Common cranes Grus grus and habitat management in holm oak dehesas of Spain

Evolving agricultural policies in Iberia have favored tree clearing and removal of shrubs to benefit intensive farming in holm oak ecosystems. The effects of such changes on population size and social structure of common cranes were evaluated in eight traditional wintering sites in Spain. The number...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biodiversity and conservation 2004-10, Vol.13 (11), p.2015-2025
Main Author: Aviles, Jesus M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Grus grus
Quercus ilex
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Summary:Evolving agricultural policies in Iberia have favored tree clearing and removal of shrubs to benefit intensive farming in holm oak ecosystems. The effects of such changes on population size and social structure of common cranes were evaluated in eight traditional wintering sites in Spain. The number of cranes in each area was not related to degree of agricultural intensification, nor to the availability of acorns. Crane flock size declined and the relative occurrence of isolated family groups increased in less intensively transformed wintering areas characterized by the predominance of fallow lands. Evidence indicates the need to maintain fallow lands to sustain the wintering populations of cranes in Iberia.
ISSN:0960-3115
DOI:10.1023/B:BIOC.0000039999.57645.23