Romanov M., Masterov V.
RJEE Vol. 9 (4). 2024 | DOI: 10.21685/2500-0578-2024-4-3
Abstract | PDF (Rus) | Additional files
Receipt date 15.08.2024 | Publication date 26.12.2024
APPLICATION OF SURVIVAL ANALYSIS METHODS FOR ASSESSING FLIGHT INITIATION DISTANCE IN BIRDS
M.S. Romanov1, V.B. Masterov2
1 Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology – branch of the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics
2 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
1 romanov.eagle@gmail.com, 2 haliaeetus@yandex.ru
Abstract. One of the main ways to protect rare and vulnerable bird species in their habitats is to establish buffer zones, the size of which is determined by the behavioural characteristics of the species, such as the avoidance response. This response is quantified experimentally, by estimating the flight initiation distance. This approach, which involves obligatory startling of birds, in itself has a negative impact on the population to be protected. The method we used does not require the obligatory startling of birds, but instead records the minimum distance to the bird and its response (whether it was flushed or not). This experimental design generates a large amount of censored data, which were analysed using survival analysis methods (Kaplan-Meier estimator). This allowed us to estimate the flight initiation distance for Steller’s sea-eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) in Northeast Sakhalin and in the Lower Amur region, to determine the recommended radii of buffer zones around bird habitats and to identify factors influencing the birds’ response. The analysis showed that birds are more afraid of human observers than of vehicles; large groups of birds are more cautious than small groups and individuals; eagles are more vulnerable in spring than in summer. In spring, it is recommended that a 500 metre buffer zone be established around important nesting sites and mass gatherings of birds. In summer, a buffer zone of 300 metres is sufficient. Our experience confirms that this method can be recommended for use in analysing bird responses to disturbance. The method we used is less stressful, as it does not require mandatory startle. As a result, this approach can be used in parallel with other types of work in areas where birds are present, without causing additional disturbance to them.
Keywords: flight initiation distance, survival analysis, Steller’s sea eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus, Sakhalin Island, censored data
For citation: Romanov M.S., Masterov V.B. Application of survival analysis methods for assessing flight initiation distance in birds. Russian Journal of Ecosystem Ecology. 2024;9(4). (In Russ.). Available from: https://doi.org/ 10.21685/2500-0578-2024-4-3