Scholarlink

<p>The Eurasian Curlew <i>Numenius arquata</i>, like many other meadow-breeding waders, is threatened with extinction across much of Europe, with nocturnal predation considered a major driver of population decline. Consequently, nocturnal roost choice is likely to have a strong influence on individual survival, yet little is known about the ecological factors shaping roost selection in inland-breeding areas. We investigated movement patterns of GPS-tagged Curlews in Bavaria (Germany), recording predation events and habitat characteristics of nocturnal roosts. For each roost, we determined landscape-ecological structures, calculated distances to the respective breeding territories, and analysed variation in relation to age and breeding stage. Nocturnal roost use varied systematically with developmental and reproductive status. Non-fledged juveniles roosted almost exclusively in meadows, where most predation events occurred at night and were likely caused by ground predators such as foxes or mustelids. After fledging, juveniles markedly increased their use of swales and shallow water zones, indicating the relative safety of wetland habitats. Adult Curlews also showed breeding stage-specific patterns: during incubation and chick rearing, meadows dominated roost choice, reflecting the need to remain close to the nest and chicks, whereas after breeding, water bodies became increasingly important. Across all groups, swales emerged as accessible and attractive structures, particularly for juveniles. Overall, our findings indicate that predation risk is a central factor influencing nocturnal roost choice in inland Curlews. While wetlands and shallow water zones provide safer roosts, meadows remain the predominant habitat wherever mobility or nest attendance constrain access to water-bearing sites. Conservation strategies should therefore combine the creation and protection of wetland roosts close to breeding territories with targeted predator management in meadows, to mitigate predation risk and support declining populations of meadow-breeding waders.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Breeding stage, age class, and the presence of water shape nocturnal roost-site use of inland-breeding Eurasian Curlews

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月25日

查看全文
  • Verena Rupprecht,
  • Christina Krump,
  • Lisa Gill,
  • Jenny Ruf,
  • Verena Auernhammer

摘要

The Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, like many other meadow-breeding waders, is threatened with extinction across much of Europe, with nocturnal predation considered a major driver of population decline. Consequently, nocturnal roost choice is likely to have a strong influence on individual survival, yet little is known about the ecological factors shaping roost selection in inland-breeding areas. We investigated movement patterns of GPS-tagged Curlews in Bavaria (Germany), recording predation events and habitat characteristics of nocturnal roosts. For each roost, we determined landscape-ecological structures, calculated distances to the respective breeding territories, and analysed variation in relation to age and breeding stage. Nocturnal roost use varied systematically with developmental and reproductive status. Non-fledged juveniles roosted almost exclusively in meadows, where most predation events occurred at night and were likely caused by ground predators such as foxes or mustelids. After fledging, juveniles markedly increased their use of swales and shallow water zones, indicating the relative safety of wetland habitats. Adult Curlews also showed breeding stage-specific patterns: during incubation and chick rearing, meadows dominated roost choice, reflecting the need to remain close to the nest and chicks, whereas after breeding, water bodies became increasingly important. Across all groups, swales emerged as accessible and attractive structures, particularly for juveniles. Overall, our findings indicate that predation risk is a central factor influencing nocturnal roost choice in inland Curlews. While wetlands and shallow water zones provide safer roosts, meadows remain the predominant habitat wherever mobility or nest attendance constrain access to water-bearing sites. Conservation strategies should therefore combine the creation and protection of wetland roosts close to breeding territories with targeted predator management in meadows, to mitigate predation risk and support declining populations of meadow-breeding waders.