black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Mergus serrator of Black Sea origin occur in the Aegean. Probably, part of the
population overwinters in the Balkans, where they concentrate in large numbers, but
this has not been confirmed by ringing data. Usually birds leave their winter quarters
in early March. Mergus serrator is typical ichtyophagous (gobies constitute their
basic diet). Chicks forage on copepods and aquatic insects.
Population trends. In the past the species was never found in large numbers. Now it
has become common, and even numerous in some locations (e.g. on the islands of
Tendra Bay).
Threats. Reduction of breeding habitats, water pollution and food scarcity, nest
predation by Yellow-legged gull.
Conservation measures taken. The species is protected in the "Chernomorski" and
"Krymski" reserves.
Conservation measures proposed. Stop eutrophication of marine bays, strengthen
the protection regime in the Chernomorski reserve, increase public awareness.
References
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyklopediya Publ.: 319 pp.(in Ukrainian).
Kostin Y.V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea. 241 pp. (in Russian).
Rudenko Y. G., O. A. Yaremchenko & K. I. Rybachuk, 1996. The state of the
"Chernomorski" biosphere reserve ornifhocomplexes in 1994. Kiev, 148-142 (in
Russian).
Compiled by T. Ardamatzkaia.
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