The Status and Breeding Population of the Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus in Cyprus

We present here the first island-wide assessment of the status and breeding population of the Spur-winged Lapwing Vanellus spinosus in Cyprus from July 2007 to June 2009. This survey was carried out at 27 wetland areas and more than 200 individuals were recorded at 10 wetlands during autumn passage while at least 50 over-wintered at five wetlands. Approximately 100 individuals were recorded at 12 wetlands during spring passage, and the breeding population was estimated at 61– 68 pairs scattered among 15 wetlands. The population of this species has increased since the 1990s, probably as a consequence of populationgrowth in the Middle East as well as increasingly warmer winters in Cyprus and the creation of water reservoirs, particularly sewage lagoons. The most important sites are concentrated in central and eastern Cyprus.