BIOLOGICAL FEATURES AND PROTECTION OF THE SPARROW HAWK ON THE TERRITORY OF PRYDNISTROVSKE POKUTTIA

Within the boundaries of the Prydnistrovske Pokuttia, the sparrow hawk remains a rare species during the nesting period, the density of which varies from 0.24 ind./km2 (tree plantations near settlements) to 1.35 ind./km2 (isolated forests). The total livestock of the local population ranges from 170 birds in winter up to 400 birds during the nesting period. In the nesting period it feeds on 10 species of birds and animals, in the autumn-migratory period it feeds on 20 species, and in the winter period it feeds on 14 species, mainly small rowan birds. The population of the sparrow hawk is largely influenced by such anthropogenic factors as death from pesticides, the effect of a short circuit on power lines and the elimination of young birds as a result of collisions with vehicles on roads.