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Status and mortality factors of the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) in Croatia during the 20th century

In the 20th century the Great Bustard (Otis tarda) was a passage migrant and winter visitor in Croatia. Birds observed in Croatia belong to the Central European population for which the harsh winters were identified as the most important cause for adult bird mortality. We investigate the mortality factors of adult birds in Croatia. Data on the occurrence of the Great Bustard in Croatia were collected from the literature and from feedback of a questionnaire distributed among hunters in 2004. During the 20th century, 35 records of at least 60 birds were reported. Occurrences were more frequent at the beginning of the century, but they turned scarcer and more irregular in later years. Birds were observed between October and April. During winter, Great Bustards were more frequently recorded in Southern Croatia, while records from Northern Croatia dominated during autumn and spring. From the total number of records, 57% referred to birds being shot. Shooting occurred be-tween December and March mostly in Southern Croatia. The Great Bustard is strictly protected by law in Croatia since 1967, with one recorded case of birds being illegally shot since the hunting ban has been imposed.

Otis tarda; adult mortality; illegal hunting; Croatia.

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