<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> First reports on the population of the lesser spotted eagle in Hungary appeared between 1978 and 1982, and based on these data, we estimate that their population was about 90 pairs during that period. By 2014 this number had decreased to below 40 pairs. The species disappeared from its former nesting sites in the lowlands, riparian habitats and also in a few hilly and mountainous areas. The reasons for its decline appear complex in Hungary. Changes in agricultural practice are suspected of being one of the main reasons which are discussed in the article. We presume that populations of prey species were also negatively affected. Decrease in undisturbed forest stands older than 100 years was probably also a significant factor affecting nesting habitats. As a marginal population, it greatly depends on the larger ones in the surrounding countries, and it is also affected by mortality during migration. Positive changes in the past four years in agricultural land use have already caused a slight increase in their numbers. Main tasks for the near future should be the establishment of a special support scheme focusing on the species’ foraging habitats.</p></abstract>

First reports on the population of the lesser spotted eagle in Hungary appeared between 1978 and 1982, and based on these data, we estimate that their population was about 90 pairs during that period. By 2014 this number had decreased to below 40 pairs. The species disappeared from its former nesting sites in the lowlands, riparian habitats and also in a few hilly and mountainous areas. The reasons for its decline appear complex in Hungary. Changes in agricultural practice are suspected of being one of the main reasons which are discussed in the article. We presume that populations of prey species were also negatively affected. Decrease in undisturbed forest stands older than 100 years was probably also a significant factor affecting nesting habitats. As a marginal population, it greatly depends on the larger ones in the surrounding countries, and it is also affected by mortality during migration. Positive changes in the past four years in agricultural land use have already caused a slight increase in their numbers. Main tasks for the near future should be the establishment of a special support scheme focusing on the species’ foraging habitats.

Current situation and population trend of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Hungary

Bükki National Park Directorate, Sánc u. 6, H-3304 Eger

Tamás Szitta, Bird Life Hungary, Költő u. 21 , H-1121 Budapest

Raptor Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

First reports on the population of the lesser spotted eagle in Hungary appeared between 1978 and 1982, and based on these data, we estimate that their...

Current situation and population trend of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Hungary

Published Online: Jun 30, 2015

Page range: 65 - 69

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/srj-2015-0005

Keywords
lesser spotted eagle, Aquila pomarina, population trend, Hungary

© by Ádám Pongrácz

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Current situation and population trend of the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Hungary

Published Online: Jun 30, 2015

Page range: 65 - 69

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/srj-2015-0005

Keywordslesser spotted eagle, Aquila pomarina, population trend, Hungary

© by Ádám Pongrácz

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
lesser spotted eagle, Aquila pomarina, population trend, Hungary