The Lodge

About: The Lodge is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Biodiversity. The organization has 258 authors who have published 394 publications receiving 17100 citations.

Genetic structure among Charadrius plovers on the African mainland and islands of Madagascar and St Helena

Abstract: Colonization of islands by long‐distance dispersers has great impact on genetic diversification among populations and may spearhead speciation events. We investigated intra‐ and interspecific divergence in Charadrius plovers with populations on mainland Africa, Madagascar and St Helena. We analysed microsatellite loci and sequence data from four nuclear and two mitochondrial gene regions. Charadrius plovers are shorebirds with high dispersal and mobility. Our results confirmed genetic differentiation between Madagascar and mainland populations of three plover species (White‐fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus, Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius and, based on sequence data only, Three‐banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris) but highlight substantial variation in levels of intraspecific divergence among the three species. Namely, the Kittlitz's Plover, a dispersive habitat generalist with a polygamous mating system, exhibited lower island–mainland differentiation (0.05% COI sequence divergence) compared with the two monogamous species, the White‐fronted Plover (0.6% COI divergence) and Three‐banded Plover (1.6% COI divergence). In addition, past colonization of the islands of St Helena and Madagascar by ancestors of today's Kittlitz's Plover has led to the evolution of two endemic island species, the Madagascar Plover Charadrius thoracicus and the more closely‐related St Helena Plover Charadrius sanctaehelenae. We discuss the factors driving species differences in island–mainland divergence and highlight the importance of conserving genetically unique island populations and island habitats to safeguard future evolutionary potential.

Drivers of songbird territory density in the boundaries of a lowland arable farm

Abstract: Conventional farming in the UK has had adverse effects on farmland biodiversity, particularly during post-war intensification of agriculture. Efforts have been made in the reversal of these effects, with much of the literature reporting a mixture of findings. At a localised scale, these efforts have been noticeable with RSPB Hope Farm observing a 200% increase in bird territory numbers from 2000 to 2012, achieved with the wide implementation of agri-environment schemes (AES) on the farm. We aimed to investigate the spatio-temporal drivers of territory density in four hedgerow specialist bird species using a thirteen year (2000–2012) dataset of hedgerow management, in-field cropping and field boundary habitat records. Territory maps were used to calculate territory counts for each hedgerow across the time period. Generalised Linear Mixed Models were used to model territory counts for each habitat variable. These findings demonstrate that for Emberiza citrinella, Carduelis cannabina and Sylvia communis, presence of oilseed rape (OSR) is a strong predictor of higher territory numbers, leading to a doubling in territory density compared to absence of OSR. However, tree presence in hedgerows was a negative predictor of territory numbers for these species. Opposing trends were observed for Carduelis chloris, which exhibited significantly greater territory numbers in roadside hedgerows, hedges with trees and when adjacent fields were not sown with a main crop. Management of hedges was a weak predictor of S. communis territories. This demonstrates that crop type, AES features, tree presence and location of hedgerows are drivers of farmland bird territory numbers. These findings validate the usefulness of more sustainable, wildlife-friendly farming under previous CAP rules and have important implications for post-Brexit farming policy, such as the Agriculture Bill.

Population‐specific migratory strategies of Twite Linaria flavirostris in Western Europe

Abstract: Migratory connectivity describes the extent to which different individuals from specific breeding populations use similar non‐breeding sites, with important consequences for the demography and population structure of birds. We used mark‐recapture data from the EUring data bank to describe the non‐breeding range of Twite Linaria flavirostris within Western Europe. We quantified the strength of migratory connectivity across all European breeding populations, and for the British and continental breeding populations separately. Twite from different parts of the British breeding range used different non‐breeding areas from one another, whereas Twite from different parts of the continental breeding range used similar non‐breeding areas. There was essentially no overlap during the non‐breeding season between British and continental Twite.

Restoration of artificial ponds in logging concessions: a case-study from Harapan Rainforest, Sumatra

Abstract: Artificial ponds and swamps commonly occur throughout logged forests of Southeast Asia in association with roads. Dammed streams accumulate water, which floods the surrounding forest creating ponds and swamps, which are slow to recover to a condition that maximises their conservation value. In particular, ponds remain relatively anoxic and the self-recovery of swamps is slow due to delayed colonisation by swamp tolerant species. The Harapan Rainforest ecosystem restoration concession in Sumatra is a clear example of this issue. Within the 100,000 ha of lowland rain forest, four watersheds are present with more than 750 km of rivers and their tributaries. Across this area more than 175 artificial ponds and swamps have been created through the construction of the road network over the past 30–40 years. Despite the artificial nature of their creation there is a significant conservation value in improving the alluvial swamps due to the significant decline in extent of this habitat across Southeast Asia. However, tropical forest streams too have been widely degraded and are a conservation priority due to the uniqueness of their associated biodiversity. As such, we propose the restoration of these habitats through the drainage of ponds to improve stream flow and connectivity and the establishment of swamp specialist tree species. An approach for identifying sites suitable for restoration is presented focusing on making comparisons with ‘model’ streams and swamps. Restoration techniques are proposed, including a list of swamp species suitable for planting trials at swamp sites and techniques for the suppression of disturbance responsive species, such as bamboos, ferns and lianas. We stress that pond restoration activities in general should always include unmanaged control ponds to enable the measurement of the additional benefit of restoration activities beyond that of natural recovery.

Densities and dispersion of breeding Eurasian Hobbies Falco subbuteo in southeast England

Abstract: Capsule Breeding Hobbies are more numerous in parts of southeast England than previously recognized, and in suitable habitat their breeding dispersion shows a regular pattern. Aims To establish the density and breeding dispersion pattern of a population of Hobbies in southeast England. Methods Surveys to locate every pair of Hobbies present were conducted in six study areas of between 48.0 and 201.2 km2 in three counties in southeast England during 2005–10. Results Each study area held between 7 and 21 pairs. Densities were higher than in previous studies conducted in Britain, at between 9.0 and 15.0 pairs per 100 km2. Mean densities per unit area of non-developed habitat were also consistently higher than expected, at between 10.1 and 17.3 pairs per 100 km2. The mean nearest known neighbour distances fell within the range 1.8–2.8 km. In all six study areas, pairs were regularly spaced. The majority (68.0%) of nesting and territorial pairs occupied sites in woodland. Conclusions Breeding Hobbies are consi...