RSPB reveals new seabird hot-spot map

19/01/2020

The RSPB has produced new maps identifying the location of marine hot-spots for some of the UK's most threatened seabirds, based on tracking data, for the first time.

A five-year RSPB project previously tracked the movements of Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and European Shags from colonies around the UK during the breeding season. Now, hotspot mapping techniques have been applied to this data to identify the most important areas used during this crucial time.

All four species are either Amber- or Red-listed. The new research demonstrates the large areas required by UK seabirds and comes at a time when there is a vital need to understand more about our seabirds as decisions are being made relating to fishing, offshore windfarms and how we can best protect our seas.

Four different hot-spot mapping techniques were trialled during the project and provide a range of potential areas that could be considered for formal protection. The researchers recommend that the choice of hot-spot identification method should be informed by considering species ecology alongside conservation goals to ensure hot-spots are of sufficient size to protect target populations.

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Wildlife biologist from Mumbai creates new record mapping 1,128 bird species

Wildlife biologist, Shashank Dalvi, became the first Indian to map the country's almost entire coastline, rainforests, sanctuaries and deserts to record bird species.

Baishali Adak | Posted by Anand Jayaram

New Delhi, May 30, 2016 | UPDATED 10:45 IST

A remarkable feat has been achieved in the history of Indian ornithology with a Mumbaikar having travelled almost the entire country, 80,000 km, to record 1,128 bird species. This includes rarest ones like the Himalayan Forest Thrush, Tibetan Lark, Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher and Chinese Francolin.

Thirty-two-year-old wildlife biologist, Shashank Dalvi, was on a project called the 'Big Year.' Under this challenge, promoted by United State's Cornell University, birders take up a geographical location, often an entire country, to record its bird diversity in one year. Dalvi has become the first Indian to map the country's almost entire coastline, rainforests, sanctuaries and deserts to record bird species.

The much-awarded photographer says such exercises are important in view of the shrinking wild habitats and climate change. "With temperatures rising, a few years down the line, these avian species may be lost forever. Also, the data collated through such efforts can inform us of their changing migration and distribution patterns through seasons," he says.

India is among the 12 'mega-bird diversity countries of the world' with an estimated 1,314 species. Over 13 per cent of the world's birds are found in India, as per Asad R Rahmani, former Director, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Of the 1,314 species, 150 are considered 'vagrant' or seen only once or twice in the history of bird-sighting in India.

Dalvi undertook this feat from 1 January-31 December 2015. The alumnus of WCSNCBS programme says he spent four months in India's Northeast alone. "This belt is the richest. It houses close to two-thirds of India's bird diversity."

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Police start rare bird map in bid to protect Cornish nests

A map of rare bird nesting sites is being created by police in a bid to protect them.

Birdwatchers are being asked to report nesting sites of rare birds in Cornwall.

Devon and Cornwall Police want to know where to target resources and plan future operations to protect them, especially birds of prey.

In 2011 a number of goshawks, peregrine falcons and a buzzard were killed in the force area.

Wildlife crime officer, Paul Freestone, who is behind the project, said birds of prey were especially prone to egg theft and persecution at this time of year.

He said: "The map will be used to build a picture of where to target resources and plan future operations."

Mr Freestone said he wanted people to report the nesting sites of all "Schedule 1" birds, which included goshawk, kingfisher, barn owl and peregrine falcon.

Reports can be sent to paul.freestone@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-21940048