The potential impacts of changes in ecological networks, land use and climate on the Eurasian crane population in Estonia

Abstract

Context The Eurasian crane (Grus grus) is an iconic and sensitive species. It is therefore necessary to understand its landscape ecology in order to determine threats. Objectives (1) To map the distribution of cranes and then model their habitat requirements in Estonia, linked to the current level of protection. (2) To determine the environmental characteristics of, and the habitats present in, sites utilized by the birds, and their sensitivity to change.Methods (1) The distribution of cranes was recorded by observation and by tracking individuals. A model of potential breeding sites was compared with the occurrence of the bird in Estonia and then linked to protected sites. (2) The seasonal distribution of the bird was overlaid with a European environmental classification and the CORINE land cover map. A model of climate change was also utilized. Results (1) A new map of European migration routes, wintering and stopover sites is presented. (2)The bird requires a habitat network, with wetlands being essential for nesting and roosting. The composition of habitats used for feeding varies according to geographical location. (3) In Estonia not all potential breeding sites are occupied and many existing sites are not protected. (4) Climate change could threaten populations in the south but could be beneficial in Estonia.Conclusions (1) The existing ecological network in Estonia is adequate to maintain a viable breeding population of the Eurasian crane. (2) Climate change could support the breeding of cranes but complicate their migration and wintering.

Loss of functional connectivity in migration networks induces population decline in migratory birds

“…A stable network of stopover sites is an important component for maintaining stable or increasing populations of migratory species (Leito et al. ). In contrast, loss of habitat and loss of network connectivity may negatively impact migratory bird populations (Iwamura et al.…”

“…Hence, connectivity among sites along migration flyways is essential for their survival and reproduction (Merken et al 2015) and thereby can play a vital role in the population dynamics of these species. A stable network of stopover sites is an important component for maintaining stable or increasing populations of migratory species (Leito et al 2015). In contrast, loss of habitat and loss of network connectivity may negatively impact migratory bird populations (Iwamura et al 2013).…”

What do we know about survival of Common cranes? An elementary introduction with Euring databank

“…The positive influences of extra food from agriculture, climate, habitat restoration and protection measures must have played a role in the breeding population increase (Leito et al 2015; Prange 2014) and induced a northward shift of the wintering range in recent decades (Alonso et al 2016 and references therein). Even a shift from eastern to western Europe, but this possibility remains unproven and there is little evidence that breeding cranes from eastern Europe become breeders in western Europe (Vegvari 2018).…”

Long‐term temporal patterns in flight activities of a migrant diurnal butterfly

“…Further, several migratory animal species have changed migration strategies not only by advancing the onset of spring migrations, but also by shifting their wintering grounds northwards (Bókony et al ., 2019). Indeed, current climatic scenarios consistently indicate the fast northward shift of the frost‐free zones within Europe, supported by the novel overwintering of southerly distributed bird species, not experienced before the 1980s (Leito et al ., 2015; Bókony et al ., 2019).…”