Bioecological features and significance of the genus Bee-Eater-Merops in Uzbekistan

National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

^* Corresponding author: alimovatabek480@gmail.com

Abstract

The article presents the results of the research conducted in Uzbekistan in 2020-2023 on the bioecological characteristics and importance of European Bee-eater - Merops apiaster and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater - Merops persicus. The purpose of this study is to determine and assess the distribution, number and dynamics of M. apiaster and M. persicus in Uzbekistan, factors controlling their reproduction, nutrition, importance in nature and in bee farms, to experiment with effective methods to prevent biodamage caused by bee-eaters to bee farms and to protect them. As a result, recommendations are being developed to protect these species and prevent their bio-damaging activity. Zoological, ecological, questionnaire, statistical and comparative analysis methods were used in the research. The scientific novelty of the research is as follows: distribution characteristics of Merops species in Uzbekistan, their number and dynamics in biotopes, and abiotic and biotic factors controlling them were determined; the reproductive cycle of woodpeckers, their nesting places, the structure of their nests, the passage of reproduction stages, the efficiency of reproduction and the environmental factors affecting it were determined; changes in the nutritional composition and trophic relations of the species were determined in accordance with the reproductive and post-reproductive cycles; it has been proven that bee- eaters increase in stomach mass and accumulation of fat in the stomach and internal organs are the results of hyperphagia and lipogenesis events that occur in preparation for autumn migration; the importance of M. apiaster and M. persicus in nature and in bee farms was evaluated and their participation in various biocenotic relationships was revealed; the bioacoustic repellent “Merops – distress signal” was developed and its effectiveness in controlling the behavior of bee-eaters was proven by testing; appropriate recommendations for reducing the participation of Merops in biodamage in bee farms and their protection were developed.