Journal of Siberian Federal University. Biology / Species Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Birds in the Sengyakha River Basin (Malozemelskaya Tundra, Nenets Autonomous Okrug)

Full text (.pdf)
Issue
Journal of Siberian Federal University. Biology. 2026 19 (3)
Authors
Mineev, Oleg Yu.; Kochanov, Sergey K.
Contact information
Mineev, Oleg Yu. : Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Syktyvkar, Russian Federation); ORCID: 0000-0002-6587-8653; Kochanov, Sergey K.: Institute of Biology of Komi Science Centre of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Syktyvkar, Russian Federation); ; ORCID: 0000-0002-5810-6452
Keywords
Malozemelskaya Tundra; Sengyakha River basin; avifauna; distribution and number of birds
Abstract

The study presents new data on the abundance and distribution of birds in the Sengyakha River basin. Fieldwork was conducted in June-July 2022. During boat surveys, an 80-km stretch of the Sengyakha River (from its upper reaches to the Sengeyskiy Strait), as well as the delta and lower course of its tributary, the Yarbayakha River, were examined. Additionally, transect counts were conducted in various biotopes along the route. Based on the survey results and literature data, a total of 86 bird species belonging to 9 orders were recorded. The following bird population densities and species richness were recorded in the surveyed biotopes: willow–dwarf shrub–moss floodplain – 182.4 individuals per 1 km2 (42 bird species); ecotone between the floodplain and dwarf birch–dwarf shrub– moss–lichen tundra – 132.3 individuals per 1 km2 (39 species); moss–lichen swampy tundra – 135.6 individuals per 1 km2 (25 species); dwarf shrub–moss–lichen coastal tundra – 215.8 individuals per 1 km2 (28 species); laida (coastal meadow) in the Sengyakha River delta – 137.7 individuals per 1 km2 (19 species). The most frequently encountered species included Red-throated Pipit, Common Redpoll, Willow Warbler, Lapland Bunting and Horned Lark. The studies highlight the significance of the Sengyakha River basin as a major stopover site for numerous migratory birds and an important breeding and moulting area for species such as Whooper Swan, Bewick’s Swan, Bean Goose, Long-tailed Duck, Common Scoter, White-tailed Eagle, Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon. The basin is therefore worthy of inclusion into the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention

Pages
539–560
EDN
NBQGBY
Paper at repository of SibFU
https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/160154

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