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Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Breeding bird populations of Irish peatlands: Capsule Peatlands are very important habitats for birds despite low species diversity.

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2008
Authors:Bracken, F, Mcmahon, BJ, Whelan, J
Journal:Bird Study
Volume:55
Issue:2
Date Published:2008
ISBN Number:0006-3657
Keywords:Alauda, Alauda arvensis, Alaudidae, Anthus, Anthus pratensis, Lagopus, Lagopus lagopus, Lagopus muta, Lagopus mutus, Motacillidae, Numenius, Numenius arquata, Numenius phaeopus, Phasianidae, Scolopacidae
Abstract:Aims To describe the variation in breeding bird populations that occur on different types of Irish peatlands and their associated habitat characteristics. Methods Bird abundance and diversity were compared between four peatland habitat types (fens, raised bogs, Atlantic blanket bogs and montane blanket bogs) at 12 study sites using transects. Various measures of habitat quality were also taken at each location. Results Only 21 species were recorded during the study, with Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and Sky Lark Alauda arvensis accounting for over 80% of all birds recorded. Fens had greater bird species diversity and densities than the other three peatland types. Raised bogs, Atlantic blanket bogs and montane blanket bogs were very similar in terms of their avian diversity. Each of the recorded bird species was associated with different aspects of the peatland habitat. Conclusion This study shows that despite the relatively low avian species diversity of Irish peatlands, they are of enormous conservation value due to the presence of species of high conservation concern such as Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse) Lagopus lagopus and Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata.Aims To describe the variation in breeding bird populations that occur on different types of Irish peatlands and their associated habitat characteristics. Methods Bird abundance and diversity were compared between four peatland habitat types (fens, raised bogs, Atlantic blanket bogs and montane blanket bogs) at 12 study sites using transects. Various measures of habitat quality were also taken at each location. Results Only 21 species were recorded during the study, with Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis and Sky Lark Alauda arvensis accounting for over 80% of all birds recorded. Fens had greater bird species diversity and densities than the other three peatland types. Raised bogs, Atlantic blanket bogs and montane blanket bogs were very similar in terms of their avian diversity. Each of the recorded bird species was associated with different aspects of the peatland habitat. Conclusion This study shows that despite the relatively low avian species diversity of Irish peatlands, they are of enormous conservation value due to the presence of species of high conservation concern such as Willow Ptarmigan (Red Grouse) Lagopus lagopus and Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata.
URL:http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00063650809461519
Short Title:Bird Study
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith