Variation in winter thrush abundance during the hunting season in southern Europe: the importance of hunting–free reserves

We analysed variations in the abundance of the song thrush (Turdus philomelos) and the blackbird (T. merula) in the hunting season in hunting areas and hunting–free reserves. After controlling for habitat, we found that the abundance of song thrushes (hunted species) was lower in hunting areas than...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inAnimal biodiversity and conservation Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. 59 - 66
Main Authors Goñi, L., González, S., Biescas, D., Villanúa, D., Arizaga, J.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Barcelona Museu de Ciencies Naturals 01.01.2021
Subjects
Abundance
Hunting
Reserves
Seasons
Song
Southern Europe
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:We analysed variations in the abundance of the song thrush (Turdus philomelos) and the blackbird (T. merula) in the hunting season in hunting areas and hunting–free reserves. After controlling for habitat, we found that the abundance of song thrushes (hunted species) was lower in hunting areas than in reserves during the hunting season. This effect was not found for the blackbird (non–hunted species). This finding indicates hunting–free reserves have a positive effect on song thrush conservation. Further research is crucial to determine the traits that should be promoted in this type of reserve in order to improve their efficiency.
ISSN:1578-665X
2014-928X
DOI:10.32800/abc.2021.44.0059