Turtle Dove solution trialling (UK)
Study species: Turtle Dove
Research topic: Breeding ecology
Institution location: RSPB
Research location: Senegal
Project organiser: Jenny Dunn
Status: Active
During 2011-2015, Turtle Doves have been monitored in the UK to determine their foraging, breeding and ranging behaviour in order to determine whether trial conservation interventions positively impact breeding success.
Objectives:
- Determine whether turtle doves are disappearing from certain habitats or geographic areas
- Monitor nesting productivity and foraging habitat selection of turtle doves on farmland
- Trial and evaluate conservation management options aimed at increasing breeding productivity by providing a source of seed food in farmland
- Determine effects of trial management options on foraging behaviour and breeding productivity
- Examine the prevalence and diversity of parasites infecting turtle doves on breeding and wintering grounds
- Assess the impacts of infection by the Trichomonas gallinae on adult and nestling behaviour and survival
- Investigate presence of Trichomonas in the environment
We are also examining the composition of turtle dove diet from faecal samples collected on breeding and wintering grounds
Research topic areas: radiotelemetry, breeding ecology, conservation, demography, distribution, foraging, habitat use, home ranges, population dynamics, diet.