261
Acrocephalus 33 (154/155): 261−269, 2012
1. Introduction
So far, 33 diurnal raptor species have been recorded 
in Slovakia, 18 of which are regular breeders. Only 
eight species, i.e. the Red Kite Milvus milvus, White-
tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Goshawk Accipiter 
gentilis, Sparrowhawk A. nisus, Buzzard Buteo buteo, 
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Golden Eagle A. 
chrysaetos and Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, are breeding 
residents. Most of the observed raptors are migrants, 
either visiting Slovakia from spring to autumn to 
breed, or to winter or just occurring on migration. 
The group of vagrant visitors includes the Egyptian 
Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Black Vulture Aegypius 
monachus, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus and Steppe 
Eagle A. nipalensis. In 2012, two new diurnal raptor 
species were observed in Slovakia for the first time 
– the Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus (Václav 
2012) and Levant Sparrowhawk A. brevipes (Danko 
& Hrtan 2012). While the Buzzard and Kestrel are 
A preliminary overview of monitoring for raptors in the Slovak 
Republic
Predhodni pregled monitoringa populacij ptic roparic na Slovaškem 
Miroslav Dravecký1 & Zuzana Guziová1
1 Raptor Protection of Slovakia (RPS), Kuklovská 5, SK–841 04 Bratislava, Slovak Republic, 
 e–mail: dravecky@dravce.sk, guziova@dravce.sk
In Slovakia, 33 diurnal and 12 nocturnal raptor species have been recorded 
so far. Of these, 18 diurnal raptor species and 10 owl species also breed in 
the country. Raptor monitoring has a long tradition in Slovakia; however, owl 
monitoring takes place mostly only at the local or regional level. For some 
species, specifically Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug, 
Golden Eagle A. chrysaetos, Red-footed Falcon F. vespertinus and Red Kite 
Milvus milvus, the entire breeding populations have been monitored in the 
long term. The most comprehensive raptor monitoring has been covered by 
the Raptor Protection of Slovakia (RPS), the NGO specialized exclusively 
in raptors through its network of working groups for particular species. The 
Slovak Ornithological Society (SOS/BirdLife Slovakia) is mostly involved in 
monitoring of common raptors and wintering population of the White-tailed 
Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla. Monitoring is mostly implemented with the ultimate 
objective of conserving the targeted species. Therefore, the most endangered 
raptor species at the international and national levels are the key monitored 
species. On-line databases became popular for storing monitoring data; 
recently, Aves-Symfony database operated by SOS, RPS and the Institute of 
Zoology has been developed. Well established network of professionals and 
volunteers present the major strength of monitoring for raptors in Slovakia. 
Unfortunately, not all raptor species are adequately covered by monitoring. 
Access to monitoring data is constrained by unwillingness of some experts 
to share data in common databases. Another problem is lack of capabilities 
to evaluate data at the scientific level. Modern monitoring methods, such as 
remote monitoring with radio or satellite tracking, are applied only rarely due 
to financial constraints. Monitoring activities do not sufficiently influence 
decision making.
Key words: raptors, birds of prey, owls, monitoring, Slovakia
Ključne besede: ptice roparice, ujede, sove, monitoring, Slovaška
262
M. Dravecký & Z. Guziova: A preliminary overview of monitoring for raptors in the Slovak Republic
the most numerous raptors in Slovakia, the Short-
toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Red Kite and White-
tailed Eagle are considered rare breeders with only a 
few pairs in the country (BirdLife International 
2004). Table 1 includes an overview of diurnal raptors 
recorded in Slovakia.
As far as nocturnal raptors – owls are concerned, 12 
species have been recorded in Slovakia, 10 of which 
are breeders (BirdLife International 2004). While 
the Long-eared Owl Asio otus and Tawny Owl Strix 
aluco are the most frequently occurring species, the 
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus and Hawk Owl Surnia 
ulula are rare visitors. Table 2 includes an overview of 
nocturnal raptors in Slovakia.
Raptor monitoring has a long tradition in Slovakia 
(see Uhrin et al. 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012). In 
the past, there was no mechanism or systematic effort 
made to concentrate monitoring data, and neither 
was there any information on ongoing monitoring 
programmes readily available. Horizontal inventory of 
existing databases within the country and verification/
evaluation of existing data started some ten years 
ago with Slovakia’s preparation to access the EU 
and related need to mobilize data for the purpose 
Table 1: Status and population size of diurnal raptors in Slovakia
Tabela 1: Status in velikost populacij ujed na Slova{kem
Species / Vrsta No. of breeding pairs/ Št. gnezdečih parov Source / Vir
Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus 900–1,300 Karaska & Danko (2002a)
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Non-breeding Václav (2012)
Black Kite Milvus migrans 40–60 Chavko & Siryová (2002)
Red Kite Milvus milvus 8–10 Maderič (2012)
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla 9 Chavko (2012a)
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus Non-breeding Danko (2002a)
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus Non-breeding Danko & Kropil (2002)
Black Vulture Aegypius monachus Non-breeding Danko (2002b)
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus 20–25 Danko (2002c)
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 400–500 Karaska et al. (2002)
Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus Non-breeding Danko (2002d)
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus Non-breeding Danko (2002e)
Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus 10–18 Noga (2011)
Goshawk Accipiter gentilis 1,600–1,800 Karaska & Chavko (2002a)
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 1,500–2,000 Karaska (2002)
Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes Non-breeding Danko & Hrtan (2012)
Buzzard Buteo buteo 5,000–7,000 Kropil (2002a)
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Non-breeding Danko (2002f)
Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus Non-breeding Kropil & Danko (2002)
Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina 800–900 Karaska & Danko (2002b)
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Non-breeding Danko (2002g)
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis Non-breeding Danko (2002h)
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca 41–44 Chavko & Danko (2012)
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 90–95 Kropil (2002b)
Booted Eagle Aquila pennata 0–6 Danko (2002i)
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Non-breeding Karaska & Chavko (2002b)
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Non-breeding Danko (2002j)
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 4,000–6,000 Darolová & Kropil (2002)
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus 3 Chavko (2012d)
Merlin Falco columbarius Non-breeding Karaska & Chavko (2002c)
Hobby Falco subbuteo 600–800 Karaska & Danko (2002c)
Saker Falcon Falco cherrug 41–43 Chavko (2012b)
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 150–180 Chavko (2012c)
263
Acrocephalus 33 (154/155): 261−269, 2012
of identifying and designating its Special Protection 
Areas (SPAs), including those for raptors. Generally, 
monitoring of diurnal raptors has been developed 
in more comprehensive manner compared to owl 
monitoring.
2. Main players in raptors monitoring
Currently, the main actors in monitoring for raptors 
in Slovakia can be classified into three categories:
Government bodies and agencies
Ministry of the Environment (MoE) holds general 
responsibility for the Integrated Environment 
Monitoring System in Slovakia (includes 12 
subsystems/themes, one being “Biota”) and for the 
preparation of the State of the Environment Reports 
(http://www1.enviroportal.sk/spravy-zp/en).
The State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak 
Republic (SNC SR) is a government agency 
generally responsible for the long- and medium-term 
monitoring of the Biota and holds responsibility for 
“Biota” monitoring subsystem. It is also specifically 
responsible for gathering detailed data for the purpose 
of Birds and Habitats Directives, including data for 
assessing conservation status of raptor species of 
conservation concern and for reporting purposes. 
Data are gathered by the SNC technical staff as well 
as by contracted individual experts, or more rarely by 
contracted institutions.
In 2005, the SNC published a manual for the 
preparation of management plans including criteria 
and indicators for assessing conservation status of 
habitats and species of European importance (Polák 
& Saxa 2005). In this manual, criteria and indicators 
along with simple monitoring methodology are 
described for 13 diurnal and five nocturnal raptors. 
Monitoring data are stored in the “Information system 
on Taxa and Habitats” database, the access to which, 
however, is restricted to the public. Besides, two 
online databases for the SNC are under development. 
The raptor monitoring by SNC is financed by the 
state budget and, recently, also through projects 
mostly co-financed by the European Union. It is 
mostly concentrated on designating protected areas, 
particularly the Special Protection Areas in accordance 
with the EU Birds Directive.
Academic institutions (universities, Slovak Academy 
of Sciences, museums) are involved in monitoring on 
project basis. Mostly, they have no long-term raptor 
monitoring programmes. Few exceptions include the 
Faculty of Natural Sciences of Comenius University in 
Bratislava, which has been dedicated for several years 
to monitoring of the wintering White-tailed Eagles 
along the Danube River (Bohuš 2011), studying the 
diet composition of owls (Obuch & Karaska 2010, 
Obuch 2011) as well as population dynamics and diet 
of the Buzzard (Šotnár & Topercer 2009a & 2009b), 
and the Orava Museum with long-term regional 
monitoring scheme for the Lesser Spotted Eagle A. 
pomarina.
NGOs
Most important players from the NGO community 
in Slovakia with adopted raptor monitoring schemes 
Table 2: Status and population size of owls in Slovakia
Tabela 2: Status in velikost populacij sov na Slova{kem
Species / Vrsta No. of breeding pairs/Št. gnezdečih parov Source / Vir
Barn Owl Tyto alba 400–600 Sárossy (2002)
Scops Owl Otus scops 40–80 Danko & Sárossy (2002)
Eagle Owl Bubo bubo 300–400 Danko & Karaska (2002)
Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus Non-breeding Danko et al. (2002)
Hawk Owl Surnia ulula Non-breeding Saniga (2002)
Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum 1,000–1,500 Pačenovský (2002a)
Little Owl Athene noctua 800–1,000 Pačenovský (2002b)
Tawny Owl Strix aluco 2,500–3,000 Pačenovský & Obuch (2002)
Ural Owl Strix uralensis 1,400–2,500 Krištín et al. (2007)
Long-eared Owl Asio otus 2,500–4,000 Kropil (2002c)
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus 0–50 Danko & Chavko (2002) 
Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus 400–600 Pačenovský (2002c)
264
M. Dravecký & Z. Guziova: A preliminary overview of monitoring for raptors in the Slovak Republic
are the Raptor Protection of Slovakia and the Slovak 
Ornithological Society/ BirdLife Slovakia.
The Raptor Protection of Slovakia (RPS) is the 
only institution in the Slovak Republic exclusively 
specializing in raptor monitoring (both for raptors 
and with raptors) and conservation. The RPS (in the 
1975–2004 period known as Group for Research of 
Birds of Prey and Owls) regularly and comprehensively 
monitors raptor species, both diurnal and nocturnal, 
and collects data on their breeding performance and 
threats. It holds records on raptors since the 1970s 
regularly published in annual reports (Danko 1976, 
1977a, 1977b, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 
1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 
1994a, 1994b, Danko et al. 1995a, 1995b & 2000). 
Results of monitoring in the past were published 
mostly in the journal Buteo (1986–2007). Monitoring 
is carried out by its members, both volunteers and 
professionals. From the late 1990s, monitoring of 
raptors was funded mostly on project basis (e.g. LIFE 
Nature & Biodiversity, CORO-SKAT, INTERREG 
etc.). The backbone for monitoring is the well 
functioning system of working groups for particular 
species.
The Slovak Ornithological Society/BirdLife Slo-
vakia (SOS/BirdLife Slovakia) carries out long-term 
monitoring of certain raptor species within the 
framework of international monitoring programmes. 
Monitoring of common raptors is part of the Pan-
European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBM), 
in which SOS/BirdLife Slovakia has been participating 
in cooperation with the Technical University in 
Zvolen since 2005 (Slabeyová et al. 2009a). No other 
organisation in Slovakia holds such comprehensive 
data on common raptors and their trends (http://
vtaky.sk/stranka/97-Scitanie-beznych-druhov.html). 
Besides, monitoring of the wintering White-tailed 
Eagles is part of the Winter Waterbird Census in Slovakia 
that has been implemented in Slovakia since 1991. 
Through this census, Short-eared Owl A. flammeus 
has been occasionally recorded as well (Slabeyová et 
al. 2008, 2009b & 2011). In the monitoring of other 
raptors, SOS/BirdLife Slovakia has been involved only 
on occasional basis, through projects. In cooperation 
with the RPS and SAS Institute of Zoology, it operates 
partly publicly accessible on-line database at Aves-
Symfony (http://aves.vtaky.sk), where data on raptors 
are also registered, although many of them remain 
confidential and are not publicly accessible.
Monitoring data gathered by the RPS and SOS/
BirdLife Slovakia are annually processed, with reports 
containing more general information on breeding 
populations and breeding success provided to the 
MoE and SNC. General information on species is also 
provided to other institutions on ad hoc basis when 
negotiating implementation of specific conservation 
measures, for instance, with energy distribution 
companies, foresters, etc. Accordingly, monitoring 
data are above all used for conservation purposes, 
mainly for assessing status and trend of raptor 
species, formulation of conservation measures, and 
formulation of management and policy documents, 
public awareness and education.
3. National coverage
Raptor monitoring is generally taking place in the 
whole territory of Slovakia. However, there is no 
“formal” (i.e. run by state authorities) raptor-specific 
national monitoring network. Most comprehensive 
coverage of raptor monitoring is implemented by the 
RPS through working groups system. 
The following species are covered by the RPS 
working groups: Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, 
Lesser Spotted Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Red Kite, 
Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, Saker Falcon Falco 
cherrug, Peregrine Falcon F. peregrinus, Red-footed 
Falcon F. vespertinus, Eagle Owl Bubo bubo, Scops 
Owl Otus scops, Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum, 
Long-eared Owl and Little Owl Athene noctua. Groups 
dealing with Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Red Kite, 
Saker Falcon and Red-footed Falcon are covering the 
entire breeding population in Slovakia in the long- 
term. As far as owls are concerned, the Long-eared 
Owl and Little Owl are best covered by monitoring. 
Particularly active is the working group for the latter 
species, although it embarked on its activities only 
recently. Records for the Long-eared Owl are available 
from 1993 onwards, gathered during winter censuses. 
This system has been functioning for years, mostly 
on voluntary basis, and is able to generate at least basic 
data even in the absence of external funds. The RPS 
also implements ad hoc or local monitoring of other 
raptors, not specifically covered by working groups, 
but not on systematic basis. Short reports by working 
groups are available annually in the “Dravce a sovy” 
(Raptors and Owls) journal, published by RPS (since 
2005). Scientific articles on birds of prey and owls 
are published in the specialized journal Slovak Raptor 
Journal (from 2007).
The SNC and SOS/BirdLife Slovakia also operate 
at the national level. However, the intensity and 
coverage of their raptor monitoring schemes depend 
on specific circumstances, such as methodology 
employed, availability of funding and, last but not 
least, on capacity. For instance, in common birds 
265
Acrocephalus 33 (154/155): 261−269, 2012
census run by SOS/BirdLife Slovakia, the point count 
sampling method has been employed for recording 
all birds, including raptors. More intensive raptor 
monitoring run recently by the SNC is concentrated in 
protected areas, particularly in SPAs. It is a part of the 
larger EU funded project and is focused, among other, 
on gathering data on distribution and abundance of 
key raptor species that are protected through the SPA 
network in Slovakia.
4. Key species and key issues
Monitoring is mostly implemented with ultimate 
objective of conservation of the species concerned. 
Therefore, the most endangered raptor species are 
key species addressed by monitoring for raptors in 
Slovakia and involve: the globally threatened Imperial 
Eagle and Saker Falcon (VU and EN categories, IUCN 
2013), nationally rare breeders like Short-toed Eagle, 
Red Kite, Black Kite, Red-footed Falcon, White-
tailed Eagle and Montagu’s Harrier, and particularly 
endangered species in Slovak Republic like Golden 
Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Peregrine Falcon.
Monitoring of these species is generally focused on 
censuses, searching for the presence of species within 
known home ranges, searching for newly occupied 
territories, detection of active nests, evaluation of 
breeding success and determining reasons for breeding 
failures. Such “basic” monitoring is frequently 
complemented with studies of ecology, biology, ethology 
and genetics of the species, monitoring threatening 
factors and their influence on the targeted species’ 
conservation status (e.g. Chavko et al. 2007, Dravecký 
et al. 2008a & 2008b, Vili et al. 2009, Chavko 2010, 
Pačenovský & Šotnár 2010, Dobrý 2011). 
The main threats to raptors in Slovakia include: 
electrocution, bird crime (illegal activities, poisoning, 
illegal shooting etc.), disturbance and logging in 
breeding territories, loss and degradation of natural 
breeding and feeding habitats. 
5. Strengths and weaknesses
Doubtless, the major strength of monitoring for 
raptors in Slovakia is the well established network 
of skilled, experienced and highly committed 
professionals and volunteers, organized particularly 
within a framework of RPS, but also within the SOS/
BirdLife Slovakia and SNC. This, along with quite a 
long record of data for some raptor species, creates a 
good basis for future raptor monitoring. Furthermore, 
the efforts to streamline monitoring and evaluation 
through officially established criteria and indicators 
for assessing conservation status are definitely going 
the right way. Web databases, such as the Aves-
Symfony or databases operated by the SNC, provide 
for collection of data and, subject to agreement with 
data owners, can be utilized for conservation purposes.
As to weaknesses, not all raptor species are 
adequately covered by monitoring. Moreover, not 
all monitoring data are entered in databases. Some 
experts are reluctant to share data because of a fear of 
their abuse. Monitoring results generally suffer from 
the lack of capabilities to evaluate data at the scientific 
level, not only for RPS and SOS/BirdLife Slovakia, 
but also for the SNC. Missing statistical evaluation of 
long-term data sometimes causes problems with using 
these data in international evaluations and nature 
conservation at the EU level, e.g. for infringement 
procedures. Modern approaches, like remote 
monitoring with radio or satellite tracking, are applied 
only rarely due to financial constraints. Last but not 
least, it is necessary to mention that the “follow up 
mechanism” has not been sufficiently developed, i.e. 
monitoring activities do not sufficiently influence 
decision making processes.
6. Priorities, capacity-building
Monitoring of raptors in the Slovak Republic must 
be continuously promoted as an instrument for 
adaptive policy development and nature management, 
decision making and learning. Stimulated interest in 
monitoring and evaluation from decision making 
sphere might positively influence further development 
of raptor monitoring schemes. Monitoring data, 
however, must be complex, timely, reliable, correctly 
evaluated and readily available.
With the objective to gain a complete picture of 
raptor populations and their dynamics at the national 
level, efforts should be made to achieve monitoring 
coverage of all raptors. Tailor-made monitoring 
schemes, including simple criteria and indicators 
for assessing conservation status, should be designed 
for those species that are not included in regular 
monitoring, yet in consideration of their conservation 
status and population size. Statistical literacy of 
raptor experts, i.e. the capacity to design, analyse and 
interpret statistical data that can support decision 
makers and their partners from public and private 
sectors, must be enhanced.
Developing procedures and systems for the 
exchange or sharing of information and statistical 
data on raptors both at the national and international 
levels is also important. This can contribute to more 
efficient utilisation of monitoring data and avoid 
266
M. Dravecký & Z. Guziova: A preliminary overview of monitoring for raptors in the Slovak Republic
Poleg tega pa dejavnosti monitoringa nimajo dovolj 
velikega vpliva na sprejemanje odločitev, ki posredno 
ali neposredno zadevajo ptice roparice.
8. References
BirdLife International (2004): Birds in Europe: 
population estimates, trends and conservation status. 
BirdLife Conservation Series No. 12. – BirdLife 
International, Cambridge.
Bohuš, M. (2011): [Census of wintering White-tailed Sea 
Eagles in Slovak section of the Danube river in winters 
2008/2009–2010/2011.] – Tichodroma 23: 53–56. (in 
Slovak, English summary)
Chavko, J. (2010): Trend and conservation of saker falcon 
(Falco cherrug) population in western Slovakia between 
1976 and 2010. – Slovak Raptor Journal 4: 1–22.
Chavko, J. (2012a): [White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus 
albicilla).] – Dravce a sovy 8 (1): 7. (in Slovak)
Chavko, J. (2012b): [Saker falcon (Falco cherrug).] – Dravce 
a sovy 8 (1): 8. (in Slovak)
Chavko, J. (2012c): [Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).] – 
Dravce a sovy 8 (1): 9. (in Slovak)
Chavko, J. (2012d): [Red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus).] 
– Dravce a sovy 8 (1): 10. (in Slovak)
Chavko, J. & Siryová, S. (2002): [The Black Kite (Milvus 
migrans).] pp. 168–170 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Chavko, J. & Danko, Š. (2012): [Eastern imperial eagle 
(Aquila heliaca).] – Dravce a sovy 8 (1): 6. (in Slovak)
Chavko, J., Danko, Š., Obuch, J. & Mihók, J. (2007): The 
Food of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Slovakia. – 
Slovak Raptor Journal 1: 1–18.
Danko, Š. (1976): [Report on activity of Group for Research 
of Birds of Prey and Owls in 1975.] Unpublished 
document 8. – Depon. in Group for Research of Raptors 
and Owls, Michalovce. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š. (1977a): [Report on activity of Group for 
Rsearch and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1975 and 1976.] pp. 93–104 In: 
Randík, A. (ed): Falconiana I. Proceedings from seminar 
“Current state of distribution and protection of raptors 
in Czechoslovakia”, 24–25 September 1976, Nitra. – 
Ústav experimentálnej fytopatológie a entomológie SAV, 
Sekcia ochrany fauny Slovenskej zoologickej spoločnosti 
SAV & Sekcia ochrany vtáctva Československej 
ornitologickej spoločnosti, Bratislava. (in Slovak, 
German summary)
Danko, Š. (1977b): [Report on activity of Group for 
Research of Birds of Prey and Owls in Czechoslovakia in 
1975.] Unpublished document 9. – Depon. in Group for 
Research of Raptors and Owls, Michalovce. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š. (1978): [Report on activity of Group for Research 
of Birds of Prey and Owls in Czechoslovakia in 1977.] 
Unpublished document 10. – Depon. in Group for 
Research of Raptors and Owls, Michalovce. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š. (1979): [Report on activity in 1978.] 
Unpublished document 12. – Depon. in Group for 
Research of Raptors and Owls, Michalovce. (in Slovak)
duplicated monitoring efforts by different experts or 
entities. 
Personal capacities need to be extended for raptor 
monitoring; particularly important is to stimulate 
young professionals’ interest in raptors. This needs to 
be complemented with promotion of using modern 
remote monitoring methods. It is also important to 
strengthen public/voluntary capacities to participate 
in raptor monitoring though organising monitoring 
courses or by other tools, for instance by developing 
simple raptor monitoring manual promoting 
collection and on-line reporting of “minimum 
standard data”. In conclusion, it should be noted that 
each capacity strengthening effort should involve all 
key players in raptor monitoring at the national level.
7. Povzetek
Na Slovaškem je bilo doslej zabeleženih 33 vrst ujed 
in 12 vrst sov, med katerimi 18 vrst ujed in 10 sovjih 
vrst tudi gnezdi. Monitoring ptic roparic ima na 
Slovaškem sicer dolgo tradicijo, vendar monitoring 
sov v glavnem poteka le na lokalni in regionalni 
ravni. Nekatere vrste, in sicer kraljevi orel Aquila 
heliaca, sokol plenilec Falco cherrug, planinski orel 
A. chrysaetos, rdečenoga postovka F. vespertinus in 
rjavi škarnik Milvus milvus, so deležne dolgoročnega 
monitoringa njihovih celotnih populacij. Za najbolj 
celosten monitoring ptic roparic skrbi nevladna 
organizacija “Zaščita slovaških ptic roparic” (RPS), 
ki se prek svojega omrežja delovnih skupin posveča 
izključno tem pticam. Slovaško ornitološko društvo 
(SOS/BirdLife Slovaška) pa se po drugi strani ukvarja 
predvsem z monitoringom pogostih ptic roparic in s 
prezimujočo populacijo belorepca Haliaeetus albicilla. 
Sicer pa je končni cilj vseh monitoringov ohraniti 
ciljne vrste – ključne vrste so najbolj ogrožene ptice 
roparice tako na mednarodni kot državni ravni. Za 
shranjevanje podatkov monitoringa so postale zelo 
priljubljene spletne baze podatkov; nedavno je bila 
razvita tako imenovana Aves-Simfony, baza podatkov, 
ki jo upravljajo SOS, RPS in Inštitut za zoologijo. 
Največja prednost pri monitoringu ptic roparic na 
Slovaškem je zagotovo že dobro uveljavljeno omrežje 
strokovnjakov in prostovoljcev. Žal pa niso ustrezno 
spremljane vse vrste ptic roparic. Dostop do podatkov, 
pridobljenih z monitoringom, je omejen zaradi 
nepripravljenosti nekaterih izvedencev, da bi podatke 
v skupnih bazah delili z drugimi. Drug problem pa 
je nezadostna sposobnost vrednotenja podatkov na 
znanstveni ravni. Sodobne metode, kot na primer 
monitoring z radijskim in satelitskim sledenjem, se 
zaradi finančnih omejitev uporabljajo le poredkoma. 
267
Acrocephalus 33 (154/155): 261−269, 2012
Danko, Š. (1980): [Report on activity in 1979.] 
Unpublished document 11. – Depon. in Group for 
Research of Raptors and Owls, Michalovce. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š. (1987): [Report on the Activity of the Group for 
Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1985.] – Skupina pro výzkum dravých 
ptáků a sov, Zprávy 6: 1–25. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š. (1988): [Report on the Activity of the Group for 
Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1986.] – Buteo 1: 3–31. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Danko, Š. (1989): [Report on the Activity of the Group for 
Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1987.] – Buteo 2: 1–36. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Danko, Š. (1990): [Report on the Activity of the Group for 
Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1988.] – Buteo 3: 1–34. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Danko, Š. (1991): [Report on the Activity of the Group for 
Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1989.] – Buteo 4: 1–28. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Danko, Š. (1992): [Report on the Activity of the Group for 
Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1990.] – Buteo 5: 1–30. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Danko, Š. (1994a): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1991.] – Buteo 6: 90–120. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Danko, Š. (1994b): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls 
in Czechoslovakia in 1992.] – Buteo 6: 121–151. (in 
Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002a): [The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron 
percnopterus).] pp. 174–175 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, 
A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] 
– Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002b): [The Black Vulture (Aegypius 
monachus).] pp. 176 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & 
Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002c): [The Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus 
gallicus).] pp. 177–178 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002d): [The Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus).] pp. 
180–182 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. 
(eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. 
(in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002e): [The Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus).] 
pp. 182 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. 
(eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. 
(in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002f): [The Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo 
rufinus).] pp. 191–193 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002g): [The Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga).] pp. 
197–198. In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. 
(eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. 
(in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002h): [The Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis).] 
pp. 198 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. 
(eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. 
(in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002i): [The Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus 
pennatus).] pp. 202–204 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. (2002j): [The lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni).] pp. 
206 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): 
[Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in 
Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š., s.a. (1981): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research of Birds of Prey and Owls in Czechoslovakia 
in 1980.] – Skupina pro výzkum dravých ptáků a sov, 
Zprávy 1/80: 3–12. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š., s.a. (1982): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1981]. – Skupina pro výzkum dravých 
ptáků a sov, Zprávy 2/81: 1–13. (in Slovak)
Danko, Š., s.a. (1983): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1982.] – Skupina pro výzkum dravých 
ptáků a sov, Zprávy 3/82: 1–13. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Danko, Š., s.a. (1984): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1983.] – Skupina pro výzkum dravých 
ptáků a sov, Zprávy 4/83: 1–15. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Danko, Š., s.a. (1985): [Report on the Activity of the Group 
for Research and Protection of Birds of Prey and Owls in 
Czechoslovakia in 1984.] – Skupina pro výzkum dravých 
ptáků a sov, Zprávy 5/84: 1–20. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Danko, Š. & Kropil, R. (2002): [The Griffon Vulture (Gyps 
fulvus).] pp. 175–176 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & 
Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. & Sárossy, M. (2002): [The scops owl (Otus 
scops).] pp. 358–360 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & 
Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. & Karaska, D. (2002): [The eagle owl (Bubo 
bubo).] pp. 360–362 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & 
Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. & Chavko, J. (2002): [The short-eared owl (Asio 
flammeus).] pp. 376–378 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š. & Hrtan, E. (2012): The first observation of the 
Levant sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes (Severtzov, 1850) 
in Slovakia. – Slovak Raptor Journal 6: 31–36.
Danko, Š., Chavko, J. & Karaska, D. (1995a): [Report on 
the Activity of the Group on Protection of Birds of Prey 
and Owls in the Slovak republic in 1993.] – Buteo 7: 
109–121. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š., Chavko, J. & Karaska, D. (1995b): [Report on 
268
M. Dravecký & Z. Guziova: A preliminary overview of monitoring for raptors in the Slovak Republic
the Activity of the Group on Protection of Birds of Prey 
and Owls in the Slovak republic in 1994]. – Buteo 7: 
132–148. (in Slovak, English summary)
Danko, Š., Karaska, D. & Chavko, J. (2000): [Report 
on the activity of the Group on Protection of Birds of 
Prey and Owls of the Slovak Society for Ornithology in 
1995]. – Tichodroma 13: 227–250. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Danko, Š., Karaska, D. & Kropil, R. (2002): [The 
snowy owl (Nyctaea scandiaca).] pp. 363 In: Danko, Š., 
Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution 
in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Darolová, A. & Kropil, R. (2002): [The common kestrel 
(Falco tinnunculus).] pp. 207–209 In: Danko, Š., 
Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution 
in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Dobrý, M. (2011): The abundance of the little owl (Athene 
noctua) in Podunajská rovina lowland in 2009 and 2010. 
– Slovak Raptor Journal 5: 121–126.
Dravecký, M., Danko, Š., Obuch, J., Kicko, J., Maderič, 
B., Karaska, D., Vrána, J., Šreibr, O., Šotnár, K., 
Vrlík, P. & Bohačík, L. (2008a): Diet of the Lesser 
Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) in Slovakia. – Slovak 
Raptor Journal 2: 1–18.
Dravecký, M., Maderič, B., Šotnár, K., Danko, Š., 
Harvančík, S., Kicko, J., Karaska, D., Vrlík, P., 
Vrána, J., Balla, M., Boucný, D. & Kišac, P. (2008b): 
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina) colour ringing 
programme and its first results in the period 2000–2008 
in Slovakia. – Slovak Raptor Journal 2: 27–36.
IUCN (2013): The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 
Version 2012.2. – [http://www.iucnredlist.org/], 
28/5/2013.
Karaska, D. (2002): [The Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus).] 
pp. 187–189 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, 
A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, 
Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Karaska, D. & Chavko, J. (2002a): [The Goshawk (Accipiter 
gentilis).] pp. 185–187 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & 
Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Karaska, D. & Chavko, J. (2002b): [The Osprey Pandion 
haliaetus).] pp. 204–205 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Karaska, D. & Chavko, J. (2002c): [The merlin (Falco 
columbarius).] pp. 211–212 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, 
A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] 
– Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Karaska, D. & Danko, Š. (2002a): [The Honey Buzzard 
(Pernis apivorus).] pp. 166–167 In: Danko, Š., 
Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution 
in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Karaska, D. & Danko, Š. (2002b): [The Lesser Spotted 
Eagle (Aquila pomarina).] pp. 195–197 In: Danko, Š., 
Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution 
in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Karaska, D. & Danko, Š. (2002c): [The Eurasian hobby 
(Falco subbuteo).] pp. 213–214 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, 
A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] 
– Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Karaska, D., Trnka, A. & Danko, Š. (2002): [The 
Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus).] pp. 178–180 In: 
Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds 
distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, 
English summary)
Krištín, A., Mihók, J., Danko, Š., Karaska, D., 
Pačenovský, S., Saniga, M., Boďová, M., Balázs, 
C., Šotnár, K., Korňan, J. & Olekšák, M. (2007): 
Distribution, abundance and conservation of the Ural 
owl Strix uralensis in Slovakia. pp. 8–15 In: Müller, 
J., Scherzinger, W. & Moning, C. (eds): European 
Ural owl workshop, Bavarian Forest National Park. 
Tagungsbericht, Heft 8. – National Park Bayerischer 
Wald, Grafenau.
Kropil, R. (2002a): [The Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo).] 
pp. 189–191 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, 
A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, 
Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Kropil, R. (2002b): [The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).] 
pp. 201–202 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, 
A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, 
Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Kropil, R. (2002c): [The long-eared owl (Asio otus).] pp. 
374–376 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. 
(eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. 
(in Slovak, English summary)
Kropil, R. & Danko, Š. (2002): [The Rough-legged Buzzard 
(Buteo lagopus).] pp. 193–195 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, 
A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] 
– Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Maderič, B. (2012): [Red kite (Milvus milvus).] – Dravce a 
sovy 8 (1): 11. (in Slovak)
Noga, M. (2011): [Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus).] – 
Dravce a sovy 7 (1): 13. (in Slovak)
Obuch, J. (2012): Spatial and temporal diversity of the diet 
of the tawny owl (Strix aluco). – Slovak Raptor Journal 
5 (1): 1–120.
Obuch, J. & Karaska, D. (2011): The Eurasian eagle-owl 
(Bubo bubo) diet in the Orava Region (N Slovakia). – 
Slovak Raptor Journal 4 (1): 83–98.
Pačenovský, S. (2002a): [The pygmy owl (Glaucidium 
passerinum).] pp. 364–367 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Pačenovský, S. (2002b): [The little owl (Athene noctua).] 
pp. 367–369 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, 
A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, 
Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Pačenovský, S. (2002c): [The Tengmalm´s owl (Aegolius 
funereus).] pp. 379–381 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. 
& Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Pačenovský, S. & Obuch, J. (2002): [The tawny owl (Strix 
aluco).] pp. 369–371 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & 
Krištín, A. (eds.): [Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – 
Veda, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Pačenovský, S. & Šotnár, K. (2010): Notes on the 
269
Acrocephalus 33 (154/155): 261−269, 2012
reproduction, breeding biology and ethology of the 
Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) in 
Slovakia. – Slovak Raptor Journal 4: 49–81.
Polák P. & Saxa, A. (eds.) 2005: [Favourable Conservation 
Status of Habitats and Species of European Importance.] 
– State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, 
Banská Bystrica. (in Slovak)
Saniga, M. (2002): [The hawk owl (Surnia ulula).] pp. 
364 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): 
[Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in 
Slovak, English summary)
Sárossy, M. (2002): [The barn owl (Tyto alba).] pp. 356–
358 In: Danko, Š., Darolová, A. & Krištín, A. (eds.): 
[Birds distribution in Slovakia.] – Veda, Bratislava. (in 
Slovak, English summary)
Slabeyová, K., Ridzoň, J., Darolová, A., Karaska, D. & 
Topercer, J. (2008): Report on winter waterbird census 
in Slovakia in the season 2004/05. – SOS/BirdLife 
Slovensko, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Slabeyová, K., Ridzoň, J. & Kropil, R. (2009a): Trends 
in common birds abundance in Slovakia during 2005–
2009. – Tichodroma 21: 1–13. (in Slovak, English 
summary)
Slabeyová, K., Ridzoň, J., Topercer, J., Darolová, A. & 
Karaska, D. (2009b): Report on winter waterbird census 
in Slovakia in the season 2005/06. – SOS/BirdLife 
Slovensko, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Slabeyová, K., Ridzoň, J., Karaska, D., Topercer, J. & 
Darolová, A. (2011): Report on winter waterbird census 
in Slovakia in the season 2009/2010. – SOS/BirdLife 
Slovensko, Bratislava. (in Slovak, English summary)
Šotnár, K. & Topercer, J. (2009a): Estimating density, 
population size and dynamics of Common Buzzard 
(Buteo buteo) in a West Carpathian region by a new 
method. – Slovak Raptor Journal 3: 1–12.
Šotnár, K. & Topercer, J. (2009b): Feeding ecology of 
a nesting population of the Common Buzzard (Buteo 
buteo) in the Upper Nitra region, Central Slovakia. – 
Slovak Raptor Journal 3: 13–20.
Uhrin, M., Danko, Š. & Latková, H. (2008): Bibliography 
on birds of prey and owls in Slovakia. Part 1. Order 
Accipitriformes, genera Aquila, Hieraaetus & Haliaeetus. 
– Slovak Raptor Journal 2: 119–142.
Uhrin, M., Danko, Š. & Latková, H. (2009): Bibliography 
on birds of prey and owls in Slovakia. Part 2. Order 
Accipitriformes, genera Pernis, Milvus, Neophron, Gyps, 
Aegypius, Circaetus, Circus, Accipiter, Buteo & Pandion. – 
Slovak Raptor Journal 3: 73–88.
Uhrin, M., Danko, Š. & Latková, H. (2010): Bibliography 
on birds of prey and owls in Slovakia. Part 3. Order 
Falconiformes, genus Falco. – Slovak Raptor Journal 4: 
115–131.
Uhrin, M., Danko, Š. & Latková, H. (2011): Bibliography 
on birds of prey and owls in Slovakia. Part 4. Order 
Strigiformes, genera Tyto, Otus, Bubo, Strix, Surnia, 
Glaucidium, Athene, Aegolius & Asio. – Slovak Raptor 
Journal 5: 137–163.
Uhrin, M., Danko, Š. & Latková, H. (2012): Bibliography 
on birds of prey and owls in Slovakia. Part 5. General 
references and supplements to previous parts. – Slovak 
Raptor Journal 6: 45–77.
Václav, R. (2012): First observation of the black-winged 
kite Elanus caeruleus in Slovakia. – Slovak Raptor Journal 
6: 27–30.
Vili, N., Chavko, J., Szabó, K., Kovács, S., Hornung, E., 
Kalmár, L. & Horváth, M. (2009): Genetic structure 
of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) population in 
Slovakia. – Slovak Raptor Journal 3: 21–28.
Arrived / Prispelo: 27. 3. 2013
Accepted / Sprejeto: 1. 7. 2013