black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Population trends. The population declines, as well as the number of colonies. Only
three out of 15 known colonies reach 35-40 pairs. The entire estimate is 8,020 pairs.
Their major stronghold is the Tarkhankut peninsula, with 1,200 pairs in 1962. In
1973 this number was halved. A recent survey shows a further decline to 400-450
pairs. The numbers of Shag are critical since the largest colonies are within the zone
of considerable human influence, whereas smaller ones cannot guarantee the
necessary reserve.
Threats. Growing human disturbance at the breeding sites, water pollution by oil
products and solid waste disposal, decrease of the habitat feeding capacity, predation.
Conservation measures taken. One of the three main colonies is situated in a
reserve.
Conservation measures proposed. Obligatory protection of all breeding colonies.
References
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny, 1994. (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyclopediya Publ.: 306 pp. (in Ukrainian).
Kostin, Y. V., 1983. Birds of the Crimea: 241 pp. (in Russian).
Smogorzhevsk'kyi, L. O., 1979. Divers, Grebs, Shearwaters, Cormorants, Shags,
Egrets, Herons, Flamingoes. Fauna of Ukraine. Kiev 5 (1): 432 pp. (in Russian).
Compiled by V. Siokhin
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