Branta Issues > Issue №11 (2008)

Present status of the Cormorant population in the Danube Biosphere Reserve area

M.V. Yakovlev

In total 264 bird species are noted within the area of the Danube Biosphere Reserve (Zhmud, 2004; own data). The reserved area is of great importance for the Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo). The Cormorant is a common breeding and common wintering species in the Danube Biosphere Reserve. It nests solely on the willow trees, forming one-three colonies in the southern part of Danube Delta, on adjoining Lebedinka and Kurilskie Islands. Approximately after every 5 years the colony moves from one place to another due to degradation and death of the trees where birds build their nests, because of the aggressive influence of their excrements. The Cormorant did not breed in delta from the middle of 1970s to 1983 inclusive. Since 1984 maximum numbers had been observed in 2002 - about 5200 pairs, minimum was in 1984 – 250 pairs. Average numbers of the Cormorant within reserved area for the last twenty years are at the level of 1300-1600 pairs.