Scale-dependent habitat selection by wintering geese: implications for landscape management

The management of Arctic migrant geese is complex, because they frequently use landscapes under intensive human use, and are conflict species in multiple respects. Some populations are of high conservation concern, but they also cause agricultural damage, are quarry for hunters, and may be particularly sensitive to infrastructure developments. In Bulgarian Dobrudzha, large wintering populations of greater white-fronted geese Anser albifrons and red-breasted geese Branta ruficollis feed in agricultural land, and cause management dilemmas. We developed linear models to investigate fine- and meso-scale foraging habitat selection of geese foraging on winter wheat in the area, and used these models to make suggestions for zoning landscape use in order to reduce conflict and conserve geese. Habitat selection was scale-dependent. Geese selected fields that were near to major roosts and had low proximity to roads and tree-lines, which may be a proxy for hunting disturbance. We found some evidence for selection of wheat fields with high nutritional quality. Within fields, geese strongly avoided features which cause landscape ‘clutter’: power-lines, tree-lines and wind-turbines, but primarily over distances of less than a few hundred metres. Optimal management might involve encouraging goose populations to feed in areas close to roosts, by means of agri-environmental measures and creation of hunting-free refuges. This would allow efficient use of agri-environment funds, might reduce conflict with farmers, and would mean that infrastructure development—notably wind farms—could be sited at greater distance from roosts with relatively minor impact on foraging habitat availability.     

Habitat selection by Skylarks Alauda arvensis wintering in Britain in 1997/98

The results of a national survey of wintering Skylarks Alauda arvensis undertaken by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) between November 1997 and February 1998 are reported here. Over three visits, volunteers counted Skylarks and mapped habitats in 541 1-km squares selected from the Skylark's winter range based on BTO Winter Atlas data and a stratified random sampling approach. Four landscape strata were defined from the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology landscape classification: arable, pastoral, marginal upland and saltmarsh. The survey counts underestimated Skylark abundance, but were good measures of relative abundance across habitat types. The two best predictors of Skylark presence–absence at the landscape scale were the availability of coastal and farmland habitats. Squares with saltmarsh had the highest densities and occupancy (80% of squares). At the patch scale crop stubbles, especially weedy cereal stubbles, were used significantly more than expected by chance. Oilseed rape was positively selected whereas cereal crops were used in proportion to availability and grazed grass was avoided. Skylarks avoided fields smaller than 2.5 ha and selected fields larger than 7.5 ha. We estimate that in midwinter there may be less than 1–2 ha of weedy cereal stubble per 1-km square. We recommend the retention of over-winter stubbles for the conservation of Skylarks and other farmland birds, and research on stubble management and effects on grain availability and arable weed regeneration on Skylark use.     

钦州湾越冬鸻鹬类对不同生境的选择分析

2008年12月至2009年1月及2011年12月至2012年1月对钦州湾的越冬鸻鹬类进行了调查,对越冬鸻鹬类退潮后在各类型生境的分布情况和原因进行了分析,以期为制定有效保护越冬鸟类及其生境的措施提供科学依据。冬季在钦州湾记录到鹬鸻类27种,结果表明,在不同的天气情况下退潮后各生境内记录到的鹬鸻类种数和数量均不同,钦州湾不同生境鹬鸻类结构特征随天气变化改变。相似性比较显示,晴天生境相似性指数最高的是盐田-养殖塘生境和农田生境,相似性指数为0.96;相似性指数最低的是红树林滩涂生境和光滩生境,相似性指数为0.49。阴冷天生境相似性指数最高的是光滩生境和盐田-养殖塘生境,相似性指数为0.79;最低是红树林滩涂生境和光滩生境,相似性指数为0.52。分析表明人类活动的干扰对越冬鹬鸻类栖息地选择的影响是巨大的。     

The importance of spatial scale in habitat selection by European beaver

We evaluated habitat selection by European beaver Castor fiber L. across a spatial gradient from local (within the family territory) to a broad, ecoregional scale. Based on aerial photography, we assessed the habitat composition of 150 beaver territories along the main water bodies of the Vistula River delta (northern Poland) and compared these data with 183 randomly selected sites not occupied by the species. The beavers preferred habitats with high availability of woody plants, including shrubs, and avoided anthropogenically modified habitats, such as arable lands. Within a single family territory, we observed decreasing woody plant cover with increasing distance from a colony centre, which suggests that beaver habitat preferences depend on the assessment of both the abundance and spatial distribution of preferred habitat elements. We tested the importance of spatial scale in beaver habitat selection with principal coordinates of neighbour matrices analysis, which showed that the geographical scale explained 46.7% of the variation in habitat composition, while the local beaver density explained only 10.3% of this variability. We found two main spatial gradients that were related to the broad spatial scale: first, the most important gradient was related to the largest distances between beaver sites and was independent of woody plant cover and the local beaver site density. The second most important gradient appeared more locally and was associated with these variables. Our results indicate that European beaver habitat selection was affected by different scale‐related phenomena related 1) to central place foraging behaviour, which resulted in the clumped distribution of woody plants within the territory, and 2) local population density and woody plant cover. Finally, 3) habitat selection occurs independently across the largest spatial scale studied (e.g. between watersheds), which was probably due to the limited natal dispersal range of the animals.     

山西芦芽山褐马鸡越冬栖息地选择的多尺度研究

1998～2000年在山西芦芽山自然保护区对褐马鸡的越冬栖息地选择进行了研究。采用4种空间尺度(10m、100m、300m和距离尺度),对影响褐马鸡越冬栖息地选择的主要因子进行了深入分析,并建立了褐马鸡越冬栖息地选择的逻辑斯谛回归模型。在300m尺度上．活动点和非活动点的生境类型有针叶林、针阔混交林、灌木林和草丛等。活动点周围针叶林面积显著高于非活动点(F=-3．116,P=0．002),虽然针阔混交林在两者中的面积比例都较小,但活动点周围针阔混交林的面积明显地低于非活动点(F=-2．255,P=0．024)．在灌木林和草丛的面积上两者无显著差异。这表明褐马鸡在300m尺度上喜欢活动于针叶林较多的地域,由于冬季针阔混交林不如针叶林能提供很好的隐蔽条件,褐马鸡避免选择针阔混交林;在100m尺度上,活动点和非活动点的生境类型有针叶林、针阔混交林和草丛,无灌木林生境,活动点的针叶林面积明显地高于非活动点(F=-2．931,P=0．003)。这表明褐马鸡在100m尺度上虽然倾向于选择针叶林,但对其它类型的生境如针阔混交林和草丛是可以利用的,这可能与其广泛取食活动有关。褐马鸡大尺度上的隐蔽条件满足以后,在小尺度上主要是为了获取更为丰富的食物。在距离尺度上活动点距居民点的距离、距道路的距离显著大于非活动点(F=15．621;6．048,P=0．000;0．018)。通过逐步逻辑斯谛回归分析,发现距灌草丛的距离、距居民点的距离、100m范围内针叶林的面积、树高以及食物的丰盛度是冬季褐马鸡栖息地选择的重要因子。以另外一个研究地收集的数据对所建立的栖息地选择模型的可靠程度进行了检验,结果表明该模型能有效地对褐马鸡的越冬栖息地进行预测。     

贵州草海越冬黑颈鹤觅食栖息地选择的初步研究

本文报道了利用Friedman非参数统计方法,研究越冬黑颈鹤(Grus nigricollis)在贵州草海对其觅食栖息地选择的结果。在草海的黑颈鹤越冬觅食栖息地可分为5种——莎草草甸、浅水沼泽、草地、玉米地和蔬菜地。黑颈鹤对莎草草甸的选择性最高,对玉米地的选择性最差,对其余类型栖息地的选择随地点的不同而不同。草海的人为活动很多,是影响黑颈鹤利用和选择栖息地的一个重要因素。本文也对改善黑颈鹤越冬栖息地的管理和保护提出了一些建议。     

Interactions between soil habitat and geographic range location affect plant fitness

Populations are often found on different habitats at different geographic locations. This habitat shift may be due to biased dispersal, physiological tolerances or biotic interactions. To explore how fitness of the native plant Chamaecrista fasciculata depends on habitat within, at and beyond its range edge, we planted seeds from five populations in two soil substrates at these geographic locations. We found that with reduced competition, lifetime fitness was always greater or equivalent in one habitat type, loam soils, though early-season survival was greater on sand soils. At the range edge, natural populations are typically found on sand soil habitats, which are also less competitive environments. Early-season survival and fitness differed among source populations, and when transplanted beyond the range edge, range edge populations had greater fitness than interior populations. Our results indicate that even when the optimal soil substrate for a species does not change with geographic range location, the realized niche of a species may be restricted to sub-optimal habitats at the range edge because of the combined effects of differences in abiotic and biotic effects (e.g. competitors) between substrates.     

Lead poisoning in swans and sources of contamination in Ireland

A study of blood levels in mute swans Cygnus olor in Ireland has revealed that ingested lead pellets are responsible for acute lead poisoning. Forty-two percent of blood samples from 890 live birds at one site showed elevated lead levels. X-ray examination of live birds revealed the source of contamination to be ingested lead pellets. Urban birds were shown to have higher ( P 0001) lead levels than rural birds, the blood lead levels of which were presumed to reflect natural background levels. Urban grass was shown to have elevated lead but this did not cause lead poisoning in Canada geese Branta canadensis . Post-mortem examination has shown that 68% ( n = 101) of all mute swans examined from a number of sites died from lead poisoning. Two sources of poisoning were identified; spent gunshot from a claypigeon shooting site at Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, and lost or discarded anglers' weights at Cork Lough and at a fishing pond in Belfast, N.I. The first known case of lead poisoning in whooper swans Cygnus cygnus in Ireland is recorded which resulted from the ingestion of gunshot used almost two decades earlier. Aspects of the pathology of lead poisoned swans is discussed.     

Effects of seasonality,isolation and patch quality for habitat selection processes by mute swans Cygnus olor in a fishpond landscape

Foragers in patchy environments do not only select sites for single patch characteristics, but also have to consider the local environment of such patches. We studied habitat selection by mute swans Cygnus olor in a wide and heterogeneous fishpond region (the Dombes, eastern France). In this study, we considered fishpond isolation, resource quality within fishponds and breeding status of mute swans during both summer and winter. Mute swans did not select aquatic habitat randomly within the landscape. During summer, the population spread preferentially on medium to large fishponds, in subregions with numerous or closely related waterbodies, without generating a clumped distribution of birds. In addition to a positive effect of local fishpond number (2 km radius), breeding birds also responded positively to fishpond size. Non‐breeders selected fishponds mainly according to their size. Intraspecific territoriality did not appear to limit the presence of non‐breeders (i.e. moulting flocks), since both breeders and non‐breeders could coexist on the larger fishponds. During winter, mute swans used medium to large reflooded fishponds after summer drainage. The surrounding aquatic environment of fishponds played a minor role in determining flocking, compared to actual patch quality. Flocking occurred on large fishponds that had reflooded after having dried the summer before, whatever the agricultural cultivation practiced in the summer following drainage. The results suggest that geographical aspects should be taken into account when considering the potential impact of this expanding species within such ecosystems, and also in more general management policies dealing with aquatic habitats for waterbird populations.     

Broad-scale patterns in geographical and habitat distribution of migrant and resident passerines in Britain and Ireland

We analysed patterns of breeding habitat use in migrant and resident passerines on a broad geographical scale in Britain. Migrants were less widely distributed than residents and used fewer habitats. Although resident genera that were more widespread used more nesting habitats, this did not hold for migrant genera though it did at the species level. Although migrancy status in Europe has been associated with the use of 'open' structural habitat types (e.g. scrubland), evidence from Britain was contradictory. Within lowland woodlands the ratio of migrants to residents and the density of migrants was highest in habitats with large areas of young growth. The highest migrant ratios of all, however, were recorded in mature upland woods, with little or no undergrowth. These upland woods carried the lowest densities of residents. Regression models accounting for variation in the migrant ratios and densities in woodland habitats varied according to the geographical scale on which they were constructed. The extent of young growth was a strong predictor of migrant ratios and densities in south-east England but not for woods in the north and west. Resident densities in northern and western woods were inversely related to altitude.     

Blood lead levels in wintering and moulting Icelandic whooper swans over two decades

Lead poisoning of waterfowl through the ingestion of spent gunshot and discarded anglers' weights continues to be a problem worldwide. We took blood samples from 363 whooper swans Cygnus cygnus at wintering sites in Britain and Ireland and at moulting sites in Iceland during 2001–2005, and analysed them for total blood lead. Lead levels were generally low in swans in Iceland; 6% of samples exceeded 1.21  μ mol L⁻¹, the level indicative of elevated lead and above background levels. The proportion of swans with elevated lead was much higher in the wintering range, varying between 43 and 70% at three sites monitored over the winters 2003/2004–2005/2006, and with blood lead levels ranging up to 19.6  μ mol L⁻¹. The highest levels were in samples taken from swans in Scotland, with a mean value of 3.0  μ mol L⁻¹, but nevertheless they indicated a marked decrease compared with blood lead levels measured for whooper swans at the same site 20 years ago. There also appeared to be a significant long-term decrease in the proportion of swans with elevated blood lead in Iceland, from 60% of birds in 1984 to 8% in 2005, although this may be due to the birds being caught in different parts of Iceland. The most likely source of elevated lead in whooper swans is spent gunshot. Management measures to reduce the impact of lead in the environment on the birds are discussed.     

Modelling habitat selection of Common Cranes Grus grus wintering in Portugal using multiple logistic regression

Predictive models of habitat suitability for the Common Crane Grus grus in a wintering area of southern Portugal were derived using logistic multiple regression and Geographic Information Systems. The study area was characterized by landscape variables and surveyed uniformly for the presence of cranes. The most important variables were distance to roosts, to open Holm Oak woods and to villages, and the occurrence of unpaved roads, shrubby vegetation, slope and orchards. Two models were built, the second having one variable fewer than the first. The selection of the best model was based on statistical and biological criteria. Crane distribution was negatively related to: distance to open Holm Oak Quercus rotundifolia woods and roosts. Additionally, unsuitable vegetation and orchard areas are avoided. In these areas movement is difficult, food availability is reduced and the risk of predation increased. We also found that villages and roads were avoided; disturbance is a significant factor for this species. Some management guidelines are proposed for the area: (1) maintenance of open Holm Oak woodlands, (2) incentives to avoid the abandonment of traditional agriculture and pastoral use of the area, which would lead to an increase of shrubby vegetation areas, (3) preservation of suitable roosting places and (4) management of new patches of forest and orchards.     

Olfactory cues used in host‐habitat location and host location by the parasitoid Cotesia urabae

There is a growing body of evidence that many hymenopteran parasitoids make use of olfaction as the primary mechanism to detect and locate hosts. In this study, a series of bioassays was conducted to investigate the orientation behaviour of the gum leaf skeletonizer larval parasitoid Cotesia urabae Austin & Allen (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in both Y‐tube and four‐arm olfactometers. In a Y‐tube olfactometer, male C. urabae were attracted only to virgin conspecific females. Host‐plant leaves, damaged leaves, host larvae, and host larvae feeding on leaves were highly attractive to female C. urabae, whereas host frass and conspecific males were not. The multiple‐comparison bioassay conducted in a four‐arm olfactometer clearly indicates that C. urabae females were significantly more attracted to the host Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) larvae feeding on Eucalyptus fastigata H Deane & Maiden (Myrtaceae) leaves than to any other of the odour sources tested. The results of this study show that C. urabae individuals responded to chemical cues specific to the host plant and target host insect, and support hypotheses that unreliable cues are not utilized for host location by specific natural enemies.     

Concurrent shifts in wintering distribution and phenology in migratory swans: Individual and generational effects

Range shifts and phenological change are two processes by which organisms respond to environmental warming. Understanding the mechanisms that drive these changes is key for optimal conservation and management. Here we study both processes in the migratory Bewick's swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii) using different methods, analysing nearly 50 years of resighting data (1970–2017). In this period the wintering area of the Bewick's swans shifted eastwards (‘short‐stopping’) at a rate of ~13 km/year, thereby shortening individual migration distance on an average by 353 km. Concurrently, the time spent at the wintering grounds has reduced (‘short‐staying’) by ~38 days since 1989. We show that individuals are consistent in their migratory timing in winter, indicating that the frequency of individuals with different migratory schedules has changed over time (a generational shift). In contrast, for short‐stopping we found evidence for both individual plasticity (individuals decrease their migration distances over their lifetime) and generational shift. Additional analysis of swan resightings with temperature data showed that, throughout the winter, Bewick's swans frequent areas where air temperatures are c. 5.5°C. These areas have also shifted eastwards over time, hinting that climate warming is a contributing factor behind the observed changes in the swans' distribution. The occurrence of winter short‐stopping and short‐staying suggests that this species is to some extent able to adjust to climate warming, but benefits or repercussions at other times of the annual cycle need to be assessed. Furthermore, these phenomena could lead to changes in abundance in certain areas, with resulting monitoring and conservation implications. Understanding the processes and driving mechanisms behind population changes therefore is important for population management, both locally and across the species range.     

Farmland habitat selection of wintering lesser kestrels in a Spanish pseudosteppe: implications for conservation strategies

The lesser kestrel Falco naumanni is a globally threatened species, whose breeding populations seem to have declined due to recent agricultural changes. However, nothing is known about habitat requirements during winter, despite the fact that several populations are overwintering in areas affected by agricultural transformations. We studied population size and habitat selection by wintering lesser kestrels in a Spanish pseudosteppe (Los Monegros), where traditional fallow systems for cereals are rapidly being replaced by intensive and/or irrigated crops. About 15% of the adult population wintered in the study area, as determined by systematic roadside counts compared with accurate censuses made during the breeding season. Wintering lesser kestrels preferred to forage on field margins and stubble, while avoiding abandoned fields, ploughs, scrubland, growing cereals and, mainly, the expanding irrigated crops. This work confirms the need to incorporate the habitat requirements of threatened species over their complete annual cycles; while breeding lesser kestrels scarcely use fallow (ploughed at that time), during the winter, fallow (stubble at that time) is their main foraging habitat. Both fallow land and the present agricultural calendar should be maintained to assure the conservation of wintering lesser kestrel populations.     

耦合种群动态的生境格局变化分析粒度与景观因子选择——以盐城越冬丹顶鹤及其生境的变化为例

选择盐城珍禽国家级自然保护区,以丹顶鹤越冬生境景观与种群动态这一格局-过程关系为切入点,尝试从丹顶鹤最小存活面积特征与种群动态视角探讨一下最佳粒度、景观格局变化分析的指数遴选方法。结果发现:根据丹顶鹤最小生存面积确定200m为最大转换粒度,综合景观指数随空间粒度变化的规律和粒度转换精度损失评价的结果,确定最佳分析粒度为70m。在众多景观因子中,运用Spearman秩相关分析,再利用逐步回归分析建立起景观与丹顶鹤数量指标间的联系,最终筛选出反映景观面积(CA)和空间格局(IJI,ENN_MN)的3种影响显著景观因子,其解释贡献率(累计R2)达到70.5%,且其所代表的生境景观的组成和结构信息较为客观地反映出研究区丹顶鹤种群动态分布的显示状态。与纯粹的景观指数分析相比,这种方法更能反应景观格局演变特征的特定生态学意义。     

Food of the Barn Owl in Britain and Ireland

It would be difficult to name a bird that is more beneficial to mankind than the Barn Owl. This analysis of its food is based on nearly 48,000 prey items collected over 12 years and shows that 900 of the diet comprises rodents and shrews. Chief among these are the shorttailed vole, but in Ireland (where this is absent) and the cereal-growing country of eastern England, this invaluable ally of the farmer is an inveterate enemy of the brown rat.