Abstract:

The first Lithuanian national programme of monitoring breeding water birds was launched in 1999, although in 2000 year some parts had to be suspended, but from 2001 it will be continuous again. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Environment Protection of Lithuania and is coordinated by the Institute of Ecology. The subjects of sampling methods and of project organization were studied and evaluated with particular care before the work began. Planning was affected both by the limited funds and the non-uniform distribution of skilled observers. A network of 78 monitoring points was set up in 19 of the 43 districts. Despite the fact that a random approach could not be applied to the sampling design, the sample reflects the geographical distribution and represents the ecological variety of Lithuanian wetlands. The area covered by the monitoring points comprises 37 lakes of 7 ecological types, two fish pond complexes, parts of two water reservoirs , 32 gravel and clay banks and pits, and sections of 5 rivers, large and small. The areas are situated in relatively natural or urban landscape. The majority of the 18 observers worked in National and Regional parks, or in Strict Regime reserves. They gathered data on the numbers and distribution of 29 common and rare waterbird species.