| Summary: | This is the first ever monograph to cover the birds of the Medzibodrožie Region representing a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds within the Natura 2000 network of areas in the territory of the European Union. Within the area, there are 37 criteria bird species requiring special conservation effort, which represents the highest number of such species in one SPA in Slovakia. This fact underlines the immense importance of the Medzibodrožie for both conservation and preservation of biodiversity. Thirteen authors contributed to this most up-to-date work reflecting advances in ornithological research and providing the standard reference for the birds of the region. The book includes descriptions of 254 bird species (of which 154 are breeders and six bred in the past) known to occur in the area in a period of over 150 years. Moreover, it also covers topography and habitats of the Medzibodrožie, including the first ever list of 156 most important marshes within the area. There are also chapters on nature protection, history of ornithological research, material and methods, as well as bird communities of some habitats of the area. \nEach breeding bird species is described in one to five pages covering its distribution, occurrence, density, population trend, habitat and status in the Medzibodrožie and Slovakia. Regular migrants and accidental species are described briefly, containing only one to several paragraphs. For the first time in the Slovak ornithological literature, the book also covers split species such as Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris) or Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis). More than 30 photographers contributed to the collection of over 550 images taken in the area. These cover not only birds, their nests and habitats, but also other animals and plants. The book also contains 60 maps, 95 tables and 24 graphs.\n
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