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Radio-tracking monitoring

Wednesday 19 February 2014, by Sophie Duhautois

All the versions of this article: [English] [français]

**Sites involved in the action

The Basses Vallées Angevines and the Moyenne Vallée de l’Oise

**Objective

Improving the protection of broods and individuals saved from mowing machines.

**Description

Studying movements and suitability of different habitats for the Corncrake during the breeding season (location of singing males and brood) and during mowing.

**Methodology

The Corncrake is a very secretive and nocturnal species, thus telemetry is the preferred method.

Radiotracking monitoring of adults and young birds

The data will precisely identify refuge areas (habitat type, location ...) and lead to concrete proposals protection of broods when mowing.

The conservation proposals will be in two directions:
- intensive field monitoring will locate individuals and, in general, raise awareness amongst farmers and thus save broods;
- the definition of management measures to adapt after LIFE programme through new agri-environmental measures, more suitable for the ecological needs of the Corncrake.

This action will not directly lead to concrete actions which aims at setting refuge areas. However, it should enable a better understanding of the suitability habitats for the species so that it is then possible to designate refuges.

Why is this action necessary?

Mowing meadows creates a very high mortality, increases predation risk and generates a spatial redistribution of individuals in areas without any conservation management. Identifying by telemetry and preserving these retreat areas is fundamental to effectively sustain individuals saved from mowing machines.

**Expected results

In the Basses Vallées Angevines :
• monitoring of about 3,500 ha;
• 60 Corncrakes equipped and monitored over two years;
• management proposals of habitats suitable for the protection of broods and individuals;
• saving broods and individuals through their precise location on the ground.

Picardy :
• monitoring of about 5 600 ha;
• 60 Corncrakes equipped and monitored;
• management proposals of habitats suitable for the protection of broods and individuals;
• saving broods and individuals through their precise location on the ground.