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Threatened species receive much attention in conservation science and practice. Species currently declining, but not yet listed as threatened, also deserve consideration to reduce their risk of sliding towards extinction and to maintain their functional roles in ecosystems. Information on declining bird species in Australia is available from four main sources: national databases, syntheses of historical change, regional monitoring programmes and summaries for guilds of species. Many species show evidence of decline; declines of species are occurring nation-wide, and they are ongoing. Trends for individual species vary geographically; they may be declining in part of their range but stable elsewhere. Common trajectories of population decline include: (a) a downward linear trend; (b) a marked downturn, sustained at a lower level; and (c) fluctuations through time associated with episodic events (e.g. drought) and incomplete recovery. Ongoing declines affect ecosystems through reduced species richness, homogenisation of bird communities, changes to interspecific interactions and ecosystem services, and contributing to extinction debt. Improving the conservation outlook for declining species requires systematic monitoring to know where, when and how much decline is occurring, together with protection of critical habitats and source populations, ambitious programmes of restoration, and identification and effective control of threats. Responding to declining species offers opportunities for community engagement, monitoring and action at a local and regional level. New ways are needed to incorporate such species in conservation planning and environmental regulation at a regional scale, to give them greater visibility and avoid local declines accumulating until taxa become nationally threatened. Many bird species in Australia, not (yet) listed as threatened, are experiencing population decline and warrant greater attention in conservation planning and management. Patterns of change for individual species vary regionally, depending on past land-use and current pressures. Ongoing decline and loss of species has profound consequences for Australian ecosystems, including depleted and homogenised bird communities and reductions in the diverse ecosystem services that birds provide. New approaches are needed to provide formal recognition and appropriate management for declining species, particularly at a regional level, so they become more visible in environmental planning and can persist in regional landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many global agricultural problems, such as the decline of agricultural land, soil pollution, climate change, water scarcity, and rural poverty threaten the sustainability of agricultural production systems. This study aimed to (i) develop a methodology to measure the sustainability of beef cattle farms, (ii) measure economic, social and environmental sustainability, and (iii) determine the impact of farm size on the sustainability of beef cattle farming. The study data were collected from 155 beef cattle sample farms via face-to-face surveys in Samsun Province, Turkey. A multi-stage process was employed to measure sustainability. The most important factors contributing to sustainability were determined as the debt-asset ratio, beef yield, and production cost for economic sustainability; the adequacy of educational institutions in the village or district and misunderstanding with neighbours for social sustainability; paying attention to meteorological conditions for pesticide use and nature conservation for environmental sustainability. The composite sustainability index was determined as 0.43 in small farms, 0.51 in medium farms and 0.61 in large farms. It has been found that an increase in the farm size had a positive impact on economic, social, and environmental sustainability of beef cattle farming. The methodology and indicators developed can be used to ensure the sustainability of different agricultural sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of woodland birds around the world is well known. There are likely to be many causal factors acting together and interacting synergistically, such as habitat fragmentation and the invasion of exotic species. Similarly, insect declines, which likely have been occurring for some time in Australia, have been recorded around the world in recent years, especially in areas of intensive agriculture or urbanisation. Because a large proportion of woodland birds are insectivorous, we ask whether the loss of food resources could also be a driver of bird declines. We encourage more research into this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of a 195-cm core extracted from Polecat Bay (PB) in southern Alabama revealed that dramatic changes in diatom abundance/composition and sediment type took place sometime in the past. Examination of historical records and interviews with witnesses to industrial activity suggest that the changes were largely anthropogenically driven and caused by; (1) construction of the Mobile Bay Causeway, (2) spillage of bauxite dross from settling ponds, and (3) discharge of river dredge material directly into the bay. Analysis of the core showed increased clay content in its upper levels followed by an increase in motile benthic diatoms that tolerate turbid water, both likely the result of restricted circulation following construction of the Causeway. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results coupled with archival evidence confirmed that between 1938 and 1983, bauxite dross was pumped into settling basins operated by ALCOA on Blakeney Island adjacent to PB, and that it periodically overflowed into the bay. Additional photographic evidence and interviews confirmed that in the late 1950s or early 1960s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began filling ∼70% of PB with dredge material as part of a project to widen and deepen the Mobile River channel. This accelerated the rate of sedimentation and led to additional changes in diatom populations including a decline in non-motile diatoms in the most recent years. Our study demonstrates that impact(s) of human activities on sensitive Gulf Coast environments like PB can be detected through the combination of diatom reconstruction analysis, sedimentology, forensic-style examination of historical reports and witness interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Cerrado, native grasslands have been dramatically lost, leading to an alarming decline in populations of bird species that require these vegetation physiognomies. Species such as the Black-masked Finch Coryphaspiza melanotis (Gray, 1840) are vulnerable to extinction and remain poorly studied. The objective of this study was to examine home ranges of the Black-masked Finch at the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Veadeiros, central Brazil. Ten males were studied in a patch of shrubby grassland (campo sujo) between February and December 2008. The mean sizes of home ranges were 4.47 ± 1.49 ha (Minimum Convex Polygon) and 3.48 ± 1.44 ha (Kernel 95%), and this varied significantly between seasons. Home ranges were significantly larger in the non-breeding dry season than during other periods, and significantly smaller in the breeding season than during other periods. Core areas (Kernel 50%) had a mean of 0.46 ± 0.26 ha. A large overlap of home ranges was observed. The home ranges of all banded males overlapped those of at least three co-specifics, and most had an area overlap of more than 50%. A nest containing an egg and a nestling was found in November. Small and largely overlapped home ranges can be considered as positive for the conservation of the Black-masked Finch. This is because both small grassland fragments and conservation units can substantially contribute to the conservation of its populations through the Cerrado extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change mitigation and the Paris Agreement, it is critical to monitor and understand the dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions over different regions of the world. In this study, we quantify the contributions of different drivers behind the observed emission decrease in Europe between 2009 and 2014. To this end, we build a novel dataset of deflated input–output tables for each of the 28 EU countries. This dataset enables us to conduct the first Structural Decomposition Analysis of emissions in European countries since the economic crisis. Our results show that the largest drivers of emissions have been the improvement in carbon intensity (−394 MtCO e), largely offset by the economic recovery (+285 MtCO e). However, other less intuitive drivers also played a significant role in the emission decline: changes in the production system (−104 MtCO e), mostly driven by an increase in imports; the evolution of final demand patterns (−101 MtCO e); a decrease in emissions due to household heating (−83 MtCO e) and private transport (−24 MtCO e), with a small offset from population growth (+39 MtCO e). However, these aggregate figures mask significant variations between EU countries which we also document. This study highlights the importance of including changes in consumption patterns, trade and temperature anomalies in tracking and fostering progress towards the Paris Agreement goals. Key policy insights The largest drivers of EU greenhouse gas emissions changes between 2009 and 2014 have been improved carbon intensity and economic recovery. Changes in imports, production technologies, consumption patterns and household heating also played a significant role. Dynamics of change varied significantly from one country to another. Tracking these drivers is essential to monitor progress towards the Paris Agreement goals and increase ambition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian scavengers, by feeding on carrion and other organic matter, provide critical ecosystem services. Vultures, the only obligate avian scavengers, have reportedly experienced massive population declines in Africa yet current knowledge regarding their status in most West African countries is unknown. This study set out to ascertain the status of the avian scavenger community in Edo State, southern Nigeria. We made total counts of all scavenging birds at foraging and roosting sites in 13 urban areas. We recorded three species of avian scavenger which were, in order of decreasing relative abundance, Pied Crow Corvus albus, Yellow-billed Kite Milvus migrans and Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus. There was a positive correlation between relative abundance of avian scavengers and human population size, such that more populous urban centres had larger populations of scavengers. We counted more scavenging birds at roosting sites than at foraging sites. While the Pied Crow and Yellow-billed Kite appear to be thriving in Edo State, the Hooded Vulture appears to have experienced a massive population decline. Our results suggest that without immediate conservation effort such as protection, education and advocacy, the Hooded Vulture will be extirpated from this region in the near future. We suggest that these conservation efforts be focused on the largest urban areas. Furthermore, we recommend that other states in southern Nigeria be urgently surveyed in order for more general conclusions to be drawn about the fate of avian scavengers in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been few faster, more dramatic and wide-scale species declines than those of South Asian vulture populations since the 1990s. This article describes the background to this problem, caused mainly by the veterinary drug diclofenac, and the establishment and structure of the SAVE consortium created to help coordinate the necessary conservation response. The lessons learnt in Asia and the working model of such a consortium are presented, which could be of assistance for tackling the vulture crisis in Africa despite obvious differences of scale and political landscape, so would undoubtedly need at least some modification. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Confident separation of Marsh Tits and Willow Tits remains a challenge in Britain due to the similar appearance of the local races of both species. Several criteria are available to assist the identification of birds in the hand, but none is completely diagnostic and most are invalid for young juvenile birds. Due to the continued decline in abundance of both species, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to trial new identification criteria in the field, as very few ringers are catching sufficient numbers of either species. This paper describes the results of an online survey that was used to test a proposed new identification feature for separating the two species, based on differences in the pattern of colour contrast on the greater covert feathers. The online survey was effective in recruiting a sufficient sample of ringers, of varying experience, who were asked to identify images of Marsh Tits or Willow Tits based only on features of the greater coverts that had been demonstrated using training images. On average, each ringer identified 82% of the 18 images correctly, and each image was identified correctly by an average 84% of the 140 ringers. The pattern of the greater coverts is therefore recommended as an additional, complementary criterion for separating Marsh Tits from Willow Tits. Online surveys are also recommended as an efficient platform for the trialling of identification features within the ringing community. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Waterbirds are key indicators of wetland health and recent declines in their abundance have renewed focus on conservation of their habitats in Australia. Yet conservation efforts have mostly ignored the identification of habitats used at night. In this study we assessed three common species, Grey Teal (Anas gracilis), Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea) and Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta chubata), during day and night. Thermal imaging technologies were utilised to identify individuals to species, count abundances and observe habitat requirements. We found major differences in abundance between night and day of all three species at our study sites. Further, habitat use of teals differed between nocturnal and diurnal hours, with birds aggregating on the bank during daylight hours and moving onto the water during the night. Our findings suggest that nocturnal waterbird surveys can assist conservation efforts. By monitoring bird numbers by night, the significance of a habitat for feeding and shelter purposes can be determined. Additionally, by studying nocturnal behaviour and habitat use, identification and conservation of important wetlands will be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peak-and-decline in the density of eastern populations of Ground Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) with increasing time since fire is one of the best-documented post-fire responses of any Australian animal. However, existing studies have typically shown this relationship within a set of sites highly likely to be occupied by Ground Parrots, rather than demonstrating that fire history affects whether a site is occupied. This paper describes a landscape-scale, targeted survey of Ground Parrots at 80 heathland sites between Marlo and Mallacoota, Victoria. Selection of sites was stratified by combinations of time since fire and modelled predictions of the distribution of Ground Parrots. All sites were sampled 10 times in late 2013 using automated sound recorders, and a subset of 23 sites had at least one traditional, observer-based physical survey. Both time since fire and the species-distribution model were significantly associated with the probability of Ground Parrots occupying a site. The most parsimonious occupancy model was applied to two earlier datasets from the study area, and provided indirect evidence for an inferred decline in Ground Parrot occupancy in recent decades. Landscape modelling of the expected total area occupied by Ground Parrots between 1979 and 2013 suggested a strong peak would have occurred in the late 1990s; suitability of habitat over much of the landscape is now declining. Finally, given that many Australian fauna species are responsive to fire, this study shows that assumptions behind the management of such species can be tested efficiently by combining legacy datasets and literature with contemporary data collection and modelling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss and fragmentation of habitat can disrupt genetic exchange between populations, which is reflected in changes to the genetic structure of populations. The Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis) is a cooperatively breeding woodland bird, once common and widespread in south-eastern Australia. The species has suffered population declines of >90% across its southern distribution as a result of loss and fragmentation of habitat. We investigated patterns of genetic diversity and population structure of Grey-crowned Babblers in fragmented habitats at the southernmost extent of its range. We sampled blood from 135 individual Babblers from 39 groups stratified into six subpopulations in three regions. Genotypic data were used to estimate genetic diversity, population substructure, local relatedness and dispersal patterns. Individuals showed high heterozygosity within regions, and varying numbers of private alleles among regions suggested differences in levels of connectivity between regions. Four genetic clusters revealed population substructure consistent with treeless landscapes acting as strong barriers to gene flow. In contrast to previous studies, we identified a male-biased dispersal pattern and significant isolation-by-distance patterns for females at fine spatial scales. We recommend that conservation plans for this species incorporate opportunities to increase and enhance corridor areas to facilitate genetic exchange among subpopulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numbers of Cape cormorantsPhalacrocorax capensisbreeding in South Africa decreased by nearly 50% from approximately 107 000 pairs in 1977–1981 to 57 000 pairs in 2010–2014. Although four colonies had >10 000 pairs in 1977–1981, there was just one such colony in 2010–2014. Almost all the decrease occurred after the early 1990s off north-west South Africa, between the Orange River estuary and Dassen Island. South of this, the number breeding in the two periods was stable, with some colonies being formed or growing rapidly in the 2000s. The proportion of South Africa’s Cape cormorants that bred south of Dassen Island increased from 35% in 1977–1981 to 66% in 2010–2014, with the opposite situation observed in the north-west. This matched a shift to the south and east in the distributions of two of the Cape cormorant’s main prey species, anchovyEngraulis encrasicolusand sardineSardinops sagax. In 2014, an apparent scarcity of prey in the north-west resulted in Cape cormorants attempting to take bait from hooks of fishing lines over an extended period, a behaviour not previously recorded. The number of Cape cormorants breeding in the south may be constrained by the absence of large islands between Dyer Island in the west and Algoa Bay in the east. If so, it may be possible to bolster the southern population through the provision of appropriate breeding habitat, such as platforms, or restricting human disturbance at suitable mainland cliff breeding sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) has suffered population declines and is listed in the IUCN Red List as Endangered. The species is endemic to the coast of southern Africa, and breeding colonies are distributed on the south-western coast of Africa. Currently, African Penguins are being kept in zoo and aquarium facilities throughout South Africa. In this study, molecular genetic data based on 12 microsatellite markers from 1 119 African Penguin samples from four facilities were generated in order to determine the level of genetic variation, population structure and differentiation, and effective population size to assist in the development of an effective captive management plan. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.57 to 0.62, and allelic richness from 4.2 to 5.1. However, based on differences between first- and second-generation captive birds, we conclude that the ex situ population is at risk of losing genetic variability in the future and management programmes should include exchange of birds between captive facilities in order to induce gene flow and increase effective population size. Adding individuals from in situ populations should also be considered in the future in cases where these birds cannot be rehabilitated. Molecular genetic analyses of wild penguin populations should be carried out for comparison, and to ascertain to what degree ' in situ genetic diversity' is represented among ex situ populations. With regular resampling and analyses, the extent of the effect of processes such as genetic drift on diversity in the ex situ penguin populations will become evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, populations of migratory shorebirds are threatened and declining rapidly. This is especially true for those using the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (EAAF), where loss of intertidal mudflats in crucial staging areas, especially around the Yellow Sea, is considered to be the primary driver of declines. The conservation of migratory shorebirds faces considerable challenges, including competing demands on wetland habitats, compounded by differing economic priorities, jurisdictions and attitudes towards wildlife among the countries along shorebird migratory routes. A key aspect of addressing these challenges is to protect more habitat and improve management of shorebird habitat, both in protected and unprotected areas. This ultimately requires stronger commitments from national governments, for instance by enforcing and strengthening multilateral and bilateral agreements. However, economic drivers for development erode the effectiveness of these policy tools. Here, we highlight the socio-political approaches needed to ensure implementation of conservation actions. The success of these actions will hinge on stronger engagement of citizens and governments in habitat protection and shorebird monitoring. One part of this strategy is to increase awareness in communities and governments of shorebird issues through international collaboration, knowledge sharing, capacity-building and support for local action (of both citizens and government officials). International actions mediated among flyway partners, for example bilateral agreements on the preservation of intertidal mudflats and co-funding to support this, are critical to halting shorebird population declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pied Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula bicolor) is a summer migrant to northern Australia, and nests colonially on many islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. Numbers are perceived to have declined as a result of large-scale shooting in the past and clearing of their mainland feeding grounds. To obtain evidence of any population changes, 1–10 counts were made each breeding season of the evening flight from the mainland to a nesting colony on North Brook Island. The counts began in 1965 and have continued for 50 years. The count represents one individual of a pair that visits the mainland to feed and returns in the evening. In the 1965–66 breeding season, the December count (the count used to compare years) was 4692 birds. Over the following three seasons, numbers declined to a low of 1451 birds in 1968–69; this decline was attributed to shooting of up to 1100 birds at a time. Large-scale shooting stopped in 1968 and was followed by a steady exponential increase (y = 3370.4e0.0908x in numbers over 23 years to 29 818 birds in the 1992–93 season. Numbers have fluctuated between ∼25 000 and 35 000 individuals over the following 18 years. A tropical cyclone of extreme intensity affected the pigeons' breeding site on North Brook Island and their mainland feeding areas in February 2011. In the following breeding season of 2011–12, numbers fell to 5311, but recovered to 21 088 in the 2012–13 season. The dramatic drop in numbers was attributed to the pigeons moving elsewhere for the 2011–12 season. It is predicted that the post-cyclonic number of 21 088 will take 4 years to recover to 30 000. The counts are a simple and somewhat coarse measure of population trends, but provide a population baseline for more sophisticated studies on the movements of pigeons and their responses to long-term changes in habitat and climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two surveys of Blue Swallows were conducted in the southern Tanzanian highland grasslands in order to determine the habitat preferences and estimate the size of this subpopulation. During the 2008/09 and 2012 surveys, a total distance of 3 635 km was travelled in search of Blue Swallows (at an altitude of above 1 400 m above sea level). Blue Swallows showed no preference for any altitude range above 1 400 m. The Blue Swallows showed a preference for natural pastures and for rural villages interspersed with crops and natural pasture. The buildings in the rural villages provide the nesting sites and, in close proximity, the crops, natural pastures, livestock and their dung possibly provide the food source for the aerial arthropods on which the Blue Swallows feed. In total, 151 Blue Swallows were recorded consisting of 62 males, 68 females and 21 unsexed individuals at 62 localities. These data along with environmental variables were used to construct an ecological niche model for the Blue Swallow. It was estimated that a mean of 12 791 km2 of suitable habitat was available for Blue Swallows. The 151 Blue Swallows recorded within the maximum perpendicular distance of 262 m on either side of the survey route resulted in a subpopulation estimate of 1 014 (338 to 507 pairs) Blue Swallows in the southern Tanzanian highland grasslands (12 791 km2). Mean densities were 0.023 to 0.035 pairs km − 2. A density of 0.13 pairs km − 2 recorded on a cattle farm consisting primarily of grasslands and wetlands was similar to the density of pairs found on sites in South Africa and Swaziland of compara- ble size and with matching characteristics to this site in Tanzania. Based on this new information the global Blue Swallow population estimate is updated to between 1 169 and 1 338 pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeat monitoring is vital to measure biodiversity change. However, monitoring protocols may change, as survey techniques improve or different questions are asked. Such modifications may cause difficulties when examining changes in wildlife populations. The Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP) 1 and 2 are repeat national bird surveys undertaken 20 years apart. These surveys therefore offer unrivalled potential to examine bird population changes in an African context. However, changes in protocols, both spatially and temporally, between the two surveys have raised concerns over using these data to infer population changes. In this study we use independ- ent nest survey data to test whether changes in reporting rates of Martial Eagles in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park between the two SABAP surveys were reflected in real change in numbers of nesting pairs. From 11 quarter degree squares (QDS), covering c. 8 000 km2, both SABAP and nest surveys suggested a near identical 44% decline. Levels of agreement were weaker at the individual QDS scale, although in 67% of cases the direction of change was the same using both surveys. These results suggest that comparisons in the reporting rates between SABAP 1 and SABAP 2 accurately reflect changes in the breeding population size of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopteruspopulation in Morocco has undergone a marked decline since the 1980s to the point of nearing local extinction in the twenty-first century. A field study of some possible sites for Egyptian Vultures was carried out over six days during June 2014 in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco. We counted a total of 48 Egyptian Vultures at three different localities: two occupied breeding sites and one communal roost that hosted 40 vultures of different ages. A (probable) singe adult bird at the breeding site was located and a previously occupied site was also visited. A preliminary survey amongst local people indicated that threats faced by this species are predator poisoning in some areas, and the use of vulture parts for traditional medicine. Given that the species is considered globally Endangered and populations continue to decline in many areas, the discovered population reported here, although relatively small, is of national and regional (North-west Africa) importance. We expect this new situation will revive the hopes for studying and conserving this and other vulture species in Morocco and North-west Africa in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AJEM achieved an "impact factor" of 1.8 for 2020 in the Thomson Reuters (ISI Web of Knowledge) listing, far exceeding the 1.2 of the previous two years. AJEM reviewers in 2020-2021 The editors thank all those who reviewed articles in late 2020 and 2021. New book review editor needed Claudia Baldwin has been the AJEM book review editor since 2006 and has indicated that it is time to pass on the job to someone new. [Extracted from the article]

The western subspecies of the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus coronatus) is listed as vulnerable under Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation. Declines in numbers are presumed to be due to loss and degradation of riparian habitats upon which it depends. In the Northern Territory portion of its range, the species nests, and mainly forages, in dense stands of tall River Grass (Chionachne cyathopoda). We examined the characteristics of River Grass-dominated habitats and wren group sizes, persistence and reproductive success at five sites in the Victoria River District (VRD), over a 3-year period (2000-2003). Sites spanned a range of cattle grazing intensity and history. River Grass height was greatest and frequency of bare ground the least at sites with the lowest grazing pressure. The persistence of adult fairy-wrens was greater in ungrazed than in grazed sites. In the second year of the study, high densities of cattle were (unexpectedly) introduced to one of the designated ungrazed sites (Coolibah), allowing for a before-after-control-impact study. After cattle introduction, at Coolibah mean group size of fairy-wrens declined (from 3.0 to 2.2) and year-to-year persistence of adults declined severely (from89%to 24%), whereas on ungrazed sites, meangroup size increased or remained constant and persistence of adults remained unchanged over the same period. This study demonstrates that grazing by cattle in the VRD riparian habitats detrimentally affects habitat quality and some population parameters for Purple-crowned Fairywrens. We suggest that these effects have potential long-term negative effects on the status of this vulnerable subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great Barrier Reef supports significant breeding populations of tropical seabirds; however, recent evidence has indicated declines in seabird populations across some of the most important breeding sites. Evidence for the cause of these significant declines is lacking but is generally thought to result from inadequate food supplies caused by warmer sea surface temperatures associated with climate change. This paper provides the first detailed investigation into the foraging behaviour of Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster), a species considered to be more susceptible to climate change impacts due to reduced foraging ranges. Fifteen complete foraging trips were recorded from five individuals (three males, two females). Adults typically foraged in shallow inshore reef waters and the mean foraging trip duration was 6.8 ± 2.8 h with a mean foraging range of 14.5 ± 10.1 km and the total distance travelled being 49.5 ± 30.3 km per trip. While most foraging trips occurred during daylight hours, five (33%) trips recorded periods spent at sea at night. The preliminary results presented here suggest that further research across widely dispersed breeding sites and different species investigating the potential drivers of seabird declines in the Great Barrier Reef is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife in North America was under great threat in the late 1800s and large mammals and birds were declining at a rapid rate. There were no legal restrictions on the use of natural resources and excessive exploitation was the rule. To return wildlife to their historic habitats required immediate action. Theodore Roosevelt and other prominent citizens formed the B&C in 1887 for this purpose. The B&C became a leading force in the formation of national parks and forests, wildlife laws and conservation policies, and its efforts salvaged wildlife and created the system of conservation that still exists today. Herein, we provide a brief sketch of the role of the B&C in North American conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Southern Ground-HornbillsBucorvus leadbeateriare Endangered in South Africa and there is a concerted effort to reverse their population decline. They live in groups year round, with only the alpha pair breeding, raising at most one chick per year. Each group has a home range of 50–100 km2, but there are few data for their spatial habitat use within this range. Understanding the factors affecting Southern Ground-Hornbill movement patterns is useful to assess habitat management options for the species, to select sites for artificial nests and to identify suitable areas for reintroduction initiatives. We report daily and seasonal patterns of habitat use by four groups in the Associated Private Nature Reserves, north-east South Africa, based on data from GPS-satellite tags. Daily travel distances averaged 7.4 ± 2.2 km d?1but were greater during the breeding season, although birds were constrained to forage close to their nest, and were lower in winter, when birds ranged more widely. Hourly travel distances were affected by time of day, season, temperature and group. Birds travelled farthest per hour in the morning, decreasing in the afternoon in winter. However, in summer hourly travel distances were bimodally distributed, with a minimum during the middle of the day when ambient temperatures exceed 25 °C. Acacia-dominated vegetation and riparian habitats were favoured disproportionately during the heat of the day in summer, presumably because they offer more shade than other habitats. Optimal habitat configurations for ground-hornbills include a mosaic of habitat types, including open areas for foraging and dense trees for shade. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The rapid decline of the wild Milky Stork population in Malaysia has led to the reintroduction of the captive bred species in Kuala Gula, Perak. The area is known as an important migratory stopover and sanctuary for both visitors and resident birds. Although Kuala Gula and its adjacent areas are regarded as pristine and unpolluted, recent study suggested that accumulation of certain pollutants is occurring in the aquatic environment of the area. Surface sediment samples from five foraging areas considered important to the reintroduced Milky Storks have been analyzed for metals contamination. The results show that elevations of Cu, Zn, and Pb ranging from 9.7 to 57 mg kg−1, 71 to 120 mg kg−1, and 28 to 47 mg kg−1have occurred, except for Cd (0.9–1.7 mg kg−1). The accumulation of these metals is site-specific which reflects continuous anthropogenic inputs into the aquatic environment of Kuala Gula. In addition, metal levels in some areas have exceeded the effects range low values, and thus urgent action is needed to ensure good practice and sustainable management of Kuala Gula by responsible parties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa, Linnaeus 1758, Phasianidae) is a common game bird in Europe and it is classified as SPEC 2 (Species of European Conservation Concern), that is, a species with unfavorable conservation status due to a marked population decline. Loss of suitable habitat and hunting management are considered among the major causes of its decline. Such a decline can be also related to agriculture intensification, changes in agricultural practices and the abandonment of less productive lands. Habitat suitability models are an important management tool to define the potential distribution range of a given species, design a protected area network, and plan appropriate management actions and evaluate their effects. This study was conducted on Elba Island (Tuscany) in spring 2011 to define the habitat factors that affect theA. rufadistribution in a typical Mediterranean landscape. On this island the species is declining, as it is in other areas of Europe. We carried out point counts in a survey stratified according to vegetation. We formulated Resource Probability Selection Functions following a presence vs. availability design by Binary Logistic Regression Analysis to obtain a map of potential distribution of the species. We observed that the red-legged partridge distribution was mainly linked to the natural habitat with garrigue and perennial meadows, whereas woody landscape had a negative effect. To stop the species decline on the island habitat improvement actions are needed, such as the cutting of dense vegetation to create open areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite significant conservation intervention, the kiwi (Apteryxspp.) is in serious population decline. To increase survival in the wild, conservation management includes rearing of young birds in captivity, safe from introduced mammalian predators. However, an increase in density of immunologically naïve kiwi increases the risk of exposure to disease, including coccidia. Intestinal coccidiosis has recently been described in the kiwi, and although extra-intestinal coccidiosis was first recognized in kiwi in 1978, very little is known about this disease entity. This study used archived histological tissues and reports from routine necropsies to describe the pathology of naturally occurring extra-intestinal coccidiosis. At least 4.5% of all kiwi necropsied during 1991 to 2011 (n=558) were affected by extra-intestinal coccidiosis, and it is estimated that it caused death in 0.9 to 1.2% of kiwi in the study group. Four forms were recognized: renal, hepatic, and, less commonly, splenic and pulmonary. At necropsy, renal coccidiosis was associated with miliary white streaks and foci through the kidneys, renomegaly, and renal pallor or congestion. Renal meronts and gametocytes were confined to the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts, and were associated with renal tubular necrosis and tubular obstruction. Hepatic miliary pinpoint foci were present throughout the hepatic parenchyma associated microscopically with macromeronts measuring 304×227 µm. In two cases, clusters of splenic meronts were identified, and a similar lesion was identified in the pulmonary interstitium of another case. Juvenile, captive kiwi were most often affected with extra-intestinal coccidiosis, illustrating an increased expression of disease with population manipulation for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Species distribution models are used increasingly in both applied and theoretical research to understand attributes of species' environmental requirements and to predict how species are distributed. However, recent advances in species distribution modelling have shown that the use of a single modelling method can lead to biased conclusions about the determinants of species' distributions. Here we illustrate the application of an alternative modelling framework whereby multiple methods are employed for both making inference and predicting species distributions. We used six modelling techniques to quantify the environmental niche of the Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio, a threatened farmland bird species. Our results show that, while the importance and the direction of the effect of the enviromental variables are broadly concordant with what is known about habitat selection in the Red-backed shrike, there was variation in the predictive performance and the variables judged as important by the models. We conclude that the use of an analytical framework based on multiple modelling methods could be useful, not only to highlight the uncertainties derived from the use of a single best model, but also to make more robust inferences on species distributions and make more accurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is of no news to the readership of I Emu Austral Ornithology i that birds are in trouble. It is in this environment I Emu Austral Ornithology i has instigated a new format of publication, the Ornithological Forum. The motivation for the Ornithological Forum is not solely to document conservation-related topics, but the current state of the world's birds may mean this forms a primary focus. [Extracted from the article]