Modern distribution and nesting ecology of White storks (Ciconia ciconia L.) in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan
2025
Mammadov, Arzu F. | Sultanov, Elchin H. | Matsyura, Alex V. | Mammadova, Vefa F.
The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) has increasingly adapted to nesting on artificial structures, yet the drivers of nest-site selection and reproductive success in human-dominated landscapes remain poorly understood. Here, we integrate spatial ecology and habitat modeling to assess nesting patterns of white storks in Azerbaijan, where populations rely heavily on utility poles. We surveyed 51 poles (87 nests) along a 35-km transect, recording nest distribution, chick productivity, and environmental variables. Our key findings reveal strong preference for metal poles (68% of nests; χ² = 9.3, p = 0.002), which sup- ported 13% higher chick survival than concrete poles (85% vs. 72%; HR = 2.1, p = 0.02), spatial clustering at 0.5–2 km scales (Ripley’s K, p < 0.01), with two high-density hotspots (>9 nests/km²) linked to floodplain and agricultural habitats, altitude-driven productivity: higher elevations (≥900 m) had fewer but more productive nests (PCA: PC1 = 58% variance). We also considered critical movement corridors between colonies, avoiding urban areas and steep slopes (least-cost path analysis). Habitat suitability models (AUC = 0.82) identified water proximity and altitude as key predictors of nesting. Our results demonstrate how human infrastructure shapes stork nesting ecology, with metal poles acting as critical refuges. We recommend prioritizing metal pole maintenance in high-suitability zones and protecting foraging corridors to sustain populations. This study provides a template for conserving synanthropic birds in rapidly developing regions.
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