The conservation of the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher on La Digue is reviewed and compared with an earlier investigation (1978). The status of the bird and its habitat on the western plateau, which holds nearly 80% of the world population, was investigated, as was the Special Reserve, notably the validity of the present boundary and the need for management initiatives. The population on the western plateau has changed little in 10 years, with one pair less but more individuals, and there has been a small (<5%) decline in preferred breeding habitat. The number of pairs using the reserve was unchanged from 1978. The carrying capacity is small (c.6 pairs). Only one significant trend was isolated in an investigation of 10 habitat variables, suggesting that more birds occurred where trees were larger. The reserve boundary should be redrawn to include a significant part of the main freshwater marsh: earlier study showed that highest densities were found in woodland close to wetland, and conservation of the marsh is vital. The reserve requires a non-interventionist woodland policy, creation of ponds to extend wetland, improved boundary marking, provision of interpretation facilities and development of educational use. Away from the reserve, statutory zonation of land on the plateau for woodland and sustainable timber production is needed as part of an overall land-use policy.

We review all available information from previously published and unpublished material including peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, field progress reports and information from local communities and hunters on the globally threatened ‘flagship species’ Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), Pakistan. Based on these data we summarise the species’ currently confirmed distribution in AJ&K, its minimum confirmed population size and highlight possible first signs of range contraction outside protected areas. We then use a simple ArcGIS habitat model to predict the species’ actual distribution in AJ&K and its potential population size. Depending on the chosen criteria for habitat suitability, the estimated maximum number of Western Tragopan in AJ&K ranges between 1,875 and 3,760 adult individuals. Given that AJ&K represents c.30% of the global distribution of the species, the current population estimate of 5,000 (BirdLife International 2014) might need reconsideration. We further illustrate the importance of critical literature reviews for little-known globally threatened species such as the Western Tragopan without which red list assessments can be at risk of relying on biased data which may easily lead to incorrect conclusions.

Tourism can be a powerful tool for wildlife conservation if well controlled and responsibly managed. Apex predators constitute particularly attractive subjects for tourism, but simultaneously they may generate conflict with local communities. Harpy Eagles Harpia harpyja are the largest eagle species and are highly sought-after by ecotourists. The last stronghold of the Harpy Eagle is the Amazon Forest, which is being deforested for cattle ranching. We tested methods for developing Harpy Eagle ecotourism as a potential tool to harmonize these issues. Using camera traps, we collected data on timing of Harpy Eagle visits to their nests, as well as on probabilities of viewing an eagle. Harpy Eagles can only be seen predictably during the first 12 of the 30–36 month nest cycle. In nests with nestlings (up to 5–7 months), adults are visible on a daily basis, and this period lasts 16.6% of the nesting cycle, demanding a minimum of 13, 17, and 26 nests to have at least one nest with a nestling on 90%, 95% and 99% of the days. After this 5–7 month window, we found that two and 4.16 days spent at nests afforded high probabilities of sighting a fledgling or adult eagle, respectively. Harpy Eagles were mainly active at the beginning and the end of the day. Activity core lasted 6.5 decimal hours for adults, peaking at 10h00, and 7.45 decimal hours for fledged eagles, peaking at 15h00. Our results demonstrate that Harpy Eagles fit several criteria for a viable wildlife attraction: predictable in activity and location, viewable, and diurnal, even though at the same time they are considered a rarity. In a broader perspective, Harpy Eagle tourism shows every indication of being a significant tool for more robust rainforest conservation.

Two introduced carnivores, the European red fox Vulpes vulpes and domestic cat Felis catus, have had extensive impacts on Australian biodiversity. In this study, we collate information on consumption of Australian birds by the fox, paralleling a recent study reporting on birds consumed by cats. We found records of consumption by foxes on 128 native bird species (18% of the non-vagrant bird fauna and 25% of those species within the fox’s range), a smaller tally than for cats (343 species, including 297 within the fox’s Australian range, a subset of that of the cat). Most (81%) bird species eaten by foxes are also eaten by cats, suggesting that predation impacts are compounded. As with consumption by cats, birds that nest or forage on the ground are most likely to be consumed by foxes. However, there is also some partitioning, with records of consumption by foxes but not cats for 25 bird species, indicating that impacts of the two predators may also be complementary. Bird species ≥3.4 kg were more likely to be eaten by foxes, and those <3.4 kg by cats. Our compilation provides an inventory and describes characteristics of Australian bird species known to be consumed by foxes, but we acknowledge that records of predation do not imply population-level impacts. Nonetheless, there is sufficient information from other studies to demonstrate that fox predation has significant impacts on the population viability of some Australian birds, especially larger birds, and those that nest or forage on the ground.

Invasive rodents detrimentally affect native bird species on many islands worldwide, and rodent eradication is a useful tool to safeguard endemic and threatened species. However, especially on tropical islands, rodent eradications can fail for various reasons, and it is unclear whether the temporary reduction of a rodent population during an unsuccessful eradication operation has beneficial effects on native birds. Here we examine the response of four endemic land bird species on subtropical Henderson Island in the Pitcairn Island Group, South Pacific Ocean, following an unsuccessful rodent eradication in 2011. We conducted point counts at 25 sampling locations in 14 survey periods between 2011 and 2015, and modelled the abundance trends of all species using binomial mixture models accounting for observer and environmental variation in detection probability. Henderson Reed Warbler Acrocephalus taiti more than doubled in abundance (2015 population estimate: 7,194-28,776), and Henderson Fruit Dove Ptilinopus insularis increased slightly between 2011 and 2015 (2015 population estimate: 4,476–10,072), while we detected no change in abundance of the Henderson Lorikeet Vini stepheni (2015 population estimate: 554–3014). Henderson Crake Zapornia atra increased to pre-eradication levels following anticipated mortality during the operation (2015 population estimate: 4,960–20,783). A temporary reduction of rat predation pressure and rat competition for fruit may have benefitted the reed warbler and the fruit dove, respectively. However, a long drought may have naturally suppressed bird populations prior to the rat eradication operation in 2011, potentially confounding the effects of temporary rat reduction and natural recovery. We therefore cannot unequivocally ascribe the population recovery to the temporary reduction of the rat population. We encourage robust monitoring of island biodiversity both before and after any management operation to better understand responses of endemic species to failed or successful operations.

Among the six sympatric swan and goose species wintering in the Yangtze River floodplain, only Greylag Goose Anser anser and Bean Goose A. fabalis showed increasing population trends in the last 20 years. Until now, almost nothing was known about the Greylag Geese breeding on the eastern Mongolian Plateau, which we now know mostly winter in the Yangtze River floodplain. We applied GPS transmitters to 20 Greylag Geese in the Yangtze River floodplain and eastern Mongolia, providing complete tracks of their movements in summer, winter, spring and autumn (n = 6, 8, 8, 7). We overlaid these locations on GIS layers of habitat type and national-level protected areas, and modelled their habitat selection. Geese summered in Dauria Region, Huihe National Nature Reserve, and Wulagai Wetlands (from where 55% of GPS fixes were located in protected areas), wintered in Poyang Lake, Longgan Lake, and Anqing Lakes (43%), and staged around Bohai Bay, Xila Mulun River, and Wulagai Wetlands (spring, 48%; autumn, 45%). Geese mainly used natural ecosystems in summer (essentially grasslands and wetlands/water bodies), but in the other three seasons, used croplands between 17% (spring) and 46% (winter) of the time, with most of the rest of the time spent on wetlands/water bodies. Geese were frequently associated with wetlands and areas close to lakes/wetlands in all seasons, and cropland during winter and spring/autumn migration. These results suggest Greylag Geese in this biogeographical sub-population have increasingly shifted to feeding in croplands during the non-breeding season and enjoy the benefit of using protected areas throughout the year. We infer that these factors could have potentially contributed to elevated survival and reproductive success (relatively high among sampled flocks in recent years) which could explain the favourable conservation status of this population of Greylag Geese in recent years compared to other sympatric wintering goose and swan species.

The endemic Seychelles Scops-owl Otus insularis is a Critically Endangered restricted-range species currently recorded only from the montane forest of Mahé, the largest (152 km2) and highest (903 m) island in the granitic Seychelles. Limited research has been conducted on the species and, in particular, details of its breeding biology are poorly known. Behavioural observations were made on 12 pairs by the systematic monthly use of playback of conspecific calls, in conjunction with frequent non-playback territory visits from April 1999 to May 2001. A total of eight nests, including the first nest record, were found on three territories. All were in tree cavities (7–25 m high) and contained either a single egg or chick. This was consistent with additional observations of solitary fledglings (n = 11, from eight territories). Incubation lasted 3–4 weeks and the fledging period was 4–6 weeks (data from two nests). The timing of copulations, in conjunction with the detection of nests and fledglings, suggests that the scops-owl can breed throughout the year with peaks in nesting occurring around May and October. Sex roles during breeding were similar to those of other Strigidae owls: incubation was performed by the female; males courtship-fed the female prior to and during incubation, and the female and chick for the first 2 weeks post-hatching; and both parents fed older chicks and fledglings. Fledglings remained on territory for at least 3 months. Breeding success of study pairs was low: two of eight nests were successful and 11 fledglings (recorded from eight of 12 study territories) were observed in a 26-month period, equivalent to c. 0.5 fledglings per territory per year. Evidence suggests that alien predators may have been a factor limiting breeding success. We discuss the conservation implications of our findings.

We correct the limits of the range and analyse the geographical variation of the Moustached Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes falcirostris, an endemic species of north-eastern Brazil. A single, undated specimen of Moustached Woodcreeper from Posse, Goiás, in the Paranā River Valley was probably collected somewhere on the left bank of the Sāo Francisco River. Analysis of the plumage variation and five body measurements indicates that it is not always possible to separate the populations of the Moustached Woodcreeper into the two subspecies currently recognized. In spite of this, given the importance of this bird as an indicator species for conservation, we suggest that the current recognition of the subspecies be maintained until genetic studies provide a definitive answer to this taxonomic question. Moustached Woodcreepers are particularly associated with patches of dry forest growing on rich soils, in north-eastern Brazil. In the past decades, this type of vegetation has been drastically modified by human activities. Only an urgent plan to establish a network of reserves for tropical dry forests in north-eastern Brazil can prevent the complete destruction of this habitat and of its poorly known biological resources.

Nós corrigimos os limites da distribuiçāo e analisamos a variaçāo geográfica do Cochi-do-nordeste Xiphocolaptes falcirostris, uma espécie endêmica do Nordeste brasileiro. Um único espécime sem data de X. falcirostris coletado em Posse, Goiás, no vale do rio Paranā, foi provavelmente coletado em algum lugar na margem esquerda do vale do rio Sāo Francisco. Análise da variaçāo da plumagem e de cinco medidas do corpo indicam que nāo é sempre possivel separar as populaçōes de Cochi-do-nordeste em duas subespécies, tal como é feito atualmente. Apesar disso, em consideraçāo à importância desse arapacu como espécie indicadora, nós sugerimos que o Cochi-do-nordeste ainda seja considerado uma espécie com duas subéspecies, até que essa questāo taxonômica seja resolvida definitivamente através de estudos genéticos. Cochis-do-nordeste sâo particularmente associados com manchas de florestas secas crescendo sobre solos ricos no Nordeste brasileiro. Nas ultimas décadas, este tipo de vegetaçāo tem sido drasticamente modificado por atividades humanas. Nós sugerimos que somente um piano urgente visando o estabelecimento de um sistema de reservas para as florestas tropicais secas no nordeste do Brasil possa prevenir a completa destruiçāo desse habitat e de seus pouco conhecidos recursos biológicos.

The Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos is one of the world’s rarest raptors, with an estimated population size of fewer than 1,000 individuals. Our knowledge of threats posed to the Grey Falcon remains scant. Understanding the genetic variation in this species would help to assess its conservation status more realistically and its prospects for survival in a changing environment. We amplified the cytochrome b region of mitochondrial DNA from the feathers of 26 individuals captured from the wild across the distribution of the species and assessed the genetic diversity and spatial genetic structuring of the species. Genetic diversity was low, with only six haplotypes identified, but there was no evidence of a recent genetic bottleneck. No population genetic structuring was detected, indicating that the Grey Falcon population is effectively continuous across the species’ entire distribution, covering much of Australia’s arid/semi-arid zone. Our results indicate that the Grey Falcon should be managed as a single population and suggest conservation efforts that benefit the species at a local level should be good for the species as a whole. Future studies should employ next generation sequencing approaches, which may provide finer-scale information on the extent these birds move among breeding sites. Further research into the species’ ecology is also required to identify effective conservation measures.

One of the rarest birds in the world, the Madagascar Pochard Aythya innotata was thought to be extinct until a small population was found in 2006. Little is known about this diving duck as it had not been studied prior to its decline and disappearance. Its rediscovery provided the opportunity to study this species in the wild for the first time and to assess the viability of this last remaining population. The population is small, fluctuating around 25 individuals, and mainly utilises two small volcanic lakes in the far north of Madagascar. Nesting occurs on only one of these lakes, Matsaborimena. Nest success (76% in 2007–2008) and hatching success (89% in 2007–2008) are both comparable to other Aythya species, but fledging success (4% in 2011–2012) is extremely low. Duckling mortality rates peak between 14 and 21 days old. We propose that starvation is the major cause of duckling mortality. Examination of faecal samples and stable isotope analysis of feathers and potential food items provide evidence that adult pochards are insectivorous, favouring caddis fly larvae. Macroinvertebrate density in the benthos of Matsaborimena is low. Adults spend 38% of daylight hours foraging, mainly in the shallowest water. However Matsaborimena is steep-sided and has no areas shallow enough for diving ducklings to feed. We conclude that these lakes are not good breeding habitat for this species. The Madagascar Pochard’s persistence here and not at other sites is probably due to a lack of the human-induced habitat degradation that has impacted many other wetlands in Madagascar.

The purpose of this paper is to review the success of different crane conservation techniques in order to determine which combinations of techniques are most promising. Six major crane conservation techniques were defined and a literature review was conducted. A summary of each technique was prepared, including several examples of the technique's use and possible negative effects. All of the evaluated techniques were successful in at least some cases. Habitat and legal protection are general measures that are required for every species regardless of other conservation techniques being used. Artificial feeding is successful in rapidly bolstering some crane populations but may not be desirable as a long-term conservation technique. Powerline modification or removal should be used to preserve all localized or endangered crane populations. The release of captive-reared cranes shows promise as a conservation technique but should only be used as a last resort. Likewise, manipulation of wild crane eggs should only be used when absolutely necessary to establish or bolster captive flocks.

Winter oilseed rape represents an important food source for Great Bustards. Great Bustard surveys during four consecutive winters (2005/2006–2008/2009) were used to identify characteristics of oilseed rape fields, which increase their attractiveness for the species in its West Pannonian wintering area. The study was conducted in study areas in Eastern Austria, around the Austrian–Slovakian–Hungarian border and in the Hungarian Moson Plain. To test for effects of field size and isolation of fields from other rape fields, and the distance to the nearest paved road on occurrence and abundance of Great Bustards (maximum number of birds counted in individual rape fields per winter), we calculated generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) including all three predictor variables as fixed effects and winter as random effect for each of the three study areas. Field size most strongly affected occurrence and abundance of Great Bustards. The availability of large (>>15 ha) winter rape fields far from paved roads is recommended as a prime conservation measure to improve the quality of rape fields as foraging habitat for Great Bustards during the winter months (November–March).

Fieldwork conducted in Veracruz and Chiapas, Mexico, between July and December 1991 indicates that the genus Hylorchilus merits retention and that the two forms, H. (sumichrasti) sumichrasti and H. (s.) navai, are good species, based chiefly on this study's discovery of their very different voices. Both are, however, ground-level feeders on invertebrates gleaned from limestone outcrops under closed-canopy forest, and both are at risk from habitat loss. Despite the very restricted range of H. navai and threats to its habitat the population is partially protected and so it is recommended it be allocated IUCN status “Rare”, while H. sumichrasti merits the existing classification “Vulnerable/Rare”.

Los trabajos de campo realizados en Veracruz y Chiapas, México, entre Julio y Diciembre de 1991 indican que el género Hylorchilus merece ser mantenido, y que las dos formas, H. (sumichrasti) sumichrasti y H. (s.) navai, son especies válidas, en base a las diferencias de voz descubiertas en este estudio. Ambas especies se alimentan a nivel del suelo, a base de invertebrados que capturan sobre rocas calizas en áreas de selva cerrada, y ambas están amenazadas por la pérdida de su hábitat. A pesar de que H. navai tiene un área de distribución muy pequeña y de que su hábitat está amenazado, la población está parcialmente protegida y por lo tanto se recomienda que se le considere en la categoría de amenaza “Rara” de la UICN, mientras que H. sumichrasti debe continuar como “Vulnerable/Rara”.

We describe the breeding phenology and nesting habitat characteristics of San Andres Vireo Vireo caribaeus for the breeding season of 2004. Nest monitoring of colour marked individuals took place in three major vegetation types (dry scrubland, mangrove forest and dense forest) on San Andrés Island, Colombia. In all of them, vegetation structure variables were measured and compared using principal components analysis. A courting song was recorded and its sonograms are presented here. Nineteen nests were monitored between January and June, of which 80% were found in dry scrubland, 10% in mangrove forest and 10% in dense forest. Nesting stages were found to be similar in length to those known for other vireos. Nest construction took 6 ± 0.87 days (mean ± SD), clutch size was 2 ± 1 eggs (mean ± SD), incubation took 17 ± 2.47 days (mean ± SD), and nestling period was 9 ± 1.57 days (mean ± SD). Fourteen nestlings fledged from successful nests (53%) and post fledging care was sustained for 28 ± 4.17 days (mean ± SD). Vireo nests were found in sheltered dry areas, characterized by a thick cover of dead leaves on the ground (≤ 60%) and a low canopy height (mean = 5 m) but providing 60% cover over the nest. Nest trees were healthy plants and 75% of the nests hung from east-facing forked branches at a height of 0.73–2.0 m. Nesting trees were typically surrounded by 3-5 species of fleshy fruit plants fed to chicks. Conservation of the vireo would benefit from maintenance of traditional land use practices in dry scrubland on the island and protection or special management of some areas of this habitat should be considered.

Four weeks of fieldwork in the forests of Mindoro, Philippines, in 1991 has elucidated the status of the six bird species endemic to the island. Of these, Ducula mindorensis and Otus mindorensis are high-altitude species with restricted ranges and in need of active conservation in the medium term. Three of the four lowland species, Gallicolumba platenae, Centropus steerü and Penelopides mindorensis are under immediate threat of extinction through forest clearance and fragmentation, while the fourth, Dicaeum retrocinctum, s i not under immediate threat but is certainly at risk of extinction in the long term. Whilst deforestation is an enormous problem across the entire Philippines, Mindoro is the smallest centre of endemism with the least forest cover after the Sulu Islands. Extinctions are believed inevitable within the next 10 years unless concerted action is urgently taken. The Halcon range must receive attention in order to conserve the montane species, but more urgent by far is the preservation of lowland forest remnants, concentrating on central-west Mindoro.

Endemic to the island of Corsica in the western Mediterranean, the Corsican Nuthatch Sitta whiteheadi only occupies mature stands of Corsican Pine Pinus nigra laricio which cover a very small area. We present estimates of the distribution and population size of the Corsican Nuthatch, based on both field investigation and analysis of vegetation maps for the 103 county and municipality forests identified. Between spring 1997 and summer 2008, 48 forests were systematically investigated to map nuthatch territories, requiring 20 months of fieldwork. In the 55 forests not explored, we estimated the number of territories from analysis of digital maps with a calculated mean density from six spot-mapping censuses previously made in mature forests. The total estimated number was estimated to be 1,557-2,201 territories, distributed across 45 forest fragments (= group of connected stands) totalling 185 km2. At distances varying from 250 m to 16 km from each other, fragments were separated by unfavourable vegetation (shrubs, trees other than pines) or rocky outcrops. The area of these fragments varied from seven to 3,159 ha. Of the 45 fragments, 19 held fewer than 10 nuthatch pairs, 20 had 10–99 territories, and only six had more than 100 territories. We suggest that nuthatch numbers have declined by 10% in the past 10 years because of a reduction in suitable habitat due to fires and logging. The Corsican Nuthatch currently fulfils the criteria established by IUCN to qualify as “Vulnerable”.

Birds are suffering from steep population declines on a global scale and they are one of the few taxonomic groups for which these declines are well documented by long-term monitoring data. This study provides a synthesis of the status of the breeding birds of Greece. To this aim, we retrieved population size estimates from six sources spanning 22 years (1992–2014) and calculated species’ trends in Greece. Using the IUCN Red List assessments for each species we assessed whether ecological traits including habitat and diet preferences were associated with species’ trends and conservation status in Europe and determined major threats affecting birds in Greece. Moreover, we assessed the importance of Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in terms of declining trigger species. Results showed that almost one fifth of the breeding birds in Greece have declining populations. Raptors were found to be the most threatened group of birds whereas the highest declines by dietary group were observed in scavengers, with 60% of species showing a decreasing trend. The most common threats were those that cause habitat alteration and degradation as well as more direct effects such as poisoning. Our results suggest that restoration of habitat and ecosystem functions along with the management of protected areas and improvement of legislation should be the main conservation actions undertaken and pinpointed the IBAs where they should be prioritized for implementation. Finally, further research, especially on specific drivers of population change, along with further examination of current and past population trends, will increase the power and accuracy of future regional Red List assessments especially concerning the breeding species for which the country bears the greatest responsibility.

Fieldwork aimed at censusing Gumey's Pitta Pitta gumeyi in Peninsular Thailand was carried out over three field seasons. Fourteen sites were surveyed, at four of which the species was found. The main site (where it had been rediscovered in 1986) held 24–34 pairs, 12–18 of which were in the 500 ha study area. A second site held 3-6 pairs (but it is thought unlikely that this population still exists today), whilst the other two sites held only two pairs each and were thought to have negligible chances of survival. All territories were in semi-evergreen rainforest, below 150 m altitude. The current population i s probably some 20–30 pairs, with territories still being lost annually to deforestation. This is currently the total known world population; it is possible that the species may survive in southern Burma, but no recent surveys have been undertaken there. Furthermore, massive deforestation caused by Thai timber companies has been reported from Burma during 1988–1993. The interpretation of census results are discussed, particularly with reference to social organization and calling seasonality. The determined protection of the one remaining site supporting a viable population will be essential if the species is to survive into the next century.

Both breeding and midwinter populations of the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca are in decline throughout Europe. As part of an action plan for the species currently being prepared, a comprehensive Turkish site inventory was made. The Turkish breeding and midwinter populations (500–600 pairs and 0–1,500 birds respectively) are amongst the most important in Europe but have been subject to significant and probably long-term declines. Of 25 breeding sites identified in this study, only 10 are considered to hold more than 10 pairs, seven are probably no longer suitable and the rest probably all support fewer than five pairs. Thirty-one localities have held birds in winter but of these 18 have been unoccupied in the 1990s. Significant numbers appear to remain in Turkey only during particularly mild winters. Measures for its effective conservation in Turkey are outlined. A comprehensive site inventory, based on fieldwork directed to potential breeding localities, and monitoring of important sites identified by this study and earlier surveys are urgently required.

The Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus is a generalist species that inhabits temperate and arctic coasts of the north Atlantic Ocean. In recent years, there has been growing concern about population declines at local and regional scales; however, there has been no attempt to robustly assess Great Black-backed Gull population trends across its global range. We obtained the most recent population counts across the species’ range and analysed population trends at a global, continental, and national scale over the most recent three-generation period (1985–2021) following IUCN Red List criteria. We found that, globally, the species has declined by 43%–48% over this period (1.2–1.3% per annum, respectively), from an estimated 291,000 breeding pairs to 152,000–165,000 breeding pairs under two different scenarios. North American populations declined more steeply than European ones (68% and 28%, respectively). We recommend that Great Black-backed Gull should be uplisted from ‘Least Concern’ to ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species under criterion A2 (an estimated reduction in population size >30% over three generations).