6 1992 1 11COORDINATES: N3618E03357 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser erythropus Winter 1 1993 - 11

Anser anser Winter 1450 1993 472 1Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1000 1967 22 8Anas penelope Winter 25275 1971 5469 8Anas crecca Winter 25000 1968 4184 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 90 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 66 1971 1 8Aythya ferina Winter 25000 1972 3113 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 150 - - 11

Golbek; Bumsey; Kusucol Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1296 1970 1 9COORDINATES: N3918E03250 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Hirfanli Baraji Oxyura leucocephala Winter 25 1992 10 11COORDINATES: N3902E03352 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 959 1993 594 10

Horkum Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 30 - - 11COORDINATES: N3820E04256 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Hotamis/Bataklik Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 60 - - 11COORDINATES: N3737E03310 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Autumn 27100 - - 10

Marmaronetta angustirostris Autumn 53 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 12 - - 10

Hoyran Gölü and Egridir Gölü Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1750 1967 - 9COORDINATES: N3757E03053 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas crecca Winter 12000 1967 13 9

Netta rufina Winter 1503 1992 382 9Netta rufina Winter 1299 1971 416 8Aythya fuligula Winter 10478 1993 3720 9

Isikli Gölü (civril Gölü) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1993 - 11COORDINATES: N3812E02956 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser albifrons Winter 8178 1993 2146 8

Anser anser Winter 920 - - 10Anas crecca Winter 11000 1969 822 8Netta rufina Winter 1060 1992 404 8Aythya ferina Winter 18370 1993 7360 8Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1969 20 11

Karagol (Destroyed) Tadorna ferruginea Winter 201 1971 50 11COORDINATES: N3641E02953 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Karamik Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 30 - - 11COORDINATES: N3824E03045 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Winter 2 1971 - 11

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 236 1973 47 9Anas penelope Winter 10000 1967 300 9Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 3 1969 - 11Netta rufina Winter 4000 1969 78 9Aythya nyroca Winter 85 1969 - 11Aythya fuligula Winter 7113 1971 98 9

Karapinar Ovasi Tadorna ferruginea Winter 900 1989 430 1COORDINATES: N3747E03338 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

326



Karatas Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 5 1987 1 11COORDINATES: N3724E03001 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 780 - - 10

Tadorna ferruginea Winter 212 1990 88 8Kavak Delta Anas penelope Winter 10200 1968 141 8COORDINATES: N4034E02649 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKizilirmak Delta Oxyura leucocephala Winter 73 1992 19 11COORDINATES: N4135E03604 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Oxyura leucocephala Spring - - - 11

Anser anser Winter 5000 1967 98 8Anas crecca Winter 16750 1973 4378 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 31690 1973 4827 8Anas clypeata Winter 8000 1967 1584 8Aythya nyroca Breeding 600 1992 - 1Aythya nyroca Winter 61 1970 - 11Melanitta fusca Winter 28 1988 6 1

Kocabas Delta Anser erythropus Winter 2 1967 2 11COORDINATES: N4018E02718 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKokarot Anas penelope Winter 16000 1968 16000 10COORDINATES: N3635E03532 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 16000 1968 16000 10

Anas acuta Winter 16000 1968 16000 10Anas clypeata Winter 10000 1968 10000 10Aythya ferina Winter 10000 1968 10000 10Aythya fuligula Winter 16000 1968 16000 10

Krater Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 3 1990 1 11COORDINATES: N3742E03345 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKulu Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 90 - - 11COORDINATES: N3902E03310 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Moulting 500 - - 10

Anser anser Autumn 800 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Autumn 10000 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 6000 - - 10Aythya ferina Autumn 45000 - - 10Aythya nyroca Autumn 100 - - 11

Kurbaga Gölü Anser albifrons Winter 50000 1969 10328 2COORDINATES: N3818E03514 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1398 1970 433 2

Anas crecca Winter 200000 1970 40802 2Manyas Gölü Anser anser Winter 400 1968 - 8COORDINATES: N4014E02760 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Winter 5000 1967 - 8

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 42000 1968 649 8Netta rufina Winter 950 1967 - 8Aythya nyroca Winter 3000 1967 - 8

Marmara Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 120 1990 34 11COORDINATES: N3835E02806 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 231 1990 71 8

Anas crecca Winter 35000 1969 883 8Aythya ferina Winter 11700 1987 6123 8

Menderes Delta Anser anser Spring 1400 - - 10COORDINATES: N3732E02717 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 274 1973 6 8

Anas penelope Winter 105000 1967 2768 8Anas strepera Winter 1000 1973 - 8Anas crecca Winter 45000 1967 1044 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 22000 1967 370 8Anas acuta Winter 60000 1967 898 8Anas clypeata Winter 23000 1967 31 8Netta rufina Winter 23000 1967 - 8Aythya ferina Winter 20000 1967 - 8

Meric Delta Cygnus olor Winter 1244 1993 251 9COORDINATES: N4046E02614 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anser anser Winter 6000 1969 1 9

Anas crecca Winter 10580 1971 2203 9Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1969 1 11

Mogan Gölü Tadorna ferruginea Winter 820 1969 - 8COORDINATES: N3945E03249 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Nemrut Dagi Melanitta fusca Breeding 39 - - 10COORDINATES: N3837E04213 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Ovagolu (Likely Destroyed) Aythya nyroca Winter 29 1970 29 11COORDINATES: N3619E02925 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Sakarya: Lake Ne of Ahiler Aythya nyroca Winter 90 1971 90 11COORDINATES: N3720E03128 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Salda Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 128 1992 34 11COORDINATES: N3730E02941 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Sarikum Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1993 1 11COORDINATES: N4201E03451 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Seyfe Gölü Anser albifrons Winter 9718 1992 3706 8COORDINATES: N3917E03425 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 1625 - - 1

Tadorna tadorna Winter 1358 1970 56 8Anas crecca Autumn 16500 - - 10

Seyhan Baraji Tadorna ferruginea Winter 323 1992 109 11COORDINATES: N3659E03519 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Sodah Gol Oxyura leucocephala Autumn 300 - - 10COORDINATES: N3849E04259 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 75 - - 11

Tadorna ferruginea Moulting 8000 - - 10

Suleymanhali Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1991 1 11COORDINATES: N3725E03304 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 600 1992 300 11

Sultansazligi Oxyura leucocephala Autumn 40 - - 11COORDINATES: N3818E03514 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 60 - - 11

Anser anser Autumn 12000 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Autumn 11000 - - 10

327



Sultansazligi ... continued Tadorna ferruginea Winter 539 1990 118 8Anas crecca Autumn 600000 - - 10Anas acuta Autumn 15000 - - 10Anas clypeata Autumn 9000 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Autumn 150 - - 10Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 6 - - 11Netta rufina Autumn 17000 - - 10Aythya ferina Autumn 41000 - - 10

Tersakan Gölü (Cihanbejli) Anser albifrons Winter 8000 1970 1934 9COORDINATES: N3836E03303 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 394 1972 137 9

Tuz Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1992 - 11COORDINATES: N3830E03330 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 57000 - - 8

Anser albifrons Winter 53800 1987 17413 1Anser anser Spring 1400 - - 10Tadorna ferruginea Winter 2160 - - 8Tadorna tadorna Winter 2000 1969 22 8Anas crecca Winter 20000 1987 5969 8

Tuzla Gölü (Ceyhan Delta) Oxyura leucocephala Winter 174 1972 2 8COORDINATES: N3640E03505 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 800 1969 291 1

Anas crecca Winter 30000 1968 4103 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Winter 750 1968 - 8

Uluabat Gölü (Apolyont Gölü) Aythya ferina Winter 22240 1990 12515 1COORDINATES: N4009E02835 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya nyroca Winter 20 1969 - 11

Mergellus albellus Winter 1300 1970 38 8

Upper Murat Vadigi Tadorna ferruginea Autumn 1420 - - 10COORDINATES: N3910E04219 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Van Sazligi Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 45 - - 11COORDINATES: N3829E04319 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 12 - - 10

Aythya nyroca Breeding 33 - - 11

Yarisli Gölü Oxyura leucocephala Winter 415 1986 11 8COORDINATES: N3735E03001 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea Winter 206 1992 49 8


Yedi Kugular Baraji Oxyura leucocephala Winter 1 1992 - 11COORDINATES: N4040E03550 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna ferruginea Winter 205 1992 70 11

Yemisli Gölü Anas penelope Winter 9600 1987 2080 9COORDINATES: N3641E03526 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Yesilirmak Delta Tadorna tadorna Winter 2767 1970 554 9COORDINATES: N4124E03640 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya fuligula Winter 6000 1969 1247 9

Yesilova Marsh Tadorna ferruginea Winter 500 1969 343 10COORDINATES: N3730E02954 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Yumurtalik Lagoons Anser anser Winter 301 1990 60 8COORDINATES: N3641E03539 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Tadorna tadorna Winter 1100 1987 124 8

Anas penelope Winter 10000 1967 3116 8

TURKMENISTANSites in Turkmenistan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Adzhiyab Floodlands Anas penelope Winter 8400 1980 1554 9COORDINATES: N3728E05412 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 14306 1980 3293 2

Anas crecca Winter 35000 1979 10681 9Anas clypeata Winter 9750 1989 3828 9Aythya ferina Winter 6900 1979 242 9

Amudarya Valley: Chardzhou-Neftezavodsk Anas crecca Winter 25200 1989 6274 8COORDINATES: N3915E06350 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 11787 1987 3969 8

Netta rufina Winter 4620 1986 141 8

Amudarya Valley: Darganata-Tyuyamuyun Oxyura leucocephala Winter 17 1986 - 11COORDINATES: N4050E06200 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Amudarya Valley: Druzhba – Nukus Cygnus cygnus Winter 1500 1991 377 10COORDINATES: N4145E06030 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 57450 1990 26612 5

Amudarya Valley: Karabekaul – Chardzhou Anser anser Winter 1350 1994 354 8COORDINATES: N3855E06352 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 16695 1988 3161 8

Netta rufina Winter 10438 1986 129 8

Amudarya Valley: Kerky – Karabekaul Anser anser Winter 3760 1994 1548 1COORDINATES: N3815E06437 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 42280 1989 13327 8

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 35830 1987 13086 1Netta rufina Winter 15604 1986 2922 1

Amudarya Valley: Mukry – Kerky Anser anser Winter 1254 1986 223 8COORDINATES: N3740E06530 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8390 1988 2555 8

Caspian Coast: Gasankuli – Kuidzhuk Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 21 1991 4 8COORDINATES: N3740E05355 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas crecca Winter 20000 1989 5848 8

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 17284 1991 6213 8Anas clypeata Winter 4551 1989 1629 8Mergus serrator Winter 349 1987 111 1

Dzharsai River Floodplains Netta rufina Winter 4200 1994 1752 9COORDINATES: N3800E06145 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1972 - 10

Aythya fuligula Winter 3000 1972 152 9

Goigyrlan Floodlands Anas platyrhynchos Winter 17790 1990 6513 11COORDINATES: N4120E05810 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

328



Iolotan Reservoir Aythya nyroca Winter 70 1972 - 10COORDINATES: N3710E06227 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKarakum Canal Anser erythropus Winter 25 - - 11COORDINATES: N3750E06307 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 75 1975 - 10Kelifskiye Lakes Oxyura leucocephala Winter 600 1974 - 8COORDINATES: N3750E06420 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 226 1994 98 8

Anser albifrons Winter 795 1987 - 8Anser anser Winter 3785 1986 1290 1Tadorna ferruginea Winter 2500 1974 1 8Tadorna tadorna Winter 1000 1974 284 8Anas penelope Winter 29000 1974 - 8Anas strepera Winter 20600 1974 160 8Anas crecca Winter 38000 1974 1582 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 138000 1974 1224 8Anas acuta Winter 8500 1974 70 8Anas querquedula Winter 8000 1974 60 8Anas clypeata Winter 8500 1974 - 8Netta rufina Winter 36700 1974 5994 1Aythya ferina Winter 31700 1974 4320 1Aythya nyroca Winter 5000 1974 - 8Aythya fuligula Winter 5670 1976 556 8Aythya marila Winter 9000 1974 230 10Bucephala clangula Winter 360 1973 44 8Mergellus albellus Winter 700 1974 106 8Mergus serrator Winter 1100 1974 - 8Mergus merganser Winter 2300 1974 8 8

Khangui River Floodplains Mergellus albellus Winter 340 1993 68 8COORDINATES: N3830E06100 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKhauzkhan Reservoir Oxyura leucocephala Winter 250 1974 1 8COORDINATES: N3710E06120 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 11500 1976 - 8

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 10000 1970 3362 8Netta rufina Winter 13500 1975 141 8Aythya ferina Winter 5000 1975 1820 8Aythya nyroca Winter 15 1993 3 11Mergus merganser Winter 200 1973 1 8

Kolkhozbent Reservoir Aythya nyroca Winter 78 1972 - 10COORDINATES: N3705E06230 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownKrasnovodsk and North-Cheleken Bays Oxyura leucocephala Winter 223 1991 223 10COORDINATES: N3950E05300 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus olor Winter 2530 1991 2530 10

Netta rufina Winter 67900 1991 67900 10Aythya ferina Winter 33700 1991 33700 10Aythya fuligula Winter 6820 1991 6820 10Bucephala clangula Winter 460 1991 460 10

Kurtlinskoye Reservoir Aythya nyroca Winter 10 1986 2 11COORDINATES: N3803E05817 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLake Aibugyr Anas platyrhynchos Winter 21500 1990 6245 8COORDINATES: N4125E05740 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 4200 1993 904 8Lake Dengizkul Oxyura leucocephala Winter 59 1987 20 11COORDINATES: N3911E06406 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Cygnus cygnus Winter 202 1994 74 8

Anas strepera Winter 3200 1986 640 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8100 1986 2740 8Netta rufina Winter 74100 1986 21888 1Aythya ferina Winter 9000 1993 3684 1Aythya fuligula Winter 31000 1986 9462 1Aythya marila Winter 4950 1993 1090 10Bucephala clangula Winter 1800 1994 520 1Mergellus albellus Winter 25000 1986 5452 1Mergus merganser Winter 3000 1986 618 1

Lake Kattashor Oxyura leucocephala Winter 4 1986 - 11COORDINATES: N3900E06300 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 30600 1993 10430 1

Aythya fuligula Winter 2116 1994 1203 8Mergellus albellus Winter 630 1989 214 8

Lake Koikyrlan Mergellus albellus Winter 380 1993 92 8COORDINATES: N4140E05900 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lake Romankul (30km W. of Kattashor) Netta rufina Winter 29000 1993 12405 5COORDINATES: N3900E06250 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya fuligula Winter 2500 1993 650 11

Mergellus albellus Winter 707 1993 309 10

Lake Sarakamysh Cygnus cygnus Winter 3050 1994 1778 1COORDINATES: N4200E05730 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 14330 1991 3430 8

Netta rufina Winter 59790 1988 34714 1Aythya ferina Winter 31430 1991 13328 1Aythya fuligula Winter 18200 1994 11006 1Aythya marila Winter 12550 1993 2781 1Bucephala clangula Winter 8612 1994 2316 1Mergellus albellus Winter 10016 1994 4153 1Mergus merganser Winter 302 1994 103 8

Lake Sultandag Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 57 - - 11COORDINATES: N3845E06418 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Oxyura leucocephala Winter 504 1986 - 8

Anser anser Winter 1635 1993 628 8Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 210 - - 11Netta rufina Winter 4420 1994 968 8

Lakes Delili, Mamedkul, Kyzylai Oxyura leucocephala Winter 6 1977 - 11COORDINATES: N3735E05433 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas penelope Winter 2538 1983 267 8

Anas strepera Winter 7150 1982 289 8Anas crecca Winter 25000 1977 364 8Netta rufina Winter 4248 1989 883 8Aythya ferina Winter 3960 1985 9 8

329



Lower Atrek Floodplains Anser anser Winter 3799 1979 426 8COORDINATES: N3728E05430 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser erythropus Winter 25 - - 11

Anas penelope Winter 5162 1989 1777 8Anas strepera Winter 4220 1989 1351 1Anas crecca Winter 65400 1979 2859 8

L. Kyzylburun,ainakul,tailak,turangulduz Oxyura leucocephala Winter 358 1988 - 8COORDINATES: N3850E06405 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergellus albellus Winter 300 1986 18 8

N of Gyaurs: Irrigation and Lakes Anas strepera Winter 35000 1988 7000 2COORDINATES: N3758E05900 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Ovadandepe Irrigation Mergellus albellus Winter 500 1985 120 8COORDINATES: N3805E05810 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

River Tedzhen Floodplains Oxyura leucocephala Winter 21 1979 7 11COORDINATES: N3810E06010 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Saryyazyn Reservoir Mergus serrator Winter 360 1978 - 9COORDINATES: N3620E06240 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Soltandesht Floodlands Netta rufina Winter 4000 1975 1670 11COORDINATES: N3730E05930 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 70 1976 23 10

Tedzhen Reservoir 2 Aythya nyroca Winter 50 1974 - 10COORDINATES: N3700E06050 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Tyuyamuyun Reservoir Netta rufina Winter 2500 1994 774 8COORDINATES: N4110E06140 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergellus albellus Winter 1360 1994 625 1

Zeidovskoye Reservoir Anser anser Winter 1200 1994 697 11COORDINATES: N3740E06500 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 12300 1994 4807 10

UKRAINESites in the Ukraine that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Beresansky Liman Cygnus olor Winter 630 1991 455 10COORDINATES: N4640E03200 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Black Sea State Biosphere Reserve Cygnus olor Winter 10700 1990 9382 1COORDINATES: N4620E03200 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1000 1985 212 1

Anser albifrons Winter 15200 1990 6823 1Anser erythropus Winter 30 1990 6 11Anser anser Winter 2758 1990 874 1Anas platyrhynchos Winter 140000 1984 24706 1Aythya ferina Winter 39150 1993 12341 1Aythya nyroca Winter 320 1984 8 11Aythya fuligula Winter 10000 1993 3180 10Aythya marila Winter 9200 1988 5786 1Mergus serrator Breeding 2700 - - 10Mergus serrator Winter 1335 1986 146 8Mergus merganser Winter 130 1984 46 8

Budaksky + Gribovsky Limans Cygnus olor Winter 615 1991 448 11COORDINATES: N4603E03020 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya ferina Winter 20100 1991 12250 10

Danube Delta Cygnus olor Winter 2380 1993 2155 10COORDINATES: N4520E02940 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1000 - - 10

Anser albifrons Winter 10000 - 5350 10Anser anser Winter 3000 - 221 10

Dnestr Delta + Liman Cygnus olor Breeding 510 - - 10COORDINATES: N4615E03015 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Cygnus olor Winter 1388 1991 794 10

Anser anser Breeding 4800 - - 10

Dzansheisky, Shagany, Alibey, Burnas Limans Cygnus olor Winter 950 1991 603 10COORDINATES: N4550E03000 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter - - 5000 11

Dzharylgach Bay Branta ruficollis Passage 20000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4600E03255 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

E. Sivash Cygnus olor Winter 3500 1991 3500 10COORDINATES: N4610E03350 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 80000 1991 80000 10

Anser anser Winter 800 1991 800 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 4000 1991 4000 10Anas platyrhynchos Winter 40000 1991 40000 10Aythya marila Winter 80000 1991 80000 10Bucephala clangula Winter 3000 1991 3000 10

Kanevskoye Vodokhranilissche Bucephala clangula Winter 400 - - 10COORDINATES: N5000E03130 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Mergus merganser Winter 600 - - 10

Karkinitski Bay Cygnus olor Moulting 5000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4551E03435 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Kuyalnitsky Liman Tadorna tadorna Winter 2140 1991 1670 10COORDINATES: N4640E03035 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Molochnoe Oz. Cygnus olor Winter 1502 1991 1502 10COORDINATES: N4635E03520 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Winter 680 1991 680 10

Aythya marila Winter 6000 1991 6000 10Bucephala clangula Winter 4890 1991 4890 10

Middle Sivash Cygnus olor Winter 3810 1991 3810 10COORDINATES: N4600E03440 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter 40000 1991 40000 10

Anser anser Winter 2110 1991 2110 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 3600 1991 3600 10

Obitochnaja Kosa Anser anser Winter 500 1991 500 10COORDINATES: N4632E03618 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya marila Winter 5000 1991 5000 10


330



Sasyk Liman + Adjacent Sea Area Anser albifrons Winter 20000 1991 18000 10COORDINATES: N4538E02940 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Shatskiye Ozera Anser anser Autumn 1000 - - 10COORDINATES: N5133E02350 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Aythya ferina Autumn 10000 - - 10

Sukhoi Liman Aythya nyroca Winter 12 1991 6 11COORDINATES: N4640E03200 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Utl’ukskij Liman Cygnus olor Winter 8200 1991 8200 10COORDINATES: N4615E03510 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 2850 1991 2850 10

Volyno – Podolskaya Hills Anser erythropus Autumn - - - 11COORDINATES: N4900E02600 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

W. Sivash Cygnus olor Winter 1500 1991 1500 10COORDINATES: N4530E03510 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 200 1991 200 10

Anser albifrons Winter 20000 1991 20000 10Tadorna tadorna Winter 2000 1991 2000 10

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESSites in United Arab Emirates that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Khor Dubai and Zabeel Aythya nyroca Winter 3 - - 11COORDINATES: N2512E05520 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

UNITED KINGDOMSites in the United Kingdom that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.

Key sites in the UK have been identified using only mid-winter (January) data collected by the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), an extensive monitoring scheme that operated throughout theautumn and winter period. Use of data from all months, and from annual annual goose censuses would result in a lerger list of key sites, in higher maximum counts for many sites already listed,and, in particular, would identify many sites important solely or primarily as staging sites. Many of these sites are in fact designated or proposed for designation as SPA’s and/or Ramsar sites onthe basis of their flyway importance during these other periods. A summary of recent UK data is published annually and should be used for further detail (Cranswick et al 1995).


Abberton Reservoir Cygnus olor Winter 635 - 545 1COORDINATES: N5149E00051 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Winter 846 - 522 1

Anas crecca Winter 11483 - 4825 1Anas acuta Winter 652 - 418 10Anas clypeata Winter 1085 - 692 1Aythya ferina Winter 4064 - 2510 10

Aberlady Bay Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 17500 - 9479 1COORDINATES: N5601E00251 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Appin/Eriska/Benderloch Anser a. flavirostris Winter 314 - 178 10COORDINATES: N5634E00522 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Avon: Blashford to Hucklesbrook Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 296 - 183 1COORDINATES: N5050W00147 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Winter 1051 - 592 1

Avon: Sopley to Avon Village Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 177 1986 16 8COORDINATES: N5035W00148 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Ballo Reservoir Anser anser Winter 3000 - 2210 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Berney Marshes Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 292 - 178 10COORDINATES: N5235E00138 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Blackwater Estuary Branta b. bernicla Winter 13287 1979 7991 1COORDINATES: N5158W00750 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 3518 1982 2671 8

Blithfield Reservoir Anas clypeata Winter 441 - 149 10COORDINATES: N5249W00156 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Breydon Water Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 698 - 411 1COORDINATES: N5235E00140 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Broomdykes Scrape Allanton Cygnus cygnus Winter 210 1981 74 11COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Burghead Bay Clangula hyemalis Winter 7000 1974 703 9COORDINATES: N5741W00332 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected

Burry Inlet Anas acuta Winter 2306 1990 1809 1COORDINATES: N5107W00412 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Bute Lochs Anser anser Winter 4200 - 2806 1COORDINATES: N5550E00655 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Caithness Loch Anser anser Winter 6800 - 3965 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Cameron Reservoir Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 5000 1990 2685 1COORDINATES: N5617W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Carlingford Lough Branta b. hrota Winter 309 - 256 1COORDINATES: N5404W00610 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Carsebreck and Rhynd Lochs Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 3660 1992 1980 8COORDINATES: N5615W00350 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 1300 1971 592 8

Castle Loch Lochmaben Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 4850 1986 47 8COORDINATES: N5507W00326 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 1600 1986 424 8

Cheshunt Gravel Pits Anas strepera Winter 335 - 232 10COORDINATES: N5143W00002 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

331



Chew Valley Lake Anas strepera Winter 425 - 263 10COORDINATES: N5120W00237 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 5500 1991 1681 8

Anas clypeata Winter 630 - 499 1

Chichester Harbour Branta b. bernicla Winter 11849 1984 10223 1COORDINATES: N5050W00048 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 4552 1982 2119 8

Christchurch Harbour Cygnus olor Winter 538 - 330 1COORDINATES: N5044W00145 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Coll Anser a. flavirostris Winter 792 - 634 1COORDINATES: N5637W00637 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 3093 - 920 1

Colne Estuary Cygnus olor Winter 523 1988 280 1COORDINATES: N5144E00053 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. bernicla Winter 6705 - 5508 1

Colonsay Branta leucopsis Winter 600 - 489 1COORDINATES: N5650W00610 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Coombe Hill Canal Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 260 1986 4 8COORDINATES: N5146W00210 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Corbet Lough Cygnus olor Winter 156 - 99 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Corby Loch Anser anser Winter 2600 - 1650 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Cowgill Reservoir Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 6700 - 4050 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Cromarty Firth Cygnus olor Winter 663 1967 98 8COORDINATES: N5742W00403 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 530 1967 15 8

Anser anser Winter 1127 1982 329 8Anas penelope Winter 14878 - 10200 10Anas acuta Winter 600 1982 82 8

Crombie Loch Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 6244 - 2677 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Crouch/Roach Estuary Branta b. bernicla Winter 8990 1985 4691 1COORDINATES: N5136E00045 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Danna / Keills Branta leucopsis Winter 400 - 323 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected

Deben Estuary Branta b. bernicla Winter 3000 - 1889 10COORDINATES: N5200E00121 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Dee Estuary (England/Wales) Tadorna tadorna Winter 6924 - 6364 1COORDINATES: N5315W00307 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 10715 - 7246 1

Anas acuta Winter 11945 - 9338 1

Derwent Ings Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 187 1980 59 8COORDINATES: N5351W00056 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 4132 - 3716 10

Dinnet Lochs Anser anser Winter 21650 - 17970 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Dornoch Firth Anser anser Winter 4261 - 2112 1COORDINATES: N5752W00400 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas penelope Winter 17637 - 13428 1

Drummond Pond Anser anser Winter 5050 - 3290 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Duddon Estuary Anas acuta Winter 2200 - 1270 1COORDINATES: N5413W00313 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Dundrum Bay Cygnus olor Winter 164 - 111 1COORDINATES: N5415W00550 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Winter 407 - 203 1

Dungeness Anas clypeata Winter 435 - 271 10COORDINATES: N5055E00058 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Durleigh Reservoir Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 252 1982 - 8COORDINATES: N5107W00302 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Eden: Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 2500 1990 509 8COORDINATES: N5450W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 5000 1990 1000 1

Eden: Crosby to Carlisle Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 3000 1991 815 11COORDINATES: N5455W00255 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Endrick Mouth Anser a. flavirostris Winter 350 - 310 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Fala Flow Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 16410 - 9208 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Fedderate Reservoir Anser anser Winter 3300 - 2300 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Fiddlers Ferry Lagoons Anas clypeata Winter 464 - 228 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Findhorn Bay Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 9800 - 7538 1COORDINATES: N5739W00337 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 4900 - 3023 1

Forth Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 7700 1991 2466 1COORDINATES: N5603W00330 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 1000 1982 - 8

Tadorna tadorna Winter 4420 - 3586 8Bucephala clangula Winter 4410 1973 285 8Mergus serrator Winter 4204 1969 112 10

Gladhouse Reservoir Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 5400 - 3400 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Gunton Park Lake Anas strepera Winter 496 - 354 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Haddo House Lakes Anser anser Winter 6000 - 5160 1COORDINATES: N5724W00213 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

332



Hamford Water Branta b. bernicla Winter 9500 1985 3570 1COORDINATES: N5153E00113 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 10000 1979 782 8

Anas penelope Winter 20000 1985 903 8Anas crecca Winter 7211 - 3854 1Anas acuta Winter 1450 1982 78 8

Hickling Broad Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 202 1986 - 8COORDINATES: N5244E00134 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 500 1972 51 8Holburn Moss Anser anser Winter 3200 - 2338 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHolkham Sands Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 4100 1990 820 8COORDINATES: N5257E00047 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHoselaw Loch Anser anser Winter 3600 - 2054 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedHule Moss Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 6550 1992 2604 1COORDINATES: N5544W00227 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownHumber Estuary Branta b. bernicla Winter 3773 - 2688 10COORDINATES: N5343W00015 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 5856 - 4687 1

Anas acuta Winter 660 - 287 10Inner Moray Firth Cygnus cygnus Winter 234 - 137 10COORDINATES: N5738W00345 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 12311 - 7675 1

Clangula hyemalis Winter 11246 - 9071 1Mergus serrator Winter 3095 1987 157 10

Islay Anser a. flavirostris Winter 11004 - 9390 1COORDINATES: N5545W00611 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 30200 - 25804 1King George VI Reservoir Anas clypeata Winter 512 1976 57 8COORDINATES: N5127W00030 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLake of Mentieth Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 6000 - 2658 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLangstone Harbour Branta b. bernicla Winter 8646 1986 6513 1COORDINATES: N5049W00100 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 3200 1970 864 8Lindisfarne NNR Cygnus olor Winter 350 1968 7 8COORDINATES: N5540W00150 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Winter 3000 1985 2385 1

Anser anser Winter 5000 - 2368 1Anas penelope Winter 28000 - 11993 10

Loch Bee Cygnus olor Winter 307 - 281 1COORDINATES: N5720W00725 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch Eye Cygnus olor Winter 250 1973 38 9COORDINATES: N5747W00357 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1695 - 763 1

Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 7000 - 3389 1Anser anser Winter 19259 - 14109 1

Loch Garten Anser anser Winter 1280 - 1169 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch Heilen Anser a. flavirostris Winter 305 - 173 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch Indaal Branta leucopsis Winter 8500 1987 - 8COORDINATES: N5542W00622 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch Ken Anser a. flavirostris Winter 550 - 381 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch Leven Cygnus cygnus Winter 250 1967 110 8COORDINATES: N5611W00322 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 23070 - 18230 1

Anser anser Winter 4082 1968 948 8Anas clypeata Winter 576 - 478 1

Loch Mahaick Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 6531 - 3713 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch of Harray Cygnus olor Winter 1205 - 674 1COORDINATES: N5903W00312 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1010 - 561 1

Anser anser Winter 2230 - 1369 1Loch of Kinnordy Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 8240 - 5594 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch of Lintrathen Anser anser Winter 2500 1968 172 8COORDINATES: N5640W00311 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch of Skene Cygnus olor Winter 374 - 288 3COORDINATES: N5709W00221 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 406 1990 371 1

Anser anser Winter 19150 1991 12111 1Loch of Strathbeg Cygnus olor Winter 378 1973 31 8COORDINATES: N5737W00152 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 264 - 187 10

Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 37100 - 30690 1Anser anser Winter 9700 1988 1760 1

Loch of Wester Cygnus cygnus Winter 261 1978 25 9COORDINATES: N5831W00309 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedLoch Spiggie Cygnus cygnus Winter 257 - 159 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Loch Spynie Anser anser Winter 12000 - 7066 1COORDINATES: N5740W00318 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected

Loch Tullybetton Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 5800 - 4370 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

Lough Foyle Cygnus olor Winter 168 - 115 1COORDINATES: N5507W00705 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1960 - 1046 1

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 412 - 163 1Branta b. hrota Winter 6007 - 4194 1Anas penelope Winter 22000 - 13574 1

333



Loughs Neagh/Beg Cygnus olor Winter 1746 1991 1427 1COORDINATES: N5435W00625 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 1192 1992 1091 1

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 523 1991 293 1Aythya ferina Winter 40928 1992 35897 1Aythya fuligula Winter 25393 1992 22335 1Aythya marila Winter 3516 1993 2361 10Bucephala clangula Winter 13748 19 12910 1

Lour Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 3410 - 2605 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLower Bogrotten Anser anser Winter 3000 - 1883 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownLudham How Hill Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 185 1989 72 8COORDINATES: N5240E00018 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownMachrihanish Anser a. flavirostris Winter 1240 - 1057 1COORDINATES: N5525W00540 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedMartin Mere Cygnus cygnus Winter 619 - 533 1COORDINATES: N5337W00252 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 1046 - 791 1

Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 38240 - 34188 1Anas penelope Winter 18000 - 11210 8Anas crecca Winter 5000 1976 2974 1Anas acuta Winter 2940 - 1658 1

Medway Estuary Branta b. bernicla Winter 5547 - 3882 1COORDINATES: N5128E00043 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 7963 - 5539 1

Anas crecca Winter 6700 1976 2004 8Anas acuta Winter 1400 1976 789 1Anas clypeata Winter 420 1971 97 8

Mersey Estuary: Ince/Stanlow Banks Tadorna tadorna Winter 9360 1981 2716 8COORDINATES: N5316W00250 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas crecca Winter 20250 1981 5395 1

Anas acuta Winter 13750 1983 1728 1Aythya ferina Winter - - - 8

Montrose Basin Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 35000 - 21800 1COORDINATES: N5642W00229 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser anser Winter 1500 1984 460 8Morecambe Bay Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 9150 - 8078 1COORDINATES: N5407W00258 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 6972 - 5369 1

Anas acuta Winter 3979 - 2582 1Nene Washes Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 2543 1993 1158 1COORDINATES: N5238E00005 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas strepera Winter 303 - 149 10

Anas acuta Winter 970 1993 511 8North Norfolk Marshes Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 15507 1990 6899 1COORDINATES: N5258E00050 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. bernicla Winter 12711 - 10351 1

Anas penelope Winter 14898 - 10193 10Anas crecca Winter 5538 - 3323 10Anas acuta Winter 1714 - 1039 1

North-West Solent Branta b. bernicla Winter 4868 - 3107 8COORDINATES: N5045W00130 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedOrkney Anser anser Winter 5179 - 3666 1COORDINATES: N5900W00300 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially ProtectedOrwell Estuary Complete Cygnus olor Winter 443 1974 70 8COORDINATES: N5200E00113 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 4130 1983 953 8Ouse Washes Cygnus olor Winter 643 1984 422 1COORDINATES: N5230E00013 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 840 - 683 1

Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 6164 1987 4544 1Anas penelope Winter 53615 - 35048 1Anas crecca Winter 7570 1975 3182 8Anas strepera Winter 417 - 325 1Anas acuta Winter 3260 1975 955 1Anas clypeata Winter 724 - 627 1

Outer Ards Branta b. hrota Winter 418 - 213 1COORDINATES: N5428W00530 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPagham Harbour Branta b. bernicla Winter 4219 1985 1930 8COORDINATES: N5045W00045 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas acuta Winter 839 - 442 8Poole Harbour Tadorna tadorna Winter 3590 1987 1962 8COORDINATES: N5042W00157 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPortsmouth Harbour Branta b. bernicla Winter 3580 - 2685 10COORDINATES: N5050W00109 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedQueen Mother Reservoir (Datchet) Anas clypeata Winter 422 1985 - 8COORDINATES: N5128W00033 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownRhunahaorhine Anser a. flavirostris Winter 1240 - 1057 1COORDINATES: N5540W00538 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedRibble Estuary Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 10518 1986 2931 1COORDINATES: N5343W00300 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 4849 - 3540 1

Anas penelope Winter 88612 - 56318 1Anas crecca Winter 9500 - 6703 1Anas acuta Winter 6507 - 2273 1

Rutland Water Anas strepera Winter 1805 - 1321 1COORDINATES: N5238W00038 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 729 - 527 1Scolt Head Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 14000 - 9456 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedSevern Estuary Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 610 1979 230 1COORDINATES: N5135W00245 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser albifrons Winter >6000 1970s - 8

Tadorna tadorna Winter 3644 - 3191 1Anas strepera Winter 384 - 290 8Anas acuta Winter 657 1977 193 8

334



Slains Lochs (Meikle/Sand/Cotehill) Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 9200 1984 190 8COORDINATES: N5721W00157 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Anser anser Winter 5372 1973 78 8Solway Cygnus cygnus Winter 446 - 221 1COORDINATES: N5455W00330 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 25000 1985 14287 1

Anser anser Winter 1850 1985 74 8Branta leucopsis Winter 12700 - 12260 1Anas acuta Winter 2208 - 1440 1Aythya marila Winter 5400 - 3109 10

Somerset Levels Cygnus olor Winter 525 - 327 1COORDINATES: N5101W00255 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 237 1974 164 8

Anas crecca Winter 11330 - 5174 8South Lancashire Mosses (Geese) Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 21690 1989 21690 10COORDINATES: N5332W00300 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedSt Benets Levels Ludham Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 294 - 229 8COORDINATES: N5242E00131 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownStaines Reservoir Aythya ferina Winter 5000 1980 179 8COORDINATES: N5127W00029 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedStour Estuary Cygnus olor Winter 504 1967 160 8COORDINATES: N5158E00110 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas acuta Winter 940 1973 249 8Strangford Lough Cygnus olor Winter 212 - 163 1COORDINATES: N5430W00535 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. hrota Winter 13237 1993 10573 1

Tadorna tadorna Winter 3973 1989 2371 1Anas penelope Winter 20000 1970s - 8

Stranraer Anser a. flavirostris Winter 770 - 565 1COORDINATES: N5452W00457 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser anser Winter 3600 - 2860 1Swale Branta b. bernicla Winter 5521 1991 2409 8COORDINATES: N5121E00050 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 3692 1993 2099 8

Anas penelope Winter 20291 1985 7884 8Anas acuta Winter 753 1993 328 8Anas clypeata Winter 960 1972 208 8

Tay Estuary Somateria mollissima Winter 30000 - 25150 1COORDINATES: N5628W00300 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownTay/Isla: Anser anser Winter 6331 - 4270 1COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownTees Tadorna tadorna Winter 4447 1970 1239 8COORDINATES: N5438W00109 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedTeviot: Nisbet Cygnus cygnus Winter 251 1986 62 8COORDINATES: N5530W00230 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownThames Estuary Branta b. bernicla Winter 33109 - 19166 1COORDINATES: N5135E00055 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Tadorna tadorna Winter 3137 - 2727 10The Fleet Cygnus olor Winter 1173 - 1055 2COORDINATES: N5035W00235 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Branta b. bernicla Winter 4355 - 2497 10Tiree Anser a. flavirostris Winter 1101 - 835 1COORDINATES: N5630W00650 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta leucopsis Winter 1535 - 1001 1Tweed Estuary Cygnus olor Winter 640 - 396 1COORDINATES: N5546W00200 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownTweed: Mouth-Coldstream Cygnus cygnus Winter 263 - 144 10COORDINATES: N5545W00210 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownUpper Lough Erne Cygnus olor Winter 520 1991 422 1COORDINATES: N5415W00732 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Winter 896 1991 741 1Walland Marsh Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 269 - 250 9COORDINATES: N5058E00050 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedWash Cygnus c. bewickii Winter 272 - 76 10COORDINATES: N5250E00015 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 25330 1991 15963 1

Branta b. bernicla Winter 27742 1992 23016 1Tadorna tadorna Winter 20194 1992 18001 1Anas acuta Winter 6541 1989 3007 1

West Water Reservoir Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 12965 1990 8339 1COORDINATES: N5544W00308 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedWigtown Bay West Side Cygnus cygnus Winter 272 1986 51 8COORDINATES: N5450W00425 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 12000 1986 1078 8

Anser anser Winter 5000 1986 173 8Woolston Eyes Anas crecca Winter 4590 1983 1534 8COORDINATES: N5324W00232 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 420 - 243 10Wraysbury Gravel Pits Anas strepera Winter 404 - 142 10COORDINATES: Unknown PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Anas clypeata Winter 601 - 316 10Ythan Estuary Cygnus cygnus Winter 248 1970 4 8COORDINATES: N5719W00200 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser brachyrhynchus Winter 7860 1967 2 8

Anser anser Winter 2340 1969 - 8

UZBEKISTANSites in Uzbekistan that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.Key Site Species for which Important Season Maximum Year of Average Importance

Count Maximum Count code

Amudarya Valley: Nukus-Aral Sea Anas platyrhynchos Winter 29512 1990 10337 10COORDINATES: N4235E05920 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownAmudarya: Amu-Bukhara Marmaronetta angustirostris Breeding 346 1993 - 10COORDINATES: N3930E06310 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownArnasai Lakes Mergellus albellus Winter 522 1986 261 11COORDINATES: N4055E06750 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

335



Chardarya Reservoir Aythya ferina Winter 6236 1987 3211 11COORDINATES: N4105E06820 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 650 1987 217 1Lake Dengizkul Oxyura leucocephala Winter 59 1987 33 11COORDINATES: N3911E06406 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas strepera Winter 3200 1986 1067 11

Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8100 1986 3072 11Netta rufina Winter 74100 1986 27170 5Aythya ferina Winter 7000 1986 2634 11Bucephala clangula Winter 800 1991 267 10Mergellus albellus Winter 25000 1986 8544 10Mergus merganser Winter 3000 1986 1014 10

Talimardzhan Reservoir Anas crecca Winter 20459 1987 11127 11COORDINATES: N3825E06535 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anas platyrhynchos Winter 8738 1987 6790 11

Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1987 150 1Tudakul Reservoir Anas platyrhynchos Winter 14421 1987 14421 10COORDINATES: N3950E06450 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 15 1987 15 11Tuzkan Lake Mergellus albellus Winter 869 1986 435 10COORDINATES: N4030E06740 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownZamanbobo Lake Anser anser Winter 1246 1987 623 11COORDINATES: N4000E06400 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Netta rufina Winter 2000 1991 1075 11

YEMENSites in Yemen that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts at thesite or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Al-Hudaydah Sewage Lagoons Aythya nyroca Autumn 6 - - 11COORDINATES: N1449E04257 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownTaizz Sewage Lagoons Aythya nyroca Winter 150 - - 11COORDINATES: N1339E04400 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown

YUGOSLAVIASites in Yugoslavia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Baeka Jopola (Lake Zobnotica) Aythya nyroca Winter 200 1989 45 11COORDINATES: N4549E01937 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownBaeka Palaukie Aythya nyroca Winter 100 1988 100 11COORDINATES: N4445E02119 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownCarska Bara Anser anser Winter 2500 1991 580 1COORDINATES: N4520E02026 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDerdap (Gorge Dunav) Bucephala clangula Winter 2176 1993 1088 10COORDINATES: N4430E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDonje Podunavlje Aythya nyroca Breeding 150 - - 11COORDINATES: N4449E02117 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDrava and Fishpond Donji Miholjac Anser anser Winter 200 1987 55 8COORDINATES: N4546E01814 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDunav-Zamjevac Anser anser Winter 200 1990 200 10COORDINATES: N4547E01850 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDunav: Radosevac Bucephala clangula Winter 3029 1990 1056 1COORDINATES: N4434E02134 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDunav: Ram Aythya ferina Winter 10051 1988 5565 8COORDINATES: N4445E02119 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Bucephala clangula Winter 3285 1989 1331 1Dunav: V.gradiste Bucephala clangula Winter 6077 1990 2554 1COORDINATES: N4440E02134 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownDunav: Zatonj Bucephala clangula Winter 1101 1990 436 8COORDINATES: N4440E02126 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Mergellus albellus Winter 1036 1990 239 8Jazovo-Mokrin Aythya nyroca Breeding 30 - - 11COORDINATES: N4550E02015 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedKopacki Rit Anser f. rossicus Winter 30000 1988 12686 1COORDINATES: N4529E01853 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Anser albifrons Winter 4000 1989 968 8

Anser anser Winter 1000 1989 223 1Ludasko Lake Aythya nyroca Breeding 150 - - 11COORDINATES: N4604E01948 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedPodunavlje Anser anser Winter 470 1988 470 10COORDINATES: N4537E01843 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSava/Bukovlje Anser anser Winter 300 1987 300 10COORDINATES: N4540E01610 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownSkadarsko Jezero Anser albifrons Autumn 10000 - - 10COORDINATES: N4216E01906 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Anas strepera Winter 1000 1968 44 8

Anas crecca Winter 40000 1993 8711 8Anas platyrhynchos Winter 30000 1993 11400 8Aythya ferina Winter 55000 1994 22255 1Aythya nyroca Winter 3000 1969 6 8Aythya fuligula Winter 40000 1993 12802 1Bucephala clangula Winter 8500 1991 2351 1Mergus merganser Winter 10 1992 2 1

Slano Kopovo (Soskopo) Anser erythropus Winter - - - 11COORDINATES: N4537E02013 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Branta ruficollis Passage - - - 11

336


Additional key site information omitted from the Estonia and Kazakhstan tables.


Stari Begej Anser erythropus Winter - - - 11COORDINATES: N4516E02025 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya nyroca Breeding 90 - - 11Uzdin Fish Pond Melanitta fusca Winter 43 1990 11 1COORDINATES: N4506E02032 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownVrsac Aythya nyroca Winter 14 1992 14 11COORDINATES: N4507E02119 PROTECTED STATUS: UnknownVrsacki Rit Anser anser Winter 8000 1988 3425 5COORDINATES: N4508E02115 PROTECTED STATUS: Unknown Aythya nyroca Winter 300 1989 137 11

ZAMBIASites in Zambia that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter counts atthe site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance codes refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Bangweulu Swamps Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 3500 1993 2175 11COORDINATES: S1158E03015 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Plectropterus gambensis Winter 1191 1994 1191 10

Anas undulata Winter 2900 1993 927 10Kafue Flats Dendrocygna bicolor Winter 58250 1994 19475 10COORDINATES: S1540E02710 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Plectropterus gambensis Winter 23986 1971 12043 10

Sarkidiornis melanotos Winter 20432 1994 6912 10Anas undulata Winter 2646 1994 945 10Anas erythrorhyncha Winter 9094 1994 4601 11Anas hottentota Winter 2767 1994 1041 11

ZIMBABWESites in Zimbabwe that have, at least once, supported more than 1% of an Anatidae population as defined in this publication. The average count is an average of the last five midwinter countsat the site or the average of all available midwinter counts if less than five counts have been made at the site. Importance co des refer to the 11 categories explained at the beginning of this Annex.


Lake Chivero (Mcilwaine) Netta erythrophthalma Cold Dry 3664 1993 1833 10COORDINATES: S1752E03047 PROTECTED STATUS: Recreational Park

ESTONIA ... continuedKey Site Species for which Important Season Maximum Year of Average Importance


Saarelinla (Saaremaa) Branta leucopsis Passage 5000 1991 3100 1COORDINATES: N5826E02308 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedSiiksaare Bay Anas strepera Moulting >500 1996 - 8COORDINATES: N5819E02251 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSorve Peninsula Mergellus albellus Winter 360 1994 - 8COORDINATES: N5800E02200 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedSuur Vain Strait Anser anser Moulting 15000 1994 - 8COORDINATES: N5832E02326 PROTECTED STATUS: Partially Protected Aythya marila Spring 19400 1986 - 8

Melanitta nigra Spring 19800 1986 - 8Melanitta fusca Spring 14000 1986 - 8

Tagalaht Bay Polysticta stelleri Winter 1300 1992 730 1COORDINATES: N5828E02204 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedVaida Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 400 1994 200 1COORDINATES: N5916E02458 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedVaike Vain Strait Cygnus c. bewickii Passage 1700 1996 500 1COORDINATES: N5808E02230 PROTECTED STATUS: Protected Cygnus cygnus Spring 3000 1990s 450 1

Anser anser Autumn 1900 1994 - 8Anas penelope Autumn 13600 1994 - 8Anas acuta Autumn 2060 1994 - 8Clangula hyemalis Spring 195000 1995 - 8Bucephala clangula Autumn 4800 1995 - 8Bucephala clangula Winter 3200 1993 - 8

Varnja-Kolkja Cygnus c. bewickii Autumn 1000 1993 500 1COORDINATES: N5830E02714 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedVatta (Saaremaa) Branta leucopsis Passage 4000 1996 2300 1COORDINATES: N5813E02243 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedVihtra Cygnus c. bewickii Spring 1200 1994 500 1COORDINATES: N5834E02502 PROTECTED STATUS: Not ProtectedVilsandi Island Polysticta stelleri Winter 2500 1996 1650 1COORDINATES: N5823E02152 PROTECTED STATUS: ProtectedVohilaid Anser anser Autumn 2500 1991 1400 8COORDINATES: N5831E02322 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Branta leucopsis Spring 4100 1996 2800 1

KAZAKHSTAN ... continuedKey Site Species for which Important Season Maximum Year of Average Importance


Kurgaldzhino and Tengiz Lakes Oxyura leucocephala Breeding 300 1995 - 8COORDINATES: N5027E06910 PROTECTED STATUS: Not Protected Tadorna ferruginea August 800 1995 - 8

Tadorna tadorna August 70000 1995 - 8Anas penelope August 15000 1995 - 8Anas platyrhynchos August 42000 1995 - 8Aythya ferina August 50000 1995 - 8

143739147 atlas of anatidae populations in africa w eurasia

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