The results of bird monitoring in the Special Nature Reserve "Slano Kopovo" in the period 2021-2023

Monitoring avian fauna in protected areas is crucial for detecting changes in populations of key species and communities, identifying threatening factors, and for the planning and implementation of conservation and management measures. The Special Nature Reserve "Slano Kopovo" (Vojvodina, Serbia) is a protected area and part of the Important bird and biodiversity area "Slano Kopovo" . From 2021 to 2023, systematic monitoring of key and indicator bird species was conducted in the Special Nature Reserve "Slano Kopovo." This included monitoring of the migration of geese and cranes, autumn migration of passerines, common bird species, breeding of the Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica), the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus), the Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), the Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta), the Common Redshank (Tringa totanus), and breeding of the European Roller (Coracias garrulus). The results indicate the significance of the area for all selected species, but also highlight conservation challenges and the need for the implementation of active protection measures. Notably, the necessity for managing hydrological regimes is emphasized, as water scarcity during various times of the year significantly impacts both breeding and non-breeding birds in the area. The monitoring also underscores the importance of active conservation measures targeted at specific species, as exemplified by the use of nest boxes for the European Roller.