Application of a roding survey method to the sedentary Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola population in Pico Island, Azores

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Luisa L Machado (Author) Other; Yves Ferrand (Author) Other; Francois Gossmann (Author) Other; Antonio M Silveira (Author) Other; David Goncalves (Author) FCUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH

Vol. 54

Pages: 205-214

ISSN: 1612-4642

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-ZMX

DOI: 10.1007/s10344-007-0131-1

Abstract (EN): The Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola is a resident species in Azores, Madeira and Canaries (Macaronesian archipelagos) in contrast to its mainly migrant continental populations. The biology and ecology of these insular populations are still poorly known; however, woodcocks are hunted in Azores and Madeira. This work aims to continuing bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and game management of woodcocks in Azores. Working at Pico Island, the main objectives were: (a) to characterize the roding activity of these insular populations, (b) to select the best period of the breeding season to perform a roding survey and (c) to evaluate how sensitive is this method to variations in abundance because of hunting. From January to July 2002, the number of contacts with roding birds (males) was recorded, at dusk, at three observation points. Roding started in the beginning of February and lasted until late June/early July. The weekly variation in the number of contacts was similar in all points, strongly suggesting that the roding survey should be performed between the beginning of March and middle April. Two of the three observation points, located in an area where woodcock hunting is allowed in alternate years, were surveyed between March 1 and April 15, 2001-2005. The two points presented a similar annual variation pattern in the number of contacts, also suggesting stability in abundance. Sex ratio among birds bagged during three consecutive hunting seasons (October-November, 2002-2004) or among birds collected periodically during two winters (2000-2002) was equal to one, suggesting that annual fluctuations by the roding survey can be extended to the female fraction.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10