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Monitoring of breeding birds in wetlands

We monitor the inhabitants of waters and moorlands

Wetlands such as lake shores, floodplains and reed meadows often harbour a great diversity of species and a particularly high proportion of threatened species. Some species live very secretively, others breed late or nest in colonies. Elaborate special surveys are required in order to determine well-founded population trends. These not only document population developments but also provide important information on the design and maintenance of these special habitats.

Domain Research
Unit Monitoring
Topic Species Recovery, Population Development, Habitat Promotion
Habitat wetlands, rivers & streams
Project start 1990
Project status ongoing
Project management Roman Bühler
Project region Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Details

Project objectives

Our network currently comprises over 100 wetlands across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The aim is to conduct an annual survey of the breeding populations of typical wetland species in order to obtain a representative sample.

Methodology

The territory mapping method is usually used in Swiss wetlands. This is supplemented to some extent with special surveys such as counts in breeding colonies, night-time stalks and follow-up checks to record breeding success. These recordings make particular demands and require a lot of experience. Six to eight mapping rounds are usually carried out. Due to limited accessibility and respect for conservation objectives, only parts of the area can be surveyed in many cases. Surveys are often carried out by local partner organisations or working groups.

Significance

Wetland surveys often have a long tradition. They document the population trends of a whole range of typical and often endangered wetland inhabitants, as well as numerous species in the adjacent habitats.

Results

The development of the population is summarised in the SBI® Wetlands and Waters. The trends for the individual wetland species are shown in the respective breeding bird index. Extracts showing long-term population trends in individual areas are available on request.

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Unit

Monitoring

We monitor the distribution and populations of birds throughout the country.

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