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Labudovi Swans 2015 Zoran Rajic
Labudovi Swans 2015 Zoran Rajic
Labudovi Swans 2015 Zoran Rajic
LABUDOVI
2015
Beograd
Tvoja je reč bila čista
poput labuda belog.
Tvoje ime Vida je simbol svetlosti i sjaja.
Danas ti poklanjam
reč i misao
i svu ljubav bez kraja.
Labudovi su, po svemu sudeći, ne samo najveće već i najlepše ptice među plovušama.
Svojim zanimljivim izgledom i gracioznim ponašanjem, oduvek su privlačili pažnju posmatrača
Vladimir Bjelica Igor Trailović i proučavalaca ptica. U predanjima su im dodeljena bogata simbolična značenja (između ostalog,
Marina, Branka i Dušan Marković Radovan Radoš Paunov simbol su ljubavi i plodnosti). O njima govore mnoge legende i umetničke tvorevine, a na severnom
Vanja, Radmila i Vladimir Mitranović Hasim Murić nebu postoji čak i sazvežđe Labud.
Zoran Miljanić Dragana i Marko Vujić Postoji sedam vrsta labudova. U našim krajevima se najčešće može videti crvenokljuni
labud, poznat i kao – labud grbac. To je, po mišljenju mnogih, najlepši od svih labudova. Svojim
Aleksandar Trailović Zora Stojković
prisustvom na rekama i jezerima, ova ptica znatno doprinosi bogatstvu biodiverziteta i prirodnim
Zoran V. Marčeta Vladeta Vučković lepotama naše zemlje.
Deni i Sonia Porej Dragan Todorović Budući da populacije labudova u divljini predstavljaju deo prirodnog blaga jedne zemlje,
zakonskim aktima su regulisani načini i nivoi njihove zaštite. Ali, u praksi se često dešava da ljudi
ZOOLOŠKI VRT GRADA BEOGRADA Veterinarska ambulanta Dr Vet prekrše zakon koji se tiče zaštite labudova, a da za to ne snose odgovarajuće posledice. Treba
imati na umu da odnos prema njima, i prirodi uopšte, mnogo govori o stepenu kulture, svesti i
BEO ZOO VRT Kumodraška 176,
prosvećenosti stanovništva. Stoga apelujem da se stane na put pojedincima koji uništavaju gnezda
Mali Kalemegdan 8, Beograd 11000, Srbija Beograd 11000, Srbija labudova, kradu njihova jaja ili mladunce, teraju ih ili hvataju, a naročito onima koji ih ubijaju.
www.beozoovrt.rs Spec. vet. hirurgije Srećko Radojičić Ovu knjigu sam napisao s namerom da približim zainteresovanima život labudova, njihove
Izvršni direktor Srboljub Aleksić osobine i navike, a pre svega – želeći da kod čitalaca razvijem ljubav i osećaj odgovornosti prema
njima. Mislim da će iskustva sabrana u njoj biti od pomoći onima koji žele da doprinesu zaštiti
Nature Resource Network s.r.o. Troublemaker production labudova u divljini, kao i onima koji u okviru svoga imanja ili na nekom drugom pogodnom mestu
Using our network to support zoos and aquariums in their Ibarska 13/13 žele da naprave jezerce i uspešno se bave gajenjem tih velelepnih ptica.
Nadam se da će među čitaocima moje knjige labudovi steći nove prijatelje i zaštitnike. A
efforts to make a difference: conserving nature. Beograd 11000, Srbija
verujem i da ćete uživati u čitanju.
www.conservationfocused.com www.troublemaker.rs Autor
Director Martin Davey Miljana Veličković
Pojava ove knjige o labudovima je značajna za krug stručne i laičke publike koja ima Knjiga se odnosi na biološke osobine i život labudova. Autor je sadržinom obuhvatio sve
želju da kroz interesovanje za ptice posebno upozna labudove. Ta knjiga, kao i prethodne vrste labudova, njihovu rasprostranjenost, staništa, stepen biološke ugroženosti, eksterijerne
publikacije Zorana Rajića, predstavlja pokušaj da se koliko je god moguće objedine na jednom i kondicione osobine, način života, određene vidove ponašanja, reproduktivni potencijal,
mestu biološke odlike vrsta labudova i sva iskustva stečena tokom dvadesetšestogodišnjeg ishranu i život u antropogenim faktorom kontrolisanim uslovima. Posebna poglavlja knjige
posmatranja u Zoološkom vrtu grada Beograda i da se nesebično predstave zainteresovanoj obrađuju značajne probleme koji se odnose na zdravstvenu zaštitu i rehabilitaciju labudova,
publici. kao i na trgovinu labudovima.
Bez ikakvih pretenzija, ali sa snažnim, celovitim i stručnim sadržajem, ova knjiga Knjiga predstavlja posebno koristan doprinos zaštiti biodiverziteta ptica, a svojim
počinje da živi život i sigurno će biti dugovečna, jer će u svim radovima i aktivnostima tekstualnim sadržajem i slikovnim prilozima omogućava oplemenjivanje znanja o labudovima
vezanim za labudove biti referentno štivo. – pticama iz bajki.
Možda svojom pojavom ova knjiga pokušava nešto i mimo sadržaja da poruči Knjiga je namenjena širokom i raznolikom krugu čitalaca, a saznanja koja pruža od
akademskim i neprofesionalnim ornitolozima, nenametljivo i ne baš do kraja artikulisano, koristi će biti svima bez obzira na godine starosti, zanimanje i profesiju.
ali sigurno dobronamerno. Možda će drugi neprofesionalni, hobisti-ornitolozi i „posmatrači
ptica” ovu knjigu doživeti kao primer, putokaz i ohrabrenje da samostalno ili u međusobnoj Prof. dr Marijana Vučinić
saradnji ili i u saradnji sa profesionalcima sačine slične publikacije o njima najbolje poznatim Fakultet veterinarske medicine
pticama. Svaki sledbenik ovakvog gesta pozivanja učinjenog izlaskom knjige o labudovima Univerzitet u Beogradu
na svetlost dana objavljivanjem svojih „ptičjih priča” mogao bi bez sumnje samo da obogati
sadašnju nacionalnu literaturu o pticama. Zoranu Rajiću bi takav sled događaja i potvrda
ispravnosti njegovog pristupa bili najveća satisfakcija. Prijatelj životinja Zoran Rajić se posle dva kapitalna dela o primatima oglašava
knjigom Labudovi. Temeljno, obuhvatno, pregledno i jasno, Rajić nam otkriva stvarni
Prof. dr Predrag Simonović život ovih ptica, koje su nadahnule umetnike i simbolizuju lepotu.
Biološki fakultet Ono što je u Srbiji iz naučnog ugla o labudovima pisano, svodi se na nekoliko
Univerzitet u Beogradu desetina radova i članaka objavljenih u zbornicima i prirodnjačkim časopisima.
Imajući za cilj da labudovi steknu nove prijatelje i zaštitnike i da se u Srbiji formira
rehabilitacioni centar za zbrinjavanje povređenih ptica, Rajić pristupa samozadatoj
temi. Rezultat ne izostaje i po prvi put se kod nas pojavljuje knjiga koja je u celini
Knjiga „Labudovi” autora Zorana Rajića daje jedan sasvim originalan i detaljan posvećena labudovima. Autor nije žalio ni truda ni vremena i pred nama je delo koje je
prikaz labudova, ptica koje na svim meridijanima izazivaju divljenje kako svojom crveno slovo u ornitološkom i zoološkom kalendaru.
pojavom, tako i ponašanjem. Zbog toga je autor sa puno entuzijazma rešio da im
posveti knjigu i na taj način omogući ljubiteljima labudova da na jednom mestu dobiju Zoran V. Marčeta
mnoštvo informacija o njima. Predsednik Sveslovenskog književnog društva
Rasprostranjenost
Nastanjuju prostore Evrope i Azije – od Britanije i Irske, preko severnog dela Evrope
i centralnog dela Azije, do istočnog dela Kine.
Zemlje u kojima su primećeni su: Albanija, Austrija, Avganistan, Azerbejdžan,
Belgija, Belorusija, Bugarska, Crna Gora, Češka, Danska, Estonija, Finska, Francuska,
Grčka, Holandija, Hrvatska, Indija, Irak, Iran, Irska, Italija, Jermenija, Kazahstan, Kipar,
Kirgistan, Koreja, Lihtenštajn, Litvanija, Luksemburg, Mađarska, Makedonija, Moldavija,
Mongolija, Nemačka, Norveška, Poljska, Rumunija, Slovačka, Slovenija, Srbija, Španija,
Švajcarska, Švedska, Turska, Ukrajina i Velika Britanija.
Ugroženost
Reprodukcija
Mužjaci su polno zreli sa 3–4, a ženke sa 2–3 godine. Pare se jedanput godišnje,
tokom proleća.
Gnezda (kupastog oblika) grade na izolovanim mestima unutar dobro branjene
teritorije, uvek u blizini vode. Obično ih prave na malim uzvišenjima (ostrvcima ili nasipima),
iznad površine vode među trskom i šašem (nekad i plutaju po vodi), često na ostacima
prošlogodišnjeg gnezda. Godinama zaredom koriste isto gnezdo ukoliko su tu imali uspešnu
reprodukciju, ali svake godine ga popravljaju i dodaju nov materijal. Gnezda grade samo
ženke (koristeći okolnu vegetaciju – grančice, trsku i vodeno bilje), dok je uloga mužjaka da
obezbeđuje i donosi materijal. Dno gnezda oblažu perjem. Izgradnja traje oko 10 dana.
Jaja nose od kraja marta do početka juna (mogu ponovo da snesu jaja ukoliko prvo
leglo bude neuspešno). Ženka snese u proseku 4–7 (1–18) bledosivih, bledozelenih ili svetlih
plavičastozelenih jaja. Obično ih nosi u razmacima od po 48 časova. Prosečna dimenzija
jajeta je 115 x 75 mm, a težina 340 g. Jaja su zatupljena sa oba kraja i prevučena krečnom
skramom dok su sveža, a kako period inkubacije odmiče jaja postaju izgrebana (od okretanja)
i dobijaju smeđe tufne.
Ženka disciplinovano leži u gnezdu dok mužjak čuva stražu pored nje, i ukoliko neko,
makar i slučajno, priđe gnezdu, može biti napadnut – kljunom i udarcima krila labudovi će
napasti čak i odraslog čoveka. Mužjak leži na jajima u trenucima kada je ženka na hranjenju
ili ukoliko ženka nastrada. Inkubacija traje 35–38 (negde i do 42) dana od dana polaganja
poslednjeg jajeta.
Svi mladi se izlegu u roku od 26 sati. U gnezdu ostaju samo jedan dan. Ponekad
mužjak povede u vodu sa sobom prvoizleženu pilad, dok ženka ostaje u gnezdu i čeka da se
izlegu preostali mladi.
Mladi labudovi, čim dodirnu vodu, pokreću noge i plivaju bez ikakvog prethodnog
učenja.
Crvenokljuni labud (na našem govornom području poznat i kao – labud grbac) retka
je gnezdarica Srbije. Te ptice su u našim krajevima, u manjem broju, stanarice i delimične
selice, a u najvećem broju su ovde na prezimljavanju. Za prezimljavanje crvenokljunog
labuda od presudnog značaja su mogućnost ishrane i nezaleđena vodena površina.
Prema Pravilniku o zaštiti strogo zaštićenih i zaštićenih divljih vrsta biljaka, životinja
i gljiva („Službeni glasnik RS“ br. 05/10) crvenokljuni labud je zaštićena divlja vrsta u
Srbiji, što podrazumeva mogućnost upravljanja populacijama u kontrolisanim uslovima, to
jest samo uz posebne dozvole nadležnog ministarstva. Svaki drugi oblik nekontrolisanog
ubijanja, hvatanja ili uznemiravanja je strogo zabranjen. Prema Krivičnom zakoniku
Republike Srbije, zlostavljanje zaštićenih životinja je krivično delo za koje je zaprećena
kazna zatvora do tri godine.
1994.
Prema rezultatima posmatranja na području Donjeg Begeja, na lokalitetu Carska bara
31. 01. 1994. primećena su tri odrasla i četiri mlada, 02. 03. 1994. dva odrasla, 08. 06. 1994.
dva odrasla i četiri paperjasta, a 17. 11. 1994. dva odrasla primerka.
12. 02. 1994. godine na ribnjaku „Živića” (Beograd) primećena su dva mlada primerka.
Prethodnih dana bilo ih je tri, ali je jedan smrtno stradao na električnim provodnicima
visokog napona.
10. 03. 1994. je posmatran jedan primerak na Terjanskom ritu kod Čoke.
21. 03. 1994. dva primerka sletela su nakratko na Savu, preko puta zgrade Ribarskog
gazdinstva na Makišu (Beograd).
1996.
30. 03. 1996. na akumulacionom jezeru kod Velebita registrovana su dva primerka,
od kojih je jedan bio mlad.
Prema rezultatima posmatranja na području Donjeg Begeja, 22. 08. 1996. na lokalitetu
Guščara primećena su četiri odrasla primerka.
1996. godine je u Smederevu, na lokalitetu Jezava reka, odnosno bara Jezava, u
neposrednoj blizini Smederevske tvrđave i Dunava, primećen jedan par koji je probao da se
gnezdi, ali su ometani i ženka nije uspela da snese jaja.
1998.
03. 01. 1998. na Jazovačkom ribnjaku posmatran je jedan par.
Prema rezultatima posmatranja na području Donjeg Begeja, 02. 05. 1998. na lokalitetu
Carska bara primećeno je sedam odraslih primeraka.
Prema posmatranjima na delti Dunava, u periodu od 28. 05. 1998. do 02. 06. 1998.
godine, na jezerima i ribnjacima su redovno viđana jata od 150–200, pa i više jedinki.
1998. godine, na reci Krivaji kod Srbobrana, par od prošle godine je ponovo počeo da
se gnezdi, ali je u toku inkubacije jedan primerak (verovatno mužjak) nestao iz nepoznatog
razloga, a ubrzo je stradala i ženka, koju je udavio pas, namerno navođen da to uradi.
1998. godine par koji je primećen u Smederevu 1996. godine (na lokalitetu Jezava
reka, odnosno bara Jezava, u neposrednoj blizini Smederevske tvrđave i Dunava) uspešno je
prebrodio inkubaciju i izveo čak sedam mladih, ali su dva ubrzo nastradala. Mlade je zatim
pohvatao jedan nesavesni građanin, ali su ubrzo bili pušteni na zahtev članova Ekološkog
društva. Ovo je, u XX veku, bio prvi uspešan slučaj gnežđenja crvenokljunih labudova u
Srbiji južno od Save i Dunava. U bari Jezavi ima otvorenih vodenih površina i trske, što im
pogoduje.
1999. 2001.
Prema podacima iz januara 1999. godine, na potezu od Baje do Apatina, na levoj Krajem decembra 2001. godine labudovi su se pojavili na Zapadnoj Moravi. Tokom
obali Dunava, viđeno je: dva mlada primerka na lokalitetu Kupusina (na kanalu DTD), 10 te zime je 70 labudova boravilo na Zapadnoj Moravi i Ibru kod Kraljeva i 37 na Zapadnoj
primeraka na lokalitetu Kolutski ribnjak (nezaleđen je bio samo kanal širine 3 m) četiri Moravi kod Čačka. Na teritoriji Čačka su posmatrana dva jata, od 18 i 19 primeraka. Prvo
primerka na lokalitetu Bački Monoštor – ribnjak, oko 20 primeraka na lokalitetu Bački jato se nakon nekoliko dana razbilo na nekoliko manjih grupa, koje su se rasporedile uzvodno
Monoštor – kanal DTD i četiri primerka na lokalitetu Bezdan (na Velikom kanalu). od grada, kroz sam grad i 2 km nizvodno od njega. U ovom jatu je broj odraslih i mladih
U januaru 1999. je na prezimljavanju u severozapadnoj Bačkoj registrovano 120–130 ptica bio približno jednak. Drugo jato, od 19 primeraka, posmatrano je na Zapadnoj Moravi
2005.
2005. godine na ribnjaku “Mala Vrbica” gnezdila su se četiri para. Jedan par nije imao
uspeha u reprodukciji, drugi je izveo šest mladih, treći devet, a četvrti jedno mlado.
13. 11. 2005. na Futoškom ribnjaku je viđeno 14 primeraka sa kojima je bilo i pet
žutokljunih labudova, a 20. 11. 2005. na istoj lokaciji je viđeno sedam primeraka sa istim
žutokljunim labudovima.
2006.
03. 02. 2006. na Čibukovcu, kod Kraljeva, viđeno je šest labudova.
06. 02. 2006. na gradskoj plaži u Kraljevu viđena su dva labuda.
11. i 12. 02. 2006. posmatran je jedan labud kod ušća Ibra.
18. 02. 2006. na gradskoj plaži u Kraljevu viđen je jedan labud.
07. 03. 2006. na gradskoj plaži u Kraljevu viđena su dva labuda.
05. 11. 2006. na zaostaloj bari u koritu Futoškog ribnjaka viđen je jedan crvenokljuni
labud koji se nalazio u društvu dva žutokljuna labuda.
2007.
Prema posmatranjima obavljenim u periodu od polovine novembra 2006. godine do
prve dekade februara 2007. godine, brojnost crvenokljunih labudova na Futoškom ribnjaku
kretala se od jedne do 74 jedinke.
2008.
Na odlagalištu pepela Termoelektrane „Nikola Tesla” B (10 km zapadno od Obrenovca,
a 4 km od desne obale Save) postoje pumpe i prskalice za zalivanje aktivnih delova deponije,
što omogućava oblikovanje jezeraca, koja se vremenom zabare i obrastu trskom i travom.
Nastanjuju obale velikih reka, velika jezera sa plitkim obalama i močvarna područja,
CRNI LABUD slanovodne lagune, estuare, nepristupačne zalive sa dosta zaklona, vlažna zemljišta, brzake,
Cygnus atratus potoke i vodopade. Ima ih, dakle, na slanim, slatkim i mešovitim vodama.
Ne migriraju, stanarice su, ali žive nomadskim načinom života i u stalnoj su potrazi
za hranom. Kada hrane nestane na jednoj lokaciji, prelaze na drugu.
Naučno je crni labud prvi put opisan 1790. godine, od strane Džona Latama (John Ugroženost
Latham), koji je i dao naučno ime vrsti.
Prvi Evropljanin koji je video crnog labuda je danski mornar Antoni Kan (Antonie IUCN kategorija – najmanja briga, CITES – nisu na listi.
Caen), koji je opisao vrstu tokom posete Zalivu ajkula 1636. godine. Kasnije je danski Nisu ugroženi. Populacija je procenjena na 300000–500000 jedinki.
istraživač Vilem De Vlaming (Willem de Vlamingh) uhvatio nekoliko ptica na Labudovoj Mladunci crnog labuda su mogući plen krupnijim životinjama.
reci u zapadnoj Australiji, 1697. godine, i preneo ih u Evropu. Mnogi ljudi su tada mislili da
se radi o prevari. Fizičke karakteristike
Rasprostranjenost Velika crna ptica, dugačkog vrata. I na engleskom govornom području se, zbog boje
perja, zove „crni labud” (Black Swan). Perje je crno, često sa braonkastim proredom, ali
Postojbina im je Australija (nema ih jedino na severozapadu kontinenta) i Tasmanija, letna pera su čisto bela i vidljiva dok ptica leti.
a naseljeni su na Novi Zeland (kao lovna divljač doneti su na Novi Zeland 1860. godine) Crni labudovi drže vrat uspravljenije nego beli, sa vrhom kljuna spuštenim nadole.
i Novu Gvineju. Naseljavani su i u Evropu kao ukrasne ptice, za potrebe parkova, a 1954. Kljun je narandžastocrven sa belom prugom pri vrhu, noge i stopala su tamnosivi. Oči
godine je prvi put viđena jedna grupa ovih labudova u divljini. su crvene boje. Mladi labudovi su sivobraon boje, sa tamnim kljunom.
Ova vrsta naseljava široku oblast, površine 1000000–10000000 km². Mužjaci i ženke su slični po veličini i izgledu (ženke su, ipak, za nijansu manje od
mužjaka). Mužjaci se mogu identifikovati i u letu – po tome što imaju duži vrat, a i prilikom
plivanja – mužjaci drže vrat uspravljenije.
Dužina tela se kreće u rasponu 114–142 cm. Raspon krila im je oko 1,82 m (1,6–2
m). Mužjak je uglavnom težak 6 kg, a ženka 5 kg. Najmanja zabeležena težina iznosi 3,7 kg,
krupniji primerci su težine 8,75 kg, ali zabeležene su i ekstremne težine koje idu i do 13,5
kg.
Životni vek ovih labudova u divljini je oko 10 godina, a u veštačkim uslovima do 30
godina.
Oglašavanje
Način života
Ishrana
Reprodukcija
Reprodukcija
Mužjaci i ženke su polno zreli sa dve godine. Monogamni su i sparuju se za ceo život,
ali, ukoliko jedno od njih ugine, druga jedinka će naći novog partnera ili partnerku.
Sezona razmnožavanja crnovratih labudova je između jula i septembra, a najkasnije
u novembru. Pri udvaranju mužjaci izvode takozvanu ceremoniju trijumfa – mužjak napada
rivale i tera ih, a onda se vraća svojoj ženki da bi joj se udvarao, uz interesantno poziranje
i oglašavanje. Mužjaci i ženke onda ritmično stavljaju glavu pod vodu i ispravljaju svoje
vratove visoko, dok plivaju jedno oko drugog.
Od raznih vrsta šaša i vodenih biljaka prave masivno gnezdo u gustoj vegetaciji uz
vodu – veliku strukturu koja može ponekad da se nalazi delimično iznad vode ili da pluta.
Ženka polaže 3–7 jaja, svetlodrap (krem) boje, čije su prosečne dimenzije 101 x 66
mm (93–109 x 63–69,3 mm), a težina 238 g (173–274 g). Samo ženka leži na jajima, a
inkubacija traje 36 dana (34–37). Za to vreme mužjak zaštitnički kruži oko gnezda i brani
teritoriju od drugih životinja. Iako su i mužjak i ženka za vreme inkubacije jako zaštitnički
nastrojeni, uspaniče se kad vide ljude i često pobegnu sa gnezda a da ne pokriju jaja.
Mladunci dan posle izleganja imaju prosečnu težinu od 150 g (129–184 g). Iako
je primećeno da oba roditelja mogu da nose mlade na svojim leđima, mužjak uglavnom
preuzima ovu odgovornost nakon što se mladi izlegu, tako da ženka može da se koncentriše
na ishranu, jer mora da povrati težinu koju je izgubila tokom inkubacije. Oba roditelja se
staraju o mladima i štite ih od predatora. Jako su agresivni i koriste svoja krila i kljun u
odbrani mladih od drugih životinja.
Mladi kompletno operjaju sa 70 dana, a ostaju uz roditelje dok ne navrše 8–14 meseci
(neki mladi uz roditelje ostanu i do godinu i po), kada i postaju nezavisni. Iako su već sa dve
godine starosti sposobni da se razmnožavaju, ne formiraju par sve do treće godine.
Naseljavaju različita slatkovodna staništa – jezera, velike reke, bare, močvare pored
CRNOKLJUNI LABUD reka, vlažna zemljišta, marine, estuare, a najviše preferiraju velike plitke močvare, dubine
Cygnus buccinator 30–90 cm i sa mešovitom vegetacijom.
Ugroženost
Naučno ime vrsti je dao Ričardson (Richardson) 1832. godine. IUCN kategorija – najmanja briga, CITES – nisu na listi.
Između 1820. i 1880. godine samo jedna kompanija je stavila u prodaju 108000 koža
Rasprostranjenost ovih labudova. Godine 1930. bili su skoro potpuno istrebljeni. Prema nekim procenama,
1933. godine je preostalo samo 66 crnokljunih labudova. Zahvaljujući naporima i strogim
Nastanjuju prostore Severne Amerike – zapadne delove Kanade i severozapadne merama zaštite, vrsta je uspela da se oporavi i više nije u opasnosti.
delove Sjedinjenih Američkih Država. Ova vrsta naseljava široko područje, površine oko Što se tiče zaštite u prirodi, nemaju nikakav specijalni status. Nisu ugroženi. Populacija
1400000 km². je procenjena na 18000 jedinki.
Ne migriraju daleko, između predela gde se razmnožavaju i mesta za prezimljavanje je Mladuncima opasnost preti od kojota, lasica, vidri i surih orlova. Kada odrastu i počnu
mala razdaljina. Jedino oni labudovi koji žive malo severnije, kao što su crnokljuni labudovi da lete, stopa smrtnosti usled napada od strane predatora je jako mala.
na Aljasci, prelaze nešto veće distance, u zavisnosti od vremenskih prilika. Iako su zaštićeni od lova u celom svom arealu, nekad ih lovci poubijaju, pravdajući se
da su ih zamenili za snežne guske. Jasno se, međutim, mogu razlikovati ove dve vrste, zato
što je snežna guska mnogo manja, ima raspon krila svega 90 cm i crno perje na vrhovima
krila.
Moguća pretnja su im i uništavanje životnog staništa i klimatske promene.
Fizičke karakteristike
Naseljavaju slatkovodna staništa – spore reke, jezera, bare, močvare, lokve i kaljuge. Van sezone parenja ova vrsta je veoma druželjubiva. Jedinke koje se ne razmnožavaju
Labudovi koji se ne pare najčešće se nalaze u jatima duž zaklonjenih obala rukavaca, žive u jatima, odvojeno od parova koji se razmnožavaju.
laguna i plitkih zaliva. Manje su elegantni tokom poletanja i sletanja, treba im veće prostranstvo na vodi, jer
Tokom migracije žutokljuni labudovi često posećuju jezera, rukavce i zaklonjene duže ateriraju nego drugi labudovi. Poleću tako što počnu da trče po vodi. Krilima proizvode
obale. Prezimljavaju na slatkovodnim jezerima, močvarama, poplavljenom zemljištu, glasne šušteće zvuke kada lete.
brakičnim (mešavina slatke i slane vode) lagunama i obalskim zalivima. Često koriste i Odrasli menjaju perje krajem jula i početkom avgusta (nakon perioda razmnožavanja)
i tada ne mogu da lete, otprilike oko 30 dana (nekad i do 6 nedelja). Mužjaci počinju da
poljoprivredne površine i vlažne pašnjake.
menjaju perje pre ženki. Jedinke koje se ne razmnožavaju menjaju perje u isto vreme kad i
one što se razmnožavaju, ali to čine u velikim grupama, dok jedinke koje se pare teže da to
Ugroženost obave na teritoriji gde su se razmnožavale.
Posle mitarenja počinju da migriraju na jug, najčešće krajem septembra, ili u oktobru
IUCN kategorija – najmanja briga, CITES – nisu na listi. (tačno vreme kad se ovo dešava zavisi od vremenskih prilika). Na mesta gde prezimljavaju
Što se tiče statusa zaštite u prirodi, nemaju nikakav specijalan status. Nisu ugroženi. dolaze u oktobru ili u novembru. Migriraju u malim jatima i porodičnim grupama, a zimi
Populacija je procenjena na oko 180000 jedinki. se okupljaju u jata koja broje čak 300–400 jedinki. Tokom migracije često se zaustavljaju
Najveća pretnja njihovoj brojnosti su klimatske promene i uništavanje životnog na jezerima, estuarima, zaštićenim obalama. Tradicionalno prezimljavaju na jezerima,
staništa – isušivanje močvara radi proširenja naselja i poljoprivrednog zemljišta, povećanje močvarama, čak i u plovnim područjima velikih reka, lagunama, zalivima... U poslednje
broja stoke (pogotovo ovaca) koja smanjuje vegetaciju, razvijanje puteva, površinski vreme, sve više koriste i poljoprivredno zemljište i močvarne livade.
rudarski kopovi, postavljanje brana, zagađenja pri eksploataciji nafte i gasa, poljoprivredne Ponovo se vraćaju na mesta za razmnožavanje u martu i aprilu, a nekada čak i tek
hemikalije... Tu je, zatim, ilegalan lov, kao i trovanje gutanjem olovne sačme zaostale od početkom maja, ako su vremenske prilike takve.
lovaca. Razaraju im se gnezda, skupljaju se jaja za ljudsku ishranu, a česta su i uznemiravanja Jedinke koje se ne razmnožavaju, okupljene u jata u tom periodu, uglavnom borave
od strane turista. uz dobro zaštićenu obalu, u estuarima, lagunama i plitkim zalivima.
Spavaju na mestima gde ima dosta otvorene vode, blizu mesta gde se hrane.
Fizičke karakteristike
Ishrana
Imaju žut kljun sa crnim vrhom. Stopala su im crna. Za razliku od crvenokljunog
labuda, nikad ne dižu krila iznad leđa kada plivaju, a i vrat drže uspravnije. Žutokljuni labudovi su uglavnom biljojedi. Ishrana im se sastoji od lišća, stabljika,
mladih izdanaka i korenja močvarnih biljaka – npr. algi i biljaka iz rodova Zostera, Ruppia i
Žutokljuni labudovi su prilično veliki – nešto su manji od crnokljunih. Dužina im je
Potamogeton, zatim trava, rastavića iz roda Equisetum, raznih vrsta trski i šaša... Ponekad u
140–160 cm. Raspon krila je 205–235 cm. Prosečna težina ženki je 8,1 kg, a mužjaka 10,8
ishrani koriste morske i slatkovodne školjke i druge sitne beskičmenjake. Tokom zime hrane
kg. se i semenkama i poljoprivrednim žitaricama, jedu povrće kao što su krompir i repa, a nekad
Neke podvrste žutokljunih labudova, kao što su kolumbijanus (C. c. columbianus), i žir. Mlade ptice u velikom procentu u ishrani koriste odrasle insekte, ili larve hironomida
beviki (C. c. bewickii) i jankovski (C. c. jankowskii) su nešto manji. (vodeni dvokrilni insekti).
Oglašavanje Reprodukcija
Ovo su najglasniji labudovi. Oni ispuštaju prodorne zvuke „vup–vup–vup”, koji zvuče Izdvajaju se u parove koji imaju dobro definisanu teritoriju. Mužjak i ženka se vezuju
kao truba, i zbog toga se ovi labudovi na engleskom govornom području zovu labudovi za ceo život.
galamdžije (Whooper Swan). Ispuštaju 6–7 zvukova, uzlaznih ili silaznih. Njihovo pevanje Gnezda prave na ostrvima ili na obalama plitkih slatkovodnih jezeraca, reka koje sporo
je inspirisalo mnogobrojne kompozitore, koji su često koristili te zvuke u svojim delima i teku, bara, močvara, lokvi i kaljuga. Odgovaraju im staništa gde ima dovoljno emergentne
njima označavali odlazak ili dolazak osoba. vegetacije (koja „viri” iz vode) i trske. Ima ih i u zonama tajgi (četinarskim šumama), pa čak
Ugroženost
Fizičke karakteristike
Koskoroba labud je najmanji od svih labudova, ali i najmanje liči na labudove – ima
duže noge, a mladunci imaju karakteristične šare (liče na mlade patke zviždare), pa su neki
ornitolozi mišljenja da je to prelazni oblik od pataka i gusaka ka labudovima. Generalno liči
na labuda, ali guščiji glas i glava koja podseća na gusku, kao i kljun koji izgleda kao pačiji,
doprinose njegovom neobičnom izgledu.
Ptice oba pola su kompletno bele. Mužjak i ženka liče jedno na drugo. Prosečna težina
Manje migriraju od svih ostalih labudova. Njihovo kretanje je jako slično kretanju mužjaka je veća, ali na prvi pogled praktično je nemoguće razlikovati mužjaka od ženke.
crnovratih labudova, ali im je areal nešto manji. U poređenju sa drugim labudovima, njihova krila su kraća i šira. Kljun je jarko roze do
Tokom letnjeg perioda na južnoj hemisferi, u sezoni razmnožavanja, mogu biti crvene boje i spljošten je. Glava im je sva pokrivena perjem, za razliku od drugih labudova,
primećeni od Čilea do centralnog dela Argentine, pa i do Ognjene zemlje, dok neki idu kojima koža između očiju i kljuna nije pokrivena perjem. Boja nogu je između jarko roze i
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104 LABUDOVI / SWANS Zoran B. R.
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134 LABUDOVI Zoran B. R. Zoran B. R. LABUDOVI 135
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142 LABUDOVI Zoran B. R.
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SWANS
Crnovrati labud u Beogradskom zoološkom vrtu.
131 foto Danilo Peternek
Crnovrati labud u Beogradskom zoološkom vrtu.
132 foto Branko Jovanović (Orange studio Nebojše Babića)
Crnovrati labud u Beogradskom zoološkom vrtu.
133 foto Danilo Peternek
Crnovrati labud u Beogradskom zoološkom vrtu.
134 – 140 foto Jožef Gergelj
Tri odrasla primerka žutokljunog labuda u društvu sa jednim odraslim tundra labudom
na ribnjaku ”Futog”. Držali su se odvojeno od crvenokljunih labudova kojih je bilo u blizini.
Žutokljuni labudovi su povremeno pokazivali znake agresivnosti prema tundra labudu i
terali ga od sebe. Sva četiri labuda redovno su se hranila u plitkoj bari, a često su posmatrani
kako se odmaraju na suvom delu korita jezera.
141 autor fotografije nepoznat
Koskoroba labud pliva po ukrasnom jezercetu u krugu fabrike vina. Fotografija je
napravljena u Portugaliji, u Lisabonu.
Koskoroba labud je izazvao izvesnu konfuziju među ornitolozima. Po nekim
ornitolozima ova vrsta ne pripada uopšte labudovima nego patkama, dok neki misle da ova
vrsta ipak spada u labudove.
142 foto Mateja Jovanović
Autor sa crvenokljunim labudom.
Swans, apparently, are not only the largest, but the most beautiful birds among the waterfowl. Their
extraordinary appearance and graceful behaviour have always attracted the attention of ordinary people
and scientists. Traditionally, they have been assigned numerous symbolic meanings (among others, to be
symbols of love and fertility). Many legends and works of art have also been dedicated to them, even one
of the constellations on the northern sky has been named after them.
There are seven species of swans. The Mute Swan, known also under the name of „Grbac” - is most
often seen in our country. Many find it to be the most beautiful one among all the swans. Its presence on
rivers and lakes considerably contributes to the biodiversity and natural beauty of our country.
The swan population in the wilderness is part of our natural resources, whose protection is regulated
by law. Unfortunately, in practice, many people break that law, without even bearing any consequences for
such acts. It should be remembered that the people`s attitude towards swans, and nature in general, speaks
a lot about their awareness of the problem, their social and cultural development.
This book is an attempt to try and stop those individuals in their swan abuse, nest devastation, egg
and cygnet stealing, their illegal hunting, capture or killing of these beautiful birds.
I wrote this book with the intention to contribute to the preservation of this precious species, and to
make people aware of its existence, life, characteristics and habits. More than anything else, my intention
was to make them love these animals and start feeling responsible for them.
I hope that the experience gathered in the book will help those interested and willing to make their
own contribution to the protection of swans living in the wilderness, as well as those ready to make a small
pond on their farm or some other convenient premises, and be successful in breeding these outstanding
animals.
I sincerely hope that some of the readers of my book will become great friends and protectors of
swans, and that you will enjoy reading the book.
Thank you.
The Author
Mute Swans are widespread over Europe and Asia – from Great Britain and Ireland, over Northern The Mute Swan is one of the largest and heaviest flying birds. Males are bigger than females, and
Europe and Central Asia, up to eastern China. have a big and distinctive protuberance at the maxilla base.
The countries in which they have been observed: Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, It has a long neck, short legs and a duck - like bill. Like other waterfowl, it has webbed feet that act
Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, like ’paddles’ during swimming. When on water, its long S – shaped neck is curved graciously, with the bill
Greece, Holland, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Korea, Liechtenstein, pointed down, unlike other swans swimming with an erect neck and bill.
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldavia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, While taking off, swans run about 20 metres, splashing water with their feet, and waving their
Slovenia, Spain, Serbia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and Great Britain. wings, producing a loud rustling sound.
At the end of the 19th century, these swans were brought to the USA, Canada, Japan, Africa, Adult swans have a completely white plumage. If they live in the water rich in iron, their neck and
Australia, Iceland, New Zealand and the Faeroe Islands, primarily as ornamental birds for city parks and head can become darker in colour. One swan can have about 25 000 feathers.
rich people’s gardens. The bill is orange - red and has a distinctive black protuberance at the maxilla base (basal knot)
They inhabit an area estimated up to 100 000 – 1,000 000 km². with black edges and with a black terminal nail. The area between the bill and eyes is also black. The eyes
Mute Swans are sedentary (depending on their habitat), partially migratory (local migratory or are dark brown, and the feet and legs are mostly black, although the colour may vary up to greyish-pink,
nomadic), and fully migratory birds - from the very cold areas in the north, where they flock in autumn, and especially in leucistic forms.
leave their nests heading for the regions with milder climates, migrating to the South. They are sedentary The Mute Swan cygnets are dark grey - brown that changes to white with growing. The plumage
in the region with mild climate, breeding, and flocking there during the moulting season. becomes white during the first winter, although some feathers stay grey until the second winter. It is in the
European Mute Swans spend winters in the north of Africa and the Middle East; while those from autumn of their second year of age that their plumage acquires its permanent colour. Young swans have grey
the Central Asia spend winters in western India and Korea. In spring, when the breeding season begins, bills, without the basal knot, and their legs are mostly black or dark grey. Their eyes are brown.
swans return to their ’homes’. The Mute Swan is 125 - 160 cm long (from its bill tip to the tail end). A wing, without feathers, is 57
- 62 cm long, the wing span is 1.8 - 2.5 m, while the bill is 9.8 - 10.8 cm long. Their height, while standing,
HABITAT can reach 120 cm.
The weight can vary from 6.5 to 15 kg (the greatest recorded being 22 kg). Females weigh 8.9 kg on
Mute Swans inhabit waters rich in reeds and other vegetation (floating, submerged or underwater). the average (6.5 - 12 kg), males 12.2 kg (8.4 - 15 kg). The weight of newly - hatched cygnets is 210 - 220
They include shallow lakes, pools, swamps, fresh water or salty marshlands, slow - flowing rivers (they g, and gets multiplied 34 times during the period of 160 days, as the cygnets grow rapidly.
prefer clean water streams rich in vegetation to large and polluted rivers), waterfalls, canals, reservoirs, The Mute Swan has the very good eye - sight, as well as hearing. They can fly at very high speeds,
rapids, lakes, ditches, estuaries, marines, coves, lagoons and sheltered coastal bays. even 80 – 90 km/h. While flying, their neck is stretched out and wings move slowly and evenly. Its life span
During the moulting season, flights of adult swans and non- breeders can inhabit brackish or salty is 7 - 11 years in natural habitats (the longest recorded being 19 years), whereas in captivity they can live
habitats, including brackish moors and small brackish channels, as well as shallow coastal areas (brackish up to 20 - 30 years, or even over 40 years.
lagoons and bays).
They easily get used to people and life in urban areas, like city parks. VOCALISATION
CONSERVATION STATUS These swans got their name ’Mute’ due to the fact that they make no sounds at all. Although,
sometimes they can be heard hissing or croaking, usually silently, this being caused by the build of their
IUCN category – least concern, CITES – not on the list. respiratory system.
Mute Swans are not on the list of endangered species. They often overpopulate some areas and
devastate water vegetation, making other birds leave the area. This may cause biotic changes in the BEHAVIOUR
ecosystem. There is also a high incidence of serious crop destruction caused by swans.
In some parts of the USA, these swans are considered pests and some preventive measures in the Mute Swans live in pairs. They are territorial (1 - 10 ha), or live in colonies of over 100 individuals
control of their population are being implemented currently. in the areas where they used to be kept as domestic animals (Great Britain, Poland, and Denmark).
Mute Swans are mostly threatened by hunters/poachers (as they are hunted for food in some Non - breeders and single birds are sociable, they live in flights all year round. The pairs unsuccessful
countries), environmental pollution (polluted water and food due to oil and gas exploiting, mining and in reproduction can leave the territory and join other flights prior to the moulting season. After breeding,
copper ore processing), as well as high - voltage cables and long, severe winters. They are also endangered adult individuals gather in flights of more than 1 000 individuals in open spaces where the birds, unable to
by lead poisoning (ingestion of lead bullets). fly, can be protected. The moulting season lasts 6 - 8 weeks, from mid - June to the end of August.
These swans are aggressive towards other larger birds, especially during breeding and nesting. They
Mute Swans feed on aquatic plants (leaves, stems and roots) or plants growing near water (willow LIFE IN CAPTIVITY
leaves, grasses), agricultural grains and various seeds, water invertebrates, shells, snails, frogs, water insects
and small fish. Mute Swans can be kept on large waters in city parks, zoos or private estates.
They eat only by daylight, getting their food from the bottom (immersing their necks up to the They are territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding season. They attack other birds (of
shoulders), or water surfaces, or land. They eat aquatic vegetation not deeper than 1 meter. The daily white colour only), or their one-year old ‘children’, or even people. So, they should be kept apart from other
food intake is over 25 % of their body weight (males 35 %, females 43 %), which equals over 3 - 4 kg of swans, geese and big ducks. Sometimes it is possible to keep them with smaller ducks; swans would ignore
aquatic plants per day. Young swans feed on plants (provided by their parents), and also insects and water them.
invertebrates. If a formed pair loses the female for some reason, the introduction of a new female may prove rather
These swans destroy plenty of water plants as they pull them out together with roots. One swan, risky; the male will attack ‘her’ from the very beginning.
besides eating 3 - 4 kg, pulls out 9 kg of aquatic plants. Also, they use large quantities of vegetation for The borders of cages that keep swans apart from other animals must not be transparent, or they
building their nests. So, they can completely devastate small shallow waters. should be protected with some vegetation to avoid fighting with other birds through the fence. The height
of the fence should equal the height of the swans at least to prevent fighting over it.
REPRODUCTION Fresh waters with aquatic plants should be provided for these swans.
One pair of swans needs an area of 400 m²; half of which should be water, and the rest of it land.
Males are sexually mature at 3 - 4 years of age, females at the age of 2 - 3 years. They mate once a The coastal area should be shallow and slightly angled to enable swans to get into and out of water
year during spring. easily. They should have a nesting place, too, – small islands, mounted or sheltered premises, and, also,
They build their conical nests in isolated places in a well - defended territory, always near some enough vegetation for building of nests.
water, on small islands or levees, above some water surface and among reeds (they sometimes float on More than one swan pair may be kept in larger areas, where each pair should have its own territory.
water) or using the remains of previous nests. They would use the same nest if it was the place of successful One thing should be kept in mind – in natural habitats, young swans are driven away by their parents in
reproduction, and will rebuild it each following year. Only females build nests, using nearby vegetation – winter or spring, before the next breeding season, so they should be kept separate from adult swans.
twigs, reeds and aquatic plants. Males provide the building material. The bottom of the nest is covered with Swans can be fed grass, clover, lettuce and cabbage, if necessary, instead of aquatic plants. In
feathers. It takes 10 days to build a nest. addition to grains and granulated green feed (pelleted clover), small quantities of fine – cut bread can also
Females lay eggs from the end of March till the beginning of June, and may lay them again if the be included in their diets. Swans eat slowly, so they should always be checked on whether they have taken
first hatch is unsuccessful. One female lays on the average 4 - 7 (1 - 18) greyish, greenish or blue-green enough food, especially if they share the same area with other species. Their diets should be better balanced
eggs usually at 48 hours intervals. An average egg measures 115 x 75 mm, and weighs 340 g. Eggs are flat during hatching. Newly hatched cygnets should be fed adequate diets (special granules for young swans or
on both sides, and covered with a lime film while fresh, but, with time, become scratched (from turning), starter concentrates for younglings, finely – cut greens and hard – boiled eggs. Diets can be changed after
and brown spots appear. three weeks – gradually decreasing protein intake.
A female patiently sits on eggs, while its male keeps guard nearby, ready to defend the nest from Swans are able to defend their territory from most predators. Living on water, they are more easily
any intruder, even a man. A male would lie on eggs either during the time his female is busy eating, or in protected than the young of other animals.
case she gets killed. The incubation period lasts 35 - 38 days, sometimes 42 days. After the separation from their parents, the newly hatched swans should be kept under a light bulb
All cygnets hatch within 26 hours, and spend only one day in the nest. at the temperature of 33 ˚C during the first two weeks. Also, the space should be large enough to enable
Young swans are able to swim the moment they first touch the water; no teaching is needed. cygnets free movement – near to or further away from the lamp, thus making it possible for them to choose
Both parents look after their cygnets; the female hides them under its wings, or carries them on its the appropriate temperature. They should also be given opportunity to swim; a medium – sized bowl will
back during the first week post hatching. do at the beginning.
After hatching, cygnets are greyish - brown and fluffy, and they gradually obtain feathers within After two to three weeks, weather permitting, cygnets could be kept outside, with an unlimited
the next 12 months. The bill is dark bluish and greyish, getting orange in mature birds. Their legs are dark access to greens so that they should start taking care of their food. Their monitoring is necessary during this
blue - grey or light grey - pink only in leucistic forms. They start plumaging when they are 60 days old, and period, as there have been cases of their early deaths due to undernourishment. Water should be supplied
when 120 - 150 days old are fully feathered, ready to fly. When they are one year old, their parents leave ad libitum.
The Black Swan utters a range of various melodic, far - reaching sounds and hissing tones. The
THE BLACK SWAN trumpet - like sound can often be heard at night.
The Black Swan was first described and identified by English naturalist John Latham in 1790. Large flights of Black Swans can cover enormous distances in search for food.
The first European to see the Black Swan was Danish sailor Antonie Caen during his visit to the The Black Swan is very gracious on water, but rather clumsy on land.
Shark Bay 1636. Later, Danish explorer Williem de Vlamingh caught some of these birds on the Swan Due to its length, the Black Swan has to make an effort to take off; it needs a “run“ of at least 40
River, Western Australia, in 1697, and took them to Europe. Many thought it was a fraud.
metres of water. They fly mostly in the evening and during a full moon, producing whistling sounds; then
they rest during the day.
DISTRIBUTION
They moult once a year. During that period they are not able to fly, but stay on large open waters.
The native habitats of Black Swans are Australia (except for the northwest of the continent) and They communicate by sounds or visual contacts; they raise their necks and loudly move wings in
Tasmania. The birds were brought to New Guinea and New Zealand (as game for hunting in 1860). They order to chase away predators or other swans.
were settled in Europe as ornamental birds in parks, while one group of them was observed in the wild in The most interesting behaviour of Black Swans is the so called ’triumph ceremony’ that strengthens
1954. the relationship of a couple, and also the ties between parents and their young ones, and it occurs while
The species inhabits a wide range:1,000 000 – 10,000 000 km². fighting for a female or territory. The male, after driving the opponent away, approaches the female proudly,
the neck and wings repeatedly bent and raised, and ’calling’ the pen. The female sounds back in the same
FEEDING DISTRIBUTION
Their diet consists mainly of aquatic vegetation, rarely small invertebrates and insects, fish or frog Trumpeter Swans are widespread in North America - Western Canada and northern states of the
spawn. USA, covering the area of 1,400 000 km².
The bill is strong, with cogged edges and a distinctive terminal nail. The cogged bill filters the water They do not migrate far; the distance between the breeding habitat and wintering areas is small.
separating small food particles, clutching and picking plants with its rough tongue. Only the Trumpeter, living in Alaska, migrates long distances, depending on the weather.
The most common plants in this diet are: Characeae, Potamogeton, Myriophyllum and Vallisneria.
HABITAT
REPRODUCTION
The Trumpeter Swan population is found at lakes, ponds, marshlands by rivers, wetlands, marines,
Both males and females are sexually mature at the age of two. They are monogamous, pairing for estuaries.The preferred habitat is a large, shallow, 30 - 90 cm deep marshland, with abundant vegetation.
life, but if one dies, the other finds a new partner.
These swans are sociable when not mating. Non - breeders live in flights, separate from breeders.
THE WHOOPER SWAN They are less elegant while taking off and landing; they need more space on water surfaces as their
landing lasts longer than in other swans. They first “run” on the water surface, then take off, making loud,
Cygnus cygnus rustling sounds with their wings.
Adults moult at the end of July and beginning of August (after breeding), when they are without
The swan was identified by Linnaeus in 1758. their coat for cc. 30 days (even up to 6 weeks); males moulting prior to females. Non - breeders moult at the
same time as breeders, but while breeding pairs tend to moult in their breeding territories, non - breeders
DISTRIBUTION moult in large congregations.
After moulting, the species begins to migrate south, from late September to October (the precise
The Whooper Swan has an extremely large population, spreading over 10,000 000 km². timing is determined by weather conditions), and arrives to the wintering grounds by October or November.
The countries they have been recorded in: Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, These swans migrate in small flights or family groups, and in winter congregate into groups of some 300 -
Montenegro, Croatia, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, the Faeroe Islands, Finland, 400 individuals. On migration, they frequent lakes, estuaries and sheltered coasts. They traditionally winter
France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Greenland, Holland, Hungary, India, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Italia, Japan, on freshwater lakes and marshes, lagoons and bays. Now, agricultural land and wet pastures are being used
Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Korea, Latvia, Macedonia, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, Romania, the USA, Slovakia, more frequently.
They will return to their breeding premises in March and April; sometimes in early May, the weather
Slovenia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Turkmen, and Ukraine.
conditions permitting.
They are predominantly migratory birds, flying over land, making short breaks.
Non-breeders may also be found in flights along sheltered coasts on estuaries, lagoons and shallow
They spend winters in England, north-western Europe, central Europe, Eurasia, Northern India,
bays during that season.
China, Japan and Korea. They sleep in places with lots of freshwater, near some feeding place.
CONSERVATION STATUS Tundra Swans are sociable when not mating. In their wintering areas, they often form large flocks
of several hundred, or even a thousand, birds.
IUCN category - least concern, CITES - not listed. They eat during day, and in places where they are not to be disturbed. At night, they sleep or rest on
They have no special protection status as they are not an endangered species. The population has open waters.
been estimated to 300 000 individuals. These swans come to their breeding areas from early May till late June.
Tundra Swans have the best physical endurance of all swans. In addition to that they easily adapt After breeding, they moult from late June till early September. Then they are featherless for about
to the severest surroundings, and are resistant to harsh climatic conditions. They survive in spite of long 30 days, and spend time in flights on open waters.
migration routes and a very short mating season (weather conditions have a serious impact on their breeding).
Family groups leave their breeding premises from early September till the end of October. They
The following present the biggest threat to them: habitat destruction – marshland drainage for
start reaching wintering areas from mid - October on. During autumn migrations, some groups may remain
agriculture purposes, dam building, oil and gas exploitation, peat mining, planting trees and bushes around
at the resting stops until cold weather makes them continue their journey.
marshes, or wetlands mowing. In some areas, oil spillages increase the mortality rate of young swans prior
to migration. Their return to the north, in small flights, begins in early March. The previous English word for the
Hunting is one of frequent causes of mortality (ingestion of lead bullets/shots, in spite of the existing Tundra swan used to be ’Whistler Swan’ due to the sound made by its wings while flying, rather than by
restrictions on the use of lead ammunition), as well as fishing (lead from entangled fishermen’s nets). its vocalisation. This wing sound is like that of tearing the paper, and slightly deeper than that of a whistle.
This species is highly threatened by poachers in north - west Europe and legal hunters in North America. When thousands of these birds gather in big flights before migration, this sound is very strong and noisy,
Throughout the world they are in danger being caught for their meat. especially at night, at the time of the most frequent social interactions among the birds.
Tundra swans, besides humans, have very few natural enemies. Young swans are often prey to Conflicts among swans are more frequent within those birds living alone or in pairs, rarely within
eagles, sea gulls, wolves, foxes and bears, but this does not significantly influence their population number. family groups (parents and their young). Families rarely fight or start conflicts, but, once in a conflict, they
Adult Tundra Swans are able to drive any predators away from their nests. win (95 %).
These swans are faced with the problem of weather changes all around the year, but bad weather is The most serious conflict is when family groups fight with their wings waving, and pecking each
a serious problem during breeding in the north. They fail to breed when spring comes late or winter is early; other. Another form of conflict is when they chase one another – one swan follows another, showing
a large number of young swans may perish. This is the reason why their number significantly oscillates. aggression, hissing or stretching its head forward. Sometimes, a sudden and quick pecking can be the only
The number of cygnets in flights may vary from 10 % (during bad year) to even 30 % (during good year) . form of fight. There is also the fourth form of conflict - which is actually simply a threat: the two birds
position themselves face to face, stretching out their necks and heads forward as while pecking, uttering
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES sing threatening sounds.
The conflicts usually start with a threat, and will finish with a fight if one of the swans does not
Males and females are similar; males being slightly bigger.
retreat.
The plumage is entirely white. In birds living in waters that contain large amounts of iron ions, the
There is a strong hierarchy within any flight of Tundra Swans, based on its size. Larger families
head and neck plumage acquires a golden or rusty hue.
usually dominate the smaller ones, and those the pairs, as well as the single adult and young birds. This
They have a long erect neck, black bill and black eyes. The upper bill is slightly rounded. Yellow
patches of various sizes can be seen on the bill in front of the eyes. Their feet are black. structure significantly diminishes aggression among all social groups, and birds of various age groups.
These swans predominantly feed on plants: leaves, roots, bulbous roots, young shoots and stems of Tundra Swans are rather calm that makes them suitable for raising in captivity.
aquatic plants (Potamogeton, Zostera, Glyceria), then grass, cornstalks and reeds (Phragmites, Typha), and Swan pairs should be isolated during the mating season. Each pair needs 200 m² of land and 80 m²
also tundra vegetation, mosses, various seeds and fruits. of water surface. During the rest of the year, the swans can be kept in larger groups. If they share the same
During winter and before migration, their diet is supplemented with grains and other crops (such as premises with other waterfowl, their choice would be such as to prevent hybridization.
potatoes that remain in the fields after harvest), mollusks, amphipodas and polychaetas. Tundra Swans must have an access to green grasses. Supplementary feed, such as pellets, could be
given in winter months. All food must be stored in dry premises; wet food is not recommended. If food is
REPRODUCTION mixed with water, the portion should equal the swan’s ability to eat it up during that one meal. Also, the
dishes should be kept very clean. As for their living space, it should be provided with grit on a daily basis,
They usually breed prior to their fourth or fifth year. and limestone grit once a year, prior to the nesting season.
Male and female mate in late winter, and stay together till the end of the spring season. They pair
one year before reproduction. Thus, they ’date’ for one year. The same year they choose their territory, THE TUNDRA SWAN IN SERBIA
protect it, but do not lay eggs. That year is a sort of ’trial period’ - they test their feelings. They start nesting
the following year. They show their strong relationship by performing a rather spectacular ritual dance: a In Serbia the Tundra Swan is known as “Mali labud” (“Little Swan”).
male and a female face each other, stretch out their wings and slowly wave them, move their heads forward The species is rather rare in Serbia.
They nest in the Arctic tundras, in the northern part of the Russian Palearctic. The swans nesting
and backward, uttering identical sounds. Their relationship is so strong that it will probably last for life.
west of the Ural Mountain spend winters in the south-west of Europe, and they very rarely come to our
Each pair defends its territory, that can be 2 km² or more.
parts. At the beginning of XX century, their main wintering area was Ireland, but since the 50`s they have
These swans come to the breeding area from early May to the end of June, even before snow thaws
been moving towards the south of England and the coast of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany.
and while lakes are still covered with ice. They breed in pairs scattered all over the area. When the habitat
The Tundra Swan was recorded in the area of Alibunar on October 27, 1898 and in Tarash area on
conditions are very good, almost half of the colony would breed; even 5 - 16 pairs may breed within an area
December 13, 1961.
of 10 km². One adult Tundra Swan, together with three adult Whooper Swans, was noticed at the fish pond
The nest is a large open platform, usually made on small hills and reefs, away from water to prevent “Futog” on November 15, 2006. They were wintering there, staying away from other nearby Mute Swans,
flooding. Nests are made of branches, grass and shoots; mosses and lichen inside. If the location is optimal, up to February 9, 2007. The Mute Swans occasionally behaved aggressively towards the Tundra Swan,
they might use the same nest for years, although they repair or rebuild it every year. chasing it away from them. All the four swans regularly ate in a shallow pool, and often rested in the dry
A female lays 3 - 5 eggs, or 5 - 6 when the spring is hot. The eggs are white and 107 mm long (the river - bed.
size depends on the number of eggs in one clutch - the more eggs, the smaller they are). One adult Tundra Swan was noticed in a small pool, near the sewage dump Vrshac on December 24,
In bad weather, swans cannot feed on grains and water plant seeds, and they have to stay longer on 2008. It soon flew away towards the fish pond “Vrshachki Ritovi”.
reservoirs feeding on water plants and algae. They spend more time preparing for mating; that results in a
smaller number of eggs (by 35 - 37 %). Due to bad weather conditions, swans have to leave their nest and
look for food, giving the chance to predators to ’rob’ their nests (egg loss - 25 %). If winter is very long,
many pairs do not breed; they would simply skip that breeding season. THE COSCOROBA SWAN
The incubation period starts when the last egg is laid, and it lasts on the average 32 days. Only the
female incubates the clutch, while the male aggressively protects both the nest and territory. If the clutch is Coscoroba coscoroba
lost, the season is off, and they do not nest again until the next year. The success rate in breeding is 70 %.
Cygnets hatch in early July and weigh 180 g. They have acquired their down, their eyes are open, The species was identified by Molina in 1782.
and they leave the nest within 24 hours post hatching. They are able to swim and feed. Both parents look
after their cygnets, help them swim and find food. The female often sits on the cygnets in order to protect DISTRIBUTION
them from cold and mosquitoes. The mortality rate of cygnets is rather high, mostly due to cold and hunger.
Tundra Swans stay on their territory during July and August, the period when adults moult. Cygnets The Coscoroba Swan inhabits South America (from Brazil to Tierra del Fuego, southern parts of
grow very fast; 70 days post hatching (in September) they can weigh 28 times more than when hatched. South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay), South Georgia, the Hawaii Islands and the
This fast growth and weight gain are indispensable so they could be ready by the beginning of September Falkland Islands.
to fly to large lakes in the south that freeze later. The cygnets will gather there, as well as non-breeders, and This species is less migratory than other swans; its migrating route is similar to the one of
begin their migration. If winter comes too early, the mortality rate of cygnets is 100 %. Black-Necked Swans, but within a smaller areal.
Young Tundra Swans are very similar to those of Trumpeter Swans. They are all greyish, with more In the summer (the southern hemisphere) during their breeding season, these swans can be noticed
silver in Tundra young swans and darker shades in Trumpeter ones (mostly around the neck, head and upper from Chile and central Argentina south to Tierra del Fuego; sometimes even as far as the islands in the
part of the breast). The cygnets of the two species get white only at the end of their first year. During the Beagle Canal. However, the majority breed in southern Argentina and southern Chile. At that time of the
first summer all the cygnets have pink bills, with black tips. The bills will turn black at the end of their first year they are also present in the Falkland Islands, although no breeding has been documented in this area
year of life. The legs and feet are pink. Some properties characteristic of adult swans they will get during so far.
the first winter; but it usually takes at least two years to get the same colour of plumage. Most of the population migrates to the north before winter. In Chile they go as far as Santiago, and
east of the Andes. They congregate from Buenos Aires, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil on the
The most frequent parasitic diseases in waterfowl Amprolium, dosage 0.5 ml of 9.6 % solution per one litre of water, orally in water for birds during
5 days. To cure coccidiosis.
Leeches (Theromyzon spp.) – Adults parasitize in the nasal cavity, pharynx or conjunctivae. They Fenbendasole, 5 - 15 mg/kg orally, every 24 hours during 5 days. To cure nematodes.
are identified by an examination of the trachea, nasal cavity and eyes. They can be removed by hand. The Ivermectin, 0.2 mg/kg orally, subcutaneous or intramuscular, daily. To cure nematodes.
premises where the diseased birds have stayed must be dried and disinfected. Levamisole, 20 - 50 mg/kg, daily, orally. To cure nematodes and trematodes.
Renal coccidiosis (Eimeria truncata, Eimeria boschadis, Eimeria somateriae) – They parasitize
SVET VELIKIH ČOVEKOLIKIH MAJMUNA je prva knjiga Zorana Rajića. BEOGRADSKE ŠIMPANZE je druga knjiga Zorana Rajića. To je obimna monografija koja čitalačkoj
Pongidi – veliki čovekoliki majmuni, životinje su koje raspolažu inteligencijom predškolskog deteta, i publici predstavlja život šimpanza Beogradskog zoološkog vrta – njihov dolazak u Beograd, bekstva,
vrhunski su predstavnici životinjskog carstva. reprodukciju, odrastanja, povrede, lečenja...
Godine 1994. autor je pristupio pisanju ove knjige, koja treba da predstavlja neku vrstu udžbenika za Za razliku od prethodne knjige, gde je u celini razmatrao izgled, osobenosti, navike i, uopšte, način života
zainteresovane i da prikaže ove životinje onakvim kakve stvarno jesu. Uz korišćenje obilja strane literature velikih čovekolikih majmuna (kako u prirodi tako i u kontrolisanim uslovima), ovoga puta se autor posvetio
napravljena je knjiga u kojoj su svi aspekti života ovih životinja osvetljeni i u kojoj se na skoro svako isključivo šimpanzama, i to onim s kojima je lično bio u kontaktu, tokom svog redovnog profesionalnog
pitanje može naći odgovor, a i savet. angažmana, tako da se radi o neposrednim informacijama i autentičnim opservacijama, dakle – svedočenju
Sadržina knjige predstavlja kombinaciju otkrića poznatih svetskih primatologa, koji su do svojih saznanja „iz prve ruke“.
došli posmatranjem u prirodi, i radova mnogih naučnika koji su te životinje proučavali u zarobljeništvu. Oko dve decenije iskustva u radu sa ovim, po svemu sudeći – posetiocima zooloških vrtova najinteresantnijim
Sve ovo je uokvireno iskustvima hranilaca majmuna iz poznatih svetskih vrtova i autorovim iskustvom. životinjama, Zoran Rajić nastoji da prenese čitaocima prvenstveno putem fotografija, jer poznato je da
Knjiga je podeljena na sedam celina. Prvi deo je uvodni i obuhvata tekstove o izgledu i građi velikih „jedna slika vredi više od hiljadu reči“.
čovekolikih majmuna i o eksperimentima rađenim sa njima. U drugom, trećem, četvrtom i petom delu Obilju kolor i crno-belih fotografija nesumnjive vrednosti pridodati su i odabrani umetnički crteži, a sve to
opisan je život šimpanza, bonoboa, gorila i orangutana, u prirodi i zarobljenistvu. Šesti deo posvećen je je propraćeno i dodatno obrazloženo zanimljivim dnevničkim i stručnim tekstovima.
medicinskim razmatranjima, s tim što su pored velikih čovekolikih majmuna u kratkim crtama obrađene Ovo delo je namenjeno veoma širokoj čitalačkoj publici, budući da se njegova sadržina može sagledavati,
i primitivnije vrste. U sedmom delu knjige prikazani su neki segmenti autorovog praktičnog rada sa analizirati i koristiti iz različitih pobuda i na veoma različitim nivoima. Otvoreno je i razumljivo svima – od
šimpanzama, iskustva koja je teško naći igde u literaturi. najstručnije javnosti pa do pukih radoznalaca, ljubitelja životinja.
Knjiga je odštampana septembra 2001. godine. Knjiga je odštampana oktobra 2007. godine
- Format knjige je A4 - Format knjige je A4
- Povez tvrd, šiveni - Povez tvrd, šiveni
- Ukupan broj strana: 370 - Ukupan broj strana: 272
- Na 350 strana je tekst sa 32 naučna i 51 umetničkim crtežom - Na 200 strana je tekst sa 38 umetničkih crteža i 30 crno-belih fotografija
- Na 20 strana su 54 kolor fotografije - Na 72 strane je 219 kolor fotografija
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