Abstract
The use of birds as indicators for ‘biological qualities’ is not without risks, and should always be based on a sound knowledge of population dynamics and ecological requirements of the species involved. Meadow birds form a comparatively well-studied group of waders, which breed in Dutch grasslands, heavily influenced by agricultural management. The individual species show different tolerances to intensity levels of management, and can therefore be used as indicators for these levels.
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References
Beintema, A. J.: 1975, ‘Meadow Birds in a Changed Land’, Natuur en Landschap 29, 73–84 (in Dutch).
Beintema, A. J.: 1979, ‘Should We Employ a Standard for Meadow Birds?’, Natuur en Milieu 79/3, 18–21 (in Dutch).
Beintema, A. J. and Müskens, G. J. D. M.: 1981, ‘The Influence of Management on the Productivity of Meadow Birds’, RIN-report 81/19. Research Institute for Nature Management, Leersum, 117 pp. (in Dutch).
Meelis, E. and Keurs, W. J. Ter: 1976, ‘Mapping of the Environment: A Scientific Activity?’, Natuur en Landschap 30, 85–98 (in Dutch).
Ministry of Culture, Recreation and Social Affairs: 1979, Natural and Cultural Values in the Rural Area, Staatsuitgeverij, 's-Gravenhage 33 pp. (in Dutch).
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Beintema, A.J. Meadow birds as indicators. Environ Monit Assess 3, 391–398 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00396234
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00396234