On the probability of restoring a mute swan (Cygnus olor) nesting group in Primorsky Krai

Abstract

Due to an increased number of mute swan, Cygnus olor, records in Primorsky Krai, this paper discusses current regional status of this species and the prospects to restore its nesting groups in Lake Khanka and in the lower reaches of the Tumen River, which were lost in the first half of the 20th century. It is shown that the increase in the number of mute swans during migration both in the Russian and the North Korean sectors of the Tumen River Estuary transboundary wetland is not due to the general increasing of the eastern population of the species, but to the redistribution of birds on wintering grounds. The partial shift of the wintering group from traditional places located on the Chinese coast of the Yellow Sea to the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula also had a positive effect on the strength of the Northeast China – Korean Peninsula flyway of mute swans, which passes through southern Primorye with a key stopover site in the lower reaches of the Tumen River. The positive role of the Khasansky Nature Park in the conservation of this species is shown, as well as its management shortcomings, which, when overcome, will increase the chances of restoring a nesting group of mute swans there. Lake Khanka is located outside the main migration route of the species, therefore the authors think it is unlikely for a nesting group to appear there any time soon.