Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The combined effects of climate and land-use change constitute a major threat to global biodiversity. Accurate tools to track changes in biodiversity have been largely called upon in order to address global conservation targets. In response to this, a range of ecological indicators have been developed to measure the state of biodiversity in a changing world. Because of their sensitivity to environmental changes, birds are increasingly used in the construction of multi-species indicators, which represent a powerful tool for decision-makers to assess conservation effectiveness. This work aims to further our understanding of the general state of bird populations in Finland and the underlying ecological processes behind corresponding trends, covering different environments and with a special focus on some of the most threatened ecosystems of northern Europe. Using data on common bird species, the effects of climate change and anthropogenic habitat degradation on bird populations are quantified for different habitat types and seasons of the year. Habitat-specific indicators are also produced to deepen knowledge about large-scale impacts taking place in the environment while allowing an evaluation of the conservation status of bird populations, thus helping target the most critical conservation issues. Although the effects of climate and land-use change on bird populations vary significantly with the habitat type and the life-history traits of the species (e.g. migration strategy), the conservation status of nearly all studied communities is considerably deteriorating in both Finland and its neighbouring Northern European countries. Peatlands and forests are of particular concern, given that intensive management actions are severely impacting the inhabiting bird communities.
Source: Työväentutkimus Vuosikirja
Author: Sara Fraixedas
Language: English
Topic: Avian ecology and behavior
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2611309510