Scientific Annals of the Danube Delta Institute (Oct 2008)
Preliminary data on the ornithological fauna of the islet forming in the south part of Musura Gulf , between Stambulul Vechi (Ukraine) and Sulina (Romania) branches of the Danube
Abstract
For several tens of years, Sacalin Island has been regarded as the classic example of a new biotope forming in the easternmost part of the Danube, resulted as an interaction between the river and the Black Sea, host to specific flora and fauna; presently, the island tends to become a maritime levee, gradually joining the mainland and Holinca levee. Therefore, the area is losing its physical and geographical features as a new formed territory, including its unique characteristic as an optimal site for the establishment of waterbird colonies. A similar process of islet forming has been recently taking place in the east part of Musura Gulf, between Stambulul Vechi - Starâi Stambul (Ukraine) and Sulina (Romania) branches. The Ukrainian name of the site is Novaia Zemlia – New Land, and the country borders have already been marked. The new formed islets host a rich and diverse ornithological fauna, dueto their location and spatial orientation. On the Romanian side of the site, the reappearance of Sandwich Tern (Sternasandvicensis) colonies, represented by a great number of pairs, as well as Common Terns (Sterna hirundo), has been noted. Also, the site hosts the largest Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans) colony in the country; the breeding of the Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) and of the Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) has been documented. The observations performed up to present lead us to conclude that this new formed land is a model for the evolution of river-maritime sandbanks as a result of sedimentation; it is also of a major ornithological importance for the roosting, feeding and nesting ofboth sedentary and migratory species. Further monitoring is imperative in order to designate the site as a core area andresearch based on transboundary cooperation is required.
