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Thermo-modernization influences nest density of Common Swifts (Apus apus): determinants of nest site choices in Poznań, Poland
Impact of vandalism on avian nest-box studies: challenges and strategies for research and conservation
AbstractHuman interaction with nature often exhibits negative aspects, such as vandalism, which involves the destruction of or damage to property. Unfortunately, very little is known about the extent, causes, and frequency of this phenomenon. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate a scale of vandalism in studies using nest-boxes in Poland. Data from published papers (n = 256) indicated that researchers are aware of the devastation and destruction of nest-boxes, but often lacking detailed reports. We further validated this data through emails or phone calls to the authors. Surprisingly, only 14 (5.5%) papers mentioned vandalism, and during interviews, we found that vandalism occurred in 51.7% of studies. In response to vandalism, researchers have taken measures to reduce the scale of damages, such as hanging boxes far from paths and roads, placing them above 3 m from the ground, or, more recently, using security cameras. Although vandalism was quite common, its scale was rather marginal, with some local exceptions. For a better understanding of this phenomenon, we suggest including more detailed information on vandalism in future papers, which could aid in the interpretation of scientific data, as well as in nature conservation.
Raptor Poisoning in Europe between 1996 and 2016: A Continental Assessment of the Most Affected Species and the Most Used Poisons
Profile of Selected Mineral Elements in Tibiotarsal Bone of the White-Tailed Sea Eagle in Its Natural Habitat
Mineral bone composition (dry matter, bones ash, P, Ca, Zn, Mn, Mg, and Cu) and Pb levels of tibiotarsi of seven White-Tailed Sea Eagles were assessed. Lead intoxication in different bird species including waterfowl and raptors is being studied worldwide. The bones were analyzed for Pb by mass spectrometry with excitation in inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS Elan DRC II) and for bone composition by Atomic Emission Spectrometer (Agilent 4100 Microwave Plasma). Pb levels ranging from 3.54 µg/g to 74.6 µg/g DM suggest that some of the investigated birds might have been intoxicated by Pb. Results of this analysis were divided into two groups of bones, with bone Pb levels higher and lower than Pb toxicity levels, and mineral bone compositions of both groups were compared. The present study shows the differentiation of bone mineral composition among seven examined White-Tailed Sea Eagles, considered a specific species in raptors. Pb intoxication may not have a major influence on mineral bone composition in raptors. It also suggests that assessing bone composition of raptor bones may help finding the possible cause of their deaths.