Severe winter weather can reduce avian energetic reserves. At such times, reducing disturbance, and therefore energy expenditure, through science‐based policy is crucial to mitigating negative impacts on survival. We used allometric equations to examine the energy reserves of Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola, a popular quarry species across most of Europe, in relation to time of winter, location and temperature. We used data from 221 dissected birds, shot in Britain in two winters (2013/14, 2014/15), and 1,689 live birds captured during six consecutive winters (2010/11 to 2015/16). Woodcock are able to store large amounts of energy as fat in mid‐winter and increase energy reserves as night air temperature drops to below 0°C, provided the ground thaws during the day. In the event of cold weather in Britain, the mean potential flight distance of woodcock, based on mobilizable energy estimates of shot birds, is 860 km. If they do not move away, woodcock could withstand frozen conditions without feeding for a mean of 6 days. Synthesis and applications. To reduce the effects of cold weather on Eurasian woodcock S. rusticola, shooting should be restricted before energy reserves are depleted. Current policies vary across Europe, but our results suggest that restrictions should come into force sooner, after 4 days of continually frozen ground at inland sites. Restrictions should cover large regions and remain in operation for 7 days after the end of the cold spell.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.