Abstract:

The Corncrake is a widespread and common species in Russia. Because agricultural conditions in Russia are unstable, it is important to establish the Corncrake's current population dynamics through studies in pilot areas. Two types of repeated censuses have been carried out: 1. In 1994, there were censuses on pilot plots in 4 regions. These regions had been censused between 6 and 18 years previously, but researchers had used a variety of methods. 2. From 1995 to 2000, regular nocturnal censuses were carried out, using standard methods in pilot areas in 5 'key territories' holding Corncrake concentrations. The census years experienced varying weather conditions, such as spring flood levels and differing hay mowing sequences. The data obtained show that in the 1980s and 1990s in European Russia there was no tendency for Corncrake numbers to reduce, something that had been noted from the 1950s to the 1970s. It is extremely important that the present monitoring scheme continues and that a network be established of model areas in Russia to monitor Corncrake numbers annually and to track the changes in agriculture technology.