Use of aspects of the behavior of birds at communal roosts for monitoring and protection of rare species

Abstract

The scientific publications and reports of nature conservation organizations of several countries were analyzed. The use of the data on communal roosting behavior for bird protection is discussed. The estimation of the numbers of birds at traditional and temporary communal roosting sites and comparability of these data with those gathered by other methods is considered. The influence of human activity such as human presence at roost sites, road building, construction of wind turbines, haymowing, vehicles’ presence, habitat losses and tourism on roosting birds is reviewed. The experience of the protection of rare birds’ roost sites including communal and solitary roosts in some countries (e.g. Great Britain, Germany and USA) is recommended for use. The protection of roost sites helps to favor not only local populations but the whole population of some species. For the purpose of roost site protection it is necessary to find and monitor roosting sites, estimate numbers of roosting birds, investigate pre-roosting and roosting behavior, clarify the dispersion of birds of one roost in day time and tracks of evening/morning movements and measure the degree of traditionality of communal roosting sites. It is necessary to develop the rating criteria for potential communal roosting sites of vulnerable species.