Peer Review #2 of "European population trends and current conservation status of an endangered steppe-bird species: the Dupont’s lark Chersophilus duponti (v0.1)"

Background Steppe-birds face drastic population declines throughout Europe. The Dupont’s lark Chersophilus duponti is an endangered steppe-bird species whose European distribution is restricted to Spain. This scarce passerine bird could be considered an ‘umbrella species’, since its population trends may reveal the conservation status of shrub-steppes. However, trends for the Spanish, and thus European, population of Dupont’s lark are unknown. In this work, we evaluated Dupont’s lark population trends in Europe employing the most recent and largest compiled database to date (92 populations over 12 years). In addition, we assessed the species threat category according to current applicable criteria (approved in March 2017) in the Spanish catalogue of threatened species (SCTS), which have never been applied to the Dupont’s lark nor to any other Spanish species. Finally, we compared the resulting threat categories with the current conservation status at European, national and regional levels. Methods We fitted switching linear trend models (software TRIM—Trends and Indices for Monitoring data) to evaluate population trends at national and regional scale (i.e. per Autonomous Community) during the period 2004–2015. In addition, the average finite annual rate of change ($\overline \lambda $) obtained from the TRIM analysis was employed to estimate the percentage of population size change in a 10-year period. A threat category was assigned following A1 and A2 criteria applicable in the SCTS. Results Trends showed an overall 3.9% annual decline rate for the Spanish population (moderate decline, following TRIM). Regional analyses showed high inter-regional variability. We forecasted a 32.8% average decline over the next 10 years. According to these results, the species should be listed as ‘Vulnerable’ at a national scale (SCTS). At the regional level, the conservation status of the species is of particular concern in Andalusia and Castile-Leon, where the species qualifies for listing as ‘Endangered’. Discussion Our results highlight the concerning conservation status of the European Dupont’s lark population, undergoing a 3.9% annual decline rate. Under this scenario, the implementation of a wide-ranging conservation plan is urgently needed and is vital to ensuring the conservation of this steppe-bird species. The role of administrations in matters of nature protection and the cataloguing of endangered species is crucial to reverse declining population trends of this and other endangered taxa.

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Conservation status of mammals and birds in southwestern Australian forests. I. Is there evidence of direct links between forestry practices and species decline and extinction?

Pacific Conservation Biology ◽

10.1071/pc980296 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 296 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

M. C. Calver ◽

J. Dell

Keyword(s):

Negative Impact ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Fire Regimes ◽

Personal Identification ◽

Base Line ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Current Conservation ◽

Forestry Practices ◽

European Settlement

Sixteen mammal species and 22 bird species whose distributions extended into southwestern Australian forests before European settlement have been listed as threatened at some time in Commonwealth legislation, State legislation, or action plans of Environment Australia or its predecessors. Confident assessment of the causes of conservation status is hampered by poor base-line data, few studies of putative impacts and a preponderance of circumstantial or anecdotal rather than experimental evidence. However, introduced foxes were Implicated In the current conservation status of 62% of the mammal species recognized, while 44% of them were negatively impacted by feral cats, 44% by agricultural clearing and 44% by changed fire regimes. Forestry practices were impllcated in the conservation status of only one mammal species. For the bird species recognized, changed fire regimes had the greatest negative impact (45% affected), agricultural clearing affected 41%, draining of wetlands affected 32% and grazing by livestock affected 22%. Forestry practices were not directly implicated in the conservation status of any bird species. While these results suggest that forestry has had minimal direct impact on the mammals and birds of the forests, the conclusion should be treated cautiously because of the poor data. While awaiting a rigorous evaluation, we argue for a strong precautionary approach to forestry in the region. With proper forest management and sound sylvicultural [sic] treatment there is no reason why there should not be built up on the wreckage of the once splendid forests of Western Australia tended forests which will yield for all time 100 cubic feet of timber per acre per year. Lane-Poole (1920). There are many reasons why Australian environmentalists would like to end logging in native forests. The preservation of wilderness, aesthetics, an almost religious identification with old growth forests and the conservation of forest wildlife figure importantly in environmental efforts to restrict logging. Wilderness and a personal identification with trees and undisturbed forests are fundamentally incompatible with logging. Recher (1996).

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Subtropical Broad-Leaved Urban Forests as the Foremost Dynamic and Complex Habitats for a Wide Range of Bird Species

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su132313021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (23) ◽

pp. 13021

Author(s):

Muhammad Nawaz Rajpar ◽

Shahab Ali Khan ◽

Allah Ditta ◽

Hayssam M. Ali ◽

Sami Ullah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Distance Sampling ◽

Bird Species ◽

Urban Forests ◽

Line Transect ◽

Current Conservation ◽

Diverse Range ◽

Bird Density ◽

Wide Range

Broad-leaved subtropical forests are the most productive, diversified, and complex ecosystems on the planet. Unfortunately, they are currently under severe threat from anthropogenic activities, such as. deforestation, housing settlements, and agricultural expansion. In response to these severe effects, the present study was conducted to explore the current conservation status and population structure of a wide range of bird species inhabiting different subtropical broad-leaved urban forests of Pakistan. In total, 2879 individuals comprising 53 species and 28 families were detected between December 2017 and November 2018 as revealed through the distance sampling line transect method. The habitat selection among bird species varied according to vegetation structure and composition, food resources, adjoining habitats, and human settlements. According to IUCN Red List data, one species was deemed vulnerable out of 53 bird species, while the remaining 52 species were ranked as ofleast concern. The findings of the density analysis revealed that bird density varied between six subtropical broad-leaved forests. Palamar (3.954 ± 0.221 birds/ha) and Kityari (3.138 ± 0.162 birds/ha) were densely populated, whereas Kamal Khan (1.102 ± 0.178 birds/ha) was of the least concern. Likewise, the diversity analysis showed that Kamal Khan was a more diverse habitat (Shannon–Wiener Index; H’ = 3.581 ± 0.021). Shahabad was richer (Margalef Richness Index; R1 = 8.007 ± 0.053) and Dob Ghar was evenly distributed (Pielou J Evenness Index; E = 0.940 ± 0.005) compared to other urban habitats studied. Eight foraging guilds were identified among the bird species. Insectivores were the most abundant bird species utilizing the urban dwelling habitats. carnivores/piscivores/insectivores utilized Dob Ghar forest, while more frugivores utilized Kamal Khan and Dob Ghar. Based on the data, it was concluded that subtropical broad-leaved urban forests are dynamic, complex, and of vital significance for a diverse range of bird species.

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Declines in Common and Migratory Breeding Landbird Species in South Korea Over the Past Two Decades

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.3389/fevo.2021.627765 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Hankyu Kim ◽

Yongwon Mo ◽

Chang-Yong Choi ◽

Brenda C. McComb ◽

Matthew G. Betts

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

South Korea ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Legal Protection ◽

Common Species ◽

Population Trends ◽

Population Declines ◽

Long Distance ◽

Declining Species

Population declines in terrestrial bird species have been reported across temperate regions in the world and are attributed to habitat loss, climate change, or other direct mortality sources. North American and European studies indicate that long-distance migrants, common species, and species associated with grasslands and agricultural lands are declining at the greatest rates. However, data from East Asia on avian population trends and associated drivers are extremely sparse. We modeled changes in occupancy of 52 common breeding landbird species in South Korea between 1997–2005 and 2013–2019. Thirty-eight percent of the species showed evidence of declines, and seven of these were declining severely (46–95%). Occupancy of Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata) populations have dropped the most precipitously over the study period. Among declining species, long-distance migrants (9/20) and common species (14/20) showed more rapid declines than other groups. Declines of five species were associated with climate change, and two species appeared to be affected by land-cover change. However, causes of change in occupancy of other species (46/52) remains cryptic. Based on our results, we suggest an immediate re-evaluation of species’ conservation status and legal protection levels for seven severely declining species in South Korea, and a dedicated survey design and analysis effort for the continued monitoring landbird populations. Because many species exhibiting declines migrate from beyond national boundaries, international collaborations will be required to better quantify population trends across the full annual cycle, and to understand mechanisms for these declines.

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The rediscovery of the Southern Swallowtail (Papilio alexanor Esper, 1799) in Bosnia & Herzegovina after 50 years of absence

Entomologist s Gazette ◽

10.31184/g00138894.701.1692 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (1) ◽

pp. 27-30

Author(s):

Toni Koren ◽

Matea Martinović

Keyword(s):

Host Plant ◽

Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽

Recent Observation ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Red List ◽

Historical Records ◽

Limited Extent ◽

Current Conservation ◽

The Third ◽

Larval Host

The caterpillars of the Southern Swallowtail, Papilio alexanor have been recorded in the vicinity of Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina. This is the first recent observation of this species in the country and the third observation so far. Opopanax chironium is confirmed as the larval host plant in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was expected due to the recent observations from Croatia. Its status and distribution in the country are still not clear, and further surveys are recommended in order to reconfirm the historical records as well as to assess its current conservation status. Due to the limited extent of its occurrence, we propose to include it in the Red list of fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina as Vulnerable (VU).

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Spatial distribution of the Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara) in Sardinia explained by land use and climate

European Journal of Wildlife Research ◽

10.1007/s10344-021-01519-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 67 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Gianpasquale Chiatante ◽

Marta Giordano ◽

Anna Vidus Rosin ◽

Oreste Sacchi ◽

Alberto Meriggi

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Distance Sampling ◽

Strong Relationship ◽

European Population ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Brood Rearing ◽

Management Actions ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Study Sites

AbstractMore than half of the European population of the Barbary Partridge is in Sardinia; nonetheless, the researches concerning this species are very scarce, and its conservation status is not defined because of a deficiency of data. This research aimed to analyse the habitat selection and the factors affecting the abundance and the density of the Barbary Partridge in Sardinia. We used the data collected over 8 years (between 2004 and 2013) by spring call counts in 67 study sites spread on the whole island. We used GLMM to define the relationships between the environment (topography, land use, climate) both the occurrence and the abundance of the species. Moreover, we estimated population densities by distance sampling. The Barbary Partridge occurred in areas at low altitude with garrigue and pastures, avoiding woodlands and sparsely vegetated areas. We found a strong relationship between the occurrence probability and the climate, in particular, a positive relation with temperature and a negative effect of precipitation, especially in April–May, during brood rearing. Furthermore, dry crops positively affected the abundance of the species. We estimated a density of 14.1 partridges per km2, similar to other known estimates. Our findings are important both because they increase the knowledge concerning this species, which is considered data deficient in Italy, and because they are useful to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations if necessary.

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An assessment of the distribution, population size and conservation status of the Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipectus: a Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta endemic

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270914000513 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 451-465 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

ESTEBAN BOTERO-DELGADILLO ◽

NICHOLAS BAYLY ◽

CAMILA GÓMEZ ◽

PAULO C. PULGARÍN-R. ◽

CARLOS ANDRÉS PÁEZ

Keyword(s):

Population Size ◽

Sierra Nevada ◽

Forest Cover ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Environmental Niche ◽

Coffee Plantations ◽

Habitat Transformation ◽

Elevation Range ◽

Area Of Occupancy

SummaryThe Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipectus is one of 19 endemic bird species found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) in northern Colombia but until recently it was considered a sub-species of the Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Automolus rubiginosus. Consequently, published information on its distribution and ecology is lacking, and while it is classified as near- threatened, this designation was based on limited quantitative data. To improve our knowledge of the Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner’s geographical distribution, elevation range, population density, habitat use and conservation status, we analysed both historical and recent site locality records and carried out variable distance transects within forested habitats and shade coffee plantations. We modelled the environmental niche of the species and subsequently estimated its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy, as well as population size. Our results consistently showed that the distribution of the Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner is more restricted than previously considered, both geographically and by elevation (we redefine elevation range as 600–1,875 m). This suggests that the species is more at risk of habitat transformation and combined with our estimates of population size (< 10,000 individuals), it is likely that the species will be uplisted to a higher threat category. More positively, and contrary to published accounts, we found that approximately 40% of the species’ range lies within protected areas. Nevertheless, we recommend the implementation of strategies to maintain forest cover on the western flank of the SNSM and further research to better define the species’ habitat needs and population dynamics.

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Rediscovery of Scorzonera amasiana Hausskn. and Bornm. - A threatened endemic species in Turkey

Bangladesh Journal of Botany ◽

10.3329/bjb.v36i2.1502 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 139-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Fergan Karaer ◽

Ferhat Celep

Keyword(s):

Endemic Species ◽

Human Impacts ◽

Conservation Status ◽

The Other ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Small Populations ◽

Distribution Map ◽

Type Specimens ◽

Current Conservation ◽

Iucn Criteria

Scorzonera amasiana Hausskn. and Bornm. was described from type specimens collected by J.F.N. Bornmueller in 1889 but it was not collected again until 1993, when it was found near Amasya, Turkey. Populations of S. amasiana were quite small at that limited locations and were vulnerable to human impacts. Therefore, suitable conservation strategies should be developed immediately in order to protect the species from probable extinction. Here, an additional three small populations are reported. Brief history, morphology, habitat and ecology of this endemic species have been discussed. Its current conservation status was reevaluated with respect to the latest IUCN criteria. A key to distinguish it from the other closely related Turkish species is also provided and its distribution map is appended. Â Key words: Endangered, Rediscovery, Scorzonera, Turkey DOI = 10.3329/bjb.v36i2.1502 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(2): 139-144, 2007 (December)

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Bird richness and composition in a Cerrado fragment in the State of São Paulo

Brazilian Journal of Biology ◽

10.1590/s1519-69842010005000001 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 243-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

LT Manica ◽

M Telles ◽

MM Dias

Keyword(s):

Conservation Status ◽

Bird Species ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Bird Community ◽

Sao Paulo ◽

The State ◽

São Paulo ◽

Conservation Area ◽

Tropical Regions ◽

Bird Richness

Bird species richness is an important measure for monitoring biodiversity changes. We analysed avifauna richness and composition in a 472 ha protected cerrado fragment and surroundings at Fazenda Canchim (RL-CPPSE), São Carlos, in the State of São Paulo (SP). We carried out 95.1 hours of observation (22 visits) at irregular intervals from May 2004 to December 2006. Qualitative surveys were done walking through tracks inside the fragment and on the roads at its edge. We recorded 160 species, six of which were endemic to Cerrado domain, 22 migratory, seven threatened within the State of São Paulo, and two globally threatened. We found 28 species in the cerradão, 110 in the cerrado sensu stricto, 13 in the gallery forest, 26 in the reservoir border, 26 in pasturelands and sugar cane monoculture and 55 in an anthropic area. Most of the species had low frequency of occurrence in all vegetation forms. Insectivores were the major trophic category (46.9%), which is typical in tropical regions, and it is also related to resource availability. Omnivores followed with 19.4%, granivores with 8.8% and frugivores with 7.5%. We conclude that, despite its size and conservation status, our study area has a remarkable bird community and must be considered as a priority conservation area to preserve bird species in Sao Paulo State.

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