Arthropod Abundance at Bustard Nesting Sites in the Saratov Trans-Volga Region

Abstract

The results of study of the quantitative and qualitative composition of arthropod communities at potential nesting areas of great bustard (Otis tarda) in the Saratov Trans-Volga region are reported. Specific data collected at seven areas (two plowed fields, two fields of winter and spring wheat, two fallows of different ages, and virgin land) in 2012 are presented. Comparative analysis of some parameters of arthropod abundance and biomass on chemical-treated and untreated winter crop fields has been conducted. The results obtained have been compared to those of previous years. The current conditions for rearing of nestlings on natural fallow lands of different ages and on early-spring crop fields in the Saratov Trans-Volga region during the nesting period of O. tarda are favorable. The abundance and composition of arthropods in winter crop fields treated with a complex of chemicals do not meet the requirements for the rearing of O. tarda nestlings.