Yanenko V. Ecological traits of the quail (Coturnix coturnix L.) populations in Ukraine (density, numbers, migrations, conservation)

The indexes of breeding density and numbers of Common Quail for 5 different physiographic zones of Ukraine were gotten for the first time. The biotopical distribution of Common Quail populations in different regions of the country has shown that major percentage of it is concentrated on the areas of agrocenosises and meadows. It is defined that the most suitable areas for Common Quail breeding are concentrated in mixed forest, broadleaf forest and forest steppe zones. It is also defined the regional particularities of Common Quail seasonal migrations terms in Ukraine, which showed deviation of mean arrival and departure dates in 19 regions of the country. On the base of retrospective and original data the flyways of Common Quail and its changes were studied in Ukraine within migration season during 1975-2005. For the first time it is defined the state of Common Quail populations conservation on the network of nature reserved territories and beyond of it in Ukraine. About 90 items on nature reserved territories in Ukraine have been defined for Common Quail as suitable for breeding and conservation. The recommendations for Common Quail populations protection and conservation on nature reserved territories and beyond them as well are presented.