Ingrid Kohl & Christian H. Schulze

Department of Population Ecology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Althanstraße 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria

Email: kohl.ingrid [AT] chello.at

The Red-spotted Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica svecica) is distributed over most parts of Siberia and Scandinavia. In the Seventies, a population was also discovered in the Austrian Alps at Hundsfeld Moor (Province Salzburg). During the following years several additional smaller populations were found in Central European mountains. These highly isolated populations in the European Alps most likely represent a recent colonization. This study analysed patterns of habitat use of L. s. svecica at Hundsfeld Moor as contribution to understand the patchy distribution of L. s. svecica on a small geographical scale. The population at Hundsfeld Moor represent the largest local population known from Central Europe and varies between 16 and 21 breeding pairs per year. A comprehensive survey of the Hundsfeld Moor and its vicinity was conducted between May and August 2005. All territories were mapped and for all observation sites detailed notes were taken on behaviour and microhabitat use. Measured habitat parameters include vegetation characteristics, abundance of soil arthropods (sampled with pitfall traps) as well as distribution and density of Formica (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) colonies. These data will also contribute to develop more effective strategies for protecting the small populations of L. s. svecica outside its continuous distribution range.

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