Collisions and electrocutions on power lines are known to kill large numbers of birds annually on a global scale. We conducted comprehensive research focused on bird mortality caused by 22 kV and 110 kV distribution power lines in 13 Special Protection Areas in Slovakia. In the period between December 2014 and February 2016, 6,235 km of power lines were inspected twice during two periods (12/2014–03/2015 and 04/2015–02/2016) of field survey. In addition an intensive study was conducted during the second field survey at one-month intervals on power lines identified as the most dangerous for birds to collide with. As a result, 4,353 bird carcasses and bird remains representing 84 bird species and 14 orders were identified. Electrocution was suspected for 76.72% and collision for 23.28% of fatalities. Raptors were associated with 40% of all identified victims of electrocution. Two peaks of incidence were recorded, the first in March with a high rate of electrocutions as well as collisions of swans, pheasants, common blackbirds, ducks and herons, and the second in September predominantly featuring electrocution of raptors, magpies and corvids. We were unable to quantify seasonal patterns of mortality due to the limited sample of repeated mortality surveys resulting from the large grid of inspected power lines. We conducted comprehensive statistical analysis of more than 100 configurations of pylons and calculated their potential risk towards birds. Strong spatial correlation was revealed in the data set. Metal branch pylons and corner pylons with exposed jumper wires passing over the supporting insulators above the cross arms were the most dangerous configuration, accounting for 34.72% of total recorded electrocution fatalities (0.13 carcass/pylon). Cases of electrocution were also recorded for two bird species of major conservation concern in Slovakia: saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca). The results of this study may substantially improve conservation management and policies needed to reduce bird mortality.
Conservation of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) has been supported by the LIFE -Nature project "Conservation of Falco cherrug in NE Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia" during the period 2010-2014. The project activities were usually focused on EGS reintroduction programmmes with the aim of ensuring the food base for selected species of birds in areas where EGS were the primary historical prey and have become extinct. Reintroduction programmes were carried out at two sites in Slovakia: Piesočná (Moravský Svätý Ján) and Pod Okrúhlou skalou (Tisovec). Together 174 individuals were released at Pod Okrúhlou skalou and 284 individuals at the Piesočná target site. Monitoring of both repatriated colonies focused on the natality and distribution area. At both target sites successful hibernation and reproduction have been confirmed. The repatriation date was strongly influenced by weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. It was necessary to cut the grass several times per season, in order to ensure appropriate conditions for individuals' survival. It was also necessary to protect the individuals against predators. House cats tend to hunt squirrels, which can be considered as the most serious threat at the Piesočná site. Squirrels at the Pod Okrúhlou skalou site were overly attacked by foxes. Intensive care (especially appropriate management of sites and additional feeding) ensured good stability of colonies, their survival and increase.Abstrakt: V období rokov 2011 až 2014 bola ochrana sysľa pasienkového (Spermophilus citellus) podporená projektom LIFENature "Ochrana sokola rároha v severovýchodnej časti Bulharska, Maďarsku, Rumunsku a na Slovensku". Projektové aktivity boli zamerané na prinavrátenie sysľa na lokality s historickým výskytom s cieľom zabezpečiť prirodzenú potravnú bázu vybraných druhov dravcov. Reštitúcia bola realizovaná na dvoch lokalitách Slovenska: Piesočná (k. ú. Moravský Svätý Ján) a Pod Okrúhlou skalou (k. ú. Tisovec). Celkom bolo na lokalite Pod Okrúhlou skalou vypustených 174 jedincov a na lokalite Piesočná 284 jedincov. Cieľom intenzívneho monitoringu oboch založených kolónií bolo zistiť priebeh aklimatizácie jedincov na lokalitách -sledovanie distribúcie a rozmnožovania. Na oboch lokalitách bolo potvrdené úspešné prezimovanie a reprodukcia. Priebeh zakladania nových kolónií bol sprevádzaný daždivými sezónami. Bolo potrebné niekoľkokrát za sezónu kosiť lokality pre zaistenie vhodných podmienok k prežitiu jedincov. Rovnako potrebné bolo zaistiť ochranu jedincov pred predátormi. Najväčšiu hrozbu pre sysľa na lokalite Piesočná predstavovali ataky túlavých mačiek, na lokalite Pod Okrúhlou skalou ataky líškami. Stabilitu, prežitie a nárast kolónií zabezpečí jedine intenzívna starostlivosť (vhodný manažment, prikrmovanie a pod.).
Nested PCR was used as a diagnostic tool to investigate the presence of Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm in protected species of carnivores in Slovakia. Twenty-three faecal samples from wolves, four samples from bears and three samples from lynx from the Muránska Planina mountains and eight samples from wolves from the Bukovské Vrchy mountains were examined. E. multilocularis DNA was detected in two samples of wolves' faeces from the Muránska Planina mountains and one sample from the Bukovské Vrchy mountains. Examination of bears' and lynx faecal samples gave negative results. The detection of E. multilocularis in wolves has extended the range of its known definitive hosts in Europe.
In the past, the European ground squirrel represented a common part of Slovakian fauna. During the 20th century, there was a substantial decrease in its number, mainly due to the intensification of agriculture. Currently, several programs focused on the recovery and preservation of ground squirrel colonies have been implemented. The aim in supporting the population of the European ground squirrel is to increase the number of birds of prey and to ensure a food base for them. In this paper, we focus on evaluating the success rate of European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) management measures. The research was realized at two localities in the Protected Bird Area Slovenský kras (Hrhov and Gemerská Hôrka) in the years 2015–2018. Activities were focused on the management of grassland and supplemental feeding during the breeding period. As a result of the management measures and the supplemental feeding, we managed to maintain a positive trend in the populations’ development, as there was an increase observed in all the monitored seasons.
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