Saulius Švažas

Most raptors are flagship and umbrella species acting as ecosystem engineers. Research on avian parasites in raptors is therefore of interest. There is a lack of studies on Sarcocystis in naturally infected raptors. In the present work, we aimed to identify Sarcocystis spp. in intestinal scrapings of the raptors from Spain. Sarcocystis spp. were id...

Simple Summary Sarcocystis parasites (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) exhibit a complex life cycle necessitating two hosts and infect a wide range of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Birds of prey, positioned at the apex of the food chain, serve as definitive hosts for various Sarcocystis species. This study focuses on the molecular identification of Sarc...

Data on Common Pochard (hereafter Pochard) migration was taken from the Database of the Bird Ringing Centre of Russia. Data on weather conditions in the day of recovery and dates of the transitions through 0, 5 and 10°C were obtained from the climate site http://pogoda-service.ru/archive_gsod.php. After all filtering, we used 575 Pochard recoveries...

Simple Summary Macrocysts of the protozoan Sarcocystis rileyi, resembling rice grains, are found in the muscles of numerous duck species. Meat from ducks contaminated with S. rileyi is not suitable for consumption, and severe S. rileyi infections are harmful to infected birds. This Sarcocystis species was reported only in North America for a long t...

The present study aimed to test intestinal scrapings of the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from Lithuania for S. calchasi and other Sarcocystis species characterised by bird–bird life cycles. The protozoan parasite Sarcocystis calchasi can cause respiratory and neurological diseases in a variety...

Simple Summary Protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis are characterised by a two-host prey–predator life cycle. To date, more than 25 Sarcocystis species have been confirmed to form sarcocysts in muscles and CNS of birds. Avian Sarcocystis species are transmitted via predatory birds, placental mammals, and opossums. The objective of the study...

Although three species of Sarcocystis, S. cornixi, S. corvusi and S. kutkienae, have been described in corvids, molecular studies of sarcocysts isolated from these birds are incomplete. Leg muscles of 83 corvids, 35 hooded crows (Corvus cornix), 21 western jackdaws (Coloeus monedula), 11 rooks (Corvus frugilegus), 9 common ravens (Corvus corax), 4...

Background The timing of migration for herbivorous migratory birds is thought to coincide with spring phenology as emerging vegetation supplies them with the resources to fuel migration, and, in species with a capital breeding strategy also provides individuals with energy for use on the breeding grounds. Individuals with very long migration distan...

Members of the family Corvidae are ecologically flexible omnivorous birds, particularly adaptive to urban habitats, and living in proximity to humans; these birds may serve as definitive hosts (DH) for Sarcocystis spp., but research about this is lacking. In the present study, intestinal samples from 91 corvids collected in Lithuania were molecular...

Background Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey–predator two-host life-cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in the muscles or central nervous system of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey have been confirmed to be DH for Sa...

Background: Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey-predator two-host life cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in muscles or CNS of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey were confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. By contrast,...

The European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, a long-distance migrant wintering in Africa, is a widespread Palearctic species. This species is classified as vulnerable and is undergoing a long-term demographic decline. The results of the previous study (based on mitochondrial (mtDNA) cytochrome-b (cytb) sequences of birds fromWestern and Southern...

Simple Summary The European Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur, is a widespread Palearctic species. Due to a long-term population decline, it is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Population genetics studies are important to the management of threatened species. Previous research based on mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b of European Turtle Doves sampled...

Background The Common Pochard ( Aythya ferina ) (hereafter Pochard), a widespread and common freshwater diving duck in the Palearctic, was reclassified in 2015 from Least Concern to Vulnerable IUCN status based on rapid declines throughout its range. Analysis of its status, distribution and the potential causes for the decline in Europe has been un...

Populations of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) have recently been declining in Europe. This is the first study of common quail in eastern Europe using molecular markers. The mtDNA D-loop genetic diversity of common quails migrating through Ukraine was analyzed and compared with that of birds migrating via northern Spain in 2017–2018. In samples fr...

Internationally coordinated censuses of Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus across continental northwest Europe were undertaken in mid-winter 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. The estimate of 138,500 birds in 2015, the highest to date, represented a more than doubling of the population size (at an annual increase of 4.1%) since the first census total of 59,...

Figures 1-3 need to be replaced to cover the facts correctly.

The Woodpigeon Columba palumbus is an abundant and widespread Palearctic species that uses multiple flyways in Europe. The designation of the main flyways of Woodpigeon in Europe and the study of the genetic structure of the populations are necessary for the sustainable management of this species. Both ringing recovery data of Woodpigeons and mtDNA...

Coordinated international censuses of the Northwest European Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus bewickii population have been undertaken across the swans’ wintering range at c. 5-year intervals since 1984. During the early years of the study, numbers increased steadily to a peak of 29,780 individuals in January 1995, but then declined by 39.4% to 18,...

Having examined 19 great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) hunted in Lithuania, sarcocysts were found in the muscles of two birds. Sarcocysts detected were examined using light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, ITS1, cox1, and rpoB sequence comparison. Based on the molecular analysis, mainly of the ITS1...

The migration pattern characteristic of different populations of Woodpigeon in Europe was studied in 2005-2017 combining different methods: wintering and breeding population monitoring in different countries, population genetics, and ringing recoveries.

One morphologic type of sarcocyst was found in 26% (7/27) of Eurasian Coots ( Fulica atra) and was described as Sarcocystis fulicae n. sp. using morphologic, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, and ITS1 analysis. By light microscope, cysts were ribbon-shaped and measured 7.3 mm in length by 116 μm wide. Histologically, the cyst wall reached up to 1.2 μm in thickne...

National accounts suggest that the Common Pochard Aythya ferina was an uncommon breeding bird throughout western Europe before 1850. Extensions to the breeding range in the late 19th century were potentially aided by the rapid development of managed fish-ponds in eastern Europe, which provided suitable novel habitat at that time. Expansion into wes...

A rapid expansion of the continental subspecies of the Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) has been recorded in Europe since the 1980s. Evaluation of genetic variability of the Great Cormorant using molecular markers is necessary for investigation of the mechanisms of formation of the newly established breeding populations in the eastern...

The recovering population of white-tailed eagles Haliaeetus albicilla was studied in Lithuania, Central Europe. In the present study, we focused on (1) clarifying which theoretical distribution model better fits and describes the observed pattern of eagle settlement, (2) examining habitat preference at the level of nesting territory and its relatio...

Despite the fact that Sarcocystis rileyi is one of the earliest described species of the genus Sarcocystis forming macrocysts in ducks, the life cycle of this species is still unknown in Europe. Sarcocystis spp. oocysts/sporocysts were observed in faeces of four of 23 (17.4 %) and in small intestine mucosal scrapings of four of 20 (20.0 %) red foxe...

Abstract Macroscopic Sarcocystis cysts were detected in the muscles of 28 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), 1 Eurasian Wigeon (Anas penelope) and 1 Common Teal (Anas crecca) hunted in Lithuania and Finland. According to the sequences of 18S rRNA gene, 28S rRNA gene and ITS-1 region, the macrocysts examined from all 30 ducks belonged to Sarcocystis ril...

The population genetic structure of the Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) in Europe was studied analyzing the distribution of different D-loop haplotypes among bird samples, collected in various breeding and wintering sites of the species (in Russia, Belarus, Lithuania, Sweden, Hungary, France, Spain and Portugal). Totally 89 different haplotypes ascer...

Two closely related swan species, the mute swan Cygnus olor and the whooper swan Cygnus cygnus, were formerly allopatric throughout their breeding ranges, but during the last decades a sympatric distribution has become characteristic of these species in the Baltic Sea region. The whooper swan has gradually replaced the mute swan in many suitable ha...

Of the 207 breeding species considered in Lithuania, results of the review show that with a north-easterly shift in their range, the 33 (16%) species breeding on the western, south-western and southern peripheries of their total species range may be significantly affected and are likely to become extinct in the region. Species in different habitat...

A total of 3720 samples of 24 waterbird species belonging to 5 orders were collected in Lithuania between 2007 and 2011 for the analysis of avian influenza viruses. One hundred eigthy seven samples were positive for influenza A viruses or antibodies. All influenza A positive samples were found in the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). The recorded preva...

We investigated breeding densities and distribution of the woodpigeon Columba palumbus in woodland and urban habitats of Lithuania, Belarus and the Kaliningrad oblast (administrative district) of Russia. In Lithuania and Belarus, where the urbanisation process of the woodpigeon is in an initial phase, breeding densities in woodland habitats are hig...

The tufted duck (Aythya fuligula, Anatidae) is widespread in the Palaearctic across Northern Eurasia. Birds breeding in Northern and Eastern Europe are highly migratory, while populations from Western Europe are partially migratory or resident. The aim of this study is to explore genetic variation within and between ducks breeding in Latvia and mig...

Changes in numbers and breeding distribution of Whooper Swans throughout the last 50 years were analyzed in Central Europe and in the northeast European tundra of Russia. A significant northwards shift of the distribution range of the species has recently been recorded in the tundra region, with breeding birds found in the Novaya Zemlya and Vaigatc...

The population trends, diet composition and helminthes fauna were investigated in the newly established colonies of great cormorant located at the coasts of the Curonian Lagoon of the Baltic Sea. The numbers of breeding birds have increased from 0 in the 1970s to about 10000 pairs in the 2000s. These newly formed colonies of great cormorant are amo...

Cysts of Sarcocystis were found in two out of 18 wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) hunted in Lithuania in 2008 and 2009. Morphologically investigated Sarcocystis sp. had type-1 tissue cyst wall and was not distinguishable from S. calchasi, S. columbae and S. wobeseri, parasitizing in birds. According to the DNA analysis, Sarcocystis sp. from the wood...

The population trends, diet composition and helminthes fauna were investigated in the newly established colonies of great cormorant located at the coasts of the Curonian Lagoon of the Baltic Sea. The numbers of breeding birds have increased from 0 in the 1970s to about 10000 pairs in the 2000s. These newly formed colonies of great cormorant are amo...

In this chapter described distribution of breeding population of the Wigeon, its habitat selection and breeding density. Estimated population size. Determined trends in numbers and threats and main falyways. Described phenology of movements in the region and main staging and moulting sites in the region. Defined main wintering sites in the region....

In this chapter described distribution of breeding population of the Northern Pintail, its habitat selection and breeding density. Estimated population size. Determined trends in numbers and threats and main falyways. Described phenology of movements in the region and main staging and moulting sites in the region. Defined main wintering sites in th...

The data about Common Teal in six countries of Eastern Europe (in the European Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine) are compiled and analized in this chapter of the book.

The data about Mallard in six countries of Eastern Europe (in the European Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine) are compiled and analized in this chapter of the book.

The data about Garganey in six countries of Eastern Europe (in the European Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine) are compiled and analized in this chapter of the book.

Haplotypic variability and population genetic structure of Garganey Anas querquedula and common pochard Aythyla ferina in the Western Palearctic The mitochondrial DNA (D-loop of mtDNA) sequencing method was used for investigation of various populations of Garganey Anas querquedula and Common Pochard Aythya ferina in the Western Palearctic. Reconstr...

Non-breeding concentrations of the Tufted Duck were studied in inland waters of Lithuania (7 lakes and 3 fish ponds) and in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Lagoon (including coastal Lake Krokų Lanka). Data of the investigation period 1983–2007 were analysed. The obtained results extend the knowledge of the Tufted Duck's ecology during the non-n...

A Columbidae species-specific primer pair PAL-2 was constructed. It was based on the alignment of the available GenBank sequences of homological D-loop fragments of Columbia livia, Columba janthina, Columba junoniae and Columba bollii. Using these newly developed primers, Woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) from wintering and breeding populations of sou...

Non-breeding concentrations of the Common Pochard were studied in inland waters of Lithuania (7 lakes, 3 fishponds) and in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Lagoon (including coastal Lake Krokų Lanka) during the 1983–2007 period. Peculiarities of concentrations were described. This information extends the knowledge of species ecology during the n...

We used gel electrophoresis of common proteins and alloenzymes to study genetic variability among Long-tailed Ducks breeding in the northeast European tundra and wintering in the Baltic Sea. The observed genetic variability in the studied breeding population was lower than in birds sampled on winter ground in the Baltic. We found a similar genetic...

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the obtained data for the dependency of wetland carrying capacity upon the global climate change process. The article presents material confirming the impact of global climate change on different breeding bird species and populations, changes of their ranges and population state. A list of bird species, which...

Nesting of the Great Crested Grebe in loose colonies and in close association with the Coot was investigated in Lakes Meteliai and Obelija in 1983–1986 and 1999 and in Lake Žaltytis in 1984–1986. Particular lakes and years were considered as integrators of between-lake and between-year differences in breeding habitat characteristics and were used a...

Since the year 1980 genetic investigations of wildfowl have been performed in various breeding sites in the Northern Palearctic. The research was done on ca 800 individuals of 20 wildfowl species. To evaluate genetic diversity we used the following genetic markers: blood serum lipoprotein and common protein antigen systems, polymorphous common prot...

The network of sites with long-term ecological research (LTER) in Lithuania was initiated and organised by the Institute of Ecology of Vilnius University in 2004. Scientists from several research institutes and universities are engaged in implementing the scientific program of the network. The site-based long-term multidisciplinary ecological resea...

The attempt to identify the flyways of Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) was made by means of genetic analysis. Samples for genetic study were collected in different breeding and wintering habitats (in Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania) of Woodpigeons. Five polymorphic loci controlling synthesis of five dif...

Isoenzyme analysis of the Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) population breeding in Lithuania collected in seven localities the areas of Jonava (n = 7), Ventė (n = 9), Raseiniai (n = 10), Trakai (n = 4), Kaišiadorys (n = 1), Prienai (n = 1) and that of Raudondvaris (n = 1) was performed. Liver tissue homogenate was used for these investigations. Is...

Recent changes in the wintering grounds of the Lithuanian breeding population of Mute Swan, Mallard, Common Pochard, and Coot were established by means of the analysis of the long-term ringing data stored in the Data Bank of the Lithuanian Bird Ringing Centre. Significant changes in the wintering grounds of Mute Swan and Mallard of the Lithuanian b...

Changes in numbers and distribution of wintering waterfowl populations in Lithuania in the 20 century are assessed and their reasons analysed. A total number of wintering waterfowl species increased from 17 in the 1900s–1940s to 28 in the 1960s and to 42 in the 1990s. A total number of wintering wildfowl species doubled. In the 1930s, several thous...

The long-term changes in numbers and distribution of 13 wildfowl species breeding and staging in Lithuania were analysed. Three species of wildfowl (Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, Common Pochard Aythya farina and Goosander Mergus merganser) became established in Lithuania as new breeding birds in the late 19 century and 3 other species (Whooper Swan...

Book on important wetlands of Lithuania, their fauna, flora and protection

The status, number, distribution and habitat use of rare and vulnerable bird species occurring in the mires of eastern and south-eastern Lithuania are analysed. The data concerning rare and vulnerable bird species were collected mainly during the countrywide inventory of all potential Lithuanian Ramsar areas in 1996-1999. During our investigations...

A country-wide inventory of important wetlands was undertaken in Lithuania in 1996–1999, covering more than 80 wetlands with a total area of about 130 000 ha. Intensive field surveys (land-based, aerial- and boat-surveys) were performed at all sites. The Ramsar Information Sheet and data recording methodology was used as the basis for the structure...

The productivity of staging grounds for waterfowl and the reasons for the productivity were investigated using th. 1996–1997 country-wide survey data. 29 waterfowl staging grounds were grouped into 8 ecological types basing on trophical level, origin and distance from the Baltic Sea coast. The productivity of waterfowl staging grounds was proved to...

The aim of this paper was to provide an overview on status, abundance, distribution, habitat use of the dominant waterfowl species in large Lithuanian fish pond systems and to evaluate effects of managed temporary drainages of ponds on waterfowl. In Lithuania large fish ponds are supporting numerous species of rare breeding waterbirds, included int...

RESUME La Lituanie possede de nombreuses zones de stationnement riches et tres importantes pour les populations d'oiseaux d'eau. Les principales raisons de l'importance des effectifs d'oiseaux d'eau sur ces sites sont leur situation geographique—sur la principale voie migratoire de l'est-Atlantique—, la diversite des habitats et des conditions d'al...

The status, numbers, distribution, populations trends and habitat use of swans and geese in Lithuania are analysed. 3 species of swans and 10 species of geese are recorded in Lithuania. Only the Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus and Greylag Goose Anser anser breed, while all other species occur as passage migrants, winterers or vagr...

Review of all available published and unpublished material dealing with Ferruginous Duck status in Lithuania in the second half of the XXth century was performed. Database including information on Ferruginous Duck occurrence, numbers, sociodemographic structure, distribution and habitat use for the 1967–1997 period in Dusia, Meteliai and Obelija la...

The size of this wintering population is estimated from the available information at 30-50 000 birds, which suggests that the W population is now of the same magnitude as the E one that winters in the Pacific. The most important W wintering area extends from Varangerfjorden in NE Norway to the ice-edge on the Kola coast in NW Russia. Important wint...