Spring Detection Patterns of Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) in Hungary Between 2009–2024: Long-Term Trends of Distribution and Conservation Implications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a migratory game bird of ecological, cultural, and hunting importance in Europe. While globally listed as Least Concern, concerns remain over hunting pressure and limited ecological data. In Hungary, the species occurs regularly during spring and autumn migration and breeds in low numbers. To provide evidence-based management, the Hungarian Woodcock Monitoring Program was launched in 2009. This study evaluates spatial and temporal patterns of woodcock presence in Hungary using standardized roding surveys conducted between 2009 and 2024. Observations were assigned to 10 × 10 km grid cells, with 180 cells consistently sampled over the 16-year period. Detection rates were analyzed, defining “high-abundance” as five or more individuals recorded per session. Interannual dynamics were tested using correlation analyses, and spatial clustering was assessed with spatial autocorrelation. Woodcocks were detected in an average of 94.38% of surveyed cells annually (±3.88% SD), indicating a stable and widespread presence. High-abundance detections were lower (x¯ = 50.56%) and more variable (±10.71% SD) but consistently concentrated in specific areas, highlighting the importance of regional stopover habitats. No significant long-term trend was observed, suggesting population stability. These results confirm Hungary’s key role in the spring migration corridor and underline the value of long-term monitoring for reconciling traditional hunting with conservation objectives.
Source: Diversity
DOI: 10.3390/d18010012
Institution: Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem
Language: English
Topic: Avian ecology and behavior
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W7117158334