Birds of Danish SPA's
Hele publikationen
Contents
Literature
Part 1:
Contents of species accounts
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
Bewick’s Swan Cygnus (columbianus) bewickii)
Whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhyncus)
Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Common Teal (Anas crecca)
Mallard (Anas platyrhyncos)
Pintail (Anas acuta)
Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis)
Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra)
Velvet Scoter (Melanitta fusca)
Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Smew (Mergus albellus)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Goosander (Mergus merganser)
Honey buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla)
Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
Montague’s Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Part 2:
Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix)
Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana)
Corncrake (Crex crex)
Coot (Fulica atra)
Common Crane (Grus grus)
Oystercatcher (Haematopus oestragalus)
Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Lapwing( Vanellus vanellus)
Red Knot( Calidris canutus)
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Curlew (Numenius arquata)
Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
Redshank (Tringa totanus)
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)
Sandwich Tern ( Sterna sandvicensis)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus)
Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica)
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
Designation and management of Danish SPAs
Designation
The Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds
among other bird protection measures obliges (Article 4.1 and 4.2) Member States to
classify the most suitable areas for conservation of Appendix I species and regularly
occurring migratory species as Special Protection Areas (SPAs).
As a consequence, Denmark in 1983 designated 111 SPAs. The selection of these areas was
based on one or both of the following criteria:
- The site should be identified as a site of im- portance (mostly breeding sites) for at
least one bird species included in Annex I of the Directive.
- The site should be identified as a regular staging or wintering area for at least 1% of
the flyway population of one or several species not included in Appendix 1.
37 SPAs were designated solely because of their importance for Appendix I species, 15
solely because of high numbers of other staging migrant birds, 59 areas fulfilled both
criteria.
One area (no. 79) fulfilled neither1 . For details
regarding individual areas see Appendix 2.
General protection of SPAs
In 1994, an executive order2 set up rules for the
administration of the Danish SPAs. Besides giving the precise boundaries of the SPAs, the
Executive Order inter alia provides rules and guidelines for the administration of the
sites by a codification of previous license, planning and management practice and laid
down the final boundaries of the Danish SPAs. These guidelines reflect the substantial
regulations in the Birds Directive including the amendments added as a consequence of the
Council Directive 92/94 of 21 May 1992: the EC Habitats Directive.
No sites were added to or removed from the list; only a number of minor adjustments of
existing boundaries were made. In some cases, neighbouring nature sites were included in
the SPAs; in other cases, small areas without any significance were excluded. The excluded
areas were mainly urban or agricultural lands. Moreover, the Executive Order established
that all 27 Danish Ramsar sites in their entirety are included in the SPAs.
The Executive Order states that it is compulsory to consider the SPAs in the regional
and municipal planning. No plans will be allowed that bring about deterioration or
significant disturbance to the species for which the areas have been designated.
Reserve network
In 1992 78 wildlife reserves was in effect in order to protect breeding, migrating and
wintering birds from disturbance and hunting. 48 of these together with a number of other
types of reserves totalling 66 reserves were mainly created to protect migrating and
wintering waterbirds. The area covered was 705 sq. km. with hunting free zones (525 sq.
km. within 32 SPAs). Hunting on the marine territory from motor boat was prohibited in a
further 2956 sq. km. of which 1410 sq. km. was within SPAs.
During the revision of the Hunting and Wildlife Management Act in 1992 the Danish
Hunters Association, the Danish Ornithological Society and the Danish Society for the
Conservation of Nature proposed to establish a network of reserves for staging and
wintering waterbirds. Following scientific evaluation of the proposal by the National
Environmental Research Institute the National Forest and Nature Agency started
implementing the proposal in 1993 with a view to complete the work in 2000. The aim of the
network is to provide a better protection against hunting and other recreational
disturbances in order to improve the conservation status for waterbirds in Denmark. The
original proposal was to establish or enhance 73 reserves in 46 SPAs leading to an
increase in hunting and disturbance-free core zones of approximately 650 sq. km.
supplemented with an additional 870 sq. km. with regulations of other recreational
activities and certain hunting methods.
The new network of reserves within the SPAs is expected to lead to a marked increase in
the number of dabbling ducks and geese, due to an increase in the average time spent in
Denmark by migrating populations and to population increase due to the improved survival.
The reserve network should also lead to improved hunting outside the network.
Investigations carried out after the establishment of the reserves support the
expectations. At present 53 of the proposed reserves have been established covering 1114
sq. km. in total.
1 This was designated because it holds the only Danish
breeding population of Razorbill (Alca torda) and (Common) Guillemot (Uria aalge).
The Baltic breeding birds of these species can in fact be considered separate populations
(Durinck et al. 1994) and the Danish parts constitute considerably more than 1% of
these populations: 13-20% for Guillemot and 4% for Razorbill. However, these populations
are mostly resident and thus do not fall under article 4.2 of the Directive.
2 Executive Order No 408 of 25 May, 1994 on the Demarcation
and Administration of EC Bird Protection Areas and Ramsar Sites issued by the Ministry of
Environment. The executive Order 408 has since been superseded by the Executive Order 782
of 1 November 1998 from the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which integrates the rules
for administration of Ramsar Sites, SPAs and proposed Sites of Community Interest (SCIs).
The 111 Danish SPAs cover a total area of 976,000 hectares.
The SPAs were selected to cover the full range of important bird habitats in Denmark.
The figures below show the distribution of the total area of the SPAs among the various
CORINE land cover classes. The first figure shows the main categories while the following
four show the breakdown of the major categories in the relevant sub categories.
As Denmark is internationally most important for staging and wintering waterbirds it is
not unexpected that water bodies and wetlands dominate in the total.
Arable land makes up the main part of the agricultural areas category but also pastures
and various mixed habitats cover considerable areas. The amount of permanent crops is
negligible.
In the forest and semi-natural areas category various forest types constitutes
approximately half the total. Transitional woodland growth accounts for another 7%, some
of which might evolve into actual forest while other parts will be cleared to preserve
open habitat types. The areas recorded as mixed forest in the CORINE data are rarely mixed
stands; rather they consist of a mix of patches of conifers and broad-leaved forest. Most
of the forest area is planted and in silvicultural use.
The semi-natural habitats are dominated by natural grasslands and heathlands but also
noticeable amounts of dunes and beaches are included.
Reflecting the importance of Danish staging areas for migrating waders, the intertidal
flats and also saltmarshes dominate the wetland category. The remaining wetlands are peat
bogs and inland marshes.
The water bodies category which taken together account for 70% of the total area of the
SPAs is dominated by marine areas. Also important are a number of coastal lagoons, some of
which are natural while others are the result of partly failed land claims.
The area of freshwater bodies is comparatively small but nevertheless includes very
valuable areas.
Species included here are:
- Appendix 1 species which have bred in one or more SPAs 1979-98
- All other migrant birds which have occurred in internationally important in one or more
SPAs 1979-98.1
For every species, the following information is included:
Species name
Under this heading the scientific, Danish, and English common names are given.
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: According to the Danish red list "Rødliste 1997" (Stoltze and Pihl
1998) and yellow list "Gulliste 1997" (Stoltze 1998).
The 1997 Yellow List is a list of plant and animal species which are decreasing in
Denmark, yet still occurring in numbers which are high enough for them not to be included
in the 1997 Red List (Stoltze and Pihl 1998), as well as a list of species for which
Denmark has a special international responsibility whether they are included in the 1997
Red List or not. Thus, the 1997 Yellow List, covering species which require special
attention or are of national responsibility, is closely connected to the Red List. There
are three categories in the Yellow List:
- X (species requiring special attention) is used for declining species not yet rare
enough to merit inclusion in the Red List
- AY are species of national responsibility while breeding
- AT are species of national responsibility during migration or in winter
Europe: European status (status in brackets means provisional status) and SPEC category
according to Tucker and Heath (1994).
The SPEC categories are (from Tucker and Heath 1994):
- SPEC 1 are species occurring in Europe which are of global conservation concern
(threatened, conservation dependent or data deficient)
- SPEC 2 are species which are concentrated in Europe and have an unfavourable (i.e.
Endangered, Vulnerable, Rare, Declining, Localized or Insufficiently Known) conser vation
status
- SPEC 3 are species which are not concentrated in Europe but have an unfavourable (i.e.
Endangered, Vulnerable, Rare, Declining, Localized or Insufficiently Known) conservation
status
- SPEC 4 are species which are concentrated in Europe but have a favourable conservat ion
status
World: Status according to 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals (IUCN 1996).
Annexes: The annexes of the Directive on which the species is listed.
General ecology and habitat requirements
Very short description of breeding and/or foraging and roosting habitat.
Occurrence in Denmark
States whether the species occurs as resident, breeding visitor, passage visitor or
winter visitor in Denmark.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
(Breeding birds only).
Development in Danish population this and if possible last century and more detailed for
the period since designation of the Danish SPAs. Major threats towards the population(s)
also included here.
Trends for relevant populations overall and in Denmark
(Non-breeding birds only).
Overall conservation status for populations utilizing Denmark and development in Danish
staging numbers since the designation of the Danish SPAs. Major threats towards the
population(s) also included here.
Significance of the Danish population
Size of Danish population in relation to European total. European totals are mainly
from Hagemeijer and Blair (1997). The totals given here are the sum of "Europe"
and "Russia" as given in Hagemeijer and Blair (1997) excluding Turkey.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Included here is a table with data on population within individual SPAs at designation
(invariably labelled 1983 in the table though most counts are actually from 1978-1980) and
the newest data available from each site. The table is based on data reported to the
European Commission in 1983 in conjunction with the designation of the Danish SPAs and
data reported to the Commission in 1999 in the NATURA 2000 standard data form. The data
reported 1999 are based on a variety of sources, many of which are additional to those in
the literature list for this report. The most important additional sources are the many
reports from the NERI ecological field stations, the DOF/BirdLife Denmark County reports
with results from the 1993-96 bird locality registration project and a wealth of personal
comments from a large number of people with first hand knowledge of the various sites.
The column NDY gives the year of the most recent data. Min. and max. BP gives the
minimum and maximum for breeding population of the site. NSB is number of staging birds at
the site.
The minimum and maximum for breeding pairs both at designation and presently are
summed. The resulting totals are to be regarded as rough estimates rather than exact data.
As not all areas are counted at the same years pairs changing from site to site may lead
to both over and under estimates of total population within SPAs.
Numbers of staging birds are not summed, as the data are not from simultaneous counts.
The coverage (in %) is the fraction of the total Danish population occurring within
SPAs. For staging birds the coverage is only given as high (all or nearly all important
staging areas are SPAs), intermediate (most important staging areas are SPAs, but some are
not) or low (many important sites are not SPAs).
1 A few additional species occurring in
internationally important numbers in Denmark are not in included here: Gavia stellata,
Gavia arctica, Podiceps grisegena, Uria aalge, Alca torda, Cepphus
grylle grylle and Alle alle. These species mainly occur in offshore waters not
included in the SPA network.
Likewise not included here are Appendix 1 species only occurring as non-breeding visitors
in low densities: Falco peregrinus and Aquila chrysaetos (one pair bred
successfully 1999 within SPA no. 7, this is only Danish breeding record). Both these
species, though, mainly stage in SPAs in Denmark.
Lastly three rare and irregular breeding Appendix 1 species are not included as data
regarding their numbers and distribution are to scanty: Ciconia nigra, Pandion
haliaetus and Ficedula parva.
Species accounts, part 1
Species name
Scientific: Phalacrocorax carbo
UK: Cormorant
DK: Skarv
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: AY/AT
Europe: Secure, non SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: None
General ecology and habitat requirements
Breeds in trees by lakes or near coast or on ground on predator free islands. Staging
birds occur mainly at seacoasts.
Occurrence in Denmark
Two subspecies occur in Denmark ssp. sinensis and ssp. carbo. Ssp. sinensis
is mainly a breeding visitor, though some birds stay all year. The number of breeders
staying to winter in Denmark is increasing (Laursen et al. 1997). Ssp sinensis
also occur as passage visitor, mainly from Sweden. Ssp. carbo occur as passage and
winter visitor, probably mainly from Norway (Olsen 1992).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The species has bred in Denmark for over 7.000 years (Løppenthin 1967, Grell 1998). The
size of the Danish population has for (at least) the last 200-300 years been determined by
level of persecution rather than any other ecological factors. In two periods (during much
of the 18th century and c. 1870-1938) the species was totally eradicated. Since 1938 the
population has increased (slowly at first, dramatically after the species received total
protection in 1983) and it reached a maximum of 40.190 nests counted in 1996. In 1997 the
first population decrease since 1970 was registered and the number of nests counted fell
to 35.829 and an estimated population total of 35,265-37,200 pairs (Eskildsen 1997, Grell
1998).
Current Danish management policy includes that existing colonies are protected, but
establishment of new colonies is generally blocked. Illegal persecution by destruction of
nests, killing of young and adult birds or release of mammalian predators such as Vulpes
vulpes or Mustela vison at formerly predator free islands is probably only
threat against existing colonies.
Significance of Danish population
The Danish breeding population equals 24-27 % of total European population.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage and significance of SPAs
The trend within SPAs is identical to the overall sharp increase since 1980 as all main
colonies are inside SPAs.
The coverage is thus very high - above 95% - and the management within SPAs is
accordingly of the highest importance for the Danish population of the species.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area code |
Min BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
|
|
|
326 |
326 |
|
1997 |
|
| 7 |
|
0 |
|
3227 |
3227 |
|
1997 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
1573 |
1573 |
|
1997 |
|
| 27 |
|
|
|
66 |
66 |
|
1997 |
No breeding success |
| 31 |
|
|
|
2037 |
2037 |
4800 |
1997 |
Staging numbers are from 1994 |
| 36 |
900 |
900 |
|
4622 |
4622 |
|
1996 |
|
| 8 |
|
|
|
120 |
120 |
1997 |
|
No breeding success |
| 39 |
|
|
|
1000 |
1000 |
2000 |
1997 |
No breeding success |
| 43 |
|
|
|
2905 |
2905 |
|
1997 |
|
| 53 |
|
|
|
|
|
2320 |
1992-94 |
|
| 57 |
|
|
|
|
|
3113 |
1992-94 |
|
| 74 |
P |
P |
|
3659 |
3659 |
|
1997 |
|
| 75 |
|
|
|
12 |
12 |
|
1997 |
No breeding success |
| 76 |
|
|
|
2114 |
2114 |
|
1997 |
|
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
2815 |
1987-89 |
|
| 85 |
|
|
|
1212 |
1212 |
|
1997 |
|
| 87 |
|
|
|
1833 |
1833 |
|
1997 |
|
| 88 |
|
|
|
314 |
314 |
|
1997 |
|
| 89 |
|
|
|
3301 |
3301 |
|
1997 |
|
| 96 |
1000 |
1000 |
|
2608 |
2608 |
|
1997 |
|
| 97 |
|
|
|
1205 |
1205 |
|
1997 |
|
| 99 |
|
|
|
1004 |
1004 |
|
1997 |
|
| 105 |
0 |
0 |
|
800 |
800 |
|
1997 |
|
| 108 |
0 |
0 |
|
394 |
394 |
|
1997 |
|
| |
1900 |
1900 |
|
34006 |
34006 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Botaurus stellaris
UK: Bittern
DK: Rørdrum
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare
Europe: (Vulnerable), SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Breeds in extensive reedbeds along lakes and fjords.
Occurrence in Denmark
Resident and breeding visitor, whether the main part of the population is resident or
visitor is unknown. Probably also occurs as passage or as winter visitor from the Swedish
population.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
After a period of expansion of breeding area and population growth in the beginning of the
century, the Danish population suffered severe setbacks from 1930-1950 mainly caused by
drainage of several important breeding localities. The population remained low (10-20
"pairs") until the beginning of the 1970s. During the years 1978-81, the
population was estimated at 24-40 "pairs". From the 1980s, the Danish population
of the species has increased rapidly and the present (1993-96) population estimate is
150-200 "pairs". The reasons for this dramatic recovery are not clear. Improved
water level management at the key site Vejlerne (SPAs no. 13 and 20), which harbour
roughly half the Danish population and the total protection of Grey Heron (Ardea
cinerea) since 1981, thereby limiting accidental killing as a result of
misidentification, are probably contributing factors.
Overlaying the long-term trend are year-to-year fluctuations reflecting increased
mortality during harsh winters.
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is only a small part (probably less than 1%) of the total European
population which was recently estimated at 20,044-41,669 "pairs" (Hagemeijer and
Blair 1997). Nevertheless, the situation in Denmark is of considerable interest as it is
one of the very few European countries with a positive population trend.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The larger part of the Danish population is concentrated within a few areas, all of which
are SPAs. The recent substantial increase has mainly taken part within the key sites,
though some expansion to new localities has also occurred. The population increase in the
most important area Vejlerne (SPAs no. 13 and 20), harbouring nearly half the total Danish
population, is partly due to management changes with more favourable water levels. At the
only site showing a marked decrease Vidåen, Tøndermarsken and Saltvandssøen (SPA no.
60) the opposite is true, as current lower water levels are less favourable for the
species than formerly.
At designation the population was covered almost fully (>90%). With the recent
expansion to new breeding areas this coverage has fallen and is presently somewhere in the
range 70-90%.
The SPAs still harbour the main part of the Danish population and appropriate
management here is of very high importance for the favourable conservation status of the
species in Denmark. The larger relative increase outside than inside SPAs probably
reflects the spread to more marginal habitats of a rapidly increasing population and the
effect of small restoration projects rather than any general management problems within
SPAs.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 13 |
9 |
9 |
|
40 |
40 |
|
1995 |
|
| 20 |
9 |
9 |
|
20 |
20 |
|
1995 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 29 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| 37 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 38 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996 |
|
| 41 |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1995 |
|
| 43 |
4 |
8 |
|
5 |
9 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 47 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
? |
No breeding since 1988 |
| 53 |
|
|
|
3 |
4 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 56 |
0 |
0 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 58 |
|
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1989 |
|
| 60 |
11 |
16 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
1996 |
|
| 63 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1989 |
|
| 65 |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
3 |
|
1994 |
|
| 71 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1996 |
|
| 72 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| 80 |
|
|
|
0 |
2 |
|
1992 |
|
| 83 |
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
1994 |
|
| 87 |
|
|
|
35 |
35 |
|
1995 |
|
| 89 |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1996 |
|
| 100 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1994 |
|
| 106 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993 |
|
| Total |
38 |
48 |
|
122 |
133 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Ciconia ciconia
UK: White Stork
DK: Hvid stork
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Endangered
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 2
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
White storks nest on buildings and forages in wetland and natural grasslands.
Threats
Main threats are. Also collision with power lines and hunting or poisoning during
migration and in winter quarters are important causes of mortality (Tucker and Heath 1994,
Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor to Denmark.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
It is estimated that the Danish population numbered 10,000 pairs 200 years ago.
Mainly because of inappropriate water level management (i.e. decreased spring
floodings) and general agricultural intensification in river valleys availability of main
prey (amphibians) have decreased. This has resulted in an almost steady decline of the
Danish population. The decline started mid 19th century and around the year 1900 only
4-500 pairs remained. A short-lived, partial recovery occurred during the 1930s resulting
in a population of 1,100 in 1939. Since then, the story is one of continual decline to the
1997 status of 4 pairs (Grell 1998). Only two pairs bred 1999.
Some ongoing restoration efforts, especially the Skjern Å valley project, might
provide better opportunities for the species in the future.
Significance of the Danish population
The remnant and possibly doomed Danish population is only of marginal significance in an
international context. The European population was recently estimated at 104,154-111,710
pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
None of the 3 remaining pairs (1998) have their nest inside SPAs, but 2 are just on the
border of SPAs and are almost totally dependent on the SPAs (no. 13 and 51 respectively)
as foraging areas. The third pair nests approximately 3.5 km south of SPA no. 1 and partly
forages within this area.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
1996 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
1996 |
|
| 44 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1996 |
|
| 60 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996 |
Not breeding 1997-98 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1993 |
|
| Total |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Platalea leucorodia
UK: Spoonbill
DK: Skestork
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Extinct*
Europe: Endangered, SPEC 2
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Nests on islands free of ground predators, dense reed beds and willow thickets. The
species feeds on a wide variety of aquatic prey and even some plant material (Snow and
Perrins 1998). As the species is a tactile feeder high abundance of prey is required.
Foraging takes place up to 25 km from nest site (Tucker and Heath 1994), though breeding
success decreases with distance (Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a scarce and irregular breeding visitor.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The species has bred in Denmark in 1900, 1919 (2-4 pairs), 1928-29, 1942-43 (4-5 pairs),
1962-69 (1-7 pairs) and 1996-1999 (Løppenthin 1967, Olsen 1992 and Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is a marginal extension of the increasing Dutch population (833
pairs in 1996, Snow and Perrins 1998). Breeding failure as a result of low water levels in
1996 at the important Oostervaardersplassen colony resulted in flocks of displaced birds
turning up all over northern Europe and re-colonization of Denmark (Grell 1998). The total
European population is estimated at 4,931-5,984 pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The Danish population is wholly dependent on SPAs both for nest sites, foraging and as
post-breeding staging area.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1997 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
13 |
1996 |
Only bred 1996 not since
Staging number 1998 data |
| 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
1997 |
| Total |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Cygnus olor
UK: Mute Swan
DK: Knopsvane
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellowlisted as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Breeds mostly at freshwater sites with well developed submerse vegetation. Also, sometimes
colonially, at brackish fjords. Birds staging during moult and in winter occur mostly in
fjords and other shallow waters with beds of eelgrass (Zostera).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding resident and a passage and winter visitor (Olsen 1992). Denmark
is most important as moulting (July and August) and wintering area for a large part of the
Baltic population.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
There are no information regarding trends in Danish staging population during moult or in
winter. In the period 1987-91, the number staging in Denmark during moult was estimated at
34,000-59,000 individuals, with 37,000-73,0000 individuals wintering (Jensen 1993). The
total northwest European population is increasing (Scott and Rose 1996).
The breeding Danish population is estimated at 5,000 pairs and is believed to be stable
(Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
During moult up to 28% and in winter up to 35% of the total northwest European population
of 210,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996) stage concurrently in Denmark.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers of staging birds within individual SPAs are fluctuating but total staging
population within SPAs seems reasonably stable. The coverage is high as most but not all
areas of high densities (Durinck et al. 1994) are covered by the SPA network.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
|
|
1500 |
|
|
2939 |
1993 |
|
| 15 |
|
|
5000 |
|
|
1202 |
1993-94 |
|
| 31 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
428 |
1993-94 |
|
| 36 |
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
|
No new data |
| 38 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
55 |
1996 |
|
| 43 |
900 |
900 |
4300 |
160 |
170 |
1000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 71 |
|
|
6000 |
|
|
5860 |
1989 |
|
| 72 |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1983 |
|
| 75 |
175 |
175 |
10000 |
|
|
3700 |
1993-94 |
|
| 76 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
120 |
1993-94 |
|
| 81 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
5900 |
1991 |
|
| 83 |
|
|
5000 |
|
|
13097 |
1994 |
Data from part of area only |
| 84 |
|
|
8000 |
|
|
4200 |
1991 |
|
| 85 |
230 |
230 |
6000 |
|
|
9757 |
1993-94 |
|
| 86 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
870 |
1995 |
Data from part of area only |
| 88 |
|
|
8000 |
|
|
3730 |
1994 |
|
| 89 |
|
|
6000 |
|
|
8675 |
1991 |
|
| 95 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
228 |
1987-89 |
|
| 96 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
2440 |
1987-89 |
|
| 105 |
300 |
300 |
3500-3700 |
|
893 |
3062 |
1998 |
Breeding data are from 1993 |
| 110 |
|
|
2300 |
|
|
2403 |
1994 |
|
| 111 |
|
|
1600 |
|
|
1114 |
1990-91 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Cygnus (columbianus) bewickii
UK: BewickŽs Swan
DK: Pibesvane
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow-listed as AT
Europe: Localized, SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Formerly staging birds mainly foraged on submerse vegetation in shallow lakes and coastal
waters. The reduction or disappearance of submerse vegetation (Characeans, Zostera and
Potamogeton) at some sites as a result of eutrophication has, though , led to
increased instance of foraging in autumn sown cereals (Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a passage and to a lesser extent a winter visitor to Denmark (Grell 1998).
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The size of population breeding in western Siberia and wintering in northwest Europe is
estimated to be 17,000-25,000 birds. The population is thought to be increasing (Scott and
Rose 1996).
In Denmark 4,000-6,000 birds occur as passage visitors in autumn and up 1,000 winter in
mild winters (Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
The 4,000-6,000 birds occurring at peak of autumn passage equals16-35% of European total.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Staging numbers fluctuates markedly as counting timing is not always optimal for getting
peak numbers. Overall, the numbers in SPAs are probably roughly stable. The coverage is
intermediate; most but not all important areas as shown in Laubek 1995) are SPAs. Notable
exceptions are Bolle and Try Enge, Store Vildmose and Øland-Attrup. The management of the
SPAs is despite these gaps of high importance for the Danish staging population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
|
4086 |
1995 |
|
| 8 |
230 |
|
1994 |
|
| 13 |
318 |
377 |
1994 |
|
| 19 |
600 |
316 |
1994 |
|
| 20 |
500 |
403 |
1993-95 |
|
| 21 |
100 |
|
|
No new data |
| 23 |
600 |
140 |
1993-94 |
|
| 24 |
130 |
723 |
1993-95 |
|
| 38 |
1500 |
101 |
1996 |
|
| 39 |
|
105 |
1993-96 |
|
| 41 |
1000 |
1000 |
1995 |
|
| 43 |
1100 |
900 |
1993-94 |
|
| 56 |
500 |
250 |
1993-94 |
|
| 60 |
225 |
332 |
1992-94 |
|
| 97 |
100 |
5 |
1994 |
|
| 100 |
400 |
76 |
1987-89 |
|
| 101 |
|
76 |
1987-89 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Cygnus cygnus
UK: Whooper Swan
DK: Sangsvane
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Whooper Swans forage in winter cereals or oilseed rape, fields with waste grain
potatoes or beets, on flooded meadows and in waterbodies with abundant bottom macrophytes.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a winter visitor to Denmark.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest continental Europe winter population is increasing rapidly and is presently
estimated at 40,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996). The Danish winter population is estimated
at nearly 16,000 birds (Grell 1998) and has likewise increased in recent years.
Significance of the Danish population
16,000 birds equal 40% of total northwest continental European population.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The numbers counted in individual SPAs fluctuate markedly but the total staging numbers in
all SPAs is probably roughly stable. The coverage is intermediate, not all major staging
sites are SPAs (see Laubek 1995). As a result of the recent shift in foraging habitat some
agricultural areas have become of importance for the species. These areas, which include
Bolle and Try Enge, Store Vildmose, Søby Sø and surrounding areas and the reclaimed
areas of Lammefjorden are not SPAs. Nevertheless is appropriate management of the SPAs of
high significance for the Danish staging population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
1600 |
4320 |
1995 |
|
| 7 |
|
528 |
1995 |
|
| 8 |
700 |
9 |
1994 |
|
| 10 |
|
200 |
1987-91 |
|
| 12 |
900 |
238 |
1994-96 |
|
| 13 |
400 |
885 |
1994 |
|
| 15 |
2000 |
2000 |
1995 |
|
| 19 |
360 |
361 |
1994 |
|
| 20 |
300 |
403 |
1993-95 |
|
| 21 |
400 |
143 |
1987-89 |
|
| 22 |
|
430 |
1993 |
|
| 23 |
700 |
414 |
1996 |
|
| 24 |
400 |
885 |
1995 |
|
| 30 |
|
260 |
1995 |
|
| 31 |
200 |
76 |
1995 |
|
| 33 |
|
128 |
1995 |
|
| 35 |
|
80150 |
1993-95 |
|
| 37 |
|
100-200 |
1997? |
|
| 38 |
1000 |
119 |
1994 |
|
| 39 |
200 |
76 |
1996 |
|
| 41 |
500 |
367 |
1996 |
|
| 43 |
900 |
100 |
1993-94 |
|
| 44 |
|
196 |
1996 |
|
| 47 |
1000 |
36 |
1995 |
Only small part of area counted |
| 56 |
300 |
471 |
1994 |
|
| 60 |
375 |
941 |
1992-94 |
|
| 71 |
600 |
600 |
1996 |
|
| 72 |
1 |
|
1983 |
|
| 75 |
300 |
300 |
1993-94 |
|
| 76 |
|
250 |
1993-94 |
|
| 81 |
900 |
607 |
1987-89 |
|
| 82 |
|
106 |
1995 |
|
| 83 |
300 |
|
|
|
| 84 |
2000 |
175 |
1993-94 |
|
| 85 |
700 |
400 |
1994 |
|
| 86 |
350 |
34 |
1993-95 |
Only part of area counted |
| 88 |
700 |
424 |
1996 |
|
| 89 |
1800 |
270 |
1987-89 |
|
| 91 |
330 |
106 |
1995 |
|
| 94 |
|
266 |
1996 |
|
| 95 |
700 |
30 |
1987-89 |
|
| 96 |
200 |
156 |
1987-89 |
|
| 97 |
|
132 |
1996 |
|
| 99 |
150 |
341 |
1994 |
|
| 100 |
190 |
1993 |
1994 |
|
| 105 |
250-600 |
462 |
1998 |
|
| 110 |
240 |
1 |
1994 |
|
Taiga Bean Goose
Species name
Scientific: Anser fabalis fabalis
UK: Taiga Bean Goose
DK: Skovsædgås
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow-listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1
General ecology and habitat requirements
In southeastern Denmark staging Taiga Bean Geese mainly forage on winter cereals, seed
grass and waste sugar beet, while the small group occurring in northern Jutland utilises
pastures, stubble fields and winter cereals (Madsen et al. 1999).
Occurrence in Denmark
Occur as a passage and (mainly) winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The total population of the subspecies has been increasing at least since 1960. In the
main staging sites in southern Sweden the numbers have increased from 12,800-16,800 in the
late 1950s to 60,000-80, 000 in recent years. The total population is now estimated at
90,000-110,000 individuals and has apparently stabilised (Madsen et al. 1999).
Two sub-populations occur in Denmark. A smaller one on in northern Jutland occurs
mainly during passage, some of these birds winter in England. Higher numbers occur in
southeastern Denmark. These birds are mainly winter visitors. Highest number during cold
winters or spells where high numbers are displaced here from Scania (Sweden) (Jørgensen et
al. 1994).
Significance of the Danish population
In mild winters 8,000-10,000 birds winter in southeastern Denmark, while 18,000-32,000 (or
up to 35% of total population) occur in cold winters (Madsen et al. 1999).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
As stated by Madsen et al. (1999) for the total Danish population no trends within
the SPAs are discernible apart from large yearly fluctuations at the Southeast Danish
sites in relation to weather conditions.
Nearly all main roosting sites are SPAs, but foraging to a large extent takes place
outside SPAs mainly in cultivated areas. Hence, coverage for roosting sites is high while
it is low or intermediate for foraging areas.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 13 |
900 |
477 |
1994 |
|
| 16 |
1200 |
290 |
1988 |
|
| 20 |
|
999 |
1993-95 |
|
| 22 |
800 |
1050 |
1993-94 |
|
| 65 |
1200 |
|
|
|
| 81 |
600-900 |
600 |
1994 |
Only part of area counted |
| 82 |
2000 |
2000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 83 |
3000 |
|
|
|
| 91 |
2200 |
2560 |
1994 |
|
| 93 |
600-1200 |
2210 |
1993-94 |
|
| 96 |
1200 |
1700 |
1987-89 |
|
| 110 |
520 |
|
|
|
Pink-footed goose
Species name
Scientific: Anser brachyrhyncus
UK: Pink-footed Goose
DK: Kortnæbbet gås
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow-listed as AT
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Pink-footed Geese in autumn feed mainly on stubble fields and to a lesser extent
on winter cereals. Later they switch to pastures and during frost periods to winter
cereals. In spring some newly sown areas of spring cereals and peas are also utilised.
Earlier saltmarshes and semi-natural grasslands were also utilised, but during the 1990s
the geese seem to have abandoned these habitats (Madsen et al. 1999).
Occurrence in Denmark
Occur as passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The birds occurring in Denmark come from the population breeding in Svalbard, which has
been increasing since the 1950s. It is estimated that the population totalled
10,000-12,000 birds in the 1950s while it presently numbers 32,000-37,000 birds (Madsen et
al. 1999).
Significance of Danish population
At peak time from late February to late April virtually the whole population is
concentrated in Denmark. In spring 14 major sites can be identified, while in autumn the
geese in recent years concentrate at only two sites (Madsen et al. 1999) in
response to hunting pressure. The present level of hunting has not impeded the growth of
the population during 1980s and 1990s (Madsen et al. 1996).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
As the total population occurs in Denmark at peak time and all major roosts are SPAs the
trend for total population, Danish population and population within SPAs are virtually
identical. Some foraging, though, takes place outside areas. Nevertheless, coverage is
high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
450 |
7 |
|
|
| 7 |
|
420 |
1993 |
|
| 13 |
123 |
2660 |
1994 |
|
| 17 |
150 |
|
|
|
| 20 |
|
3613 |
1993-95 |
|
| 22 |
1500 |
350 |
1993-94 |
|
| 23 |
3000 |
309 |
1993-94 |
|
| 38 |
3750 |
5000 |
1996 |
|
| 39 |
3500 |
4500 |
1993-96 |
|
| 41 |
15000 |
11100 |
1995 |
|
| 43 |
15000 |
8000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 51 |
500 |
1000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 56 |
28500 |
30000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
7000 |
10000 |
1992-94 |
|
| 60 |
3500 |
430 |
1992-94 |
|
| 65 |
1300 |
|
|
|
| 67 |
9000 |
18500 |
1994-95 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Anser anser
UK: Greylag Goose
DK: Grågås
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Greylags during August-September forage on waste grain in stubble fields, grass,
unharvested peas and waste potatoes. In October the birds in southeast Danish sites mainly
forage on waste sugar beets and locally on winter rape and cereals (Madsen et al. 1999).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species occurs in Denmark as breeding visitor, a passage visitor and also (at least in
mild winters) in lower numbers as winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European population has increased dramatically from around 30,000 birds in
the mid 1970s to probably more than 200,000 at present. The most important factors
influencing survival and condition are amount of hunting and ecological conditions
(especially amount of rainfall) in Spanish winterquarters. The number of birds staging in
Denmark at peak time in autumn has likewise increased from around 25,000 birds in 1981 to
more than 40,000 birds in the 1990s (Madsen et al. 1999). In 1996, the count went
as high as 60,000 (Pihl et al. 1997). As the number of Greylags at the staging
sites have only increased moderately in southeastern Denmark and even decreased slightly
in the central part of the country the overall large increase in numbers is mostly a
result of a rapid increase in the number of birds staging in western Jutland. These birds
are mostly from the population breeding in Norway (Jørgensen et al. 1994).
The number of birds breeding in Denmark was recently estimated at 3,500-4,000 pairs or
possibly more (Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
Denmark is very important for staging Greylags, mainly in autumn.
20-30% of the northwest European population can occur simultaneously in Denmark.
A considerably larger part of total population passes through Denmark (Clausen et
al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Most of the major staging areas are SPAs, hence the coverage is high and trends within
SPAs are almost identical to overall national trends. Foraging, though, to a large extent
takes place outside areas. In some instances (notably SPA nos.82 and 101) the SPAs only
cover parts of larger continuous staging sites. Nevertheless, adequate management of SPAs
is of vital importance for the Danish population of the species.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Com-
ments |
| 1 |
|
|
1000 |
|
|
650 |
|
|
| 13 |
700 |
800 |
1000 |
800 |
850 |
2064 |
1994 |
Breeding data include area 20 |
| 20 |
|
|
400 |
|
|
1978 |
1993-95 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
450 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 22 |
|
|
|
|
|
1700 |
1993-94 |
|
| 38 |
|
|
|
|
|
4000 |
1996 |
|
| 56 |
|
|
|
|
|
22000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
|
|
|
|
|
10000 |
1992-94 |
|
| 74 |
|
|
4000 |
|
|
700 |
1993-94 |
|
| 78 |
|
|
3700 |
|
|
720 |
1996 |
|
| 82 |
|
|
800 |
|
|
2000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
4000 |
1987-89 |
Large numbers not regular |
| 87 |
280 |
280 |
4000 |
|
|
6675 |
1995 |
|
| 91 |
|
|
600 |
|
|
530 |
1995 |
|
| 95 |
|
|
500 |
|
|
1495 |
1991 |
|
| 96 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
11700 |
1987-89 |
|
| 99 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
1500 |
1994 |
|
| 100 |
48 |
58 |
3000 |
|
|
2024 |
1994 |
|
| 101 |
1 |
1 |
2000 |
|
|
1540 |
1987-89 |
Up to 4.365 if adjacent areas included |
| 105 |
|
|
5000 |
|
|
1082 |
1997 |
|
| 110 |
|
|
630 |
|
|
6365 |
1994 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Branta leucopsis
UK: Barnacle Goose
DK: Bramgås
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare, i (breeding)
Europe: Secure (breeding), Localized (winter), SPEC 4 (breeding), SPEC 2 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Barnacle Geese feed on coastal saltmarshes and inland pastures, in recent years
increasingly also in winter cereals (Madsen et al. 1999). The newly established
breeding population occur on islands free of mammal predators.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is mainly a passage and in mild winters also a winter visitor to Denmark.
Recently the rapidly expanding population breeding on islands and islets in the Baltic Sea
has reached Denmark.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The birds occurring in Denmark belong to the Russian and Baltic population. This
population has increased 25-fold since the 1950s, where the population experienced an
all-time low of around 10,000 birds. The mid-winter count of January 1997 gave a result of
267,000 birds. The small Baltic breeding segment has experienced a particularly rapid
growth since its foundation in 1971 to presently around 13,000 birds (Madsen et al.
1999).
There are no serious threats towards the staging visitors in Denmark. The small newly
established breeding population is vulnerable to disturbance and especially to eventual
invasion of mammalian predators (e.g. Fox (Vulpes vulpes) or American Mink (Mustela
vison)) on formerly predator free islands.
On flyway level the most important threats are believed to be large scale development
of oil and gas industry at the Russian breeding grounds (Madsen et al. 1999).
Significance of the Danish population
Up 20,000 birds or 7,5% of flyway total winter in Denmark in recent years, probably as a
result of a string of mild winters (Madsen et al. 1999). Even higher numbers occur
during migration periods.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Only three sites regularly support numbers of international importance (Madsen et al. 1999)
and all are SPAs (nos. 60, 67 and 89). Also most areas occasionally holding large numbers
are within the SPA network. The coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Com-
ments |
| 15 |
|
|
|
|
|
800 |
1993-94 |
|
| 23 |
|
|
|
|
|
1160 |
1993-94 |
|
| 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
732 |
1995 |
|
| 57 |
|
|
3000 |
|
|
7700 |
1992-94 |
|
| 60 |
|
|
1150 |
|
|
30000 |
1997 |
|
| 67 |
|
|
|
|
|
19000 |
1994-95 |
|
| 75 |
|
|
|
|
|
540 |
1993-94 |
|
| 76 |
|
|
|
|
|
114 |
1995 |
|
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
343 |
1995 |
|
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
3500 |
1993-94 |
|
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
|
6000 |
1996 |
|
| 96 |
|
|
|
|
|
1215 |
1987-89 |
|
| 110 |
|
|
2000 |
50 |
50 |
1523 |
1999 |
Staging numbers are from 1994 |
Species name
Scientific: Branta bernicla
UK: Brent Goose
DK: Knortegås
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: AT
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Brent Geese forages on algae, Zostera beds (most important in autumn),
saltmarsh vegetation and recently also on farmland (Tucker and Heath 1994, Madsen et al.
1999)).
Occurrence in Denmark
Occur as passage and winter visitor. Two different populations/subspecies are involved
namely Dark-bellied Brent Goose (ssp. bernicla) breeding in Siberia and the
Svalbard breeding population of Light-bellied Brent Goose (ssp. hrota).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
Both populations occurring in Denmark have as a result of total protection since 1972
increased. The population of Dark-bellied Brent has increased from 40,000 individuals in
the 1960s to 200,000-300,000 in the 1990s. The growth rate of this population has
decreased recently, and the population might now be stabilizing, though this is still
uncertain (Madsen et al. 1999).
For the Svalbard population of Light-bellied Brent Geese, the increase has been less
dramatic: from 2,000 individual in the 1960s to 4,000-5,800 in the early 1990s (Madsen et
al. 1999). Up to nearly 4,000 birds have been recorded simultaneously in Denmark
(Jørgensen et al. 1994).
The number of autumn staging Dark-bellied Brent Geese in Denmark is not well known, but
during 1980-82 10,000-40,000 individuals were registered during nation-wide counts in
October. Clausen et al. (1997) gives the maximum number of simultaneously staging
birds as 47,000. In mild winters 2,000-4,000 stay within the country and during the spring
peak period an estimated 18,000-24,000 birds stage. The number of this subspecies staging
in Denmark has not increased proportionately with increase of the total population
(Jørgensen et al. 1994).
Significance of the Danish population
Denmark is of the highest importance for the conservation of the small Svalbard population
of Light-bellied Brent Goose. 50-75% of the total population winter in Denmark in mild
winters. At least 80% of the population is in Denmark during spring peak.
47,000 Dark-bellied Brents equal 16–23% of total population. A considerably larger
part of total population passes through Denmark (Clausen et al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
All important staging areas for Light-bellied Brent Goose are SPAs and the SPAs thus at
times holds at least 75% of the total population.
The most important Danish staging areas for Dark-bellied Brent Goose are SPAs, but many
regular sites of secondary importance exist outside the SPA-network, still the coverage is
high.
The SPA network is thus of principal importance for the conservation of both
populations staging in Denmark especially the Svalbard population of Light-bellied Brent
Goose.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
|
1200 |
1994 |
ssp. hrota |
| 2 |
|
900 |
1993-94 |
ssp. hrota |
| 3 |
1200 |
1600 |
1987-91 |
ssp. bernicla |
| 15 |
1900 |
3500 |
1993-94 |
mainly ssp. hrota, but figure includes a smaller number of ssp. bernicla |
| 23 |
|
512 |
1996 |
ssp. hrota |
| 26 |
300 |
595 |
1991 |
ssp. bernicla, some years also small numbers of ssp. hrota |
| 27 |
1000 |
2000 |
1995 |
ssp. hrota |
| 38 |
2300 |
850 |
1996 |
ssp. hrota |
| 39 |
|
1300 |
1993-95 |
ssp, hrota, only parts of area counted |
| 40 |
|
380 |
1995 |
ssp. hrota |
| 52 |
17000 |
10000 |
1993-94 |
ssp. bernicla |
| 52 |
|
2000 |
1993-94 |
ssp. hrota |
| 53 |
|
6500 |
1992-94 |
ssp. bernicla |
| 53 |
|
1598 |
1992-94 |
ssp. hrota |
| 57 |
|
2000 |
1992-94 |
ssp. hrota |
| 57 |
25000 |
13300 |
1992-94 |
ssp. bernicla |
| 60 |
3500 |
6811 |
1992-94 |
both subspecies |
| 65 |
6000 |
1400 |
1991-95 |
mainly ssp. bernicla |
| 67 |
|
5050 |
1988-89 |
mainly ssp. bernicla |
| 71 |
2000 |
4000 |
1987-89 |
ssp. bernicla |
| 83 |
2000 |
214 |
1994 |
ssp. bernicla |
Species name
Scientific: Tadorna tadorna
UK: Common Shelduck
DK: Gravand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: None
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Shelducks occur at coastal mudflats, sheltered seacoasts and in coastal lagoons
and estuaries.
Occurrence in Denmark
Occur as breeding, moulting and wintering visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European population increased by at least 50% between the late 1960s and the
late 1980s. However, in recent years, the rate of increase has decreased, and the
population might now be stabilizing. It is presently estimated at 300,000 birds (Scott and
Rose 1996). The Danish breeding population was recently estimated at 1,650-2,650 pairs
(Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
Totally up to 45,000 birds can occur simultaneously in Denmark (Clausen et al.
1997), this equals 15% of flyway population. The Danish winter population probably
increased between 1968-73 and 1987-89 (Laursen et al. 1997).
The Dutch-German-Danish Waddensea is the main moulting and wintering area for the
northwest European population. During moult most birds are concentrated in the German part
of the area. The relative importance of the Danish Waddensea increases in the post
moulting period (autumn) where more than 20,000 birds normally occur, during mild winters
similar numbers are present (Grell 1998). Outside the Waddensea region internationally
important numbers only occur in one area in Kattegat.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
At the keysites in the Waddensea (SPAs nos. 52,53,57 and 60) and Kattegat (no. 15) the
numbers seem to have been stable or increasing, while staging numbers at some sites of
secondary importance have possibly decreased since designation. All Danish sites important
for the species are included in the SPA network. Coverage thus high
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 1 |
1000 |
|
|
| 2 |
1000 |
|
|
| 8 |
1500 |
195 |
1994 |
| 12 |
1500 |
212 |
1994-96 |
| 13 |
1000 |
343 |
1994 |
| 15 |
4000 |
5670 |
1993-94 |
| 23 |
2200 |
1493 |
1993-95 |
| 24 |
1400 |
271 |
1993-95 |
| 43 |
2000 |
400 |
1993-94 |
| 52 |
3000 |
2000 |
1993-94 |
| 53 |
|
7600 |
1992-94 |
| 57 |
35000 |
35584 |
1995 |
| 60 |
|
6466 |
1992-94 |
Species name
Scientific: Anas penelope
UK: Eurasian Wigeon
DK: Pibeand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Vulnerable (breeding) and Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Wigeons forage mainly in saltmarshes, intertidally in eelgrass beds and in recent
years also in winter cereals.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a rare breeding visitor and abundant passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
In contrast to the development in the other West Palaearctic populations the northwest
European population has apparently increased steadily for the last 20 years and is
presently estimated at 1,250,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996). Concurrently the estimates
of numbers staging simultaneously in Denmark have risen from 45,000 in 1987-91 (Jensen
1993) to 75,000 in recent years (Grell 1998).
The present level of hunting has not impeded a large growth in the population during
1980s and 1990s. Despite this, the species is regarded as susceptible to disturbance as a
result of hunting as it is gregarious and mainly occur by the coast (Madsen et al.
1996).
The positive development in Denmark is probably a combined result of the general
development in the population and the creation of many new hunting and disturbance-free
core zones within the SPAs.
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 6% of total population stage concurrently in Denmark.
A considerably larger part of total population passes through Denmark (Clausen et
al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The trend within SPAs is similar to the overall trend, at some sites where new hunting and
disturbance-free core zones have been established, though, the increase in numbers has
been much higher than average.
All main staging areas are SPAs; the coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 1 |
16000 |
26650 |
1993 |
| 8 |
2000 |
|
|
| 12 |
8000 |
2860 |
1994-96 |
| 13 |
6000 |
4450 |
1994 |
| 23 |
11500 |
3548 |
1996 |
| 36 |
P |
592 |
|
| 38 |
8000 |
981 |
1996 |
| 39 |
|
825 |
1994 |
| 43 |
30000 |
9500 |
1993-94 |
| 52 |
|
8000 |
1993-94 |
| 53 |
10000 |
2305 |
1992-94 |
| 55 |
8000 |
1726 |
1996 |
| 57 |
54000 |
51178 |
1995 |
| 60 |
16800 |
5962 |
1992-94 |
| 65 |
28000 |
1950 |
1991-95 |
| 67 |
|
10920 |
1988-89 |
| 89 |
|
35000 |
1996 |
| 99 |
3000 |
|
|
| 110 |
8200 |
3245 |
1994 |
Species name
Scientific: Anas crecca
UK: Common Teal
DK: Krikand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Common Teals occur at both freshwater and brackish wetlands.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is an uncommon breeding visitor and an abundant passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European winter population has increased slowly since 1967 and is presently
estimated at 400,000 individuals (Scott and Rose 1996).
As the species is very gregarious and mainly occurs, near-shore it is particularly
sensitive to disturbance from hunting (Madsen et al. 1996). Accordingly it is one
of the species benefited by the creation of the hunting and disturbance free core zones
(Madsen et al. 1995).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 50,000 birds (or 12,5% of population total) stage simultaneously in Denmark (Grell
1998).
A considerably larger part of total population passes through Denmark (Clausen et
al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers counted at Danish SPA sites seems to have declined in recent years at several
sites. Some of this decrease (e.g. areas 38 and 43) is probably real and result from
decreased habitat quality as a result of eutrophication. Some of the apparent decrease,
though, might just be random fluctuations. At other sites, numbers have increased as a
result of creation of new hunting and disturbance-free core zones.
All major staging sites are SPAs, the coverage is thus high and appropriate management
of SPAs is therefore of high importance for the Danish staging population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 01 |
5000 |
2378 |
1993 |
|
| 05 |
|
|
1994 |
|
| 13 |
7000 |
3642 |
1994 |
|
| 14 |
9000 |
0 |
1993-94 |
|
| 17 |
|
|
1994 |
|
| 22 |
|
|
1994 |
|
| 23 |
3000 |
956 |
1996 |
|
| 29 |
2000 |
150 |
1994 |
|
| 37 |
|
|
1995 |
|
| 38 |
5000 |
2770 |
1996 |
|
| 41 |
5000 |
640 |
1996 |
|
| 43 |
11000 |
6900 |
1993-94 |
|
| 44 |
|
|
1993 |
|
| 57 |
17000 |
3000 |
1992-94 |
|
| 65 |
11000 |
200 |
1991-95 |
|
| 67 |
|
4165 |
1988-89 |
|
| 83 |
|
4900 |
1993 |
|
| 91 |
2000 |
|
|
No new data |
| 99 |
5500 |
450 |
1994 |
|
| 100 |
2000 |
103 |
1987-89 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Anas platyrhyncos
UK: Mallard
DK: Gråand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1,III/1
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Mallards occur in almost all wetland types apart from off shore. Highest numbers
occur at freshwater sites and at sheltered coastal sites.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species occurs as resident, breeding, passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European population is thought to be stable at around 5,000,000 individuals
(Scott and Rose 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
As the total population is very large, no Danish sites reach 1% levels. At a few sites,
however, the species alone satisfies the 20,000 waterbirds criterion.
Up to 183,000 birds stage simultaneously in Denmark and a considerably larger part of
total population passes through Denmark (Clausen et al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
All sites with high numbers of staging birds are SPAs. As the species is ubiquitous, total
numbers outside SPAs are also considerable. The coverage is thus intermediate.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 43 |
22000 |
|
|
No new data |
| 57 |
38000 |
|
|
No new data |
Species name
Scientific: Anas acuta
UK: (Northern) Pintail
DK: Spidsand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Vulnerable (breeding) and Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Pintails occur mainly in coastal areas such as sheltered fjords, coastal lagoons,
estuaries and saltmarshes.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a scarce breeding visitor and a more abundant passage and (in mild winters)
winter visitor (Olsen 1992).
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European wintering "population" (though hardly discrete from the
rest of the West Palaearctic population) is decreasing and is presently estimated at
60,000 birds, while the total West Palaearctic population is thought to number close to
2,000,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996).
Main threats against the European population are believed to be habitat destruction and
excessive hunting (Tucker and Heath 1994).
The overall effect of hunting on the population status is unknown, but as the species
is gregarious and mainly occur near coast, it is particularly susceptible to disturbance
as a result of hunting (Madsen et al. 1996). Accordingly it is one of the species
most benefited by the creation of the hunting and disturbance free core zones (Madsen et
al. 1995).
Significance of the Danish population
In the period 1987-89 up to 8,600 birds (14% of northwest European total) staged
simultaneously and up to 6,000 (10% of northwest European total) occurred in winter
(Jensen 1993). The Danish winter population is believed to have increased as counts from
1968-73 are much lower than 1987-89 (Laursen et al. 1997). A considerably larger
part of total population passes through Denmark (Clausen et al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The staging numbers within Danish SPAs seem to have decreased in recent years. The reasons
are unknown, but some of the observed decreases are probably part of the general decline
while some of the observed changes might be random fluctuations. In some SPAs (e.g. no.
43) decreased habitat quality as a result of eutrophication of waterbodies is probably at
least partly responsible for the observed declines.
All main staging areas are SPAs and coverage is thus high. Appropriate management of
SPAs is of high importance for the Danish staging population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Com-
ments |
| 1 |
1 |
1 |
1100 |
|
|
12 |
1993 |
|
| 13 |
13 |
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 19 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 23 |
6 |
6 |
1800 |
|
|
870 |
1996 |
|
| 30 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 38 |
1 |
1 |
2000 |
|
|
289 |
1996 |
|
| 41 |
1 |
1 |
11000 |
|
|
1120 |
1994 |
|
| 43 |
10 |
13 |
18000 |
|
|
2000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 47 |
10 |
10 |
1000 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 53 |
|
|
|
|
|
2960 |
1992-94 |
|
| 56 |
|
|
5000 |
|
|
3000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
10 |
10 |
8000 |
|
|
4412 |
1995 |
|
| 60 |
|
|
1300 |
|
|
900 |
1991-95 |
|
| 65 |
|
|
5000 |
|
|
200 |
1991-95 |
|
| 71 |
24 |
24 |
|
25 |
30 |
|
1996 |
|
| 76 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
1994 |
|
| 81 |
1 |
1 |
|
15 |
22 |
|
1996-98 |
|
| 82 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
|
| 83 |
10 |
15 |
|
8 |
8 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 84 |
1 |
1 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 85 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996-98 |
|
| 88 |
8 |
8 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 89 |
20 |
20 |
|
13 |
14 |
|
1996-98 |
|
| 95 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1988 |
|
| 96 |
12 |
12 |
1500 |
4 |
5 |
785 |
1987-89 |
|
| 99 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
No new data |
| 100 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 110 |
5 |
5 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
1993 |
|
| 111 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Anas clypeata
UK: (Northern) Shoveler
DK: Skeand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Shovelers occur at coastal lagoons, fjords and freshwater lakes.
Occurrence in Denmark
Occur as breeding, passage and (in low numbers) winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European wintering population appears to have been relatively stable during
the period 1982-93 and is estimated to number 40,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996). The
Danish breeding population was recently estimated at 800-1,000 pairs (Grell 1998).
The overall effect of hunting on population size is unknown, but as the species is
gregarious and coastal, it is susceptible to disturbance from hunting (Madsen et al. 1996).
Accordingly it is one of the species most benefited by the creation of the hunting and
disturbance free core zones (Madsen et al. 1995).
Significance of the Danish population
Only a few percent of total northwest European population can occur simultaneously in
Denmark (Grell 1998). A considerably larger part of total population passes through
Denmark (Clausen et al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The trend within SPAs is variable. At some sites staging numbers have decreased at other
increased. Some of the observed changes are probably just random fluctuations. Some of the
decreases might be caused, though, by decreased habitat quality (e.g. at SPA no. 43). The
large increase at SPA 89, from 100 birds in 1987-88 to 1,700 in 1993 is undoubtedly a
result of the new hunting and disturbance-free core zone created here (Madsen et al.
1995).
All major staging sites are SPAs and the coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
250 |
|
|
No new data |
| 13 |
300 |
|
|
No new data |
| 19 |
300 |
|
|
No new data |
| 24 |
800 |
21 |
1993-95 |
|
| 38 |
400 |
23 |
1994 |
|
| 41 |
300 |
29 |
1987-89 |
|
| 43 |
1000 |
375 |
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
2000 |
50 |
1992-94 |
|
| 60 |
250 |
1100 |
1993-94 |
|
| 65 |
2000 |
|
|
No new data |
| 89 |
|
1700 |
1993 |
|
| 96 |
650 |
500 |
1988 |
|
| 97 |
|
600 |
1994 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Aythya ferina
UK: Common Pochard
DK: Taffeland
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Common Pochards occur at larger freshwater lakes, coastal lagoons, estuaries and
in shallow water along coasts.
Occurrence in Denmark
Occur as a breeding, passage and winter visitor. Numbers in Denmark are highest during
passage.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European winter population decreased in the period 1970-90 and is presently
estimated at 350,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996). The decrease followed a long period of
westward expansion of range and population growth, which started 150 years ago (Tucker and
Heath 1994). Most recently, the population shows signs of stabilisation and partial
recovery (Madsen et al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 4% of northwest European total occur simultaneously during passage and 1-3% in
winter according to Jensen (1993). The counts within SPAs (see below) suggest, though,
that these figures might be underestimated, at least as regards passage.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Some of the observed decreases (e.g. in SPA no. 24) are probably a result of decreased
habitat quality, but others are probably just random fluctuations.
All main staging areas are SPAs, coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
7000 |
1500 |
1993 |
|
| 24 |
10000 |
1965 |
1993-95 |
|
| 74 |
4000 |
740 |
1993-94 |
|
| 78 |
1000 |
250 |
1996 |
|
| 86 |
13000 |
1140 |
1995 |
Only part of area counted 1995 |
| 87 |
7-10000 |
12255 |
1995 |
|
| 93 |
4600 |
3870 |
1987-89 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Aythya fuligula
UK: Tufted Duck
DK: Troldand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Tufted Ducks mainly rests at freshwater lakes during the day, while foraging
mainly takes place nocturnally in coastal lagoons and along sheltered coasts. In harsh
winters when lakes freeze over high numbers can be counted at coastal localities also
during daytime.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a non-numerous breeding visitor and an abundant passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European winter population is thought to be increasing slowly and presently
estimated at 1,000,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
The total Danish winter population has been given as 101,000-141,000 birds (Jensen 1993)
or close to 200,000 birds (Grell 1998). These figure amounts to 10-20% of northwest
European total.
All major daytime roosts are covered by the SPA network. Probably most foraging areas
are also situated within the SPAs, though most of these areas are not known in detail.
Coverage is thus high for daytime roosts and probably also high for feeding areas.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers counted in SPAs exhibit large fluctuations. These are related to winter harshness.
In mild winters most birds roosts during daytime on freshwater lakes. In colder winters,
when lakes freeze over the birds roost in shallow sea areas and coastal lagoons and in
very cold winters some birds are forced further southwest to The Netherlands, Britain and
Ireland (Scott and Rose 1996). These weather related fluctuations obscure the picture so
that no clear trends are recognisable.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
9000 |
2400 |
1993 |
|
| 24 |
9000 |
510 |
1993-95 |
|
| 47 |
10000 |
1280 |
1991 |
Probably under-
estimated |
| 64 |
2600 |
4200 |
1987-89 |
|
| 71 |
23000 |
13140 |
1994 |
|
| 74 |
7500 |
5450 |
1993-94 |
|
| 78 |
7500 |
4500 |
1996 |
|
| 81 |
25000 |
22400 |
1987-89 |
|
| 83 |
|
22000 |
1987-89 |
|
| 84 |
8000 |
6880 |
1993-94 |
|
| 85 |
|
1300 |
1993-94 |
Possibly internationally important numbers occur at night |
| 86 |
11000 |
3510 |
1996 |
Only part of area counted |
| 87 |
15-20000 |
17650 |
1995 |
|
| 88 |
12000 |
2600 |
1994 |
|
| 89 |
19000 |
2475 |
1987-89 |
|
| 93 |
17000 |
3840 |
|
|
| 95 |
24000 |
1440 |
1987-89 |
|
| 101 |
6000 |
720 |
1987-89 |
|
| 105 |
20000 |
20821 |
1998 |
|
| 109 |
17000 |
2000 |
1995 |
|
| 111 |
55000 |
10022 |
1990-91 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Aythya marila
UK: (Greater) Scaup
DK: Bjergand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Localized, SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Greater Scaups occur mainly along coast. In daytime birds roosts in dense flocks,
most foraging takes place nocturnally.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is an occasional breeder and an abundant passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European winter population is estimated at 310,000 birds. The trend for this
population is unknown as large local fluctuations and low coverage in counts before late
1980s obscure the picture. In some areas decreases are reported in others increases (Scott
and Rose 1996).
Main threat is probably oil-spills. Locally mussel fisheries and hunting and associated
disturbances might have an impact.
As the species is highly gregarious it is sensitive to hunting related disturbances,
but the present level of hunting is probably of negligible significance for the population
(Madsen et al. 1996). The species will probably benefit from the creation of new
hunting and disturbance free core zones, though (Clausen et al. 1997).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish winter population of 13,000-39,000 birds equals 4-13% of European total.
In recent years it is believed that the number of birds wintering in Denmark has
decreased and the site selection of the flocks have become more unpredictable (Grell
1998). The latest available counts, from January 1997, nevertheless recorded 21,243 birds
by a reduced program (Pihl et al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Any possible overall trend inside SPAs is obscured by large year-to-year fluctuations in
numbers. The coverage is intermediate, as some important areas, notably the Helnæs Bay,
the south coast of Djursland and the coast near Sæby, are not SPAs.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 2 |
17000 |
9500 |
1993-94 |
| 12 |
1500 |
0 |
1991 |
| 15 |
3000 |
5000 |
1993-94 |
| 36 |
|
5545 |
1996 |
| 47 |
40000 |
2750 |
1988-93 |
| 64 |
2700 |
30 |
1987-89 |
| 71 |
19000 |
1200 |
1987-91 |
| 94 |
4000 |
2450 |
1992 |
Species name
Scientific: Somateria mollissima
UK: (Common) Eider
DK: Ederfugl
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Eiders occur mainly in shallow bays, lagoon, estuaries and along sheltered coasts
but also sometimes in high numbers at off-shore mussel beds.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is common breeder (mainly resident but some are migratory) and a very abundant
moulting, passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European population of ssp. mollissima has increased considerably in
recent decades but might now be stabilizing at 1,735,000-2,355,000 birds. The
Baltic-Danish-Dutch segment of this population is estimated at 1,350,000-1,700,000 birds
(Scott and Rose 1996).
The numbers wintering in Denmark have been estimated at 538,000-797,000 birds (Jensen
1993).
Main threats are large oil spills and locally intensive mussel fisheries.
Present level of hunting probably has negligible impact on population size, as recent
population trends are very similar in countries with and without an open season (Madsen et
al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
As much as 23-46% of the total northwest European population can occur simultaneously in
Danish waters. A considerably larger part of total population passes through Denmark
(Clausen et al. 1997).
The birds staging in Danish waters are composed of Danish breeders, Baltic birds and
birds from southern Norway and western Sweden (Jensen 1993).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Apart from random fluctuations, numbers within SPAs seems reasonably stable. In the areas
affected by the construction of the Great Belt Bridge (areas no. 73, 77 and 98), numbers
fell temporarily, but have since partly recovered.
The coverage is low or intermediate, as even SPAs with high densities are only small
parts of larger continuous wintering areas (see Durinck et al. 1994). Hence, the
present SPA network is only of limited significance for the conservation of the Danish
winter population, as the species is widespread and abundant in most shallow marine waters
in Denmark.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
| 2 |
|
|
55000 |
|
|
77000 |
1993-94 |
| 9 |
|
|
|
|
|
16200 |
1987-91 |
| 10 |
|
|
80000 |
|
|
171000 |
1987-91 |
| 15 |
|
|
47000 |
|
|
70000 |
1993-94 |
| 31 |
2000 |
2000 |
62000 |
|
|
51000 |
1987-89 |
| 32 |
|
|
80000 |
|
|
98500 |
1987-89 |
| 36 |
150 |
150 |
80000 |
|
|
22150 |
1991-93 |
| 47 |
|
|
40000 |
|
|
24200 |
1994 |
| 52 |
400 |
400 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 57 |
|
|
83000 |
|
|
60061 |
1995 |
| 71 |
|
|
45000 |
|
|
15183 |
1994 |
| 73 |
300 |
300 |
24000 |
|
|
7000 |
1993-94 |
| 76 |
|
|
20000 |
|
|
|
|
| 77 |
|
|
20000 |
|
|
4800 |
1992-93 |
| 79 |
|
|
2000 |
|
|
2000 |
|
| 85 |
|
|
700 |
|
|
700 |
|
| 94 |
|
|
37000 |
|
|
26985 |
1992 |
| 96 |
|
|
10000 |
|
|
12400 |
1987-89 |
| 98 |
|
|
36000 |
|
|
9400 |
1992-93 |
| 102 |
|
|
34000 |
|
|
30000 |
1996 |
| 110 |
5500 |
5500 |
|
7000 |
7000 |
|
1993-96 |
Long Tailed Duck
Species name
Scientific: Clangula hyemalis
UK: Long-tailed Duck
DK: Havlit
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Long-tailed Ducks are less restricted to shallow water than most other seaducks.
It mainly occurs in offshore areas with a depth between 10 and 35 m metres (Durinck et
al. 1994)..
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a winter visitor to Denmark.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Trends for the northwest European winter population are not known as it has recently been
realised that this population is considerably larger than previously believed. Following
extensive surveys in the Baltic, Durinck et al. (1994) concluded that the
population probably numbered 4,700,000 birds, while Rose and Scott (1996) estimate
4,600,000 birds. Numbers in the breeding areas in Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia and
Siberia are thought to be stable (Scott and Rose 1996), though, so probably the winter
population is also reasonably stable.
Meranian Bay and numbers in Danish waters rise sharply.
Oil-spills are probably main threat.
As the species mainly occurs dispersed and offshore it is not very susceptible to
hunting related disturbances. The present level of hunting is of negligible significance
for the population (Madsen et al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Danish waters holds from 165,000 birds in mild winters up to 425,000 birds in cold winters
(Jensen 1993). In cold winters, thus, up 9% of total population is in Danish waters.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
No Danish SPA holds internationally important numbers on a regular basis. The most
important areas in Danish waters are further offshore than most SPAs and are situated
south of Lolland, south and east of Falster and at Rønne Banke south of Bornholm. The
coverage for this species is thus low and the present SPA network is of negligible
significance for the Danish winter population. Danish waters (including non-SPA areas) are
only of secondary importance for this species compared to other parts of the Baltic.
The species is included here as the aggregation 6,000 birds counted in DSPA no. 71 was
at designation time believed to be of international importance. As total population is now
known to be very large (see above), aggregations must meet the 20,000 waterbirds criterion
to qualify.
Common Scoter / Black Scoter
Species name
Scientific: Melanitta nigra
UK: Common Scoter / Black Scoter
DK: Sortand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Moulting and wintering Common Scoters occur mainly in off-shore areas with shallow water
(mostly 5-15 metres).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a visitor occurring in high numbers in Danish waters both during moult and
in winter.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The total population breeding from western Siberia to Scotland and Iceland and wintering
from northwest Europe to Mauritania has recently been estimated at 1,600,000 birds (Scott
and Rose 1996).
As the species mainly occur offshore and has a large population the present level of
hunting and associated disturbances are probably of negligible significance for the
population (Madsen et al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to more than 940,000 birds can occur simultaneously in Danish waters (Durinck et al.
1994); this equals 59% of total population.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers inside SPAs are highly fluctuating. The main reason for this is that most SPAs are
only parts of larger continuous wintering areas. The internationally most important area
is a 4,690 km2 area in northern Kattegat which on average holds 494,100 birds. Especially
in cold winters also the eastern German Bight (= off-shore parts of the Wadden Sea) can
hold very high numbers (190,000 birds) (Durinck et al. 1994). Of the area in
northern Kattegat, only small parts are included in the SPA network (areas no. 2,9,10,15
and 32). The situation in the German Bight is very similar only a small part of the area
is included in SPA no. 60. The coverage for this species is accordingly low.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 2 |
38000 |
18000 |
1993-94 |
| 10 |
80000 |
50000 |
1987-91 |
| 15 |
10000 |
28000 |
1993-94 |
| 31 |
9000 |
9940 |
1993-94 |
| 32 |
20000 |
8800 |
1987-89 |
| 36 |
8000 |
|
|
| 57 |
200000 |
176700 |
1987-89 |
| 73 |
5000 |
|
|
| 76 |
4200 |
|
|
| 77 |
6000 |
|
|
| 94 |
15000 |
16300 |
1988-93 |
| 96 |
5000 |
|
|
| 102 |
4000 |
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Melanitta fusca
UK: Velvet Scoter
DK: Fløjlsand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Localized, SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Winters in often large and dense flocks mostly offshore in areas with a depth of 10-30
metres.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a moulting and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European winter population is believed to be reasonably stable (Scott and
Rose 1996) though trends are not well known as the high numbers occurring in several areas
in the Baltic were only recently discovered. As a result of these discoveries the
estimated total of this population has been changed from 250,000 to 1,000,000 (Durinck et
al 1994, Scott and Rose 1996).
Present size of the Danish population is only known within broad limits. The Danish
winter population was recently estimated at 150,000 birds in the mid-1990Žs with an
unknown trend in the period 1978-94 (Asbirk et al. 1997). Grell (1998) gives the
wintering population as 100,000 birds while Jensen (1993) estimates 125,000.
Main threat toward the population is oil spills (Tucker and Heath 1994).
The present level of hunting is probably of negligible significance for the population
(Madsen et al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Most of the birds wintering in the Baltic are outside Danish waters, but 10-15% can be
within; most of which occur in northern Kattegat.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The numbers recorded within Danish SPAs are very fluctuating and generally not of
international importance (1% = 10,000). The most important area within Danish waters is in
northern Kattegat. Only minor parts of this large area are covered by SPAs no. 2,9,10,15
and 32. Consequently, the coverage for the species is low.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 2 |
20000 |
|
|
| 10 |
11000 |
|
1983 |
| 12 |
16000 |
0 |
1991 |
| 15 |
20000 |
11000 |
1993-94 |
| 36 |
3000 |
8 |
1995 |
| 47 |
5000 |
2 |
1991 |
| 71 |
4000 |
|
|
| 73 |
600 |
|
|
| 76 |
2000 |
1 |
1988-93 |
| 77 |
600 |
|
|
| 94 |
12000 |
3250 |
1988-93 |
| 96 |
3000 |
723 |
1987-89 |
Species name
Scientific: Bucephala clangula
UK: (Common) Goldeneye
DK: Hvinand
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare (breeding) and Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Goldeneyes occur both in fresh, brackish and salt water. In cold winters when
lakes freeze over nearly all are at sea (Jensen 1993).
Goldeneyes rarely form large flocks but are usually scattered along the coast in small
flocks. In mild winters, it is restricted to areas of less than 10 metres water depth,
close to shore. In hard winters often move offshore where they concentrate in small
ice-free waters (Durinck et al. 1994).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a newly established breeder and a common visitor during moult and in
winter.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The winter population in northwest and central Europe is increasing in northwest
and stable in central Europe. The total for this population is estimated at 300,000 birds
(Scott and Rose 1996).
The present level of hunting probably has a negligible impact on the population and
because the species is not gregarious, it is not very sensitive to hunting related
disturbances (Madsen et al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 65,000 Goldeneyes occur simultaneously in Denmark (Clausen et al. 1997).
This equals 22% of total northwest and central European winter population.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Most observed changes within SPAs are probably random fluctuations. In some cases (notably
in area no. 12), though, observed decreases are probably a result of decreased habitat
quality.
The coverage is high, most important wintering areas (see Durinck et al. 1994)
for the species are included in the DSPA network. A few important areas along the
coast of east and especially southeast Jutland are not SPAs, though.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
3500 |
590 |
1993 |
|
| 2 |
4000 |
|
|
No new data |
| 3 |
3000 |
150 |
1994 |
|
| 12 |
12000 |
759 |
1994-96 |
|
| 14 |
|
3370 |
1993-94 |
|
| 15 |
|
3110 |
1993-94 |
|
| 24 |
7000 |
2938 |
1993-93 |
|
| 26 |
1500 |
9500 |
1993 |
|
| 27 |
4000 |
330 |
1994 |
|
| 28 |
3000 |
0 |
1991 |
|
| 36 |
1 |
3444 |
1996 |
|
| 40 |
15000 |
1200 |
1995 |
|
| 43 |
3200 |
750 |
1993-94 |
|
| 47 |
5000 |
3000 |
1988-93 |
|
| 64 |
400 |
370 |
1987-89 |
|
| 71 |
4000 |
3050 |
1994 |
|
| 83 |
200 |
810 |
1987-89 |
|
| 85 |
5000 |
1350 |
1993-94 |
|
| 86 |
2000 |
75 |
1995 |
Only part of area counted 1995 |
| 89 |
5000 |
3430 |
1991 |
|
| 97 |
2000 |
2200 |
1994 |
|
| 102 |
2000 |
500 |
1996 |
|
| 105 |
2500 |
5127 |
1998 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Mergus albellus (or Mergellus albellus)
UK: Smew
DK: Lille skallesluger
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Wintering Smews mainly occur in coastal lagoons and other in-shore areas, though small
numbers winter in freshwater lakes in mild winters.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is winter visitor to Denmark.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Present trend in the northwest and central European population is unclear. Estimate of
total numbers has recently been revised from 15,000 to 25,000-30,000 birds (Scott and Rose
1996). The new estimate is largely the result of the discovery of very large
concentrations in coastal lagoons on the Baltic coast of Poland and Germany (Durinck et
al. 1994).
Main threat on a European basis is currently believed to be predation in breeding areas
by the introduced American Mink (Mustela vison). Large population decreases and
range contractions from mid 19th century to around 1970 are believed to be the result of
deforestation in river valleys, forestry intensification and dam building (Tucker and
Heath1994).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 1,000 birds occur simultaneously in Danish waters, in mild winters the
numbers are lower (Jensen 1993). This only equals 3–4% of total northwest and central
European total.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers inside SPAs fluctuate markedly in relation to winter harshness. The coverage is
high, as all areas shown as nationally important for the species in Jensen (1993) are at
least partly SPAs (no. 24, 81, 84, 96 and 111). The only area, which regularly supports
internationally important numbers, is SPA no. 111. Very high numbers also occur, although
more irregularly (up to 800 reported), in SPA 84 and adjacent areas. The coverage is high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 111 |
400 |
184 |
1993 |
Red-Breasted Merganser
Species name
Scientific: Mergus serrator
UK: Red-breasted Merganser
DK: Toppet Skallesluger
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Winter gregariously in flocks up to a few hundred birds in sea areas with a depth of less
than 15 metres (Durinck et al. 1994). In autumn highly concentrated in a few areas,
but more dispersed in winter (Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a common breeder and an abundant passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest and central European winter population is believed to be largely stable and
is currently estimated at 125,000 birds (Scott and Rose 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 27,660 birds or 22% of total northwest and central European population have been
registered in Danish waters during passage (late autumn). In winter numbers counted are in
the range 8,300-15,000 birds (Jensen 1993). The numbers counted during moult (August)
fluctuated in the late 1980s (Jensen 1993) and these aggregations seem to have disappeared
almost totally in the 1990s (Grell 1998).
Present level of hunting and associated disturbances are probably of negligible
significance for the population (Madsen et al. 1996).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers counted in Danish SPAs are in many instances lower in recent years than at time of
designation. Most of the observed changes are probably random fluctuations, but some may
be the result of decreased habitat quality (e.g. at SPAs no. 12 and 14).
The coverage is high as most areas of high densities according to Durinck et al.
(1994) are within the SPA network.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
1000 |
1550 |
1993 |
|
| 2 |
1000 |
105 |
1993-94 |
|
| 10 |
2000 |
|
1983 |
|
| 12 |
10000 |
1800 |
1994-96 |
|
| 13 |
2000 |
1560 |
1994 |
|
| 14 |
10000 |
73 |
1993-94 |
|
| 23 |
700 |
50 |
1996 |
|
| 27 |
2000 |
304 |
1994 |
|
| 28 |
2000 |
330 |
1988 |
|
| 38 |
500 |
15 |
1996 |
|
| 40 |
1000 |
400 |
1995 |
|
| 47 |
4500 |
351 |
1995 |
Only part of area counted 1995 |
| 57 |
2000 |
50 |
1992-94 |
|
| 64 |
100 |
4 |
1991 |
|
| 71 |
1000 |
4520 |
1994 |
|
| 75 |
1000 |
400 |
1993-94 |
|
| 81 |
|
1704 |
1987-89 |
|
| 83 |
|
1060 |
1987-89 |
Data incomplete |
| 84 |
2000 |
270 |
1993-94 |
|
| 85 |
4000 |
3525 |
1987-89 |
|
| 88 |
500 |
595 |
1996 |
|
| 89 |
1200 |
1650 |
1987-89 |
|
| 102 |
1000 |
|
|
No new data |
| 110 |
950 |
298 |
1994 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Mergus merganser
UK: Goosander
DK: Stor skallesluger
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare (breeding)
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Goosanders occur both in fresh and salt water. Main areas are larger lakes and
coastal lagoons. Highest numbers at coastal localities occur in cold winters when freezing
displaces birds wintering in lakes.
Occurrence in Denmark
Rare resident and common passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European population is thought to be stable or slightly increasing. The
combined northwest and central European population is estimated to number 200,000 birds
(Scott and Rose 1996).
No major threats towards the population are known. Locally (SPA no. 12) decreased
habitat quality as a result of eutrophication might have had an impact (Jensen 1995).
Present level of hunting and associated disturbances believed to be of negligible
significance for the population (Madsen et al. 1996).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 21,400 birds have been recorded simultaneously in Danish coastal areas (Jensen
1993). This equals 10-11% of total northwest and central European winter population.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers counted in the Danish SPAs fluctuates, mostly dependent on winter harshness. At a
few sites (e.g. no 12) numbers have probably decreased as a result of decreased habitat
quality.
The coverage is high, almost all coastal sites regularly supporting high densities
according to Durinck et al. (1994) are within the SPA network and most important
freshwater sites are likewise covered.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
1500 |
410 |
1993 |
|
| 12 |
2000 |
161 |
1994-96 |
|
| 14 |
3000 |
2780 |
1993-94 |
|
| 15 |
1000 |
230 |
1995-96 |
|
| 24 |
600 |
|
|
|
| 28 |
4000 |
200 |
1988 |
|
| 29 |
2000 |
2046 |
1994 |
|
| 30 |
1000 |
34 |
1993-94 |
|
| 31 |
1000 |
146 |
1993 |
|
| 33 |
800 |
440 |
1995 |
|
| 35 |
1200 |
100-200 |
1993-94 |
|
| 36 |
1000 |
75 |
1996 |
|
| 38 |
2500 |
29 |
1996 |
|
| 40 |
1000 |
310 |
1995 |
|
| 43 |
5000 |
625 |
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
3000 |
150 |
1992-94 |
|
| 60 |
1700 |
92 |
1991 |
|
| 75 |
1000 |
900 |
1993-94 |
|
| 81 |
|
2610 |
1987-89 |
|
| 84 |
1500 |
62 |
1993-94 |
|
| 85 |
1500 |
233 |
1993-94 |
|
| 86 |
2000 |
132 |
1994 |
Only part of area counted |
| 87 |
1200 |
1140 |
1995 |
|
| 89 |
2000 |
450 |
1991 |
|
| 102 |
1500 |
|
|
No new data |
| 105 |
2500 |
5801 |
1996 |
|
| 106 |
2600 |
10000-12000 |
1998 |
|
| 109 |
800 |
150 |
1995 |
|
| 111 |
1000 |
505 |
1995 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Pernis apivorus
UK: Honey Buzzard
DK: Hvepsevåge
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
The Honey Buzzard breeds in old broad-leaved forests near more open areas - often wetlands
or natural grasslands - suitable for foraging.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and a passage visitor from other parts of Scandinavia,
probably mainly Sweden.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The long-term trend in the Danish population is not known with certainty, but it is
believed that no major changes have taken place recently (Jørgensen 1989). Earlier the
population estimates were considerably lower (200-300 pairs, Dybbro 1976) than what is now
believed to be the case (650 pairs, Jørgensen 1989 and Grell 1998). In all likelihood,
this reflects increased knowledge rather than any real growth in the population.
Main threats toward the population are intensified forestry (including conversion of
broad-leaved forest to conifer plantations, shorter cycles and drainage of wetlands within
forest areas) and hunting during migration mainly in Malta and Italy (Grell 1998).
Current efforts restoring smaller areas of pastoral woodlands are probably beneficial
for the species.
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is only a small part (well below 1%) of the total European
population that was recently estimated 111,200-148,672 pairs plus (Hagemeijer and Blair
1997).
Population trend within SPAs, SPA coverage and significance of SPAs for species
The estimated population within the DSPAs seems a bit higher than at designation time,
but as is the case with the total Danish population this probably only reflects better
knowledge. Conceivably the population in the SPAs is still somewhat under-estimated as
there is a lack of recent data from some former breeding areas, notably DSPA no. 45.
The coverage is low, less than 10% of the Danish population breed within the SPAs. This
is a result of the species’ dispersed breeding distribution.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NDY |
Comments |
| 04 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
5 |
1993 |
|
| 33 |
|
|
2 |
2 |
1993-94 |
|
| 34 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1993-94 |
|
| 37 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
1993-94 |
|
| 45 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
|
No new data |
| 58 |
|
|
0 |
1 |
1989 |
|
| 59 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
1983 |
No new data, but probably still breeds |
| 61 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
1996 |
| 66 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
1997 |
|
| 68 |
5 |
5 |
|
|
1983 |
No new data, but probably still breeds |
| 70 |
|
|
0 |
1 |
1993-94 |
|
| 74 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
1994 |
|
| 80 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1995 |
|
| 81 |
|
|
2 |
2 |
1994-95 |
|
| 87 |
|
|
6 |
6 |
1986-90 |
|
| 90 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1994 |
|
| 91 |
|
|
1 |
2 |
1993-94 |
|
| 92 |
P |
P |
|
|
|
No new data |
| 107 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
5 |
1995 |
|
| 108 |
8 |
10 |
9 |
8 |
1993-94 |
|
| Total |
34 |
40 |
37 |
47 |
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Milvus milvus
UK: Red Kite
DK: Rød glente
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
The species prefer open country with scattered woodlands. As carrion forms a significant
part of the diet, several pairs breed near highways providing roadkills.
Occurrence in Denmark
Occurs as a breeding visitor and as a passage visitor from the population in South Sweden.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The species was a widespread and common breeder until the start of intense persecution of
almost all raptors, which followed the introduction of pheasantry around 1880. Total
eradication followed during the first decade of the century. The species became totally
protected in 1922, but despite scattered breeding attempts during the period 1910-1970,
actual re-colonization did not occur until the 1970s. Since then, the population has been
slowly increasing. Despite rapid increase in southern Sweden, the Danish population is
still concentrated in southeast Jutland. Comparison with neighbouring countries yield
estimates of potential for at least 400-500 pairs within Denmark (Grell 1989). This
potential is far from fulfilled and illegal persecution by shooting or poisoned bait
probably plays a larger role for the population trend of the present species than for any
other Danish raptor, possibly excepting Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). Though few
cases are proven, the problem is supposed to be more widespread (Grell 1998).
Significance of Danish population
Presently the Danish population is only a very small part of total European population,
which was recently estimated at 17,395-28,235 pairs Hagemeijer and Blair 1997). As
mentioned above there are considerable possibilities for a more significant Danish
population in the future.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
As can be seen only a very small part of the Danish population breeds within SPAs. The
distribution map in Grell 1998 indicates that the table above is not complete as a few
pairs seem to inhabit other SPAs, than those included here, no details are known. Probably
the coverage is in the 10-20% range. Most Danish pairs has been established after the
designation of the DSPAs.
Some SPAs are also used as short-term staging areas during migration periods.
The low coverage reflects the dispersed nature of the breeding population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
| 80 |
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
1997 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
14 |
1993 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
1993-95 |
| 90 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
1997 |
| Total |
|
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
|
White-tailed Eagle
Species name
Scientific: Haliaetus albicilla
UK: White-tailed Eagle
DK: Havørn
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare, i*
Europe: Rare, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (near threatened)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
In Denmark, the species breeds in older broad-leaved forest near large lakes or fjords. In
winter mainly in coastal areas.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding resident and a passage and winter visitor from the rest of
Scandinavia.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The European population has been reduced over centuries through shooting, poisoning and
nest robbing. Loss and degradation of wetlands, disturbance at nest sites and
intensification of forestry are other threats (Tucker and Heath 1994).The original Danish
population was persecuted to extinction, the last breeding occurred in 1911. Around 50
breeding sites are known from the period 1850-1899 (Grell 1998).
There have been sporadic breeding attempts during the years 1952-60 (3 sites) and
1979-1980 of which a few where successful, but actual re-colonisation did not occur until
1996 where two pairs bred successfully, each fledging one young. In 1997, three pairs made
breeding attempts (two successful) and in 1998, those three pairs and one additional pair
were all successful fledging a total of 6 young (Grell 1998, J. J. Madsen pers. com.). In
1999, 6 pairs made breeding attempts, 5 were successful, and 7 young fledged (M. Grell pers.
com.). An additional 2-3 pairs are under establishment.
The re-colonisation is believed mainly to be the result of the population increase in
Northern Germany as at least some of the Danish breeders are colour-ringed as nestlings
there (Grell 1998).
Until now, disturbance at nest sites has been avoided by the creation of no admittance
zones near nests. With the increasing number of breeding pairs this might in the near
future not be possible at all sites.
Approximately 20-40 birds probably mostly from Sweden winter in Denmark, mainly at
coastal localities in the eastern part of the country. The number is highest in harsh
winters (Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is still very small compared to the European total of 3,292-3,550
pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
All Danish pairs breed in connection to SPAs, though some of the actual nest sites are
just outside the areas. The mentioned 2-3 pairs under establishment are all within SPAs
too, so the coverage will probably remain near 100% in the near future. Appropriate
management of SPAs is thus of the highest importance for the continued success of the
species in Denmark.
Most of the wintering visitors are also within SPAs.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Com-
ments |
| 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
1997 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
P |
1997 |
|
| 15 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1997 |
|
| 32 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1997 |
|
| 33 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1995 |
|
| 35 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1993-94 |
|
| 36 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1996 |
|
| 37 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
1997? |
|
| 43 |
|
|
|
|
|
1-2 |
1998 |
|
| 47 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1998 |
First breeding 1996 |
| 55 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1996 |
|
| 58 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996 |
|
| 60 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1997 |
|
| 74 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1998 |
|
| 76 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1995 |
|
| 78 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1998 |
|
| 80 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1997 |
|
| 81 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
5 |
1999 |
|
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
1997 |
|
| 83 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1997 |
|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1997 |
|
| 87 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1998 |
First breeding success 1997 |
| 89 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
3 |
1999 |
|
| 93 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
1997 |
|
| 96 |
|
|
|
|
|
>2 |
1998 |
|
| 97 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
| 99 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1997 |
|
| 105 |
|
|
|
|
|
4-7 |
1997 |
|
| 106 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1998 |
|
| Total |
|
|
|
6 |
6 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Circus aeruginosus
UK: Marsh Harrier
DK: Rørhøg
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Marsh Harriers breed in reed beds and forages both in wetlands, other open natural
habitats and in cultivated areas (Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and a passage visitor from other parts of Scandinavia,
probably mainly Sweden (Grell 1998).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
In the mid 19th century the species was reasonably common in most parts of the country.
Intensive persecution decimated the population and at the turn of the century, it was
almost eradicated. After 1922, it was protected during the breeding season and the species
partly recovered only to be re-decimated by habitat destruction and environmental
pollutants in the 1950s and 60s. As a result of the total protection of Danish raptors in
1967, the somewhat improved protection on the migration route and the ban on some of the
most harmful pesticides the Danish population has been steadily increasing from 50-80
pairs in the late 1960s to the present population of approximately 650 pairs (Grell 1998).
Presently the main threat toward the population is probably hunting during migration,
mainly in Italy and Malta (Grell 1998). In Denmark disturbance at nest sites and
inappropriate water level management can play a role at least locally.
Significance of the Danish population
The European population is estimated at 50,955-74,675 pairs and the Danish
population is thus approximately 1% of the total.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The populations within the SPAs seem to have followed the general trend in the Danish
population quite closely. The population within SPAs is probably a bit underestimated as
data for some areas are lacking. The coverage is probably in the 30-40% range. The
remaining part of the Danish population mainly occurs dispersed at smaller localities
harbouring single or a few pairs.
The DSPA network protects key populations of high density, so despite the majority of
the population nesting outside the areas, appropriate management of the DSPAs is of high
importance for the Danish population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Com-
ments |
| 01 |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1993 |
|
| 07 |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1994 |
|
| 13 |
10 |
10 |
|
10 |
10 |
|
1994 |
|
| 15 |
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
1995-96 |
|
| 20 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| 22 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993-94 |
Breeding data are from 1987-88 |
| 23 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
2 |
7 |
1996 |
Breeding data are from 1987-88 |
| 24 |
|
|
|
|
|
23 |
1993-95 |
|
| 27 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| 30 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1988-89 |
|
| 35 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1994 |
|
| 36 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996 |
|
| 37 |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1995 |
|
| 38 |
3 |
4 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 39 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1998 |
|
| 41 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
4 |
|
1995 |
|
| 43 |
11 |
11 |
|
9 |
9 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 44 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
|
| 47 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
4 |
|
1994-96 |
|
| 49 |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1991-94 |
|
| 51 |
|
|
20 |
2 |
4 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 52 |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1991 |
|
| 53 |
3 |
3 |
|
3 |
4 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 55 |
|
|
|
P |
P |
9 |
1996 |
|
| 56 |
1 |
2 |
|
1 |
2 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
3 |
4 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
1991 |
|
| 58 |
2 |
3 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1989 |
|
| 60 |
33 |
35 |
|
20 |
20 |
|
1996 |
|
| 61 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 62 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1994 |
|
| 63 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1989 |
|
| 65 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
3 |
|
1994 |
|
| 67 |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1994 |
|
| 68 |
1 |
4 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 69 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 70 |
1 |
3 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 71 |
7 |
7 |
|
10 |
15 |
|
1996 |
|
| 72 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
5 |
|
1995 |
|
| 75 |
2 |
2 |
|
P |
P |
|
1994 |
|
| 76 |
3 |
3 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1994 |
|
| 78 |
2 |
2 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1996 |
|
| 80 |
|
|
|
8 |
9 |
|
1997 |
|
| 81 |
|
|
|
5 |
5 |
|
1995 |
|
| 82 |
3 |
5 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993 |
|
| 83 |
4 |
5 |
|
5 |
5 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 84 |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1985-89 |
|
| 85 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
3 |
|
1997-98 |
|
| 86 |
1 |
1 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1985-89 |
No new data |
| 87 |
15 |
30 |
|
35 |
35 |
|
1995 |
|
| 88 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996 |
|
| 89 |
4 |
4 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 91 |
1 |
3 |
|
8 |
10 |
|
1993-95 |
|
| 93 |
|
|
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 95 |
2 |
6 |
|
6 |
8 |
|
1989 |
|
| 96 |
5 |
10 |
1 |
9 |
9 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 97 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1994 |
|
| 99 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
No new data |
| 100 |
2 |
3 |
|
4 |
5 |
|
|
1993-94 |
| 101 |
4 |
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
1997 |
No new breeding data |
| 103 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1996 |
|
| 104 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| 106 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
No new data |
| 109 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1995 |
Breeds most years |
| 110 |
|
|
|
5 |
6 |
10 |
1997 |
|
| 111 |
1 |
3 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| Total |
145 |
194 |
|
201 |
230 |
|
|
|
Hen harrier
Species name
Scientific: Circus cyaneus
UK: Hen Harrier
DK: Blå kærhøg
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
The species is known to breed in a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats (Tucker and
Heath 1994). The few Danish pairs have been found in meadows, coastal marshes, moors and
heathlands (Grell 1998). Foraging mainly takes place in areas of tall grass (Jørgensen
1989).
Occurrence in Denmark
It is not known whether the very few Danish breeders are visitors or resident. The species
also occur as passage and winter visitor from the substantial populations in the rest of
Scandinavia.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The species has always been a scarce and irregular breeder in Denmark with breeding
records only from the years around 1900, the 1930s, 1943, 1971-82 and since 1992 (Grell
1998). The re-colonization in 1992 represents an extension of the Dutch Waddensea
population, which has been increasing since the 1950s (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Main threat at a European level is widespread loss of breeding habitat (Tucker and
Heath 1994). The loss mainly occurs through agricultural intensification, but can also
occur through abandonment or afforestation.
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish breeding population is very small (2-5 pairs, Grell 1998) compared to the
European total of 23,332-30,840 pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997). Internationally Denmark
is more important for staging and wintering birds from other parts of Scandinavia. In 1989
the Danish winter population was estimated at 700-900 birds but believed to be declining
(Jørgensen 1989).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
For the small breeding population, the coverage is probably 100% at least in most years.
The SPAs also hold a very substantial part of the birds staging and wintering in
Denmark. The knowledge of the total number of staging birds in Denmark and within the
individual SPAs is not accurate enough, though, to allow a more detailed analysis.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Com-
ments |
| 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
1998 |
|
| 7 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
1993-94 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
1997 |
|
| 14 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1996 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
1996 |
|
| 23 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1994 |
|
| 33 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
1993-95 |
|
| 35 |
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
1993-94 |
|
| 37 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
4 |
1993-94 |
|
| 38 |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
1997 |
|
| 41 |
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
1997 |
|
| 43 |
|
|
|
|
|
16 |
1998 |
|
| 44 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1996 |
|
| 49 |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1996 |
|
| 51 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 55 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1996 |
|
| 65 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1997 |
Breeds some years |
| 67 |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 71 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1997 |
|
| 72 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1997 |
|
| 76 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1997 |
|
| 80 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1997 |
|
| 81 |
|
|
|
|
|
>5 |
1983-98 |
|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
1997 |
|
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
|
>10 |
|
|
| 91 |
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
1994 |
|
| 93 |
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
1997 |
|
| 96 |
|
|
|
|
|
>5 |
1998 |
|
| 97 |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
| 110 |
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
1996 |
|
| 111 |
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
1997 |
Formerly much higher numbers staging |
Species name
Scientific: Circus pygargus
UK: MontagueŽs Harrier
DK: Hedehøg
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Vulnerable
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
In Denmark the species mainly breed in heathland moors (earlier the main habitat now only
a few pairs), reedbeds and increasingly in cereal fields, roughly half the Danish pairs
now nest in such habitats (Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
Occurs as a breeding visitor and as passage visitor from the Swedish (and possible
Finnish) population (Grell 1998).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The species first colonized Denmark at the turn of the century and the colonization was
followed by a period of rapid range expansion and population growth. The population
reached a maximum of 350-400 pairs around 1940. Hereafter a rapid decrease followed and a
thorough survey of former breeding localities in the years 1968-1972 showed that the
population was reduced to a mere 30-40 pairs (Jørgensen 1989) primarily as a result of
drainage and agricultural intensification. The population size has fluctuated near that
level since with 35-50 pairs in 1993-96 (Grell 1998).
Pairs nesting in cereals often loose clutch during harvest. An intensive monitoring
program of the Danish population by BirdLife Denmark and the Danish Animal Protection
Society and dialogue with involved farmers seems to have minimised this problem. No
clutches have been lost as result of harvest since start of the project in 1994 (Grell
1998).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is only of marginal significance compared to the estimated total
European population of 26,976-39,610 pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Although the overall Danish population has been roughly stable apart from year-to-year
fluctuations, the population within SPAs seems to have decreased since designation. This
trend is probably associated with the breeding habitat shift of part of the Danish
population to cereal fields. Possible reasons for the decline in some areas could be
increased disturbance from recreational activities and inappropriate management of water
levels at some sites.
The decrease within SPAs also results in a decreased coverage. As the reasons for this
shift are unclear, it is uncertain whether it reflects inappropriate management of some
sites or it is caused by other factors. Presently the coverage is probably in the 50-70%
range. Despite the decrease in coverage the most important Danish populations still breed
within SPAs and some pairs now breeding outside SPAs still utilise SPAs as foraging areas.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
1998 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
1998 |
No breeding success |
| 43 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
1993-94 |
|
| 49 |
|
|
3 |
3 |
1996 |
|
| 51 |
|
|
1 |
2 |
1993-94 |
|
| 53 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 56 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1993-94 |
|
| 57 |
7 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
1991 |
|
| 60 |
7 |
18 |
3 |
3 |
1996 |
|
| 61 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1993-94 |
|
| 62 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1994 |
|
| 63 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
1989 |
|
| 65 |
P |
P |
9 |
9 |
1994 |
|
| 67 |
|
|
4 |
4 |
1994 |
|
| 69 |
3 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
1993-94 |
|
| 70 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1993-94 |
|
| Total |
26 |
45 |
25 |
26 |
|
|
Species accounts, part 2
Species name
Scientific: Tetrao tetrix
UK: Black Grouse
DK: Urfugl
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Endangered
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I (continental ssp. tetrix only), II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
In Denmark, the species occurred in a mosaic landscape of lowland heaths often
near bogs and areas of low-intensity agriculture.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species was a breeding resident.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
In the 19th century, the species was widespread and abundant in Jutland. The
species is not indigenous to the Danish isles, though some short-lived introduced
populations were present last century.
Habitat destruction and fragmentation through afforestation and agricultural
intensification are main threats at a European level. In some areas, eutrophication
through airborne nitrogen deposition is also considered a major threat (Tucker and Heath
1994).
In Denmark, the general conversion of heathland to agriculture or forestry and the
agricultural intensification during the last 150 years resulted in major declines and the
final extinction of the population.
In 1942 the population was estimated at 2400 birds, 1100 in 1966, 420 in 1973, 35 in
1991 and finally in 1997 a mere 3 (three) birds were left (Dybbro 1976, Grell 1998).
The various conservation and recovery measures proposed and implemented failed to save
the population, due to lack of in depth knowledge of the problems and because of
conflicting interests.
Significance of the Danish population
None.
The total European population is estimated at 678,136-1,878,889 "pairs". The
species is declining in most of Europe with the exception of countries such as Sweden,
where specialised management is applied. The Danish population belonged to ssp. tetrix of
which only small, scattered populations remain (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Within the DSPA network, the species only occurred in the two areas above at
designation time. The species had disappeared from other formerly important areas such as
SPA no. 50 less than a decade before designation.
The last two areas, which were of importance for the species (Vind Hede and Kongenshus
Hede), are not SPAs, but Vind Hede is a proposed SCI (designated for the habitat 4030
European dry heaths).
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 37 |
P |
P |
|
|
0 |
1 |
1998 |
1998 occurrence probably the result of illegal release of bird(s) of
unknown origin. |
| 46 |
P |
P |
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
Last seen 1992 |
Species name
Scientific: Porzana porzana
UK: Spotted Crake
DK: Plettet rørvagtel
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Vulnerable
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Occur in swamps and fens and overgrown edges of lakes and rivers (Tucker and
Heath 1994). Habitat must include areas of very shallow, not oligotrophic water
interspersed with ample stands of low plant cover, rich in invertebrate food (Snow and
Perrins 1998). The species has a particular preference for areas dominated by sedges
(Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and a passage visitor probably mainly from
Sweden.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The species was considerably more abundant and widespread in Denmark during the
19th century than today. It decreased markedly during the first decades of the 20th
century. The population was estimated at 43-115 "pairs" (i.e. singing males)
during the years 1960-69. There are considerable year-to-year variations in numbers
possibly related to prevailing weather in the spring migration period. During the years
1993-96 the number of singing males recorded per year varied from 22 to 50 possibly 61
(Grell 1998).
Main threats toward the population are habitat destruction and degradation especially
through inappropriate water level management, eutrophication and too high vegetation as
result of abandonment (Stoltze and Pihl 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is only a very small part of the European total, which was
estimated at 58,786-167,083 pairs by (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Although numbers recorded in the DSPAs are higher in recent years than at
designation, this almost certainly reflects better coverage rather than any real
population increase.
The coverage is probably above 80% and very few regular breeding sites are not SPAs.
The conditions within the SPAs thus are of high importance for the future of the Danish
population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 13 |
|
|
|
13 |
13 |
|
1994 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
2 |
2 |
|
1995 |
|
| 29 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 41 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1988-89 |
|
| 43 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 58 |
0 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1989 |
|
| 60 |
8 |
8 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1996 |
Higher numbers in most years |
| 65 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1988 |
|
| 69 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 72 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1996 |
|
| 80 |
|
|
|
5 |
5 |
|
1996 |
|
| 82 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993 |
|
| 111 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1997 |
|
| Total |
9 |
10 |
|
24 |
28 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Crex crex
UK: Corncrake
DK: Engsnarre
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Extinct*
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 1
World: Vulnerable
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Breeds in extensively used hay meadows, drier parts of fens, clover and rape
fields and sometimes bushy forest clearings (Tucker and Heath 1994). In Denmark, the
species persisted most recently in meadows in river valleys.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and a passage visitor probably mainly from
Sweden.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
Main threats are habitat loss through drainage and agricultural intensification.
Both young and adults are also directly killed during harvest (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Thorup (1999) summarises data from several surveys and lists five demands, which have
to be met for an area to support breeding Corncrakes:
- Habitat: Moist hay meadows, not fertilised, fringed by areas with higher vegetation
(e.g. reeds, nettles, reed grass, iris)
- Soil moistness: Moist or wet soil is of impor tance, at least in order to avoid
intensification of use and to secure late mowing.
- Mowing: Mowing after 1 August; trapping birds in the middle of the field should be
avoided.
- Grazing: Breeds mainly in ungrazed meadows. Aftergrazing and low cattle density is
tolerated.
- Other: A social breeder. Corncrake units should consist of 200-400 ha as minimum.
The species was formerly a both abundant and widespread Danish bird. Løppenthin (1967)
states that during the 1860s and 1870s it was probably more abundant than Coot (Fulica
atra) and Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus). By detailed analysis of land use data and
comparison with density data from recent strongholds (Belarus and the Baltic) Thorup
(1999) estimates the Danish population 1850-1920 to 10,000-20,000 pairs.
The dramatic decrease of the Danish population probably started during the last part of
the 19th century (Grell 1998), though killing during harvest attributed to changes in
cropping practice was noted as early as 1852 (Kjærbølling 1852).
Since 1960 only three sites, all river valleys, seems to have been regular breeding
localities: the Skjern Å valley, the Varde Å valley and the Ryå valley (Grell 1998). In
the last two areas the disappearance of the species is probably related to highly
intensified production of grass pellets with large inputs of fertiliser and several
croppings a year. These problems are sought remedied by restoration plans (see below).
All the three last strongholds (the Ryå, Skjern and Varde River valleys) are targeted
for habitat restoration efforts. The current efforts in the Ryå valley and even the
ambitiously named "Project Corncrake" in the Varde Å valley are, though,
possibly insufficient to create real "recovery areas" as Thorup (1999) states
that four of the "five demands" (see above) are unmet. Some of the remaining
problems, though, are expected be solved during the practical implementation of the
project (Jørn Jensen, NFNA pers. com.).
In the Skjern Å valley, the project’s eventual impact on Corncrakes is yet
unclear.
In the spring 1999, there was a large influx to Denmark and more than a hundred calling
males were recorded. Most were recorded in areas where chances of breeding success are
very slim.
Significance of Danish population
Presently Denmark is of very limited if any significance for the species. There
remains some chance, though, that various habitat restoration efforts notably the large
project in the Skjern Å river valley might allow the re-establishment of the species as a
regular Danish breeder, or if still that, a substantial increase in the population.
The total European population is estimated at 97,470-196,920 (Hagemeijer and Blair
1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The population trend within and outside SPAs have been much the same. The coverage of the
small, hypothetical Danish population is probably 0%.
The only SPA with some potential for becoming of importance for the species is probably
the former breeding stronghold Varde Å valley in area no. 49. This river is the only
larger stream in Western Jutland, which has not been canalised, but the area is presently
not managed in a manner compatible with the requirements of breeding Corncrakes.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 44 |
P |
P |
|
|
0 |
|
1993 |
|
| 47 |
P |
P |
|
|
0 |
|
1988 |
|
| 70 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1994 |
Possibly the pair bred on German side of border |
| Total |
2 |
? |
|
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Fulica atra
UK: (Common) Coot
DK: Blishøne
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/1, III/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Coots occur highly gregariously in very shallow fresh or brackish waters
(generally, less than 3 metres water depth) along sheltered coast, in lagoons, estuaries
and lakes with abundant supply of macrophytes.
Occurrence in Denmark
Birds breeding north and northeast of Denmark are migratory and winter in
suitable coastal areas. The Danish breeders are mainly resident or dispersive, though some
are displaced during cold winters.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The northwest European winter population is estimated at 1,500,000 birds (Rose
and Scott 1997). Up to 163,900 winter in Danish waters with the highest numbers in mild
winters and the lowest numbers at the end of a string of cold winters (Jensen 1993). The
Danish winter population was slightly decreasing 1978-94 (Asbirk et al. 1997). While it is
certain that staging numbers decreased between 1968-73 and 1987-89, it is not known
whether this reflects a long-term decline or just fluctuations related to the severity of
winters in the respective periods (Laursen et al. 1997).
Despite being gregarious and preferring coastal waters the species is not particularly
sensitive to hunting related disturbances. The present level of hunting is probably not
influencing population size (Madsen et al. 1996)
Main threat is decreased habitat quality due to eutrophication reducing macrophyte
cover.
Significance of the Danish population
163,900 equals 11% of total estimated northwest European winter population.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Most recent counts are lower than at designation time. Most of the observed changes are
probably just weather-related fluctuations, but some (notably at SPA no. 43) are the
result of decreased habitat quality as eutrophication has caused disappearance
of/reduction in bottom macrophyte cover.
The coverage is high, as nearly all important wintering areas as shown in Jensen (1993)
or Durinck et al. (1994) are included in the SPA network.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
42000 |
10500 |
1993 |
|
| 24 |
15000 |
645 |
1993-95 |
|
| 30 |
5000 |
|
|
|
| 43 |
40000 |
3300 |
1993-94 |
|
| 71 |
38000 |
15275 |
1994 |
|
| 75 |
15000 |
6500 |
1993-94 |
|
| 81 |
14000 |
17725 |
1987-89 |
|
| 83 |
15000 |
8500 |
1995 |
Only part of area counted |
| 84 |
10000 |
2190 |
1993-94 |
|
| 85 |
25000 |
15300 |
1993-94 |
|
| 86 |
7000 |
|
|
|
| 88 |
19000 |
9800 |
1996 |
|
| 89 |
25000 |
13900 |
1995 |
|
| 96 |
11000 |
1645 |
1987-89 |
|
| 105 |
25000 |
12499 |
1998 |
|
Species name
Scientific: Grus grus
UK: Common Crane
DK: Trane
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
In Denmark, breeding occurs in blanket and raised bogs in heathlands and in
wetlands in forest. Elsewhere a notable adaptation to man made landscapes has been noted
during the last 30 years with breeding in small wetlands in fields and meadows (Tucker and
Heath 1994). Breeding in such areas is still the exception in Denmark, though.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and a passage visitor from other parts of
Scandinavia.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The original Danish population went extinct around mid 19th century. The first
definite breeding record in the 20th century was in 1952 (though breeding probably
occurred at the site already in 1938 or 1936 (Løppenthin 1967)). Since then, an increase
in the population has occurred to 6-10 pairs in 1993-96 and 11-12 pairs in 1997.
Main threat toward the Danish population is probably disturbance at nest sites.
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is very small compared to the European total of
52,793-77,970 pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The above table is not wholly up to date. The SPAs harbour most of the Danish
pairs and the coverage probably is in the 80-90% range. The SPAs thus have a high
importance for the Danish population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 6 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 7 |
|
0 |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1994 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
40 |
1998 |
|
| 17 |
P |
P |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993 |
|
| 22 |
|
|
|
0 |
2 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 80 |
|
|
|
2 |
3 |
|
1995 |
|
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
1995 |
Exceptionally 2000 staging 1998 |
| 89 |
|
|
|
|
|
35 |
1996 |
|
| Total |
1 |
? |
|
4 |
8 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Haematopus oestragalus
UK: (Eurasian) Oystercatcher
DK: Strandskade
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Oystercatchers concentrates when foraging on sandy or stony intertidal
flats.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a common breeder and an abundant passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The total Westpalaearctic population has increased substantially during this
century (Meltofte 1993) and the northwest European winter population is currently
estimated at 874,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997). The numbers in the by far most important
Danish staging area – the Waddensea – fell during the 1980s because of decreased
habitat quality caused by intensive mussel fisheries. Numbers have since at least partly
recovered as a result of better regulation of the mussel fishery.
Significance of Danish population
More than 50,000 birds or nearly 6% of population total can occur simultaneously
in Denmark.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Staging numbers within Danish SPAs have been mostly stable, though numbers fell
in the Waddensea in a period of intensive mussel fishery in the 1980s. All major staging
areas are within the SPA network. Coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 52 |
17000 |
15000 |
1993-94 |
| 53 |
|
16400 |
1992-94 |
| 55 |
5270 |
5385 |
1996 |
| 57 |
65000 |
39002 |
1987-89 |
| 60 |
|
6528 |
1992-94 |
| 65 |
13800 |
3900 |
1991-95 |
Species name
Scientific: Recurvirostra avosetta
UK: Avocet
DK: Klyde
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow listed as AT
Europe: Secure (breeding), Localized (winter), SPEC 4 (breeding), SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Breeds at coastal sites with intertidal mud- or sandflats.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is mainly a breeding visitor but also occurs as passage visitor from
Sweden and Finland. In the moulting period also birds breeding in Northern Germany occur
in the Danish part of the Waddensea (Meltofte 1993).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
Until mid 19th century the species was a common breeding bird in Denmark. During
the period 1860-1920 the population decreased dramatically mostly due to hunting. Since
total protection in 1922, the population has increased from 700 pairs to around 5,000
pairs. During the 1990s local population decreases have occurred but the overall
population increase has continued (Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
Denmark holds an important part of the estimated European total of 27,762-38,436
pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997). The 6,000-7,500 birds at moulting aggregations in the
Danish part of the Waddensea (Meltofte 1993) are also of high importance.
Main threats at a European level are loss and disturbance of breeding habitat and the
deterioration of feeding conditions at breeding and wintering sites (Tucker and Heath
1994).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The trend within the SPAs is almost identical to the overall trend for Denmark as
the coverage is high - probably around 95% - and the SPAs are thus of the highest
importance for the continued positive development in the Danish population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
100 |
150 |
|
156 |
156 |
|
1993 |
|
| 8 |
50 |
50 |
|
30 |
40 |
|
1992-94 |
|
| 9 |
50 |
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 10 |
170 |
170 |
600 |
285 |
285 |
1000 |
1987,
1987-91 |
|
| 12 |
8 |
8 |
|
10 |
10 |
|
1996 |
|
| 13 |
15 |
17 |
|
172 |
172 |
|
1995 |
|
| 15 |
20 |
20 |
|
110 |
110 |
|
1997 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
|
| 23 |
200 |
200 |
1000 |
12 |
37 |
85 |
1996 |
Breeding numbers are from 1987-88 |
| 24 |
4 |
10 |
400 |
|
|
27 |
1995 |
|
| 25 |
50 |
50 |
|
5 |
5 |
|
1995 |
|
| 26 |
15 |
50 |
|
6 |
11 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 27 |
30 |
50 |
|
16 |
16 |
|
1996 |
|
| 30 |
|
|
|
0 |
2 |
|
1988-89 |
|
| 31 |
25 |
25 |
|
16 |
18 |
|
1993-95 |
|
| 36 |
80 |
80 |
|
25 |
25 |
|
1996 |
|
| 38 |
125 |
140 |
|
320 |
397 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 39 |
130 |
130 |
650 |
60 |
70 |
245 |
1998 |
|
| 40 |
P |
P |
|
6 |
6 |
|
1994 |
|
| 41 |
2 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1988-89 |
|
| 43 |
335 |
335 |
|
592 |
670 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 47 |
50 |
50 |
|
7 |
7 |
|
1996 |
|
| 49 |
|
|
300 |
2 |
2 |
2000 |
1991-94,
1993-94 |
|
| 51 |
P |
P |
|
300 |
300 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 52 |
|
|
|
56 |
56 |
|
1997 |
|
| 53 |
10 |
10 |
|
48 |
48 |
|
1997 |
|
| 55 |
10 |
10 |
400 |
112 |
112 |
255 |
1997 |
Only counted in part of area 1997 |
| 57 |
650 |
750 |
7700 |
1066 |
1066 |
6500 |
1991,
1992-94 |
|
| 60 |
108 |
108 |
|
268 |
268 |
1313 |
1996 |
Staging numbers are from 1992-94 |
| 65 |
30 |
50 |
|
49 |
49 |
|
1996 |
|
| 67 |
|
|
|
23 |
23 |
|
1997 |
|
| 71 |
125 |
125 |
|
170 |
180 |
|
1996 |
|
| 75 |
60 |
60 |
|
53 |
53 |
|
1994 |
|
| 76 |
50 |
50 |
|
56 |
56 |
|
1996 |
|
| 81 |
50 |
100 |
|
90 |
90 |
|
1995 |
|
| 83 |
25 |
30 |
|
49 |
49 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 84 |
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
|
1985-89 |
|
| 85 |
75 |
75 |
|
36 |
41 |
|
1996-98 |
|
| 86 |
|
|
|
5 |
5 |
|
1985-89 |
|
| 88 |
30 |
30 |
|
10 |
10 |
|
1997 |
|
| 89 |
110 |
110 |
|
124 |
124 |
|
1994 |
|
| 94 |
3 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 95 |
|
|
|
22 |
22 |
|
1988 |
|
| 96 |
170 |
250 |
|
178 |
193 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 99 |
|
|
|
|
|
465 |
1996 |
|
| 100 |
|
|
|
5 |
5 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 105 |
75 |
75 |
|
101 |
101 |
|
1997 |
|
| 110 |
60 |
120 |
|
225 |
225 |
|
1997 |
|
| 111 |
P |
P |
|
4 |
5 |
|
1995 |
|
| Total |
3100 |
3543 |
|
4881 |
5122 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Pluvialis squatarola
UK: Grey Plover
DK: Strandhjejle
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: (Secure), non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Grey Plovers forage on intertidal mud- and sandflats, young birds also to some
extent on short grassed meadows (Grell 1998).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species occurs as passage visitor and also in low numbers as winter and
non-breeding summer visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
There is no information regarding trends in the East Atlantic winter population,
the size is currently estimated at 168,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997). The trend in
Denmark is likewise unknown.
Significance of the Danish population
Internationally important numbers in Denmark only occur at few high tide roosts
in the Waddensea. Up to 5,000 birds (Asbirk et al. 1997) or 3% of population total can
occur simultaneously in Denmark.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Trends within Danish SPAs are not known, but numbers are probably reasonably
stable. The two SPAs above are probably the only Danish sites that harbour internationally
important concentrations.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 53 |
|
2872 |
1992-94 |
| 57 |
3000 |
5550 |
1992-94 |
(Common / Northern) Lapwing
Species name
Scientific: Vanellus vanellus
UK: (Common/Northern) Lapwing
DK: Vibe
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Yellow list in category X (breeding)
Europe: (Secure), non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Lapwings occur in a variety of open habitats such as inter tidal flats,
saltmarshes, pastures and agricultural fields.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding and passage visitor, some winter in mild winters.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Breeding populations have decreased recently in several European countries (Snow
and Perrins 1998) probably due to changes in land use, but overall trend for European
population – estimated at 7,000,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997) - is not clear.
Breeding numbers in Denmark are decreasing (Grell 1998) while the trend for staging birds
is unclear (Asbirk et al. 1997).
Staging birds will probably be benefited by the creation of the many new hunting and
disturbance free core zones as the species responded positively to the experimental
reserves (Madsen et al. 1995).
Significance of the Danish population
The 200,000 birds regularly staging in Denmark in autumn equals nearly 3% of
European total.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
There is no further information regarding trends in staging numbers in Danish
SPAs. Most major sites mapped in Meltofte (1993) are within the SPA network, though a few
important ones such as Sjørring Sø are outside. The coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 60 |
39500 |
13000 |
1992-94 |
(Red) Knot
Species name
Scientific: Calidris canutus
UK: (Red) Knot
DK: Islandsk ryle
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Localized, SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Knots occur mostly in large, dense flocks at extensive tidal flats, often
predominantly of muddy sands (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species occur as passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Two different populations and subspecies occur in Denmark. The ssp. islandica
breeding in Canada and Greenland winter mainly in northwest Europe, while Siberian birds
of the nominate subspecies pass through on their way to winter quarters in western and
southern Africa.
The northwest European winter population dropped during the 1970s probably because of
unfavourable conditions in breeding areas. Despite partial recovery, numbers in early
1990s remain around 40% lower than in early 1970s at 310,000 birds. In the same period a
major redistribution of wintering birds from the Waddensea to estuaries in the U.K. took
place probably as a result of decreased food supply in the Waddensea following
intensification of mussel fisheries (Tucker and Heath 1994). Rose and Scott (1997) gives
the population as 345,000 birds while Snow and Perrins (1998) reports that recent
information from U.K. and the Waddensea suggests that population is around 500,000. The
Danish part of the Waddensea holds up to 50,000 birds from this population, highest
numbers occurring in spring. High numbers have only been reported from 1970s and onwards
and probably did not occur prior to that time (Meltofte 1993). The present trend in Danish
staging numbers is unknown (Asbirk et al. 1997)
The Siberian population of 516,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997) mainly stage in the
German part of the Waddensea but up to at least 15,000 birds can occur in the Danish part
(Meltofte 1993).
Main threats toward the population(s) on European level are habitat loss through land
claims, reduction in food supply due to intensive mussel fisheries and disturbance from
overflying aircraft and from recreational activities (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Significance of the Danish population
50,000 birds equal 10-16 of total population of ssp. islandica.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
There is probably little change in the numbers staging within the SPAs.
All major staging sites are SPAs. The coverage is hence high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 52 |
|
20000 |
1993-94 |
| 53 |
|
7575 |
1992-94 |
| 57 |
5000 |
24170 |
1992-94 |
| 60 |
|
21310 |
1992-94 |
Species name
Scientific: Calidris alba
UK: Sanderling
DK: Sandløber
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: None
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Sanderlings forage along sandy beaches and on inter tidal flats.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species occurs as passage and winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Trends are not known, but the total East Atlantic/West and South African winter
population is estimated at 123,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997). This
"population" involves both Siberian and Greenland breeders (Meltofte 1993). Up
to at least 4,500 occur simultaneously in Denmark; the national trend is unknown (Asbirk
et al. 1997).
Significance of the Danish population
4,500 birds equal 3-4% of population total.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Trends within SPAs are unknown; there are large local fluctuations related to
weather and the amount of beached seaweed especially in winter (Meltofte 1993).
The coverage is high. Internationally important numbers only occur in the Waddensea
region, which is well covered though one important roost - at Blåvandshuk at the extreme
northern edge of the area – is outside the SPA network.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 53 |
|
2199 |
1992-94 |
| 57 |
|
3000 |
1992-94 |
Species name
Scientific: Calidris alpina
UK: Dunlin
DK: Almindelig ryle
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare (the breeders of ssp. schintzii) and Yellow listed as AY (ssp.
schintzii) and AT (both subspecies)
Europe: Vulnerable, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: None
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Dunlins can occur in a variety of habitats, but numbers are highly
concentrated at the very best (most productive) inter tidal flats (Meltofte 1993).
Occurrence in Denmark
Ssp. alpina is an abundant passage visitor (smaller numbers winter) and ssp.
schintzii is an uncommon and decreasing breeder and a common passage visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Wintering numbers in western Europe fell markedly 1970-90, despite partial recovery
numbers in early 1990s are still below those of early 1970s (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Total European winter population has been given as at least 1,000,000 birds (Tucker and
Heath 1994) and total population of ssp. alpina on the Siberia/Europe/West Africa flyway
is estimated at 1,373,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997). The Baltic/UK/Ireland population of
ssp. schintzii numbers 21,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997).
Trends in Danish staging numbers are unknown. Up 450,000 birds occur simultaneously
during passage and 56,600 in winter (Asbirk et al. 1997).
The number of breeding birds in Denmark (ssp. schintzii) has decreased from an
estimated 50,000-100,000 pairs 100 years ago to presently approximately 450 pairs. Numbers
are still decreasing except where specialised management is applied (Grell 1998).
Threats against habitats for staging birds mentioned on a European scale are habitat
destruction as a result of land-claim and spread of the invasive grass Spartina and large
scale pollution incidents. Breeding numbers of ssp. schintzii have been reduced as a
result of land-use changes, agricultural intensification or abandonment and afforestation
of moorland (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Significance of the Danish population
Up to 33% of the total ssp. alpina population on the Siberia/Europe/West Africa
flyway can occur simultaneously in Denmark.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers staging within SPAs seem mostly stable. All important staging areas mapped in
Meltofte (1993) are SPAs. Coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
1 |
1 |
15000 |
|
|
4420 |
1993 |
|
| 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
24000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 9 |
|
|
560 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 10 |
|
|
45000 |
|
|
40000 |
1994 |
|
| 38 |
35 |
40 |
15000 |
|
|
12440 |
1996 |
Only part of area counted 1996 |
| 39 |
35 |
65 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 43 |
70 |
70 |
|
200 |
250 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 47 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 52 |
1 |
1 |
72500 |
|
|
75000 |
1993-94 |
|
| 53 |
|
|
2025000 |
|
|
88500 |
1992-94 |
|
| 55 |
6 |
6 |
25550 |
|
|
14800 |
1996 |
|
| 57 |
30 |
40 |
360000 |
|
|
364929 |
1992-94 |
|
| 60 |
|
|
|
|
|
62000 |
1992-94 |
|
| 65 |
20 |
25 |
32500 |
|
|
|
|
No new data |
Species name
Scientific: Philomachus pugnax
UK: Ruff
DK: Brushane
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Vulnerable
Europe: Secure, SPEC 4
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I, II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
In Denmark, the species breed at short-grazed meadows often with brackish water.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and a more numerous passage visitor from the
rest of Scandinavia and to a lesser extent Siberia (Meltofte 1993).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
Main threat toward the population is habitat changes, which include both
agricultural intensification and abandonment, as the species seems to have a very narrow
habitat preference. Possibly hunting during migration and in wintering areas is also of
some significance.
The Danish population has decreased continuously probably since the beginning of the
20th century though population estimates from the beginning of the century do not exist
(Grell 1998). The species has disappeared from almost all inland sites and now almost
exclusively breeds in saltmarshes and other coastal localities.
The population was estimated at 840-1,104 "pairs" during the period 1960-69,
at 500 females in 1980 and at 750 breeding females in the late 1980s. The increase during
the 1980s and the possibly almost stable situation at present are exclusively the result
of specialised management at the key site Tipperne (SPA no. 43). The population here
increased from 120 breeding females in 1980 to about 350 breeding females in the late
1980s. Most recently, though, the numbers have decreased again and were much lower 1995-97
(Laursen 1999). At most other sites, the decrease continues (Grell 1998). The total Danish
population was estimated at 500 breeding females by Grell (1998), but if numbers at the
key site Tipperne (SPA no. 43) do not recover from the low numbers of 1995-97, the
population might be considerably smaller.
Significance of the Danish population
In pure numbers, the Danish population is only of minor importance. Eventual disappearance
of this and other declining populations in the southern part of the species range will,
though, signify a continuation of the already marked range contraction (Tucker and Heath
1994). Total European breeding population is estimated at 1,105,655-10,139,209 of which
1,000,000-10,000,000 million are in Russia (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
In Denmark passage visitors occur in much higher numbers than the breeders do. As total
flyway population is believed to be very large, though, no Danish site satisfies the 1%
criterion though aggregations of up to 14,000 have been recorded occasionally (Meltofte
1993).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Apart from the positive situation at SPA no. 43 (though large year-to-year
fluctuations occur) the species has decreased at almost all sites and disappeared as a
breeding bird from several. The situation outside SPAs is even worse and the coverage is
now probably near 100%. The management of SPAs is thus of crucial importance for the
future of the Danish breeding population. The main aggregations of passage visitors also
occur within SPAs.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
25 |
25 |
|
11 |
11 |
|
1993 |
|
| 7 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
|
| 8 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1992-94 |
|
| 10 |
|
|
|
13 |
13 |
|
1987 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
36 |
36 |
|
1995 |
|
| 15 |
|
|
|
0 |
3 |
|
1993 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
4 |
4 |
|
1995 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
|
0 |
2 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 23 |
45 |
45 |
|
16 |
44 |
|
1987-88 |
|
| 24 |
1 |
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
Probably no longer breeds |
| 25 |
P |
P |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1988 |
|
| 27 |
P |
P |
|
1 |
1 |
|
1994 |
|
| 38 |
10 |
25 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1994 |
|
| 39 |
P |
P |
|
P? |
P? |
|
1998 |
|
| 41 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
4 |
|
1988-89 |
|
| 43 |
150 |
150 |
|
100 |
150 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 49 |
15 |
15 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1996 |
|
| 51 |
|
|
|
5 |
10 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 52 |
12 |
12 |
|
|
|
|
1991 |
Possibly almost gone |
| 53 |
P |
P |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1997 |
|
| 55 |
4 |
4 |
|
0 |
4 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 57 |
|
|
|
26 |
26 |
|
1991 |
|
| 60 |
|
|
|
5 |
5 |
3815 |
1996 |
|
| 61 |
P |
P |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 65 |
40 |
50 |
|
4 |
4 |
|
1997 |
|
| 67 |
10 |
11 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1997 |
|
| 71 |
|
|
|
0 |
2 |
|
1990-96 |
|
| 76 |
P |
P |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1994 |
|
| 82 |
12 |
15 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
|
| 85 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1998 |
Last breeding 1988-89 |
| 89 |
10 |
10 |
|
2 |
2 |
|
1993-96 |
|
| 91 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 95 |
|
|
|
0 |
22 |
|
1988 |
|
| 99 |
P |
P |
|
|
|
|
|
No new data, probably no longer breeds |
| 110 |
|
|
|
40 |
40 |
|
1995 |
|
| 111 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1995 |
Last possible breeding 1993 |
| Total |
331 |
363 |
|
277 |
397 |
|
|
|
Bar-tailed Godwit
Species name
Scientific: Limosa lapponica
UK: Bar-tailed Godwit
DK: Lille kobbersneppe
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Localized, SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I, II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Bar-tailed Godwits prefers sheltered bays and estuaries with sand or
muddy inter tidal flats.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a passage visitor and in lower numbers a winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
Two populations are involved both belonging to the nominate subspecies. Birds
from northern Scandinavia and western parts of Russia winter in Europe, while birds from
further east pass through on their way to wintering grounds in Africa.
The Westpalaearctic winter population fluctuated 1970-90 (Tucker and Heath). This
population numbers 115,000 birds while the birds on the Siberian/west African flyway
number 700,000 (Scott and Rose 1997).
Up 75,000 to birds occur simultaneously in Denmark during peak of spring passage,
trends are unknown (Asbirk et al. 1997).
Main threats towards the population(s) at the European level are land-claim, pollution
reducing habitat quality and human disturbance (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Significance of the Danish population
The 75,000 birds occurring simultaneously equal more than 9% of the combined
total for the involved populations.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Numbers staging within Danish SPAs seem to be reasonably stable. All major
staging areas as mapped in Meltofte (1993) are SPAs. Coverage is hence high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 23 |
3800 |
63 |
1996 |
| 36 |
3000 |
4630 |
1995 |
| 38 |
6500 |
2050 |
1996 |
| 43 |
3500 |
1000 |
1993-94 |
| 49 |
400 |
|
|
| 52 |
30000 |
25000 |
1993-94 |
| 53 |
5000 |
16100 |
1992-94 |
| 55 |
3000 |
|
|
| 57 |
56000 |
62084 |
1992-94 |
| 65 |
5400 |
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Numenius arquata
UK: Curlew
DK: Stor regnspove
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Rare (breeding)
Europe: Declining, SPEC 3 (winter)
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Curlews occur mainly on intertidal flats and in saltmarshes. In lower
numbers also in other, open habitats. The small Danish breeding population occur mainly in
heathlands and saltmarshes.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a scarce breeding visitor and a more numerous passage visitor. A
few thousand birds winter, mainly in the Wadden Sea (Meltofte 1993).
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The total European population (equivalent to the entire population of ssp.
arquata) is estimated at 348,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997). The population is declining
(Tucker and Heath 1994, Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
The decline in the European population is probably mainly a result of habitat loss or
degradation in breeding areas because of agricultural intensification and afforestation.
During migration, the species is threatened by building development and disturbance at
high-tide roosts, locally by chemical pollution and hunting (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Intensive mussel fisheries can also be detrimental to the species as it often feeds on
polychaete worms associated with the mussel banks.
Staging Curlews are very vulnerable to disturbance (Grell 1998, Christensen et al.
1999)
Significance of the Danish population
Normally the total number of birds simultaneously staging in Denmark does not
exceed 10,000 (Meltofte 1993). In the most important Danish staging area, the Wadden Sea,
numbers of staging Numenius spp. have increased 1990-95, probably as result of lower
pressure from hunting and other disturbances (Laursen and Frikke 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Only in the Wadden Sea (SPA no. 57) do concentrations of international importance
occur in Denmark. Coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
| 6 |
6 |
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 17 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 18 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 19 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 22 |
5 |
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 37 |
10 |
30 |
|
14 |
18 |
|
1996 |
| 43 |
6 |
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 57 |
|
|
5600 |
|
|
3325 |
1992-94 |
| 65 |
25 |
25 |
|
26 |
26 |
|
1996 |
| 91 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
| 110 |
5 |
15 |
|
68 |
68 |
|
1996 |
| 111 |
P |
P |
|
|
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Tringa erythropus
UK: Spotted Redshank
DK: Sortklire
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Spotted Redshanks occur at sheltered sites with soft substrates by the coast and
in lower numbers also at inland sites.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a passage visitor to Denmark.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The birds occurring in Denmark breed in Norway, Sweden, Finland and northwest
Russia and winter mostly in west Africa, though some stay in west Europe and the
Mediterranean. No overall trend is known for this population, though the substantial
Finnish part is believed to have decreased (Snow and Perrins 1998). The population total
is estimated at 75,000-150,000 (Rose and Scott 19979.
Significance of the Danish population
The majority of the birds pass through Denmark quickly and internationally
important numbers therefore rarely occur. A few more sites might qualify if turnover rates
were known. Up to 2,500 birds equalling 2–3% of population total can stage
simultaneously in Denmark (Asbirk et al. 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Trends within SPAs are not known. Only in the artificial lagoon
"Saltvandssøen" in SPA no. 60 numbers do totals reach internationally important
levels. Also most sites of secondary importance are SPAs and coverage is thus high.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 60 |
|
1269 |
1992-94 |
Species name
Scientific: Tringa totanus
UK: Redshank
DK: Rødben
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Declining, SPEC 2
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Redshanks mainly occur at muddy inter tidal flats. The birds of the
Icelandic ssp. robusta, though, prefer more sandy or stony sites (Meltofte 1993).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor, passage visitor and (mainly Icelandic. ssp.
robusta) winter visitor.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The breeding population of the nominate subspecies has declined in several
European countries. Midwinter counts, though, show stable numbers (Tucker and Heath 1994).
The total number of ssp. totanus on the Eastern Atlantic flyway is estimated at 177,000
(Rose and Scott 1997). Southern breeders of this population mainly winter in the west
Mediterranean though some remain in northwest Europe while most of the northern breeders
winter in west Africa (Meltofte 1993). Icelandic birds – numbering 109,000 birds
(Rose and Scott 1997) - winter in northwest Europe mainly in the UK.
Up to 15,000 birds occur simultaneously during passage and up to 2,000 winter, trends
in staging numbers are unknown (Asbirk et al. 1997). Breeding numbers have declined almost
constantly this century, with the exception of a few sites where specialised management
has been shown effective in reversing trends. The breeding population is believed to be
10,000-15,000 pairs (Grell 1998).
Threats affecting staging areas are habitat destruction and deterioration as a result
of land-claim, industrial development, dredging, pollution, human disturbance and spread
of Spartina on inter tidal flats (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Significance of Danish population
15,000 birds equal 5% of the total for both involved populations. Undoubtedly a much
higher percentage utilises Danish areas within a year.
Population trend within Danish SPAs, SPA coverage and significance of SPAs
The material is too small to judge possible trends in staging numbers within
SPAs. The coverage and significance are both high though as all major sites mapped in
Meltofte (1993) are SPAs.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
1983 NSB |
Now NSB |
NDY |
| 57 |
10300 |
1680 |
1992-94 |
| 65 |
2200 |
175 |
1991-95 |
Species name
Scientific: Tringa nebularia
UK: Greenshank
DK: Hvidklire
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: II/2
General ecology and habitat requirements
Staging Greenshanks mainly occur at mud-, sandflats, and coastal lagoons and in
smaller numbers also at inland sites.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a passage visitor to Denmark.
Trends for relevant population(s) overall and in Denmark
The European population apparently fluctuates and overall trend is not clear
(Snow and Perrins 1998). The total size of the population on the Europe/West Africa flyway
is only known within broad limits: 100,000-1,000,000 birds (Rose and Scott 1997). The
total number of birds staging simultaneously is up to 6,400 (Asbirk et al. 1997).
Significance of the Danish population
The only count of numbers of international significance was in the Waddensea (SPA
no. 57) in 1990 with 3,400 individuals (Meltofte 1993). As the birds pass through quickly
the number of birds utilizing a given site during a season is significantly higher than
the max. counts.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
As birds usually only stage for a short time there are large random fluctuations
in numbers counted. Most important staging sites are SPAs and the coverage is thus high.
Wood Sandpiper
Species name
Scientific: Tringa glareola
UK: Wood Sandpiper
DK: Tinksmed
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Vulnerable
Europe: Declining, SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
The species breeds in bogs and other wetlands in heathlands preferably far from
trees.
Occurrence in Denmark
In Denmark the species is breeding visitor and a more numerous passage visitor
from the large populations in the rest of Scandinavia (Meltofte 1993).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
Until the beginning of the 20th century the species was a reasonably common and
widespread breeder in heathlands in Jutland (Grell 1998), while the species has most
probably never been a regular breeder in the Danish Isles (Løppenthin 1967).
Following large scale conversion of heathlands and bogs to other types of landscapes
the species decreased rapidly and the first detailed inventory of the species, which took
place during the 1950s, yielded an estimate of 200-300 pairs at 44 sites. Later
inventories recorded 100-150 pairs at 59 sites (1960-69), 88-112 pairs at 53 sites
(1978-81) and 53-64 pairs at only 20 sites (1982-84). The 1982-84 survey furthermore
showed that there were large year-to-year fluctuations in breeding numbers. Only 9 sites
were occupied in all three years (Grell 1998).
The population during the years 1993-96 was estimated at 63-82 pairs at 12-13 sites.
The population, thus, seems to have stabilised or maybe even recovered slightly, though
the apparently positive tendencies might only be a result of better coverage of the key
sites in Northwest Jutland (Grell 1998).
The main threat at a European level is destruction of breeding habitat through drainage
followed by afforestation or conversion to agriculture and extraction of peat for fuel or
for soil improvement in gardens (Tucker and Heath 1994). In Denmark, disappearance from
some former breeding sites has been attributed to disturbance caused by recreational
activities (Jensen 1995).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is very small in comparison with the European total of
398,842-1,412,474 pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997). Eventual disappearance of the Danish
and the other small remnant, populations in the South part of the species breeding range
will nevertheless mean a marked range contraction.
Most passage visitors occur in the Danish isles (Meltofte (1993), but due to the total
population being very large and the fact that that most visitors only stay for shorter
periods, no Danish locality ever approaches internationally important numbers.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Probably the apparent increase in numbers in Danish SPAs since designation is
mostly an artefact due to better data quality in recent years. There might be some real
increase in a few core areas, though, but the species has disappeared from a number of
smaller localities. The SPA coverage is high, probably above 90%, and the management of
SPAs, especially the few key sites harbouring the majority of the population, are thus of
crucial importance for the Danish population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NDY
NSB |
Comments |
| 5 |
0 |
2 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1993-94 |
| 6 |
2 |
5 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
| 7 |
3 |
4 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
| 10 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1987 |
| 17 |
P |
P |
|
13 |
15 |
|
1993-94 |
| 18 |
3 |
>3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
| 22 |
8 |
12 |
|
35 |
44 |
|
1993-94 |
| 37 |
5 |
10 |
|
7 |
7 |
|
1995 |
| 42 |
4 |
4 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1995 |
| 44 |
2 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
110 |
1995 |
| 46 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
| 48 |
2 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1995
No breeding since 1980s |
| 50 |
3 |
5 |
|
1 |
2 |
|
1993-94 |
| 54 |
0 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1995
Last breeding around 1970 |
| 56 |
1 |
2 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
| 57 |
1 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1991 |
| 58 |
1 |
1 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1989 |
| 61 |
5 |
5 |
|
3 |
6 |
|
1996 |
| 66 |
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
1994 |
| 69 |
0 |
3 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
| 70 |
2 |
4 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
| 91 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-94 |
| Total |
45 |
72 |
|
60 |
77 |
|
|
Gull-billed Tern
Species name
Scientific: Gelochelidon nilotica
UK: Gull-billed Tern
DK: Sandterne
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Endangered
Europe: (Endangered), SPEC 3
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
In Denmark the species breeds on small, sparsely vegetated islands and islets
near suitable foraging areas such as tidal flats or saltmarshes (Grell 1998). Grell (1998)
also states that formerly also large, open dry heathlands were important foraging areas,
but this is no longer the case. The species still utilise the coastal heath - dune area
south of Lakolk (SPA no. 66) for foraging, though.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor in Denmark.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
Main threats toward the species in Europe include loss and degradation of
foraging habitats through agricultural intensification including drainage and use of
pesticides both decreasing prey levels and directly killing birds. Inappropriate water
level management allowing easier access for various mammalian predators or flooding,
egg-collecting for consumption and human disturbance are other detrimental factors (Tucker
and Heath 1994).
From mid 19th century until around 1950 the Danish population fluctuated between 150
and 500 pairs, since then an almost constant population decline and range contraction have
occurred to only 13-16 pairs in 1993-96 (Grell 1998). The breeding success has in recent
years been very low and the species probably only survives as a Danish breeder because of
immigration from the more successful German population (Rasmussen and Fischer 1997).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population is only a very small part of the European total of
4,922-8,551 (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997). Eventual loss of this and the likewise small
(50-60 pairs, Tucker and Heath 1994) German population will, though, mean a marked
contraction of the species European range.
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Until the mid-1980s, the Danish colonies were situated more northerly in Jutland.
Deteriorated habitat quality at some important foraging areas and (in SPA no.38)
immigration of Fox (Vulpes vulpes) to an important breeding island at that time caused a
shift of breeding sites to the Waddensea area (Grell 1998). The coverage is 100%. Probably
the total population also bred in SPAs before the shift to the Waddensea region. The
management of the few SPAs still holding this species is of paramount importance for the
Danish population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 52 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1997 |
|
| 55 |
|
|
|
7 |
7 |
|
1997 |
|
| 65 |
|
|
|
3 |
3 |
|
1997 |
No breeding success 1997 |
| Total |
|
|
|
11 |
11 |
|
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Sterna sandvicensis
UK: Sandwich Tern
DK: Splitterne
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Declining, SPEC 2
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
Breeds on small sparsely vegetated island and islets mainly by the coast and
almost always in conjunction with colonies of Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus).
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and in smaller numbers a passage visitor from
the small populations in the rest of Scandinavia. Probably birds from Northern Germany are
also part of the flocks of moulting birds of up 5,000 occurring at Blåvandshuk (SPA no.
50) (Grell 1998).
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The country probably held a population of 7,000-8,000 pairs until around 1950. A
marked decline occurred from then until the early 1970s, where the population was
approximately halved. The reduction was caused mainly by egg collecting for consumption
and other disturbance, the increase in the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) population.
Possibly decreased prey availability as result of intensive fishery on sandeels
(Ammodytidae) was also partly responsible for the observed decline (Ferdinand 1980). After
some recovery in the 1980s, a decrease in the main colony at Hirsholmene (SPA no. 11)
occurred for reasons unknown and in 1993-96, the total Danish population was estimated at
4,500 pairs (Grell 1998). Main threats toward the Danish population are disturbance,
invasion of predators including the alien Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) and American Mink
(Mustela vison) on formerly predator-free islands and possibly the decrease in the Danish
population of Black-headed Gull (Grell 1998).
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish population amounts to 3-4% of the European total of 119,561-141,784
pairs (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
Overall the population within SPAs has been almost stable, but much change in
numbers has occurred within the specific areas. For instance the important colony at
Hirsholmene (SPA no. 11) held 1400 pairs at designation, 3,000 pairs in 1988 and 1356
pairs in 1994. Around 1940 the colony held no less than 4,000 pairs. The other main colony
at Langli in SPA no. 55 has increased rapidly in recent years (Laursen 1999) and held as
many as 1,600-1,800 pairs in 1999 (Thor Bue Hansen pers. com).
The coverage is high, nearly 95%, and proper management of SPAs, especially regarding
protection from human disturbance is therefore of utmost importance for the Danish
population of the species.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY/ Comments |
| 1 |
20 |
20 |
|
22 |
22 |
|
1993 |
| 2 |
200 |
200 |
|
0 |
1 |
|
1994 |
| 9 |
100 |
100 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993 |
| 10 |
|
|
|
60 |
60 |
|
1987 |
| 11 |
1400 |
1400 |
|
1356 |
1356 |
|
1994 |
| 23 |
150 |
300 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1987-88 |
| 31 |
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
1995 |
| 36 |
300 |
300 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1994 |
| 38 |
1650 |
1650 |
|
1050 |
1520 |
|
1994-96 |
| 55 |
0 |
0 |
|
1355 |
1355 |
|
1997 |
| 57 |
|
|
|
0 |
0 |
|
1991 |
| 65 |
P |
P |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1997
No breeding after 1987 |
| 71 |
100 |
100 |
|
100 |
140 |
|
1996 |
| 75 |
100 |
200 |
|
300 |
300 |
|
1994 |
| 76 |
|
|
|
78 |
78 |
|
1994 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1995 |
| 83 |
50 |
200 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1993-96 |
| 84 |
|
|
|
200 |
200 |
|
1985-89 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
40 |
40 |
|
1997 |
| 89 |
200 |
200 |
|
170 |
170 |
|
1993-96 |
| 96 |
P |
P |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1988 |
| 98 |
400 |
400 |
|
16 |
16 |
|
? |
| 110 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1993 Probably no longer breeds |
| |
4672 |
5072 |
|
4749 |
5260 |
|
|
Species name
Scientific: Sterna hirundo
UK: Common Tern
DK: Fjordterne
Red-list and SPEC status DK/Europe/World
DK: Not listed
Europe: Secure, non-SPEC
World: Lower Risk (least concern)
Annexes: I
General ecology and habitat requirements
The species breeds both at coastal localities, on islands and islets and by
freshwater lakes.
Occurrence in Denmark
The species is a breeding visitor and an abundant passage visitor from the large
populations in Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Trends in Danish population - long-term and 1983-1998
The trend in the Danish population before the 1960s is not well known as many
observers were unable to tell the present species from Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea),
but the population is believed to have decreased since the 1940s. The population was
estimated at 600-800 pairs in the period 1970-76, at 1,500 pairs in 1988 and at 1,000
pairs in 1993-96. The species fluctuates markedly from year to year, but the increase
(recovery) during the 1980s was apparently the result of the creation of numerous island
reserves with entry prohibited during the breeding season. The reasons for the renewed
decrease are unclear, possibly there are some longer term fluctuations involved (Grell
1998).
Probably the main threat toward the Danish population still is disturbance at breeding
sites. Too high vegetation on breeding sites as result of abandonment and reduced food
availability as a result of over-exploitation of fish stocks and eutrophication of lakes
and coastal waters might also play some role.
Significance of the Danish population
The Danish breeding population is only a small part of the European total of
225,105-287,250 (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997).
Population trend within Danish SPAs and SPA coverage
The apparent increase in numbers within SPAs is probably partly a result of
better coverage. Several colonies were at designation just registered as P for present in
the new data these colonies appear with exact numbers. Some larger colonies are known to
have become established or to have increased during the period, though. Some local
disappearances or decreases have also been noted. The population within SPAs is probably
much the same or slightly higher than at designation.
Though many breeding sites are outside SPAs (Grell 1998), these typically harbour
single pairs or small colonies and the coverage is probably not below 90%, and proper
management of SPAs is therefore of crucial importance for the Danish population.
Occurrence in Danish SPAs
| Area no. |
Min. BP |
1983 Max. BP |
NSB |
Min. BP |
Now Max. BP |
NSB |
NDY |
Comments |
| 1 |
0 |
0 |
|
45 |
45 |
|
1993 |
|
| 9 |
20 |
20 |
|
16 |
16 |
|
1993 |
|
| 10 |
|
|
|
5 |
6 |
|
1987 |
|
| 11 |
25 |
50 |
|
175 |
175 |
|
1994 |
|
| 13 |
|
|
|
1 |
1 |
|
1994 |
|
| 15 |
20 |
20 |
|
10 |
10 |
|
1997 |
|
| 20 |
|
|
|
20 |
20 |
|
1995 |
|
| 21 |
|
|
|
1 |
3 |
|
1987-89 |
|
| 23 |
40 |
40 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1987-88 |
|
| 30 |
|
|
|
0 |
6 |
|
1988-89 |
|
| 38 |
50 |
50 |
|
140 |
140 |
|
1996 |
|
| 39 |
P |
P |
|
12 |
12 |
|
1998 |
|
| 43 |
11 |
18 |
|
12 |
12 |
|
1993-94 |
|
| 47 |
15 |
15 |
|
0 |
0 |
|
1988 |
|
| 52 |
|
|
|
72 |
72 |
|
1997 |
|
| 55 |
P |
P |
|
4 |
4 |
18,000 |
1997 |
| 
