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Exploring how suitable habitat and population size of Red-crowned crane Grus japonensis respond to long-term coastal reclamation plays an important role in species conservation and in related coastal management. Here, we combined field data for suitable habitats and wintering population size of G. japonensis with GIS-based information to elucidate the influence of long-term coastal reclamation on this species and related conservation efforts. During 1975-2013, the intensity and spatial extent of coastal reclamation exhibited a temporal change, increasing dramatically in 1975-2000 and lessening considerably in 2000-2013. Under the pressure of long-term coastal reclamation, the decline of suitable habitat of G. japonensis was affected by increasing levels of human disturbance and decreasing availability of natural habitat. Moreover, the wintering population size of G. japonensis exhibited a decreasing trend during 1975-2013 as a result of the decreasing availability of fish ponds, bare tidal flats, and increasing spatial extent of residential areas and P. australis habitat, which were indirectly affected by long-term reclamation. Our results highlight the importance of considering the long-term effects of coastal reclamation on both populations and suitable habitat of G. japonensis, which should be considered in future plans for coastal management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on wintering population of white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla Linnaeus, 1758) presented in this report were synchronously sampled by experienced voluntary observers from 50 stationary points on 26. 1. 2013 since 9:00 till 14:00. Points were distributed along Danube banks between river km (rkm) 1863-1708 (with partially uncovered sections between rkm 1775-1764, 1741-1735, 1731-1727, and 1722-1714) and dikes of Gabčíkovo hydro power plant's (GHPP) storage lake and head- and tailwater canal. Points were arranged to provide optimal range of vision from each one. Census was realized in favourable weather conditions with good visibility. Totally, in whole investigated area of Danube River and water bodies of GHPP, 57 individuals of W-tSE were recorded. Among them, 20 adults and 23 immature birds were identified. Highest concentration of W-tSEs was found in river sections of the Danube river between RKM 1818-1808 (10 W-tSEs (4 adults, 6 immatures)), rkm 1828-1818 (7 W-tSEs (3 adults, 4 immatures)), rkm 1843-1835 (7 W-tSEs (2 adults, 1 immature)) and in upper part of storage lake of GHPP, rkm 1857- 1853 (4 W-tSEs (1 adult)). Highest density was in section of branch system with adjacent area (rkm 1843-1809) with 0.79 bird per 1 rkm) and storage lake of GHHP with adjacent area with 0.71 bird per 1 rkm). Lowest density (0.18 bird per 1 rkm) was found in section rkm 1766-1709 with highly urbanized right bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]