scholarly journals Wintering area and migration routes for Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana from Sweden determined with light-loggers

Ornis Svecica ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (1–2) ◽  
pp. 3-14
Author(s):  
Gunnar Selstam ◽  
Jan Sondell ◽  
Peter Olsson

The decrease of Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana in Western Europe over the last five decades has caused serious concern for the survival of this species in Sweden. In order to find out the migration routes and wintering location, we equipped several males with geologgers. Our data show annual cycles of migrations routes, wintering grounds and time schedules for seven re-trapped birds. The wintering area in West Africa is savannah woodland in a mountainous landscape in Mali and Guinea. The migration routes follow more or less the great circle between the breeding and wintering areas. Most birds were likely to have passed the well-known Ortolan catching area in les Landes south of Bordeaux in France during autumn migration.

2011 ◽  
Vol 278 (1719) ◽  
pp. 2728-2736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwenaël Quaintenne ◽  
Jan A. van Gils ◽  
Pierrick Bocher ◽  
Anne Dekinga ◽  
Theunis Piersma

Local studies have shown that the distribution of red knots Calidris canutus across intertidal mudflats is consistent with the predictions of an ideal distribution, but not a free distribution. Here, we scale up the study of feeding distributions to their entire wintering area in western Europe. Densities of red knots were compared among seven wintering sites in The Netherlands, UK and France, where the available mollusc food stocks were also measured and from where diets were known. We tested between three different distribution models that respectively assumed (i) a uniform distribution of red knots over all areas, (ii) a uniform distribution across all suitable habitat (based on threshold densities of harvestable mollusc prey), and (iii) an ideal and free distribution (IFD) across all suitable habitats. Red knots were not homogeneously distributed across the different European wintering areas, also not when considering suitable habitats only. Their distribution was best explained by the IFD model, suggesting that the birds are exposed to interference and have good knowledge about their resource landscape at the spatial scale of NW Europe, and that the costs of movement between estuaries, at least when averaged over a whole winter, are negligible.


Oryx ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles H. M. Menz ◽  
Raphaël Arlettaz

AbstractIn recent decades there has been a marked decline in most ortolan buntingEmberiza hortulanapopulations in temperate Europe, with many regional populations now extinct or on the brink of extinction. In contrast, Mediterranean and, as far as we know, eastern European popula-tions seem to have remained relatively stable. The causes of decline remain unclear but include: habitat loss and degradation, and related reduction in prey availability; climate change on the breeding grounds; altered population dynamics; illegal captures during migration; and environmental change in wintering areas. We review the current knowledge of the biology of the ortolan bunting and discuss the proposed causes of decline in relation to the different population trends in temperate and Mediterranean Europe. We suggest new avenues of research to identify the factors limiting ortolan bunting populations. The main evidence-based conservation measure that is likely to enhance habitat quality is the creation of patches of bare ground to produce sparsely vegetated foraging grounds in invertebrate-rich grassy habitats close to breeding areas.


The Condor ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 104 (4) ◽  
pp. 780-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret R. Petersen ◽  
Paul L. Flint

Abstract We used satellite telemetry to study the migration routes and wintering areas of two allopatric breeding populations of Pacific Common Eiders (Somateria mollissimav-nigrum) in Alaska: the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and the western Beaufort Sea coast. Only 6% (2 of 36) of females wintered within the wintering area of the other breeding population. Both breeding populations wintered in the closest available ice-free habitat, perhaps to minimize migratory distance. Two Beaufort Sea females wintered in areas used by Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta females, implying potential gene flow among breeding areas. Yet, we conclude that these two populations are largely geographically isolated throughout the annual cycle and the environmental factors influencing survival and reproduction likely differ between these groups of birds. Thus, regardless of the potential gene flow among breeding populations, we suggest that birds from these two breeding areas should be managed as separate populations. Estructura Poblacional Reproductiva de Somateria mollissimav-nigrum en Alaska Resumen. Usamos telemetría satelital para estudiar las rutas de migración y áreas de invernada de dos poblaciones alopáticas reproductivas de Somateria mollissimav-nigrum en Alaska: la del Delta Yukon-Kuskokwim, y la de la costa oeste del Mar de Beaufort. Solo el 6% (2 de 36) de las hembras invernaron dentro del área de invernada de la otra población reproductiva. Las dos poblaciones invernaron en el hábitat libre de hielo más cercano, tal vez para minimizar la distancia de migración. Dos hembras del Mar de Beaufort invernaron en áreas usadas por hembras del Delta de Yukon-Kuskokwim, implicando un potencial flujo génico entre las áreas de reproducción. Sin embargo, concluimos que estas dos poblaciones están aisladas geográficamente a lo largo del ciclo anual y que los factores ambientales que afectan la supervivencia y reproducción son probablemente diferentes entre estos grupos de aves. Por lo tanto, a pesar del flujo génico potencial entre las poblaciones reproductivas, sugerimos que las aves de estas dos áreas de reproducción deben ser manejadas como poblaciones separadas.


The Auk ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott F Lovell ◽  
M Ross Lein ◽  
Sean M Rogers

Abstract Eastern (Vireo gilvus gilvus) and western (V. g. swainsoni) forms of the Warbling Vireo have essentially allopatric breeding ranges across north-central North America, but come into contact in central Alberta, Canada. In 1986, Jon Barlow presented preliminary morphological and song evidence suggesting that the Warbling Vireo complex might comprise more than one valid species. However, to date, Barlow’s suggestion is supported by only limited DNA evidence, demonstration of molt and migration differences between the taxa, and anecdotal accounts of differences in song, morphology, plumage, and ecology. We analyzed variation in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA in birds from Alberta and surrounding areas to determine the levels of genetic differentiation and hybridization occurring in the contact zone, and whether the two taxa warrant recognition as separate biological species. Our analyses reveal that Warbling Vireos in Alberta and the surrounding areas are separated into two well-defined, genetically differentiated, and monophyletic clades corresponding to previously recognized taxonomic groups. The two taxa come into contact in a narrow (~85 km) zone in Barrhead County, northwest of Edmonton, Alberta. They show evidence of limited hybridization. The distinct genetic differences are maintained in the contact zone, where individuals of the two taxa may occupy neighboring territories. Differences in spring arrival dates, molt schedules, and migration routes indicate that a migratory divide may play an important role in reproductive isolation. We suggest that the two taxa are distinct cryptic species: an eastern form, Vireo gilvus, and a western form, Vireo swainsoni.


Bird Study ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugo Mellone ◽  
Javier De La Puente ◽  
Pascual López-López ◽  
Rubén Limiñana ◽  
Ana Bermejo ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Piwowarczyk

Abstract Orobanche coerulescens has a Eurasian distribution. The species is classified as extinct at most of its localities at the western limit of its range. Its populations are very scarce and critically endangered in Central Europe. This work presents the current distribution of O.coerulescens in Poland, based on a critical revision of herbarium and literature data as well as results of original field research, and reviews its distribution in Central Europe (partly in Eastern Europe). Habitats, plant communities, and migration routes of O.coerulescens in Central Europe are discussed. The species was initially known in Poland from now historical localities in Pomerania and the valley of the lower Vistula. In 2000-2011 it was recorded at 9 localities in Podlasie, the Małopolska Upland (Wyżyna Małopolska), and the Łódź Hills (Wzniesienia Łódzkie). Its abundance at the localities ranged from a few to over 1000 shoots. These are the largest populations of O.coerulescens at its western and north-western range limits.


2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (12) ◽  
pp. 1845-1850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc A Comeau ◽  
Steven E Campana ◽  
Martin Castonguay

The migration patterns of marine fishes are poorly known, in part owing to the technical limitations associated with tracking the movements of animals in deep water. Here we document a large-scale, directed, migration of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off eastern Canada. Our approach was based on the acoustic tagging of 126 fish and the deployment of 69 subsurface receivers, stretching over a 160-km distance along the edge of the Laurentian Channel. After 1 year of automated recording, we found that 65% of the fish migrated out of coastal waters in two distinct runs during the summer–autumn period. The offshore-migrating fish overwintered in deep Laurentian Channel waters, returning inshore in April. Individual migration routes and migration timing were variable, indicating that the cod did not aggregate in large schools during the seasonal migration events.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0258128
Author(s):  
Timothy J. Fullman ◽  
Brian T. Person ◽  
Alexander K. Prichard ◽  
Lincoln S. Parrett

Many animals migrate to take advantage of temporal and spatial variability in resources. These benefits are offset with costs like increased energetic expenditure and travel through unfamiliar areas. Differences in the cost-benefit ratio for individuals may lead to partial migration with one portion of a population migrating while another does not. We investigated migration dynamics and winter site fidelity for a long-distance partial migrant, barren ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) of the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd in northern Alaska. We used GPS telemetry for 76 female caribou over 164 annual movement trajectories to identify timing and location of migration and winter use, proportion of migrants, and fidelity to different herd wintering areas. We found within-individual variation in movement behavior and wintering area use by the Teshekpuk Caribou Herd, adding caribou to the growing list of ungulates that can exhibit migratory plasticity. Using a first passage time–net squared displacement approach, we classified 78.7% of annual movement paths as migration, 11.6% as residency, and 9.8% as another strategy. Timing and distance of migration varied by season and wintering area. Duration of migration was longer for fall migration than for spring, which may relate to the latter featuring more directed movement. Caribou utilized four wintering areas, with multiple areas used each year. This variation occurred not just among different individuals, but state sequence analyses indicated low fidelity of individuals to wintering areas among years. Variability in movement behavior can have fitness consequences. As caribou face the pressures of a rapidly warming Arctic and ongoing human development and activities, further research is needed to investigate what factors influence this diversity of behaviors in Alaska and across the circumpolar Arctic.


Author(s):  
О. Mudrak ◽  
G. Mudrak ◽  
V. Serebryakov ◽  
A. Shcherbliuk ◽  
V. Klochaniuk

Based on comprehensive environmental monitoring, geobotanical, zoogeographical, landscape-ecological, hydro-ecological, forest-typological, agroecological principles and approaches and own field research it is proposed to create a national nature park (NNP) «Central Podillya» within Vinnytsia region. A promising NNP is planned to be created on the territory of Vinnytsia and Khmilnytsky administrative districts of Vinnytsia region as a habitat and migration routes of bison (Bison bonasus) and preservation of unique biotic and landscape diversity. The projected area of NPP «Central Podillya» is 53 820 hectares. The need to create a park due to the presence of natural (forest, wetland, peat-swamp, floodplain, meadow, forest-steppe, meadow-steppe, steppe, weed-field) complexes with associations of plant groups, where more than 40 species of plants and lives more than 50 species of animals listed in the RBU, as well as the presence of a significant number of objects that have historical, cultural, recreational, health (medical) value. The general ecological and geographical characteristics of the park from the standpoint of physical-geographical and geobotanical zoning are given. There are 34 objects of the nature reserve fund (NRF), which will be a part of the perspective park. Functional zoning of the territory of the projected NNP «Central Podillya» was carried out taking into account representative and rare ecosystems, where its 4 zones (protected, regulated recreation, stationary recreation, economic) were allocated. The structural elements of the ecological network of the perspective park are singled out. The necessity of protection, preservation and reproduction of biotic and landscape diversity and historical and cultural heritage of the studied territory through the greening of economic activity, education and culture of the local population is substantiated. It was found that the creation of NPP «Central Podillya» through the Presidential Decree and the optimization of protected areas, which account for 2.27% of the total area of Vinnytsia region, the implementation of regional ecological and Emerald networks is an extremely important, important and absolutely necessary for effective adjustment of the strategy of balanced development of territorial communities. Creation of NPP «Central Podillya» will increase the percentage of protected areas to 4.5% of the total area of Vinnytsia region. According to this indicator Vinnytsia region is in one of the last places in Ukraine. According to the Institute of World Resources (Washington), for the effective functioning of the territory, the area of its reserves should be at least 10–12%. Preparation of scientific substantiation and project of creation of NPP «Central Podillya» within Vinnytsia region is a pilot project that requires official detailing, delimitation, land management, coordination with land users on which the park will be located, creation of park directorate, introduction of technologies aimed at preservation and restoration of biogeocenotic cover, reproduction of broken types of connections, preservation of settlements, optimization of land use, balanced development of territorial communities that will be a part of the NNP.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARTIN ŠÁLEK ◽  
VÍT ZEMAN ◽  
RADOVAN VÁCLAV

SummaryEffective conservation measures for any bird species across their distribution ranges require detailed knowledge of landscape-specific differences in habitat associations. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana is a farmland bird species, which experienced massive population declines during the recent decades and has become a conservation priority in many European countries. Thus, identification of the key habitat features is an important prerequisite for the conservation of the species. Here we investigate habitat associations of the Ortolan Bunting for the remaining breeding population of the species in the Czech Republic. This population is remarkable by its distribution in two markedly different environments – farmland and post-mining landscapes. The main objectives of this study were to identify habitat features associated with Ortolan Bunting occurrence within the two contrasting landscapes and at two spatial scales. Our results reveal a high degree of habitat plasticity by Ortolan Buntings in the Czech Republic which was revealed by the landscape- and scale- specific habitat associations. Habitat heterogeneity, in terms of compositional and configurational diversity, and the cover of bare ground were the most important predictors of Ortolan Bunting occurrence in both landscape types. In farmland, the species occurrence was positively associated with shrub and woody vegetation, poppy fields and set-asides, and negatively associated with grasslands, gardens/orchards, seedlings and urban habitats. In the post-mining landscape, the cover of herb vegetation and greater slope steepness and terrain ruggedness were most important habitat features. Ortolan Buntings in the post-mining landscape appear to avoid patches with a higher cover of shrub and woody vegetation, forests, seedlings and urban areas. We propose that conservation measures for Ortolan Buntings should focus on enhancing farmland habitat heterogeneity, but also on regulating the rate of succession in disturbed environments, such as post-mining landscapes.


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