Extract only - complete publication at www.jncc.gov.uk/worldwaterbirds Waterbirds around the world A global overview of the conservation, management and research of the world's waterbird flyways Edited by G.C. Boere, C.A. Galbraith and D.A. Stroud Assisted by L.K. Bridge, I. Colquhoun, D.A. Scott, D.B.A. Thompson and L.G. Underhill EDINBURGH, UK: THE STATIONERY OFFICE Extract only - complete publication at www.jncc.gov.uk/worldwaterbirds © Scottish Natural Heritage 2006 First published in 2006 by The Stationery Office Limited 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AZ, UK. Applications for reproduction should be made to Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW, UK. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library ISBN 0 11 497333 4 Recommended citation: Boere, G.C., Galbraith, C.A. & Stroud, D.A. (eds). 2006. Waterbirds around the world. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh, UK. 960 pp. Names used for geographical entities do not imply recognition, by the organisers of the Waterbirds around the world conference or other supporting organisations or governments, of the political status or boundaries of any particular territory. Names of territories used (and any alternatives) are included solely to help users of this publication apply information contained within this volume for waterbird conservation purposes. The views expressed in papers included within this volume do not necessarily represent views of the editors or the organisations and governments that supported the conference and this publication. Cover photography: Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus arriving at Martin Mere, England. Photo: Paul Marshall. (www.paulmarshallphotography.com) Copyright of all photographs used in this publication resides with the named photographers. Waterbirds around the world The migration routes of waterfowl and their protection in Baikal Siberia Yuri I. Mel’nikov State Nature Reserve ‘Baikalo-Lenskiy’, Irkutsk, 291 B Baikalskaja St. a/b 3580, 664050, Russia. (email: [email protected]) Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 2006. The migration routes of waterfowl and their protection in Baikal Siberia. Waterbirds around the world. Eds. G.C. Boere, C.A. Galbraith & D.A. Stroud. The Stationery Office, Edinburgh, UK. pp. 357-362. ABSTRACT Long-term studies have been used to determine features of the migration of waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans) in Baikal Siberia. For the first time, the major and minor migratory routes have been identified, and the way in which these have developed in relation to the mountainous areas and plains of the region has been revealed. Important staging areas, supporting at least 20 000 individuals during the migration seasons, are identified. It is estimated that at least 10-12 million waterfowl pass through Baikal Siberia in autumn. However, there is a poor level of protection for waterfowl in the region. The existing specially protected areas, primarily hunting reserves, do not provide adequate protection for waterbirds, and a decrease in the numbers has been observed in recent years. There is now an urgent need for the creation of a special system of protected areas for the protection and rational use of waterfowl in the region. Baikal Siberia is characterized by continental climatic conditions. This is especially marked in inter-montane depressions (Zhukov 1965). There is relatively little precipitation, and there are few large lake systems. Coniferous taiga forest dominates everywhere, and there are only small areas of forest-steppe and steppe in the relatively warm, inter-montane basins. Permafrost is widely distributed almost throughout the territory. This paper is based on the results of 40 years of personal research, and makes use of the published literature and interviews with the local population, waterfowl hunters and forestry experts. Over 15 000 km were covered on foot or by boat during the course of the research, and about 2 000 hours were spent making observations from fixed observation posts. Fieldwork was carried out in most of the large wetland systems in the region. The migration of waterfowl was studied in detail at fixed observation posts at the mouth of the Irkut River, in the Selenga River delta, and in the basins of rivers in East Sajan (Oka, Goloustnaja, Uda, Zima, Malyi Tagul and Toisik). The results of some of these studies have already been published (Mel’nikov 2000a, 2000b, 2001). On the basis of the published material and personal research, migration routes of waterfowl in the region have been mapped. INTRODUCTION The waterfowl and shorebirds of Baikal Siberia migrate along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. An analysis of the recoveries from about 170 000 ringed birds (Pizhjanov 1998) has shown that the western limits of the wintering range of waterbirds from Baikal Siberia are in central and eastern India (Mel’nikov 1999), while the majority of birds winter in Japan, China, South-east Asia, the Philippines, New Guinea and Australia (Skryabin et al. 1978, 1981, Pizhjanov 1998, Mel’nikov 1999). The migration routes of waterfowl in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway are poorly known. In Baikal Siberia, investigations have been carried out only at the most important staging areas and along the main migration routes. Little information is available on the numbers of waterfowl present, and details of the migration routes through the highlands of this region are practically unknown. RESULTS Spring migration Two major migration routes (flyways) pass through southern Transbaikalia: the Selenga and the Khingan. They are formed in Mongolia and China (Mel’nikov 1999, 2000b). In early spring, the Selenga flyway reaches the delta of this river, and then divides into several smaller flyways. The Khingan flyway divides into two in the region of Dalay-nor Lake, with one branch following the Argun River (Khingan-Argun) and the other proceeding to the Torej lakes (Khingan-Torej). The first of these soon leaves the limits of Baikal Siberia in the basin of the Aldan River (Gavrin & Rakov 1960). The second divides into three smaller flyways: the Torej-Olekma, Torej-KirengaTunguska and Torej-Baikal-Angara. Migrating waterfowl first appear in southern Transbaikalia (in the region of Kyakhta and the Torej basin) in the second half of March (Molleson 1897, Gavrin & Rakov 1959). In years with an early spring, small groups of Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, and sometimes Mallard Anas platyrhynchos, have already appeared in the Selenga River delta and at Verchnee Priangarie (Irkutsk and Ust-Orda) by the end of March. The first large wave of migrating waterfowl appears in southern Transbaikalia as soon as the average daily air temperature exceeds 0˚C (Gavrin & Rakov 1959, Shinkarenko 1988). This usually occurs with a significant intrusion of warm air from Mongolia and China at the beginning of April. Waterfowl arriving at this time include early-breeding dabbling ducks, such as Mallard, Common Teal Anas crecca, Northern Pintail A. acuta STUDY AREA, MATERIALS AND METHODS The extensive territory in the south of eastern Siberia, located around Lake Baikal, is referred to as Baikal Siberia (Peshkova 1972). It lies at the centre of the Asian continent on the boundary between the steppe and forest zones, and is an important ecological barrier in the distribution of many species of animals and plants. The Sajan-Baikal plateau, with its uplifted and strongly shattered ranges (2 500-3 500 m), divides the south of the region into two parts: Prebaikalia and Transbaikalia. Land to the north and south of the plateau has low- and mid-mountainous relief (800-1 800 m), with numerous depressions in the south (Florensov & Oljunin 1965). The Angara valley in the central Sajan-Baikal plateau is open to a southerly air-stream from the valley of the Selenga River to the south, and this warm air supports steppe and forest-steppe zones along the Angara River and lower portions of its tributaries, on Olkhon Island and in Priolkhonje (Peshkova 1972). 357 Waterbirds around the world remains under snow and presents a serious barrier to the birds. Both north-easterly and south-westerly movements of birds have been observed along the eastern edge of Lake Baikal at this time of year (Skryabin 1975), and it has not been possible to identify separate migration routes in this area. Groups of ducks that breed locally are already arriving on their breeding grounds in southern Prebaikalia in the middle of April, often before the first major wave of spring migrants (Mel’nikov 1998). The appearance of the first migrants in early spring always occurs during short warm spells, which are usually followed by cold periods (of three to four days), with air temperatures of –5 to –7˚C. The mass migration of waterfowl begins when the average daily air temperatures rises above 0˚C throughout much of the territory (Shinkarenko 1988). This usually occurs at the end of April or the beginning of May, although there may still be short cold spells. However, snow cover in the low mountain ranges between the rivers disappears and conditions for migration improve considerably. Migration occurs on a much broader front, with birds beginning to appear on the southern slopes of high mountainous areas. At this time, birds begin to fly through some of the lower passes in the mountain ranges of East Sajan to reach the Uda river valley, which they follow in a northerly or north-westerly direction. However, the main Yenisei flyway, which includes birds from the East Tuva staging area (Emeljanov & Savchenko 2000), is rather poorly represented in Baikal Siberia. In other mountain ranges in East Sajan, there are minor flyways of birds from the Khangaiy flyway which originates in Mongolia. These minor flyways, having passed around the high, snow-covered mountain ranges, enter large river valleys with favourable conditions for further migration. However, the number of birds involved is small. Also during this period, a rather small flyway (Vitim-Paton) is formed in the large lake system in the Vitim Mountains (Ivano-Arahley, Eravna and Baunt lakes), and this has several minor branches in the highlands of the Vitim, Severo-Baikal and Patom plateaux (Mel’nikov 2000a). In the second half of May, waterfowl migration in southern Baikal Siberia comes to an end, while in northern areas, the mass migration begins. At this time of year, migration occurs everywhere on a broad front, and large concentrations of birds can be found at staging areas at large lake systems. The location of these staging areas determines the directions of the minor flyways. Concentrations of birds elsewhere along the flyways are observed only at certain strategically important locations and, in high mountains, in certain mountain passes. At present, there is a well-defined flyway through the Baikal Mountains leading to the Nizhnjaja Tunguska river valley. Female Mallard Anas platyrhynchos and young. Photo: Paul Marshall. and Eurasian Wigeon A. penelope, and Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula. The north-south orientation of the basins in Transbaikalia promotes rapid penetration of warm air to the north, and the wave of migrants quickly reaches the northernmost areas of forest-steppe, although the numbers are much lower in the north. The movement of birds far to the north in the first stages of the spring migration is facilitated by a gap in the mountain ranges in the area of the Selenga River delta and a tributary of the Angara River, and also the large areas of steppe on the Irkutsk-Cheremchovo plain and on the edge of the Prebaikalia lowlands. There is already, in the early stages of spring migration in southern Baikal, a well-defined flyway (Baikal-AngaraYenisei) that leaves in a north-westerly direction to the Yenisei via the extensive Irkutsk-Cheremchovo plain and southern edge of the Leno-Angara plateau. From this major flyway, smaller flyways diverge to the north and north-east, passing through Verkholeniy (Kachug settlement) and Ust-Kut in the Lena valley, where there are small areas of steppe and agricultural land. Around Irkutsk, the Baikal-AngaraYenisei flyway divides into two branches. The main branch continues on in a north-westerly direction, while the other (the Baikal-Angara-Tunguska flyway) turns north and follows the valley of the Nizyhnjaja Tunguska River to Erbogachen plain, where it joins up with the Torej-Kirenga-Tunguska flyway. Birds reaching the basin of the Lena River follow this valley in a northeasterly direction. Other flyways formed in the Selenga River delta are insignificant in size, and are used by birds moving to breeding areas within Baikal Siberia. In this first period of the spring migration, the birds migrate exclusively along river valleys, as the land between the valleys Moult migration A return migration of the drakes of some waterfowl species is observed at moulting areas even before the end of the spring migration. The timing of the moult migration is closely linked to the breeding phenology of the birds. Even within southern Baikal Siberia, there is a two-week difference in dates of first egg-laying between the earliest breeders in southern areas and those in northern areas. Differences in the main egg-laying period are more indicative in this respect. The difference between breeders in northern Baikal Siberia (Nizhnjaja Tunguska river valley) and those in the south (Selenga River 358 Waterbirds around the world The main directions of the movements in spring and autumn almost exactly coincide. Migration occurs on a broad front, with some funnelling along flyways in certain areas. The minor flyways are used by only small numbers of birds, mostly on their way to the main staging areas where they congregate in larger flocks. The number of birds migrating through high mountainous areas, even in favourable conditions, is insignificant, although almost all species migrate in small numbers along flyways at low and middle elevations in the mountains. Migration through mountain passes is far from uniform. During some seasons, it can occur on a large scale. It is clearly related to weather conditions, with birds not flying through some passes if there is a deterioration in the local weather. In periods of very severe weather, when most or all of the passes are closed, the bird congregate on lakes in the river valleys where they remain until the weather improves. Three or four waves of migration are observed during autumn, each producing a big increase in the numbers of birds at the main staging areas. The species composition of each wave differs, but Mallard, Common Teal, Northern Pintail, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck and Common Goldeneye dominate in all waves. The first consists mainly of dabbling ducks, and the last, mainly diving ducks, geese and swans. The total number of birds seen migrating along the main flyways varies considerably from year to year (by as much as eight fold), and obviously depends on conditions along the migration route. Observations made from the ground take into account only those birds flying at low level, while non-stop migration at high altitude (true migration) goes unrecorded. With the onset of heavy snowfall in the high mountains in the first half of September, migration through these areas almost stops, although there are occasional flocks of geese and Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus. Discrete flyways begin to appear in the valleys, and these are well pronounced by late autumn, when the shallow lakes become covered in ice. In Prebaikalia, the last of the migrants gather on the reservoirs of Ust-Ilym, Bratsk and Irkutsk, and the large lakes of IrkutskCheremhovo plain and Prebaikala plain (Ochaul, Berikul, Kondakov and others). The last wave of the autumn migration appears in the second ten days of November, and passes through the Verkhnee Priangaryei, Primorskyi ridge, Selenga River delta and Torej lakes on the way to Mongolia and China. delta) is three weeks. In years with an early spring, drake Mallard and Northern Pintail begin to pursue females in the first few days of May. Some 10-15 days after disintegration of the pair bond, the drakes form small flocks (Mel’nikov 1998), and start to undertake local movements to good feeding areas. The number of drakes involved in these movements rapidly builds up, and by early June, drakes greatly outnumber nesting birds at the important moulting sites. By the beginning of July, the moulting drakes have been joined by many females (sometimes 30-35%), presumably birds that have had an unsuccessful breeding season. The first species to begin their moult migration are those that nest earliest, e.g. Mallard, Common Teal, Garganey Anas querquedula and Northern Pintail. Moult migrations occur on a broad front and under very favourable conditions, with moulting flocks of drakes occurring on practically all wetlands in Baikal Siberia. The direction of the moult migrations basically coincides with the spring and autumn flyways (Mel’nikov 2000b). The long duration of the moult migrations (ranging from 2.0 to 3.5-4.0 months according to species) is a result of the length of the breeding season. Even in mid-July, some ducks remain paired and are still breeding. This late nesting is due to the laying of one or even two replacement clutches, being most common in Gadwall Anas strepera, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Common Pochard A. ferina, Common Goldeneye and Smew Mergellus albellus. The moult migration of these late breeders may be delayed until the end of August. Furthermore, birds from northern breeding areas migrate to southern areas to moult, and having nested later than southern breeders, also undertake their moult later. This further extends the duration of the moulting period. In Baikal Siberia, mass moulting of waterfowl occurs only in the south of the region, in the Selenga River delta and Torej lakes. Depending on water levels, there are between several hundred and up to 30 000-50 000 moulting drakes in these areas. However, throughout Baikal Siberia, some of the drakes moult in their breeding areas, and do not undertake long-distance moult migrations. Usually these are late breeders which gather in groups of five to ten individuals in secure areas with optimum feeding conditions. Only on those lakes with the best conditions are there moulting concentrations of up to some hundreds (but no more than 1 000) individuals. The scarcity of important moulting areas in Baikal Siberia, particularly for diving ducks and dabbling ducks that feed on invertebrates, such as the Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata, is thought to be due to the small number of reservoirs in the region, and their low productivity. Even in the northern limits of the forest-steppe zone, conditions are still very poor for moulting birds, although there are some fairly large concentrations of moulting drakes in this area. Staging areas The most important staging areas during the spring, moult and autumn migrations are the large lake systems along the major flyways. The largest of these are located on the border of the forest-steppe and steppe zones, the most significant being the Torej lakes and Selenga River delta. Staging areas in the Baikal basin (Barguzin river valley, Arangatujy lakes, Verkhnjaja Angara and Kichera river mouths, and Verkhneangarsk expansion) are less important. The chain of Angarsk reservoirs is an important staging area, as also are the Irkutsk, Bratsk and UstIlym reservoirs. One of the most important staging areas in northern Baikal Siberia is Erbogachen plain, in the Nizhnjaja Tunguska valley. Many other smaller sites support up to about 20 000 waterfowl during the migration seasons. The location of these staging areas determines the direction of many of the minor flyways, as bird move from one staging area to another. The total number of a waterfowl using the staging areas in Baikal Siberia is considerable. Unfortunately, it is very difficult Autumn migration The autumn migration begins under favourable conditions in the middle or at the end of August. Large concentrations of birds that have bred locally gather on the largest lake systems in the region, and the first dabbling ducks begin to depart. Formerly there were appreciable movements of Baikal Teal Anas formosa at this time, but this is now an extremely rare species in Baikal Siberia. The last birds to depart are the diving ducks, sawbills, geese and swans. 359 Waterbirds around the world to provide a reliable estimate of numbers on the basis of the available data. However, counts of the large concentrations of waterfowl during autumn migration at the two most important staging areas in Baikal Siberia (Selenga River delta and Torej lakes) allow us to make a tentative estimate of total numbers. It should be noted that there are few areas of mass concentration of waterfowl near the southern borders of Baikal Siberia, and most of these are much less important than the Selenga River delta and Torej lakes. An exception is the Argun River along which migrate at least half of the waterfowl entering Russian territory via the Khingan flyway. However, waterfowl following the Khingan-Argun flyway soon leave Baikal Siberia via the Aldan valley. There has been no accurate estimation of numbers in this flyway for many years, and as the flyway lies largely outside Baikal Siberia, it has not been considered here. At the end of twentieth century, some research was carried out on the migration of waterfowl in the Selenga River delta and Torej lakes, and this included an estimation of numbers. This work has shown that, depending on the year, between two million and five million waterfowl stop off in the Selenga River delta during the autumn migration (Skryabin 1995), while between three million and five million waterfowl stop off in the Torej lakes (Goroshko 1998). It has been estimated that a further two million birds occur at the many other, less important sites, including sites that hold less than 20 000 individuals. Hence, the total number of waterfowl occurring at staging areas in Baikal Siberia during the autumn migration is estimated at 10-12 million individuals. This is a minimum estimate for the number Rare waterbirds to Baikal Siberia such as the Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii sometimes occur at important staging areas in the north of the region. Photo: Paul Marshall. Moulting flocks of drake Mallards Anas platyrhynchos as well as other ducks occur in autumn on practically all wetlands in Baikal Siberia. Photo: Crawford Prentice. 360 Waterbirds around the world areas in the Selenga River delta and Torej basin, and then divide into a series of smaller flyways. A significant proportion of the birds finish their migration in Baikal Siberia, and settle down to breed here and in adjoining regions. During the autumn migration, birds use a wide network of minor flyways to reach the main staging areas in Baikal Siberia, whence they continue along the major flyways to their wintering areas. The large and well-defined flyways reflect the main directions of the migrations of long-distance migrants: north-west in spring and south-east in autumn. In spring, these flyways appear much earlier in southern Baikal Siberia than flyways in other directions, and in autumn, continue until the middle of November, when migration on other flyways has ceased. Many of the birds in these major flyways breed in central and eastern Taymyr, where there are very high breeding densities of many species of waterfowl. The formation of well-pronounced flyways in Baikal Siberia is principally caused by the natural features and climatic conditions of the region. The Sajan-Baikal plateau is relatively low in elevation, and has gaps through which southerly air streams can penetrate in early spring, bringing warm air to the Selenga and Angara valleys. This is reflected in the presence of large areas of steppe vegetation. Other, less well-pronounced flyways are formed later in the spring, and are connected with the movement of birds through high mountain ranges (2 500-3 000 m). It has been demonstrated that orographic features and the latitudinal distribution of vegetation zones have a big influence on the direction and intensity of the migration routes of waterfowl. Despite the scarcity of large lake systems in Baikal Siberia, very large concentrations of waterfowl occur at staging areas during the spring and autumn migration seasons. There would appear to be abundant food resources for the migrating birds, as the quality of the wetlands in Baikal Siberia has essentially not changed in recent decades. However, the numbers of migrating waterfowl are now much lower than they were in the middle of twentieth century. The wetlands of southern Baikal Siberia are of great importance for migratory waterfowl, providing staging areas where the birds can build up their fat reserves before continuing their migration. However, the present system of state protected territories is obviously insufficient to provide adequate protection for waterfowl and maintain species diversity. The main reason for this is that, until now, the creation of a system of protected areas has focused exclusively on the preservation of fur-bearing animals because of their high economic value. The development of a special system of protected territories is therefore required for the protection of breeding and migrating waterfowl. of waterfowl passing through Baikal Siberia, as an unknown proportion passes through southern Baikal Siberia without stopping to rest. Significant annual fluctuations in the numbers of waterfowl recorded at staging areas are related to the condition of the wetlands. In years with high water levels, the numbers of birds increase sharply, while in years with low water levels, numbers are greatly reduced. Protection of waterfowl Sites of importance for the protection of waterfowl are poorly represented in the current network of specially protected natural territories (SPNT), which includes various categories of protected area. Indeed, most of the internationally important wetlands are unprotected. Furthermore, the fact that a site of high importance as a breeding or staging area for waterfowl has been designated as a SPNT at local level (territorial hunting reserve) does not mean that it is well protected. Infringement of the regulations concerning the exploitation of wildlife resources in territorial hunting reserves is now the usual situation. Only twelve of the 30 most important areas for waterfowl are formally protected; in two reserves (Dauria and Olekma), two national parks (Prebaikalian and Transbaikalian) and eight hunting reserves. All of these are sites of international importance. With a few exceptions, important staging areas for waterfowl on the main flyways in Baikal Siberia are not specially protected, and this is the main deficiency in waterfowl protection in the region. Many of these staging areas are unique wetlands and support a high diversity of waterfowl. The southern lake systems are especially interesting in this respect, as they often support a number of specially protected species such as Greylag Goose Anser anser, Swan Goose A. cygnoides, Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri and Baikal Teal. Important staging areas in the north of the region support rare species such as Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii, Middendorff’s Bean Goose Anser fabalis middendorffi, Lesser White-fronted Goose A. erythropus, Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus and White-winged Scoter Melanitta (fusca) deglandi, and also require more protection. The extreme importance of the Selenga River delta for waterfowl was recognized in the 1980s, and yet this site remains unprotected. The establishment of a protected area in the delta is a high priority, as also is the establishment of an ornithological reserve to protect the Inarigda lake complex in the Nizhnjaja Tunguska valley (Nizhnetungusskiy). All other important sites require, if not full protection, then at least regulations concerning the economic exploitation of waterfowl resources. In the creation of the SPNT network, no consideration was given to the special protection of waterfowl, although this group of birds includes many species that require special attention. Special approaches are required in the planning of a system of protection and management for waterfowl, as well as for various other groups of birds. REFERENCES Emeljanov, V.I. & Savchenko, A.P. 2000. Specific structure, ratio and spatial structure of goose flyways in southern Priynicei Siberia. In: Ts.Z. Dorzhiev (ed) Modern problems of ornithology of Siberia and Central Asia. Buryat State University Press, Ulan-Ude: 107-112. (In Russian). Florensov, N.A. & Oljunin, V.N. 1965. Relief and geological structure. In: I.P. Gerasimov (ed) Prebaikalia and Transbaikalia. Science Press, Moscow: 23-90. (In Russian). Gavrin, V.F. & Rakov, N.V. 1959. Materials from studying the spring flight of waterfowl in the headwaters of the Argun DISCUSSION Hitherto, the waterfowl flyways of Baikal Siberia have been poorly investigated. The information collected by us and the general information available in the literature have enabled us to present the first overview of the main directions and character of movements of waterfowl within the limits of this extensive territory. The main flyways along which birds reach Baikal Siberia during the spring migration converge on the important staging 361 Waterbirds around the world river. The message I. In: V.S. Pokrovskii (ed) Migratory animals, 1. USSR Academy Press, Moscow: 59-66. (In Russian). Gavrin, V.F. & Rakov, N.V. 1960. Materials from studying the spring flight of waterfowl in the headwaters of the Argun river. The message II. Features of flight of different species. In: V.S. Pokrovskii (ed) Migratory animals, 2. USSR Academy Press, Moscow: 146-174. (In Russian). Goroshko, O.A. 1998. Some results of a study of birds of a Torej hollow (Russia and Mongolia) and prospects for their preservation. Boundaries of especially protected natural territories of Northern Eurasia: the theory and practice. The Scientific – Practical Bulletin 1. IUCNWCPA Press, Moscow: 23-26. (In Russian). Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 1998. Dynamics of sexual structure and migration of waterfowl on the average current Oka river (LenoAngarsk plateau). In: V.V. Popov (ed) Proceedings of the Baikalo-Lenskyi State Reserve 1. Inkombook Press, Moscow: 78-84. (In Russian). Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 1999. Migration routes and territorial connections of shorebirds and waterfowl in Prebaikalia. In: S.A. Bukreev & V.A. Zubakin (eds) Inventory, monitoring and protection of key ornithological territories in Russia. Russian Union of Protection of Birds, Moscow: 143147. (In Russian). Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 2000a. Observations of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl through the mountain ranges of Eastern Siberia. In: Ts.Z. Dorzhiev (ed) Questions for the study of biodiversity and monitoring of condition of terrestrial ecosystems of the Baikal region. Russian Academy of Science Press, Ulan-Ude: 125-130. (In Russian). Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 2000b. The Waterfowl of the Central Palearctic Flyway Region: Migrations, Use, Protection. In: T. Hughson & C. Ruckstuhl (eds) ISCORD 2000: Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Cold Region Development, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 31 January - 4 February 2000. Melbourne: 323-326. Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 2001. Number, distribution and migrations of the Bean Goose in the south of Eastern Siberia. In: Yu.I. Mel’nikov (ed) Proceedings of the Baikalo-Lenskyi State Reserve, 2. Listok Press, Irkutsk: 82-100. (In Russian). Molleson, V.S. 1897. Observation of the spring flight of birds on the Chikoyi river in 1896. Report Troizkosavsko-Kjahta Branch, Priamur Branch RGO 4: 3-28. Peshkova, G.A. 1972. Steppe flora of Baikal Siberia. Science Press, Novosibirsk. Pizhjanov, S.V. 1998. Baikal as an avifaunal unit. In: V.I. Evsikov (ed) Problems in the preservation of biodiversity. Science Press, Novosibirsk: 81-85. (In Russian). Shinkarenko, A.V. 1988. The dynamics of flight of waterfowl and meteorological conditions. In: N.G. Skryabin (ed) Ecology of the terrestrial vertebrates of Eastern Siberia. Irkutsk State University Press, Irkutsk: 6-17. (In Russian). Skryabin, N.G. 1975. Waterfowl of Baikal. The East-Siberian Book Publishing House, Irkutsk. (In Russian). Skryabin, N.G. 1995. Selenga river delta - the largest staging area for waterfowl on Baikal. In: A.I. Diemin (ed) The eco-geographical characteristics of Prebaikalia. State Pedagogical Institute Press, Irkutsk: 101-108. (In Russian). Skryabin, N.G., Sadkov, V.S. & Pizhjanov, S.V. 1978. Role of Baikal in the migration of shorebirds. In: E.V. Gvozdev (ed) The Second All-Union Conference on Migrations of Birds 1. Science Press, Alma-Ata: 162-164. (In Russian). Skryabin, N.G., Sadkov, V.S., Pizhjanov, S.V., Gilevich, A.L., Safronov, N.N., Popov, V.D. & Mel’nikov, Yu.I. 1981. Results of ringing gulls and terns on Baikal. In: I.M. Ganja (ed) Ecology and protection of birds. Shtiinza Press, Kishinev: 209. (In Russian). Zhukov, V.M. 1965. Climate. In: I.P. Gerasimov (ed) Prebaikalia and Transbaikalia. Science Press, Moscow: 91-126. (In Russian). Occasional flocks of Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus migrate through Baikal Siberia in autumn. Photo: Paul Marshall. 362
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