ORNITHOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS FROM THE TRANSCARPATHIAN OBLAST IN THE HOLDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NAS OF UKRAINE

Abstract

This article presents the results of a comprehensive scientific study of the ornithological collection from the territory of Transcarpathian Oblast, preserved in the holdings of the National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine.The study covers 651 specimens representing 125 species from 14 orders, collected between 1906 and 1998, with the majority of specimens gathered between 1946 and 1972. These materials enable a retrospective analysis of changes in the region’s avifauna during the second half of the 20th century. The collection has become a national treasure due to organized scientific expeditions conducted by museum staff, as well as the contributions of other ornithologists, local naturalists, and hunters who actively participated in collecting ornithological material. The species composition includes representatives of various habitats, ranging from typical highland species to synanthropic birds adapted to anthropogenic landscapes. Among the specimens are bird species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine, including Falco naumanni (8), Dendrocopos leucotos (7), Regulus ignicapilla (4), Picoides tridactylus (3), Coracias garrulus (2), Strix uralensis (2), Lyrurus tetrix (2), Tetrastes bonasia (2), Tyto alba (2), Aquila chrysaetos (1), Ciconia nigra (1), Columba oenas (1), Milvus migrans (1), Monticola saxatilis (1), Picus viridis (1), Prunella collaris (1), Sternula albifrons (1). Special attention is given to the role of collectors, including renowned ornithologists such as O. O. Hrabar, O. B. Kistiakivskyi, V. M. Zubarovskyi, D. V. Vladyshevskyi, M. Y. Kucherenko, V. M. Loskot, O. M. Peklo, and others, whose efforts helped form a rich museum collection that now represents part of the national heritage of the NMNH, NAS of Ukraine. The analysis of the museum collection data enables researchers to identify the period during which factors such as climate change, habitat degradation, and anthropogenic pressure began to affect the Carpathian region, impacting local bird populations.