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Environmental correlates of breeding abundance and population change of Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata in Britain

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posted on 2017-08-31, 07:35 authored by Samantha E. Franks, David J. T. Douglas, Simon Gillings, James W. Pearce-Higgins

Capsule: Across Britain, breeding Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata are less numerous and have shown greater population declines in areas with more arable farming, woodland cover and higher generalist predator abundance.

Aims: We present the first national-scale analysis of the potential drivers of Curlew population change in Britain, which is needed to guide conservation action for this globally near-threatened, declining species.

Methods: Breeding Bird Survey data and environmental predictors were used to model variation in Curlew abundance in 1995–99 and 2007–11, and population change between these periods.

Results: Arable farming and woodland cover were negatively associated with Curlew abundance and population declines. Curlew abundance was positively associated with extent of protected area coverage and gamebird numbers. Abundance and population change were positively associated with cooler temperatures and higher summer rainfall, but negatively associated with numbers of generalist predators.

Conclusions: We found support for the negative effects of intensive agriculture, forestry, increases in generalist predator populations and climate warming on Curlew abundance and population change. Effective site protection and measures to reduce generalist predator abundance may be important conservation measures, together with improving breeding habitat quality in the wider countryside.

Funding

This analysis was undertaken as part of the Breeding Bird Survey work programme, with additional funding from the BTO Curlew appeal. The Breeding Bird Survey is funded by a joint partnership between the BTO, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), on behalf of the country agencies (Natural England, Scottish National Heritage, Natural Resources Wales, and Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs).

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