Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
In the Amvrakikos wetlands studies were conducted on distribution of ducks and Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) in relation to food resources and the impact of human disturbance, especially hunting. Observations on hunting modes were made elsewhere also. The number of hunters is large, and illegal practices are frequently observed, including killing of protected species. Disturbance by hunters often causes mass displacement of ducks from the most important feeding areas. Some species such as northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), northern pintail (Anas acuta), green-winged teal (Anas crecca), and common pochard (Aythya ferina) are very sensitive to disturbance. Northern shoveler and northern pintail cease to feed when shooting occurs near them, while Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope) and Eurasian coot are less sensitive and continue foraging at lower intensity. Shooting from motor boats is extremely disturbing. Sportsmen in only 1 or 2 powered punts in Logarou Lagoon and equivalent numbers in Koronisia Bay can disturb waterfowl so that they stop feeding and eventually abandon the area. Poled fishing punts move rather slowly and generally cause less disturbance. Motor boats generally flush waterfowl and interrupt feeding for a much longer time. In Koronisia Bay fishing boats regularly displace ducks from feeding areas.