Krzysztof Dmowski

Influence of a shrub corridor on movements of passerine birds to a lake littoral zone

A pine forest was separated from a lake littoral zone by a meadow on one area (discontinuous) while these habitats were separated by a shrub strip in another area (continuous). This shrub strip acted as an ecological corridor enhancing the movements of birds between the forest and the littoral reed zone. The number of individuals of non-littoral species that visited the reed zone was higher (p < .001) on the area with the connecting shrub strip in autumn but the number of species visiting the littoral zone was not significantly higher. Significantly more (p < .001) autumn movements by birds in the continuous area were oriented along paths between the forest and the littoral zone whereas movements in the discontinuous area paralleled the littoral and forest zones (p < .001). Movements of birds were concentrated along the edge of the shrub strip. The spatial configuration of the landscape facilitated access by some forest birds to the littoral habitat.

Standard species from Poland for environmental specimen bank

The Environmental Specimen Bank has proposed a list of matrices recommended for collection from terrestrial and marine areas as well as from inland waterbodies. There have been taken into consideration the most common and available species, chiefly in western Europe. Poland is making ready for co-operation with ESB to gather samples within the country and must consider a number of regional differences resulting from among others geographical distinction (another quantity of populations, spatial distribution etc.). There are also different legislative regulations with respect to protection of certain species. The authors have selected some species from the list of ESB and proposed in certain cases substitutional matrices.

Animals of the Katowice Administrative District (KAD) Pollution in the Past and Present

Very high levels of heavy metals have been found in the Katowice Administrative District (KAD). This problem has been investigated by analyzing vertebrates and invertebrates from the area. These species serve the function of bioindicators. High levels of Pb, Cd and Zn have been found in insects sampled close to zinc smelters and steelworks. Relatively high levels of Cu, Cd and Zn have been reported in spiders from the area and of Cd, Pb and Zn in earthworms. Amongst the vertebrates, analyses of heavy metals has been performed on small mammals, cattle and deer and upon birds. Further evidence was obtained of relatively high concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn in these species. Also, surprisingly high levels of Tl and Se were reported from certain areas. There is a strong case for the continuation of biomonitoring for metals in this region.

Heavy Metal Pollution of the Upper Silesia Region: Biomonitoring Studies of Magpie (Pica Pica) Tissues

Magpies fulfil most criteria as biomonitoring species. They have widespread occurrence, resident behaviour and possibility of accumulation of trace elements within a relatively small individual territory. During the period 1989-1993 the magpies from 21 Polish regions were captured in living-traps. The regions were different in type of industrialisation and urbanisation. There were also included the surroundings of the 3 largest Polish zinc smelters. Two of them are located in the Upper Silesia region (Szopienice and Miasteczko Slaskie). The Bukowno area is placed at the south-east edge of the region and can seriously influence the Upper Silesia by air-borne dust emissions. Tail feather samples were taken from all of captured 165 birds and about 60 samples of internal organs from the sacrified birds.