Habitat requirements. Very brief description of the habitat used by the species during breeding (including nest site) and non-breeding habitats, feeding habitats and diet.
Habitat requirements. Grey Crowned Cranes require a mixed wetland-grassland habitat, and are often found in wetlands, on riverbanks, around dams, in open savannas and in short to medium height grasslands adjacent to such sites (Xxxxxxx 1987; Urban 1988; Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx 1996; Xxxxxxx et al. 2009). They are also often found foraging in agricultural land wherever available, in close proximity to the habitats listed here (Xxxxxxx 1980; Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxx 1992; Xxxxxxx 2000; Muheebwa-Muhoozi 2001). They nest within or on the edges of permanent or temporary wetlands; but will also use well vegetated farm dams. They have adapted to habitat transformation, and in Uganda Olupot et al. (2009) recorded 47% of nests within wetlands that were only partly disturbed, 35% in wetlands that had been severely disturbed and only 18% in intact wetlands. In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 77% of nests were found in partially dammed wetlands, and 23% in natural wetlands (XxXxxx & Xxxxxxx 1995). Xxxxxxxx et al. (1998), however, found through their research in Mpumalanga, South Africa, that the cranes avoided wetlands with adjacent land uses that had a significant impact on the wetland. In eastern Uganda, Olupot (2014) found that nests were most often located towards the middle of wetlands, and were even occasionally found in rice fields. The nests themselves are found within tall xxxxx wetland vegetation (e.g. Typha or Cyperus xxxx beds), concealed from terrestrial predators and screened from view (Muheebwa-Muhoozi 2001; Olupot 2014). They are however, easily seen from the air and appear as bulls eyes within wetlands. The area around nests is trampled up to 20 metres in diameter, supposedly to reduce the chance of predation (Xxxxxxxxxx 1973; Xxxxxxx 1980; Xxxxxxxx 1992; XxXxxx & Xxxxxxx 1995; Xxxxxxxx 1998; Xxxxxxx 2002; Xxxxxx 2003). They have also, on very rare occasions, been known to nest in trees (Steyn & Xxxxxx-Xxxxx 1974; Xxxxx & Xxxxxxxx 1977; Xxxxxx 2003). Grey Crowned Cranes forage in short to medium height open grasslands, feeding on grass seeds, small toads and frogs, insects and other invertebrates (Xxxxxxx 1980; Frame 1982; Gichuki 2000; Muheebwa- Muhoozi 2001). Xxxxx et al. (2000) found many small stones within the stomach of an adult Grey Crowned Crane, most likely ingested to help break down the hard and fibrous plant material they feed on. They are, however, also frequently found foraging in agricultural lands, including pastures, irrigated areas, fallow fields, newly harvested cereal ...
Habitat requirements. The habitat preference of the Pallid Shiner is variable, but the majority of the accounts list the species as being found in xxxxx or mud bottom pools with little or no current (Xxxxxx 1983). Xxxxx et al. (2008) listed the Pallid Shiner as “Vulnerable” (meaning in imminent danger of becoming threatened throughout all or a significant portion of its range) due to destruction, modification, or reduction of habitat. Within Illinois, the Pallid Shiner’s distribution has declined mainly due to agricultural practices that result in large releases of silt, fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes into streams; urban pollution; stream channelization; impoundments and the introduction of non-native species (Xxxxx 1971; Xxxxx 1979; Xxxxxx, Xx. and Xxxx 1988; Xxxx and Xxxxxx 2002).
Habitat requirements. The Long-tailed Duck breeds in typical Arctic tundra environments, nesting close to shallow wetlands (ponds, lakes and coastal bays) in low lying tundra, often on islands. Some nest in loose colonies, sometimes in association with Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea or Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis colonies, themselves typically associated with a raptor nest. They may also breed in tundra bogs, or along rivers and at coastal sites in the high Arctic. It generally avoids wooded tundra, although in north Scandinavia it does breed in the arctic-alpine zone among willows and dwarf birch. In the southern Fennoscandian mountain range it is typically associated with deeper ponds and lakes. There is evidence that breeding Common Scoter (and other diving ducks) prefer lakes with a low density of Brown Trout Salmo trutta where there is less competition for the preferred prey of adults and ducklings (macro-invertebrates), and it is possible that Long-tailed Ducks may show similar preferences (Håland 2012, Håland in litt.). During moult, birds frequent coastal lagoons or large lakes, mostly relatively near to the breeding area, although some undertake more significant movements to reach safe moulting sites. In winter it selects offshore banks and relatively shallow marine areas, generally <25 m deep, however it is the only seaduck in the Baltic to occur in large numbers in waters deeper than 20 x. Xxxx et al. (1995) and Xxxx et al. (2011) found the main depth range of Long-tailed Ducks in the Baltic Sea to be 10–35 m. In spring more birds forage in more shallow areas of the Baltic Sea, typically diving 3-8 m. Dives to depths of 60 m have also been recorded (Schorger 1951). During winter Long-tailed Ducks forage mostly diurnally, primarily seeking molluscs, but also taking amphipods and fish, co-existing with other seaducks by taking smaller prey items. Smaller marine bivalves are particularly abundant in the Baltic Sea compared to other marine areas because their growth is restricted by the lower salinity levels. They also take other crustaceans, marine invertebrates (including echinoderms and worms) and fish eggs. Within the Baltic Sea Long-tailed Ducks feed on sandbanks as well as reefs. On reefs they prey on Blue Mussel Mytilus spp. and other epibenthic invertebrates. On sandbanks they dig for various small-sized solitary bivalves. In the eastern Baltic Sea, the large isopod Saduria entomon forms an additional food source locally (Xxxx & Xxxx 1996). In general, wh...
Habitat requirements. The Balearic shearwater breeds in caves, xxxxxxx and crevices on islets and coastal cliffs in the Balearic Islands, sometimes at considerable height above the sea level (up to 150 m in some coastal cliffs; Xxxxxxxxx & XxXxxx 2002). Breeding colonies are relatively small, from isolated nests to loose aggregations of a few 100s of breeding pairs (Xxxx & Xxxxx 2004). The current location of colonies could have been shaped by the presence of introduced carnivores, which cause a major impact on the species and could have displaced breeding birds from more accessible sites, whereas rodents appear to have coexisted with the shearwaters for millennia (Alcover et al. 1994, Xxxxxxxxx & XxXxxx 2002, Xxxx & Xxxxx 2004, Xxxxxxx et al. 2009). At sea, it has a rather coastal distribution, and tends to select productive shelf areas, most often related to oceanographic frontal systems (Louzao et al. 2006b), which are rich in their main prey, small pelagic fish (Xxxxxxxx et al. 2007, Xxxxxxx et al. 2008). The species appears to be more coastal during the non-breeding period (Xxxxx 2001a, Xxxxx et al. 2009), forming large aggregations that vary in location between (and within) years, presumably due to fluctuations in the availability of small pelagic fish (Xxxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxxx 1995). Survival and productivity Estimates of demographic parameters are limited to a very few colonies subject to mid to long term monitoring (especially xx Xxxxx and Conills de Malgrats, but also Malgrats, Xxxxxxx and Mola de Maó). These data have to be taken with caution, as the low number of study colonies at present could introduce biases (Tavecchia et al. 2007). In particular, most of these colonies are free of predators (in some cases after rat eradication campaigns), so the inferred parameter estimates should be taken as very conservative. Estimates of adult survival based on capture–recapture data are unusually low for a Procellariiforme: 0.78 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.74-0.82; n = 336 individuals from 2 colonies in Mallorca, 1997-2004), compared to usual values of survival ≥0.90 for this group of seabirds (Oro et al. 2004). Given the sensitivity of long-lived organisms such as Procellariiformes to adult survival (Xxxxxxxxxxxx 2002), this low value highlights it as the most critical demographic parameter for the species, driving the population growth rate (Oro et al. 2004). The two study colonies were free of terrestrial predators (with rats eradicated in one of them, Conills de Malgrats),...
Habitat requirements. Red-breasted Geese nest in the subarctic tundra, usually in close proximity to rivers, and sometimes in open areas of northern scrub tundra. Nest sites are in relatively dry, elevated locations, such as steep river xxxxx, xxxxx slopes and cliffs. Breeding pairs usually form small colonies in close proximity to avian predators, particularly Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca, Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus and Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus. Breeding colonies are also situated close to gull and tern colonies, which reduces the risk of predation by mammals, notably Arctic Fox Alopex lagopus. Nests are usually relatively close to water, which provides refuge for young goslings. Outside the breeding season Red-breasted geese occur in a variety of open landscapes, predominantly in agricultural areas, but also in steppe and, particularly in the past, in coastal habitats. They favour areas with a combination of open water for roosting and drinking, and large open areas with grassy vegetation or stubble fields for feeding. During passage and winter periods, they roost on lakes, lagoons and occasionally on the sea in coastal bays. The species feeds on a variety of widespread and commonly occurring grasses, sedges and crop types, and are not known to have specialist requirements. In winter, Red-breasted Geese predominantly forage in agricultural landscapes, particularly arable crops and stubble, and some grasslands. As with many geese species, there is evidence that this species formerly fed on natural grassland and saltmarsh before adapting to agricultural habitats. At breeding sites, Red-breasted Geese feed mainly on grass (especially Eriophorum spp) and sedge (Carex) leaves, shoots and rhizomes, and Fabaceae and Poaceae. There is a higher diversity in diet during autumn. In the Tobol-Ishim area on migration, the species feeds largely on spilt grain in stubbles, and in Manych they feed on stubbles and unimproved steppe pasture, with a preference for Puccinellia and Aeroplus. In Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine the winter diet comprises mainly leaves of winter wheat, barley and maize with some pasture grasses, oil-seed rape and spilt grain from stubbles. At former wintering sites in Azerbaijan, Red-breasted Geese fed primarily on Salicornia in saltmarsh and steppe. During the non-breeding season, Red-breasted Geese typically associate closely with Anser geese, regularly forming mixed flocks. In particular, associations are formed with Greater White-fronted Geese Anser ...
Habitat requirements. Greenland White-fronted Geese depend primarily on wetlands throughout their annual cycle either as a source of food, or as disturbance-free refuge areas where feeding occurs on agricultural areas (primarily grasslands). Breeding habitat requirements: Lack of disturbance during nesting and moulting periods. Undisturbed lowland arrival areas are probably of critical importance to females for rapidly regaining body condition (and hence improving chances of reproductive success) after migration (Xxx & Xxxxxx 1981; Xxxxxxx 1999a; Fox 2003). Access to adequate food supply to sustain female condition, raise xxxxxxxx and successfully complete moult. Adequate feeding habitat in proximity to open water to which flightless geese can resort during flightless moult period. Undisturbed access to heathland habitats post moult where geese can accumulate fat stores by foraging on abundant carbohydrate-rich berries is likely to be important for the accumulation of fuel stores prior to autumn migration (although very little is known about this period of the annual cycle). 1 updated at xxxx://xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx/ Non-breeding habitat requirements: Undisturbed wetland roost site. Access to adequate feeding areas comprising either natural wetlands or managed agricultural landscapes with varying degree of management intensification. Sites with multiple feeding areas giving the potential to move locally in response to disturbance.
Habitat requirements. The Bewick’s Swan breeds adjacent to shallow lakes and pools on the Arctic tundra, particularly on sedge-grass and xxxx-lichen tundra dotted with numerous small lakes and pools, and also in some dry land areas with willow (Salix spp.) bushes (Mineyev 1991; Xxxxxxxxxxxxx et al. 2002). At the breeding grounds it feeds mostly on Carex aquatilis, C. rariflora, Arctophila fulva and other herbs and berries, as well as on algae and Potamogeton (data Ubels & Xxxxxxx, Ubels et al. 2000, Mineyev 2003). Potamogeton is an important food for non-breeding swans moulting in Korovinskaya Bay (data Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx et al. 2000). Individual pairs generally return to the same territory used in the previous year unless ousted by an incoming pair (Xxxxxxxxx et al. 1998).
Habitat requirements. Habitat heterogeneity in the aquatic and terrestrial environment is likely important to the relict leopard frog. For other leopard frog species, shallow water with emergent and perimeter vegetation provides foraging and basking habitat, and deep water, root masses, undercut banks, and debris piles provide potential hibernacula and refuge from predators (AGFD unpublished data, Xxxxxxxx 1987, Xxxxxxxx and Xxxxx 0000, Xxxxx 1988) and these or similar characteristics are likely important for the relict leopard frog. For this species, some open water and bank habitat appear to be important habitat components (Bradford et al. 2004). In general, southwestern leopard frog species are capable of occupying a broad range of environmental types in the absence of aquatic predatory species, particularly non-native ones. Specific water quality requirements for the relict leopard frog are not well quantified, but translocation guidelines for the closely related Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis) recommend that waters should not be anoxic, should not exhibit high sulfide levels, and should exhibit pH levels of no lower than 6.0 or higher than 9.0 (AGFD 2006). The relict leopard frog is particularly tolerant of a wide range of temperature regimes with source temperatures in occupied habitats ranging from <16° C to as high as 41° C (RLFCT 2005) although frogs do not actually occupy the extreme hot water portions of the spring source. The juvenile habitat requirements of relict leopard frogs are not well studied, but some spatial and temporal separation of adults and juveniles may enhance survivorship. Xxxx and Xxxxx (1994) studied the association of juvenile-adult stages and pool size in the closely related lowland leopard frog (Rana yavapaiensis) and found that juveniles were more frequently associated with small pools and marshy areas while adults were associated with large pools. Historical localities occupied by the relict leopard frog were at springs, streams, and wetlands along major rivers (Bradford et al. 2004). Extant populations are restricted to perennial desert springs within the Virgin and Colorado River drainages in Xxxxx County, Nevada and Mojave County, Arizona. Currently occupied habitats may reflect available rather than optimal habitat due to destruction, modification, or occupation by non-native predators of historical habitat.
Habitat requirements. Breeding: In Svalbard pinkfeet nest on islets off the coast and on inland tundra. High nest concentrations are found on xxxxx xxxxx beneath grassy slopes, especially close to seabird colonies (Nyholm 1965; Norderhaug et al. 1964; Mehlum 1998), but also on south facing slopes which become free from snow early (Xxxxxx et al. 2007; Xxxx et al. 2008a). On arrival to Svalbard, pinkfeet primarily feed on rhizomes and roots which they pull out of wet xxxx carpets (so-called grubbing) (Fox & Xxxxxxxxx 2005; Xxx et al. 2006). During nesting territorial birds primarily feed in xxxx fens and after hatching families feed on emerging vegetation in flood plains, xxxx fens and mesic tundra areas (Fox et al. 2007, 2008). During moult (non-breeding geese) flocks congregate along undisturbed coastlines, on large lakes and rivers where they can feed on wetland vegetation in proximity to open water. During moult and post-hatching pinkfeet are extremely wary, avoiding sources of disturbance (people on foot) at a distance of 1-2 km (Xxxxxx et al. 2010).
