<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> We analysed the population size, population dynamics and reproduction success of the lesser spotted eagle in Latvia from 1988 to 2014. While the overall population did not show a statistically significant trend during any of the periods analysed (long, medium and short term), the populations in the individual study areas changed differently: of five research plots, populations were stable in two, increased in one, and decreased in two research plots. Using the existing research plots as samples of breeding numbers in areas of different breeding density classes based on forest management units, the total breeding population in Latvia was estimated. The overall number of breeding pairs in 2012-2014 was between 3700-4000. During the period 1988-2014, 65.62% of all pairs recorded as present on their home range, made a breeding attempt and laid eggs. The reproductive success ratio was 0.49 young per occupied territory with an adult pair of birds and 0.74 young per breeding pair which laid eggs. Overall, during the 21 -year research period there was a stable long-term trend in reproductive success (young per pair present on home range). Rarely, indeed only in 1 .89% of all cases did two young fledge. The total number of young (young per 100 km2) shows stable long-, medium- and short-term trends with an average value of 5.1 young per 100 km2.</abstract>

We analysed the population size, population dynamics and reproduction success of the lesser spotted eagle in Latvia from 1988 to 2014. While the overall population did not show a statistically significant trend during any of the periods analysed (long, medium and short term), the populations in the individual study areas changed differently: of five research plots, populations were stable in two, increased in one, and decreased in two research plots. Using the existing research plots as samples of breeding numbers in areas of different breeding density classes based on forest management units, the total breeding population in Latvia was estimated. The overall number of breeding pairs in 2012-2014 was between 3700-4000. During the period 1988-2014, 65.62% of all pairs recorded as present on their home range, made a breeding attempt and laid eggs. The reproductive success ratio was 0.49 young per occupied territory with an adult pair of birds and 0.74 young per breeding pair which laid eggs. Overall, during the 21 -year research period there was a stable long-term trend in reproductive success (young per pair present on home range). Rarely, indeed only in 1 .89% of all cases did two young fledge. The total number of young (young per 100 km2) shows stable long-, medium- and short-term trends with an average value of 5.1 young per 100 km2.

Population size, dynamics and reproduction success of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Latvia

Joint Stock Company “Latvia’s State Forests”, address for correspondence: “Tiltakalni”, Barkavas pag., Madonas nov. LV-4834, Latvia

Faculty ofBiology, University of Latvia, Kronvalda bulv. 4, LV-1 842, Latvia

Museum of Zoology, University of Latvia, Kronvalda bulv. 4, LV1 842, Latvia

“Silenieki”, Sarka¡u pag., Madonas nov. LV-4870, Latvia

“Robežnieki”, Birzgales pag., Ķeguma nov., LV-5033, Latvia

Biota Ltd, Kr. Valdemara iela 1 06/1 08-1 22, Riga. LV-1 01 3, Latvia

Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia, Rīgas iela 1 0a, Salacgrīva, LV-4033, Latvia

Raptor Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

We analysed the population size, population dynamics and reproduction success of the lesser spotted eagle in Latvia from 1988 to 2014. While the overall...

Population size, dynamics and reproduction success of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Latvia

Published Online: Jun 30, 2015

Page range: 45 - 54

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/srj-2015-0003

Keywords
breeding density, reproductive success, population trends, sampling plots

© by Uģis Bergmanis

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Population size, dynamics and reproduction success of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Latvia

Published Online: Jun 30, 2015

Page range: 45 - 54

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/srj-2015-0003

Keywordsbreeding density, reproductive success, population trends, sampling plots

© by Uģis Bergmanis

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
breeding density, reproductive success, population trends, sampling plots