Urban mallard population (Anas platyrhynchos) in Saratov: Wintering, nesting, degree of synanthropization

Abstract

The article refl ects data on year-round studies of the urban mallard population in Saratov, allowing the assessment of the condition and the study of the factors infl uencing its formation. An estimate of the mallard population in the winter periods of 2020–2023 is presented. It is shown that the number negatively correlates with frosts and precipitation, and there is a statistically signifi cant positive relationship between the number of people feeding ducks and the number of mallards. The state of the wintering and nesting population is assessed according to the index of synanthropization, the rate and path of penetration of the species into urbanized landscapes, and the stage of formation of the urban population in Saratov is determined. Adaptations of mallards to life in urban conditions and their impact on the ecology of the species as a whole are highlighted. The article emphasizes the need for further research on the impact of urbanization on mallard ecology and the benefi ts of this species for the urban ecosystem. The importance of monitoring population dynamics for its adaptation to the urban environment and maintaining the stability of the entire population is noted. In addition, the article provides a basis for further studies of the urban mallard population and can be a valuable source of information for the development of local programs for managing the available resources of ducks living in the park area of the city.

Keywords

• anas platyrhynchos
• wintering
• nesting
• dynamics
• synanthropization
• saratov