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Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

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Titre :	Predation and the conservation of ground-breeding birds in Germany.
Auteurs :	Torsten Langgemach, Auteur ; Jochen Bellebaurn, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Vogelwelt (Die) (126(4) 2005)
Article en page(s) :	259-298
Résumé :	As a consequence of their long-lasting decline in numbers many ground breeding bird species in Germany are in a critical situation. Within the last 15 years there has been increasing evidence for low reproductive success as the main cause of this decline. Various studies show that predation plays a major role in this context. In this review we collate and analyse scientific data on the present extent of the problem, the species involved, the role of habitat changes in this context and finally management strategies to solve the problem. In most cases where field studies revealed predation as a threat at the population level, predatory mammals had the most severe impact, first of all Red Foxes. The role of introduced carnivores like Raccoon, Raccoon Dog, and American Mink is not yet sufficiently investigated. Galliform birds, waders and the Great Bustard appear to be most severely affected. Loss and deterioration of breeding habitats within recent decades have led to worse environmental conditions for many ground-breeding birds and improved the nutritional basis for the populations of several predator species, resulting in a simultaneous decrease of ground-breeders an increase of their predators. Rabies immunisation is only a small part in this structure. Although eggs, young or adult birds form only a small proportion of the diet of most predators, high predator densities can have serious consequences for prey species. Paradoxically elevated predation rates became evident mainly in reserves where the impacts of agriculture have been successfully reduced. In some cases habitat management seems to support predators and also voles as their main prey.Most field studies focused on selected aspects and single species in small study areas for short study periods. Their results do not show a uniform pattern but at least prove the complexity of predator-prey relationships and the environmental factors governing them. Thus, our understanding of these relationships and the development of conservation measures remain unsatisfactory. The approaches for management against elevated predation range from habitat management over attempts to control relevant predators by lethal or non lethal means to the protection of nesting sites or single nests. Practical applications of the different methods did not yet achieve a long lasting success although some of the methods show a potential to reduce predation pressure. Several methods either need further development and testing or a more consequent application. Combination of different means seems to be favourable. Some methods only make sense for very rare species but are not appropriate for application in general. In the case of forest birds information on the influence of predation and management approaches is still scarce. There is an urgent need for further research and development. At the same time the available management methods that proved to be successful should be applied immediately and consistently. Otherwise some of our target species will disappear in the next few years.

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