Domashevskyi S. Birds of Prey (Falconiformes) of Central Polissya of Ukraine (current state, biology and conservation issues)

The dissertation covers the results of research on the species composition, distribution and abundance dynamics, the presence status of Birds of prey on the territory of Central Polissya. 29 species have been registered in the region, breeding has been confirmed for 19 species, 2 species were recorded only during migration – Osprey and Pallid Harrier, 5 species were observed during migrations and during wintering (Hen Harrier, Rough-Legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Gyrfalcon and Merlin), 3 species are vagrant (Red Kite, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture). An analysis of the abundance change of Birds of Prey during the 1890-2020s was made. It was found that, despite the growth of species diversity, the part of rare species gradually increased, but most species of Birds of Prey were rare. During the research of species diversity and the abundance of raptors within the selected study areas, it was found that the most numerous species was the Buzzard, which dominated on most of them. The Goshawk was also recorded in all study areas. Montagu’s Harrier, Black Kite, Short-toed Eagle and Kestrel had a relatively low abundance. Among the Birds of Prey that breed on the territory of Central Polissya, several groups are distinguished, the representatives of which demonstrate different strategies of adaptive behavior, and therefore different results of the influence of negative factors on them. The Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Montagu’s Harrier, Saker, Red-footed Falcon and Goshawk need priority attention, and their abundance continue to decline.