Dawid Strzelecki, Piotr Rydzkowski, Andrzej Kośmicki, Adam Janczyszyn
Ornis Polonica 2024, 65: 114–126
https://doi.org/10.12657/ornis.2024.2.3
Abstract: An assessment of the abundance and habitat of the Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus in the Lower Vistula Valley PLB040003 Natura 2000 site within the Pomeranian Voivodeship was carried out in 2021. The work was carried out on sample plots determined under low-key conditions. During the surveys, all observations of the Penduline Tit were recorded and assigned breeding criteria, in accordance with the Polish Ornithological Atlas. Three field visits were conducted combined with the use of voice stimulation. In addition, for each sample plot photographic documentation was made and forms of simplified habitat description were filled in. The collected materials allowed the assessment of the species’ habitat status and the determination of breeding sites using a mapping method. Based on available literature and mapping data, a method for assessing the conservation status was developed. The results of the field survey allowed for estimation of the total population of the species at 75–112 pairs, with an average density of 4.0 pairs/km2. The assessment of the conservation status of the habitat in the area was identified as U2 (poor status), due to the bad condition of the habitat and the species’ perspectives of conservation. The method used, according to the authors, is sufficient to assess population changes occurring in the study area and is relatively simple and consistent. It is suggested for use in protected areas, especially in extensive river valleys.
Keywords: Natura 2000 site, Penduline Tit, population size estimation, river valley, survey methods
