Factors That Attract Birds within the Area of the International Airport Craiova, Romania, and Certain Control Measures

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1 Travaux du Muséum National d Histoire Naturelle «Grigore Antipa» DOI: /travmu Vol. 59 (2) pp Research paper Factors That Attract Birds within the Area of the International Airport Craiova, Romania, and Certain Control Measures Mirela Sabina RIDICHE 1, *, Tudor Ciprian Radu PĂTRUȚOIU 2, Angela PETRESCU 3 1 Museum of Oltenia Craiova Natural Sciences Department, 8 Popa Șapcă Str., Craiova, Romania. 2 S.C. Explo 06 S.R.L., Craiova, Romania. 3 Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History, Şos. Kiseleff no. 1, Bucharest, Romania. * corresponding author: rimirela@yahoo.com Received: July 27, 2016; Accepted: December 13, 2016; Available online: December 20, 2016; Printed: December 30, 2016 Abstract. The present study renders the results of the observations made in the biotopes located within the perimeter of International Airport Craiova and its close proximity (0 3 km), during all the seasons between 2013 and During the research, we recorded a total of 58 species of birds, many of them showing a high degree of adaptability to the environmental conditions marked by an increased anthropogenic impact. Large-sized species that fly highly and the species characterized by a gregarious behaviour, represent a real threat to aircraft safety. The temporary or longer presence of birds in the area of the airport is due to the optimum living conditions generated by a series of natural and anthropogenic factors. Besides the enumeration and presentation of the way these factors act, we developed a series of measures that can reduce or counteract the area attractiveness to birds by eliminating or restricting to a minimum the trophic resources and opportunities for rest. Key words: attractive factors, birds, control measures, airport, Craiova. introduction The International Airport Craiova (I. A. C.) is located in Oltenia Plain (South Romania), on the left bank of the Jiu River, at an altitude of 191 m a.s.l. and 7 km from the centre of Craiova city ( The northeastern and eastern parts of the area, adjacent to I. A. C., are a part of the Teslui Basin, while the western and south-western parts belong to the Jiu Basin. Located at a distance of less than 3 5 km, the most important wetlands are insignificant as surface and have temporary (ponds, streams, wetlands and / or areas liable to flood) or permanent character, such as Gherceşti Pond / Valley, which springs near the Aircraft Factory (located in the western part of I. A. C). The main biotopes / habitats present in the studied area (I. A. C. and its surrounding area on a distance of 3 km) are: 1. Grasslands and agro / farmland covered either by herbaceous vegetation with bushes of Rosa canina, Prunus spinosa, etc. or crops; 2. Wooded surfaces with trees and shrubs / bushes, more abundant in the western and southwestern neighbourhood of the airport runway and within the leisure area known as the Doctor s Inn located 2 3 km west of the airport; 3. Wetlands (pools, flooded meadows, swampy terrains, fens, canals, watercourses: brooks, rivers, floodplains, etc.); 4. Human settlements. Distribution of bird species in the above mentioned biotopes, their relation to the living environment, the systematic, the phenology and the frequency of species, as well as the risk degree birds may represent for air traffic were analyzed by Ridiche & Munteanu (2015) and Ridiche (in press).

2 236 Mirela Sabina RIDICHE, Tudor Ciprian Radu PĂTRUȚOIU, Angela PETRESCU The analysis of the air traffic risks triggered by birds is a research theme approached by numerous experts from different countries (Thorpe, 1990; Mackinnon, 1998; Knauer et al., 2000); thus, our modest contribution meant to identify new solutions for preventing accidents in the area is quite opportune taking into account the intensification of air traffic in Craiova. material and methods The present study renders the results of the observations made within the biotopes from the perimeter and close proximity (0 3 km) concerning all the ecological aspects in the period As field research materials, we used binoculars (Zeiss Jena and Bushnell 12 40), bird guide (Bruun et al., 1999) and a photo camera (Sony 15 ). The working method consisted in direct observation from fixed points or in motion on predetermined routes, covered by foot. During our investigations, we noted all the bird species observed and / or signalled acoustically, as well as the biotic (natural and artificial) factors that contributed directly or indirectly to the presence of bird species in the studied ecosystems. results and discussions During our research, we identified 58 species of birds that frequently visit the airport (mainly the grassland adjacent to the track), live in the biotopes from its close proximity 3 km or are just in transit. The most frequented places are rendered in figure 1. Many of the reported species revealed a high degree of adaptability to the environmental conditions characterized by an increased anthropogenic impact (phonic pollution, activity of people and vehicles, etc.), but the real threat to the safety of airplanes is represented by the large species that fly at substantial height and the birds Fig. 1 The places most frequented by birds within I. A. C. (adapted from

3 Birds within the Area of the International Airport Craiova 237 with gregarious behaviour. In table 1, we render the species, the place where they were identified and the risk category each species represents. The temporary or longer stationing of the birds within the perimeter of I. A. C. or in its close proximity is due to the biotic factors (high tree vegetation, bushes, crops, meadows, pools) that generate trophic resources and possibilities for rest and List of bird species identified in the area of I.A.C. (0-3km) No. Species Popular name Perimeter Observations Surroundings (0 3km) Table 1 The risk category 1 Ardea cinerea Grey Heron and and X 2 Egretta garzetta Little Egret - and X 3 Ciconia ciconia White Stork - X 4 Anas platyrhynchos Mallard - and XXX 5 Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk - and - 6 Buteo buteo Buzzard and X 7 Falco tinnunculus Kestrel and and X 8 Perdix perdix Partridge - and XX 9 Coturnix coturnix Quail - and - 10 Phasianus colchicus Pheasant and and X 11 Fulica atra Coot - and - 12 Vanellus vanellus Lapwing - and XX 13 Chlidonias hybrida Whiskered Tern Chroicocephalus ridibundus Black-headed Gull - and XX 15 Larus cachinnans Caspian Gull - and XXX 16 Columba livia domestica Rock Dove and and XX 17 Columba palumbus Woodpigeon - and XX 18 Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove and and XX 19 Cuculus canorus Cuckoo - and - 20 Athene noctua Little Owl - and - 21 Coracias garrulus Roller - and - 22 Upupa epops Hoopoe and - 23 Dendrocopos major Great Spotted Woodpecker - and - 24 Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian Woodpecker - and - 25 Galerida cristata Crested Lark - and - 26 Alauda arvensis Skylark - and - 27 Hirundo rustica Swallow and and XX 28 Delichon urbicum House Martin and and XX 29 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit and and - Abbreviations: stationary; in transit (in flight); risk for traffic: X large and/or medium-sized birds flying solitary or in small groups (2 5 individuals); XX small or medium-sized birds flying in flocks (tens/hundreds of individuals); XXX large or medium-sized birds flying in flocks (tens/hundreds of individuals).

4 238 Mirela Sabina RIDICHE, Tudor Ciprian Radu PĂTRUȚOIU, Angela PETRESCU No. Species Popular name Perimeter Observations Table 1 (continued) Surroundings (0 3km) The risk category 30 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail - and - 31 Motacilla alba White Wagtail - and - 32 Troglodytes troglodytes Wren - and - 33 Luscinia luscinia Thrush Nightingale - and - 34 Turdus merula Blackbird - and - 35 Turdus pilaris Fieldfare - and XX 36 Hippolais icterina Icterine Warbler - and - 37 Sylvia communis Whitethroat - and - 38 Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff - and - 39 Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler - and - 40 Cyanistes caeruleus Blue Tit - and - 41 Parus major Great Tit and and - 42 Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole - and - 43 Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike and and - 44 Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike and and - 45 Garrulus glandarius Jay - and - 46 Pica pica Magpie and and X 47 Coloeus monedula Jackdaw and and XX 48 Corvus frugilegus Rook and and XXX 49 Corvus cornix Hooded Crow - and X 50 Sturnus vulgaris Starling and and XX 51 Passer domesticus House Sparrow and and XX 52 Passer montanus Tree Sparrow and and XX 54 Fringilla montifringilla Brambling - and XX 55 Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch - and XX 56 Chloris chloris Greenfinch and XX 57 Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch and XX 58 Emberiza calandra Corn Bunting and and XX Abbreviations: stationary; in transit (in flight); risk for traffic: X large and/or medium-sized birds flying solitary or in small groups (2 5 individuals); XX small or medium-sized birds flying in flocks (tens/hundreds of individuals); XXX large or medium-sized birds flying in flocks (tens/hundreds of individuals). nesting for a great number of bird species. As many of the identified bird species may provoke different accidents thus threatening the safety of airplanes, we propose a series of measures that can counteract the attractiveness generated by environmental factors (natural and anthropogenic) (Tab. 2). The implementation of the aforementioned measures may contribute to the considerable reduction of natural resources and nesting possibilities in the airport area, but for modifying/arranging and maintaining of the habitats around the runway and in

5 Birds within the Area of the International Airport Craiova 239 Table 2 Attraction factors for the birds in the area of I.A.C. and countermeasures to be taken Attraction factors High tree vegetation (ex. Populus sp.) within the perimeter and the surroundings Forest areas located in the western and eastern proximity of I. A. C. Shrubs, briers and tall grass within the perimeter and the northern and western proximity Herbaceous vegetation Farmlands located in the northern and northeastern proximity Water surfaces: wet grasslands within the perimeter, fens, pools located in the northeastern proximity The posts and fences within the perimeter and the surroundings Constructions, buildings within the perimeter and the surroundings of I. A. C. Hard surfaces: runways, traffic areas Waste / food scraps The relationship of the environmental factors with bird species Nesting habitats: Corvus frugilegus (numerous colonies), Pica pica, Falco tinnunculus. Feeding and reproduction habitats for species, such as: Phasianus colchicus, Turdus merula, Pica pica, Falco tinnunculus, Columba palumbus, etc. Nesting and feeding habitats for the following species: Perdix perdix, Emberiza sp., Lanius collurio. Trophic sources for: Turdus pilaris, Fringilla sp., Carduelis sp. Habitats for micromammals (rodents), used as trophic resources by: Falco tinnunculus, Buteo buteo, Athene noctua. Trophic source for: Perdix perdix, Sturnus vulgaris, Emberiza calandra, Passer sp.,etc. Feeding habitats for: Ciconia ciconia, Corvus sp., Sturnus vulgaris, Columba sp., Streptopelia decaocto, Passer sp., Emberiza calandra. Feeding habitats for: Ardea cinerea, Egretta garzetta, Ciconia ciconia, Anas platyrhynchos, Larus sp., Vanellus vanellus. Places to rest and watch for different species of birds: Falco tinnunculus, Athene noctua, Streptopelia decaocto, Corvus sp., Pica pica, Lanius sp., etc. Shelter and nesting places for anthropophilous bird species: Columba livia domestica, Streptopelia decaocto, Hirundo rustica, Coloeus monedula, Sturnus vulgaris, Passer sp. Stationing and feeding places for: Columba livia domestica, Anthus campestris, Coloeus monedula. Food source for: Columba livia domestica, Streptopelia decaocto, Corvus sp., Pica pica, Passer sp. Larus sp. Possible control measures Pruning the tree canopy where there are crow nests and colonies, to prevent nesting and building other nests. Modification / arrangement and maintenance of the areas covered by tree vegetation from the proximity according to other standards. Elimination of tall grass, shrubs and briers (shrubs with fructifications). Using trained dogs. Reduction, as much as possible, of the surfaces covered by herbaceous vegetation in order to reduce the mice populations and other organisms that are part of the trophic chain of the birds of prey. The herbaceous vegetation must be maintained at an average size without allowing it to produce seeds or it is recommended the replacement of the spontaneous grass vegetation with turf. There can be used poison for rodents (mice and hamsters). The crops around the airport will be carefully monitored and seed debris or household waste removed. Covering / removal of surface water (ditches or small depressions) and elimination of the vegetation that grows on these surfaces. Drainage ditches or water systems, sewers should be underground. Regular use of intimidation techniques, especially of those that produce loud noises. Using trained dogs. Usage of tactile repellents for the ad hoc supports that cannot be eliminated (fence posts), usage of nails or sharp objects in the spots where birds might take a rest. Regular use of intimidation techniques, especially of those that produce loud noises. Increased attention paid to buildings and constructions: blocking the access to hangars, towers, bridges by means of grates; covering the openings or cracks from buildings. Regular use of intimidation techniques, especially of those that produce loud noises. Using trained dogs. Cleaning the airport whenever there gathers garbage and food scraps. Storage of garbage and food scraps unloaded from airplanes in tightly closed containers. There can be used poison for rodents (mice or hamsters).

6 240 Mirela Sabina RIDICHE, Tudor Ciprian Radu PĂTRUȚOIU, Angela PETRESCU the airport surroundings at other standards requires cooperation and involvement of both airport administration and the owners of the land from the proximity The species characterized by a gregarious behaviour (e.g. Columba livia domestica, C. palumbus, Hirundo rustica, Corvus frugilegus, Coloeus monedula, Sturnus vulgaris, Passer sp., etc.) or large-sized species (e.g. Phasianus colchicus, Buteo buteo, Ardea cinerea, Ciconia ciconia sp., etc.) may determine accidents that jeopardize the safety of airplanes and, implicitly, of air traffic (Tab. 1). Analysing the relation of birds with their living environment we noticed that there are many natural and anthropogenic factors (e.g. high tree vegetation, bushes, high grass species, crops, water surfaces, different constructions, waste) that generate favourable living conditions for wild fauna and determine the temporary or longer presence of birds in the studied area. In order to prevent eventual risks for air traffic (collision of birds and aircrafts) we propose a series of measures that may determine the elimination or the diminution of the conditions that facilitate the presence of birds and other species in the area (Tab. 2). references BRUUN, B., H. DELIN, L. SVENSSON (1999) Păsările din România şi Europa determinator ilustrat (Ediţie Românească, adaptată de Munteanu D.). Ed. Hamlyn Guide. London, 320 pp. KNAUER, R. F., K. E. BALLMGER, M. K. GILMORE (2000) Practical application techniques for flight control, anew bird repellent for the aviation industry. International Birdshike Committee Europe, 25: MACKINNON, B. (1998) Large Birds: A Growing Risk. Airport Wildlife Management. Bulletin, 18: 1 10 RIDICHE M. S. (in press) Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the avifauna within the area of International Airport Craiova (0 3 km), Romania, Oltenia. Studii şi comunicări. Ştiinţele Naturii. Muzeul Olteniei Craiova. RIDICHE M. S., D. MUNTEANU (2015) The ecological distribution of the birds from the area of the International Airport Craiova (0 13 km) and the risk degree birds may represent for air traffic. Oltenia. Studii şi comunicări. Ştiinţele Naturii. Muzeul Olteniei Craiova. 31 (2): THORPE, J. (1990) Analysis of Bird strikes reported by European Airlines 1981/ Proceedings of the Birdstrike Committee Europe. 20: *** accessed on *** accessed on