Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

About: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a nonprofit organization based out in Sandy, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Biodiversity. The organization has 670 authors who have published 1425 publications receiving 88006 citations. The organization is also known as: RSPB & Plumage League.

Use of tracking strips and automatic cameras for detecting Critically Endangered Jerdon's coursers Rhinoptilus bitorquatus in scrub jungle in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract: Jerdon's courser Rhinoptilus bitorquatus is a nocturnal cursorial bird that is now only known from a small area of scrub jungle in Andhra Pradesh, India. Its population size, distribution and habitat requirements are poorly known because of its elusive habits. We conducted a trial of a survey method that involved deploying an array of 5 m long tracking strips consisting of smoothed fine soil, and checking them for footprints at regular intervals. We developed diagnostic methods for distinguishing the footprints of Jerdon's courser from those of other species. Tracks of Jerdon's courser were obtained on about one strip-night in 30 from areas where the species was known to be present. We suggest a procedure for using tracking strips to survey areas where Jerdon's courser has not yet been detected. The use of tracking strips carries a small risk of misidentification of footprints of other species, especially yellow-wattled lapwing Vanellus malarbaricus, as those of Jerdon's courser, but has the advantage that large areas can be surveyed without the use of expensive equipment or night-time fieldwork. We recommend the use of automatic camera traps to obtain confirmation of records of probable Jerdon's courser footprints.

Benefits of coastal managed realignment for society: Evidence from ecosystem service assessments in two UK regions

Abstract: Coastal managed realignment has the potential to deliver both nature conservation and other benefits to people, but these are rarely quantified. We used an ecosystem services assessment toolkit, TESSA, at two locations in the UK; Hesketh Outmarsh West (northwest England), where realignment has already been carried out, and the Inner Firth of Forth (central Scotland), where realignment is proposed for multiple sites. At the Inner Forth we focus on one site, Inch of Ferryton, in Clackmannanshire but also assess ecosystem services across several sites. Using dedicated data collection where possible, and site-appropriate existing data, we estimate the value of these sites to people in the realigned state compared with the most realistic alternative: continued agricultural production behind hard flood defences (agricultural state). Services assessed were climate change mitigation, agricultural production, nature-based recreation, and flood risk protection. At both sites agricultural production was estimated to be greater in the agricultural state, while other services were estimated to be greater in the realigned state. We are cautious about assigning overall monetary values based on biophysical attributes, particularly considering that climate change mitigation is highly sensitive to carbon prices, and that by necessity we were unable to quantify all services. Nevertheless, using a price for carbon that incorporates the societal cost of emissions, we estimate that the net annual provision of services is £262,935 (£1460.75/ha) at Hesketh Outmarsh West and £93,216 (£574.70/ha) at Inch of Ferryton. At both sites, sequestered carbon in accreting sediments outweighs greenhouse gas emissions from intertidal habitats, and the net value of this in turn outweighs the income foregone from crops and grazing. At Hesketh Outmarsh West the value of ecosystem services is increased by the reduction to flood risk arising from the coastal managed realignment action. Nature-based recreation is estimated to increase at both sites under realignment, with the visitor profile expected to be strongly local. Decisions about coastal management, including realignment, should incorporate information about the ecosystem services provided under different scenarios. This applies beyond coastal ecosystems, and the site-scale is often the most appropriate scale to carry out such assessments, as this is the scale at which decisions are often taken.

Polygyny and breeding ecology of the cetti's warbler cettia cetti

Abstract: Summary Male Cetti's Warblers bred simultaneously with up to three females. Harem size was correlated with size of male but not of his territory. Males occupied large usually exclusive ranges and devoted much time to patrolling and singing often far from their nests. Incubation was solely by the female who also provided most to all of the food for the young. Incubation and fledging periods were prolonged compared with similar sized birds but first nests were unusually successful. Polygynously mated females laid larger clutches than monogamous ones. Males with fewer females took a greater share of feeding but chick growth and survival were not impaired by polygyny, nor did foods brought to the young differ accordingly. The existence of this unusual breeding system is discussed with emphasis on the co-evolution of sexual dimorphism and non-equal sex ratios resulting from malemale competition. It is postulated that the linear dispersion of its habitat may especially have favoured operation of the Verner-Orians polygyny model in the evolutionary history of the Cetti's Warbler.

Presumed killers? Vultures, stakeholders, misperceptions, and fake news

Abstract: Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación (GRINBIC), INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue—CONICET), Bariloche, Argentina Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain Endangered Wildlife Trust, Modderfontein, South Africa Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy, UK Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA (CSIC)-UIB, Esporles, Spain CEFE UMR 5175, CNRS—Université de Montpellier—Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier—EPHE, Montpellier, France Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Departamento de Biología de la Conservación, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya Departamento de Biología Aplicada, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Finnish Museum of Natural History, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

A horizon scan of global biological conservation issues for 2022.

Abstract: We present the results of our 13th annual horizon scan of issues likely to impact on biodiversity conservation. Issues are either novel within the biological conservation sector or could cause a substantial step-change in impact, either globally or regionally. Our global panel of 26 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues that we believe to represent the highest priorities for tracking and action. Many of the issues we identified, including the impact of satellite megaconstellations and the use of long-distance wireless energy transfer, have both elements of threats and emerging opportunities. A recent state-sponsored application to commence deep-sea mining represents a significant step-change in impact. We hope that this horizon scan will increase research and policy attention on the highlighted issues.