Population change of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in central southern England between 2011 and 2016

Stevens, M., Murn, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4064-6060 and Hennessey, R. (2019) Population change of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in central southern England between 2011 and 2016. Bird Study, 66 (3). pp. 378-389. ISSN 1944-6705 doi: 10.1080/00063657.2019.1693960

Abstract/Summary

Capsule: Distance sampling identified an increase in estimated population size of Common Buzzards Buteo buteo in central southern England between 2011 and 2016 of more than 50%. The rate of population growth slowed in later years. Aims: To assess the utility of a targeted distance sampling protocol to derive seasonal and annual population estimates for Common Buzzards across an area of southern England. Methods: We used a line transect survey methodology and multiple covariate distance sampling to assess population density and abundance of Common Buzzards in spring and autumn between 2011 and 2016 across a 2600 km2 area of central southern England. Results: Estimated population size increased by more than 50%, from approximately 2900 to 4500 individuals, across the period in a trend similar to that shown by Breeding Bird Survey data. Discussion: A slowing of the growth in population size of Common Buzzards in central southern England suggests that the species may be approaching carrying capacity in this area. These results also suggest that currently employed broad scale survey methodologies adequately reflect the general population trends for this species. Our data provide the first published estimates of the Common Buzzard population in central southern England derived from direct empirical assessment.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/87715
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences > Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
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