Reproductive ecology of the great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus) in the conditions of the drainage canal of the Poltava mining and processing plant

Purpose. To investigate the reproduction ecology of the great warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus in the territory of the drainage canal of the Poltava Mining and Processing Plant in order to preserve the species in the conditions of a technogenic landscape. Methods. Field: bird counts on permanent routes. Statistical: processing of the obtained data. Results. The ecological features of large warblers within the drainage canal were studied. Biotope conditions, nesting adaptations, and population dynamics of the species were analyzed. A decrease in the nesting density of warblers from 11.8 pairs/km2 (2022) and 9.5 pairs/km2 (2023) to 6.2 pairs/km2 (2024) has been established, it is associated with several factors, but most of all it is due to disturbance during the nesting period and abiotic factors. It has been proven that drainage canals with dense riparian vegetation provide a favorable environment for nesting and feeding birds. The behavioral nesting strategies of warblers and their response to parasitism by the cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) have been studied. The reproductive period of the Great Warbler was approximately 41 days, depending on external environmental conditions (natural factors, food availability). The nests are located at a height of 120–160 cm above the water level to avoid flooding during rising water levels in the drainage canal. The average distance between neighboring nests was 28.3±3.5 m. Appropriate measures should be implemented to increase the number of the Great Warbler nesting population on the drainage canal. Conclusions. The role of artificial wetlands in maintaining biodiversity is described. Recommendations are proposed for the conservation of greater warblers by minimizing negative impacts, maintaining the stability of the drainage canal ecosystem, and regular monitoring of this man-made area.