Interannual dynamics of breeding bird assemblage within the republican natural monument «Dubrava» (Minsk)

  • Vital V. Sakhvon Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6673-8118
  • Valery Ch. Dombrovski The Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Bioresources, 27 Akademičnaja Street, Minsk 220072, Belarus

Abstract

In this paper the changes of composition and diversity of breeding bird assemblage within the republican natural monument «Dubrava» during last 27 years was analysed. Urban park «Dubrava» (24 ha) is situated in south­western part of Minsk and is presented by the old­year natural mixed oak­spruce forest with some introduced exotic plants in tree stand.   The absolute bird census was carried in 1991, 2015–2018. Total 47 breeding bird species were registered (from 28 to 38 species in a single year), 21 of them nests regularly. Overall bird densities varied from 7.16 pairs/ha to 13.02 pairs/ha. Total 10 species (Fringilla coelebs, Erithacus rubecula, Turdus merula, T. philomelos, T. pilaris, Parus major, Sylvia atricapillaPhylloscopus sibilatrix, Sturnus vulgaris and Cyanistes caeruleus) were shown to be the dominants in assemblage during these years. Since 1991 till now a significant increase in composition and species richness (the breeding was confirmed for 14 new species in last years) and overall breeding bird density was observed. The main factors explaining the dynamics of some assemblage characteristics such as synurbization of some bird species and change in habitat structure are discussed.

Author Biographies

Vital V. Sakhvon, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

PhD (biology), docent; deputy dean for educational work and social issues, faculty of biology

Valery Ch. Dombrovski, The Scientific and Practical Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for Bioresources, 27 Akademičnaja Street, Minsk 220072, Belarus

PhD (biology); senior researcher at the laboratory of molecular zoology

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Published
2019-01-18
Keywords: urban bird assemblage, bird diversity, breeding bird density, park, city, synurbization
How to Cite
Sakhvon, V. V., & Dombrovski, V. C. (2019). Interannual dynamics of breeding bird assemblage within the republican natural monument «Dubrava» (Minsk). Experimental Biology and Biotechnology, 3, 48-54. Retrieved from https://journals.bsu.by/index.php/biology/article/view/2534