Ecologie, aantallen en bescherming van roofvogels in Georgië

This article discusses the ecology and nature conservation problems of raptors in Georgia (Caucasus). It highlights the international importance of the eastern Black Sea route for migratory raptors, which in autumn pass in their thousands along the Suram Range and through a bottleneck near the port of Batumi (Table 1, Fig. 1). Kolkheti Lowland also harbours important wintering raptor populations of Whitetailed Eagle, Rough-legged Buzzard, Saker Falcon, Hen Harrier and Black Kite. The practices of Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus trapping for falconry and indiscriminate shooting of migratory raptors and other birds present major conservation problems along the coast in western Georgia and northeastern Turkey. A probably underestimated 1500-3000 raptors perish annually as a result of these practices (Table 2). A detailed account of this problem was published by Van Maanen et al. (2001). The importance of inland migratory routes for raptors is discussed. The second part treats ecological aspects and available information on population and conservation status of assorted breeding raptors in Georgia (breeding status summarized in Table 3), in particular Imperial Eagle (Table 4) and large vultures.