The importance of the management of small reed patches for the conservation of endangered passerine birds linked to wetlands

Abstract

Reed patches around wetlands have been proved to be important to enhance dispersal of vertebrates, particularly medium-size birds. However the importance for small size endangered passerine birds, some of them totally or partially endangered (e.g. Acrocephalus paludicola, Acrocephalus melanopogon, Emberiza schoeniclus, Panurus biarmicus) is not completely assessed. This mini-review highlights some physiological mechanisms used for reed bed specialists to move in reed patches and emphasizes the importance of management peripheral areas of wetlands to ensure dispersal.

Are cleared reeds Phragmites australis growing inside bush areas good for the stop-over of small birds?

“…12 It's important to keep connections with dense reeds in order to create a mosaic of a dynamic wetland plant system to facility the stop-over of migrants and the dispersal of sedentary species. [18][19][20][21]…”

The biodiversity of small passerine birds at wetlands: species loss and effects of climate change

“…In spite of time series deficit, the data may result very useful for future prospects, trying to establish plans for the management and conservation of reedbed passerine birds and their habitats. 15,19 In view of the earlier, the following questions are established: 1) Which are the overall parameters measuring the biodiversity of the community of palustrine and non-palustrine passerines? 2) How is the trend of the biodiversity along years?…”