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The distribution of a threatened migratory bird species in a patchy landscape: a multi-scale analysis

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Abstract

Understanding the driving forces behind the distribution of threatened species is critical to set priorities for conservation measures and spatial planning. We examined the distribution of a globally threatened bird, the corncrake (Crex crex), in the lowland floodplains of the Rhine River, which provide an important breeding habitat for the species. We related corncrake distribution to landscape characteristics (area, shape, texture, diversity) at three spatial scales: distinct floodplain units (“floodplain scale”), circular zones around individual observations (“home range scale”), and individual patches (“patch scale”) using logistic regression. Potential intrinsic spatial patterns in the corncrake data were accounted for by including geographic coordinates and an autocovariate as predictors in the regression analysis. The autocovariate was the most important predictor of corncrake occurrence, probably reflecting the strong conspecific attraction that is characteristic of the species. Significant landscape predictors mainly pertained to area characteristics at the patch scale and the home range scale; the probability of corncrake occurrence increased with potential habitat area, patch area, and nature reserve area. The median potential habitat patch size associated with corncrake occurrence was 11.3 ha; 90% of the corncrake records were associated with patches at least 2.2 ha in size. These results indicate that the corncrake is an area-sensitive species, possibly governed by the males’ tendency to reside near other males while maintaining distinct territories. Our results imply that corncrake habitat conservation schemes should focus on the preservation of sufficient potential habitat area and that existing management measures, like delayed mowing, should be implemented in relatively large, preferably contiguous areas.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to all of the volunteer bird watchers who participated in the corncrake surveys and to Jan Schoppers for coordinating the national censuses. This study would not have been possible without their efforts. Chris van Turnhout assisted us in using the GenStat software. We thank three anonymous reviewers and the associate editor for their valuable comments and suggestions to improve the paper. This research project was funded by The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) under the LOICZ programme (project 014.27.007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Aafke M. Schipper, Marije van Weperen, Guido Atsma, Ad M. J. Ragas, A. Jan Hendriks & Rob S. E. W. Leuven

  2. SOVON Dutch Centre for Field Ornithology, P.O. Box 6521, 6503 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

    Kees Koffijberg

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  1. Aafke M. Schipper
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Correspondence to Aafke M. Schipper.

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Schipper, A.M., Koffijberg, K., van Weperen, M. et al. The distribution of a threatened migratory bird species in a patchy landscape: a multi-scale analysis. Landscape Ecol 26, 397–410 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-010-9566-y

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