Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2019
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V75
Höfundar / Authors: Maite Cerezo (1,3), José Alves (1,2), Camilo Carneiro (1,2), Gunnar Þór Hallgrímsson (3), Tómas G. Gunnarsson (1)
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1 South Iceland Research Center, 2 University of Aveiro, 3 University of Iceland
Kynnir / Presenter: Maite Cerezo
Density dependence is the regulation of population growth by feedbacks through population density. These feedbacks can be related to the carrying capacity of the habitat, thus variation in habitat quality can regulate the maximum number of individuals occupying sites and population dynamics. Our understanding of density dependent mechanisms in most breeding shorebirds is poor, but evidence suggests that timing of spring arrival and subsequent competition for breeding resources, such as space or mates, is a crucial period where breeding density can be regulated.
Our study aims to uncover relationships between breeding density, territorial behaviour, habitat quality and demography in the Icelandic breeding population of whimbrels. We monitored the phenology and territorial behaviour of breeding whimbrels across 12 study sites in the lowland plains of south Iceland with breeding densities ranging from 1-30 pairs per km2. We performed behavioral observations focused on courtship displays through the entire period, monitored the territory establishment, breeding success and recorded nest predation. Here we present results from the first fieldwork season carried out in May-July 2019.