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Testing Agricultural Impacts on Breeding Ground Food Resources As a Driver of Cuckoo Population Decline
Testing agricultural impacts on breeding ground food resources as a driver of cuckoo population decline Submitted by Lowell John Mills to the University of Exeter as a thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences, March 2019 This thesis is available for Library use on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. I certify that all material in this thesis which is not my own work has been identified and that no material has previously been submitted and approved for the award of a degree by this or any other university. 1 2 Image: Charles Tyler “The first picture of you, The first picture of summer, Seeing the flowers scream their joy.” - The Lotus Eaters (1983) 3 4 Abstract The common cuckoo Cuculus canorus has undergone a striking divergence in population trend between UK habitats since the 1980s. The breeding population in Scotland – in largely semi-natural open habitat – shows significant increase whereas there has been a significant decline in England. Here breeding numbers have remained stable or increased in semi-natural habitats, while woodland and farmland populations have plummeted. As a brood parasitic bird with a long-distance annual migration, the cuckoo has a unique network of relationships to songbird „hosts‟, prey and habitat; and a disconnection between adult and nestling ecology due to lack of parental care. This thesis investigated the role of breeding ground land-use factors in driving cuckoo population decline. In the first chapter information was synthesised from the literature on potential threats and environmental impacts facing cuckoo populations, which also highlighted knowledge gaps and a basis for hypotheses in later chapters. -
One Thousand Objects for the Microscope
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS Frederick Warne and Co., Publishers, ._t_ ~l S GTl It H{ FI T HIC EST LIBER MEUS, testES EST DEUS; SI QUIS ME QUERIT .A% HIC NOMEN ERIT. - . a>V T /. 13 I 5 ing, irlllU 11/A 111 UlUiig, *-r j .. __ Notice.—This completely New Poultry Book is the only one the Author has fully written ; all others bearing her name being only edited by her, and much anterior to this volume. Bedford Street, Strand. Frederick Warne and Co., Publishers, WARNE’S USEFUL BOOKS-Continued. Fcap. 8vo, Is. each, boards, with Practical Illustrations. Angling, and How to Angle. A Practical Guide to Bottom-Fishing, Trolling, Spinning, Fly-Fishing, and Sea-Fishing. By J. T. Burgess. Illustrated. “An excellent little volume, and full of advice the angler will treasure."— Sunday Times. “ A practical and handy guide.’’—Spectator. The Common Sea-Weeds of the British Coast and Channel Islands. With some Insight into the Microscopic Beauties of their Structure and Fructification. By Mrs. L. Lane Clarke. With Original Plates printed in Tinted Litho. “This portable cheap little manual will serve as an admirable introduction to the study of sea-weeds.”—Field. The Common Shells of the Sea-Shore. By the Rev. J. G. Wood. “ The book is so copiously illustrated, that it is impossible to find a shell which cannot be identified by reference to the engravings.”—Vide Preface. “It would be difficult to select a more pleasant sea-side companion than this.” —Observer. The Dog : Its Varieties and Management in Health and Disease. Bird-Keeping : A Practical Guide for the Management of Cage Birds. -
Gastropoda: Turbinellidae)
Ruthenica, 200 I, II (2): 81-136. ©Ruthenica, 2001 A revision of the Recent species of Exilia, formerly Benthovoluta (Gastropoda: Turbinellidae) I 2 3 Yuri I. KANTOR , Philippe BOUCHET , Anton OLEINIK 1 A.N. Severtzov Institute of Problems of Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninski prosp. 33, Moscow 117071, RUSSIA; 2 Museum national d'Histoire naturelle, 55, Rue BufJon, 75005 Paris, FRANCE; 3 Department of Geography & Geology Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Physical Sciences Building, PS 336, Boca Raton FL 33431-0991, USA ABSTRACT. The range of shell characters (overall established among some of these nominal taxa. shape, sculpture, columellar plaits, protoconchs) Schematically, Exilia Conrad, 1860, Palaeorhaphis exhibited by fossil and Recent species placed in Stewart, 1927, and Graphidula Stephenson, 1941 Exilia Conrad, 1860, Mitraefusus Bellardi, 1873, are currently used as valid genera for Late Creta Mesorhytis Meek, 1876, Surculina Dall, 1908, Phe ceous to Neogene fossils; and Surculina Dall, 1908 nacoptygma Dall, 1918, Palaeorhaphis Stewart, 1927, and Benthovoluta Kuroda et Habe, 1950 are cur Zexilia Finlay, 1926, Graphidula Stephenson, 1941, rently used as valid genera for Recent deep-water Benthovoluta Kuroda et Habe, 1950, and Chatha species from middle to low latitudes. Each of these midia Dell, 1956 and the anatomy of the Recent nominal taxa has had a complex history of family species precludes separation of more than one genus. allocation, which has not facilitated comparisons Consequently all of these nominal genera are sy on a broader scale. Exilia and Benthovoluta are the nonymised with Exilia, with a stratigraphical range genera best known in the fossil and Recent litera from Late Cretaceous to Recent. -
Common-Scottish-Moths-Online
lea rn abo ut Scotlan d’s common moths Yellow Shell (Roy Leverton) Scotland has only 36 butterflies but around 1500 different moths. They can be found everywhere from sandy shores to the tops of Scotland’s highest mountains. Even a small urban garden can be visited by around 100 species. In fact, wherever there are plants there will be moths. Moths are fascinating and very easy to observe and study. This leaflet will help you identify some of the commonest and show you what you need to start “mothing ”. Moths have the same life-cycle as butterflies with four stages; 1. Egg (ovum) 2. Caterpillar (larva) 3. Pupa (chrysalis) 4. Adult (imago) They also both belong to the same order Lepidoptera derived from the Greek ‘ lepis’ = scale and ‘ pteron’ = wing, and have two pairs of wings. Moth Myths 1. All moths are dull, brown and less colourful than butterflies. This is simply not true. Several moths are very brightly coloured whilst others are cryptically marked and beautifully camouflaged. 2. All moths fly at night. Most species do but many only fly during the day, or fly both by day and night. 3. Only butterflies have clubbed antennae. Almost true, but the day-flying Burnet moths are the main exception to this rule possessing club-like antennae. 4. All moths eat clothe s. In Scotland only three or four of the c1500 species of moths do so and they prefer dirty clothes hidden away in the dark, and don’t like being disturbed or spring-cleaned! Macro or Micro? Moths are artificially divided into two groups; the macros (larger) and micros (smaller). -
Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Bridgend County
Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation in Bridgend County Borough Council SINC number:MG-1-M SINC name: Caerau West Grid reference: SS 846 938 Area (hectares): 62.09 Survey date: 06/09/2011 Surveyor name: Rebecca East Summary description A large dry acid grassland site with purple moor grass pasture in the more low lying areas. Species diversity increases in the wetter areas. The site also includes areas of dense bracken. Qualifying features Dry acid grassland Secondary features Purple moor grass and rush pasture Potential value/ unconfirmed features The site may be suitable for a range of invertebrate and bird species for feeding and possibly ground nesting. Smaller reptile species may be found here and amphibians may use the pools of standing water for breeding. Current condition and management (including problems and opportunities for biodiversity) Sheep, cattle and horses graze the area, fairly tightly in places which may limit the biodiversity value. Himalayan balsam is present in small parts of the site, particularly where past disturbance or tipping has taken place. The site may benefit from bracken control and limiting livestock numbers. Recommendations for future management: • Consider reducing grazing pressure on grassland • Removal of tipped material. • Control of invasive species. • Management of bracken. Additional information: A few areas of similar habitat beyond the SINC boundary could be surveyed in the furture with a view to designation. Species list (Dominant species, SINC Criteria, RDB or other notable indicator -
Pleistocene Molluscs from the Namaqualand Coast
ANNALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MUSEUM ANNALE VAN DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE MUSEUM Volume 52 Band July 1969 Julie Part 9 Dee! PLEISTOCENE MOLLUSCS FROM THE NAMAQUALAND COAST By A.J.CARRINGTON & B.F.KENSLEY are issued in parts at irregular intervals as material becomes available Obtainable from the South African Museum, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town word uitgegee in dele opongereelde tye na beskikbaarheid van stof OUT OF PRINT/UIT nRUK I, 2(1, 3, 5, 7-8), 3(1-2, 5, t.-p.i.), 5(2, 5, 7-9), 6(1, t.-p.i.), 7(1, 3), 8, 9(1-2), 10(1-3), 11(1-2, 7, t.-p.i.), 21, 24(2), 27, 31(1-3), 38, 44(4)· Price of this part/Prys van hierdie deel Rg.oo Trustees of the South African Museum © 1969 Printed in South Africa by In Suid-Afrika gedruk deur The Rustica Press, Pty., Ltd. Die Rustica-pers, Edms., Bpk. Court Road, Wynberg, Cape Courtweg, Wynberg, Kaap By A. ]. CARRINGTON & B. F. KENSLEY South African Museum, Cape Town (With plates 18 to 29 and I I figures) PAGE Introduction 189 Succession 190 Systematic discussion. 191 Acknowledgements 222 Summary. 222 References 223 INTRODUCTION In the course of an examination of the Tertiary to Recent sediments of the Namaqualand coast, being carried out by one of the authors (A.].C.), a collection of fossil molluscs was assembled from the Pleistocene horizons encountered in the area. The purpose of this paper is to introduce and describe some twenty species from this collection, including forms new to the South Mrican palaeontological literature. -
FSC Nettlecombe Court Nature Review 2014
FSC Nettlecombe Court Nature Review 2014 Compiled by: Sam Tuddenham Nettlecombe Court- Nature Review 2014 Introduction The purpose of this report is to review and share the number of different species that are present in the grounds of Nettlecombe Court. A significant proportion of this data has been generated by FSC course tutors and course attendees studying at Nettlecombe court on a variety of courses. Some of the data has been collected for the primary purpose of species monitoring for nationwide conservation charities e.g. The Big Butterfly Count and Bee Walk Survey Scheme. Other species have just been noted by members or staff when out in the grounds. These records are as accurate as possible however we accept that there may be species missing. Nettlecombe Court Nettlecombe Court Field Centre of the Field Studies Council sits just inside the eastern border of Exmoor national park, North-West of Taunton (Map 1). The house grid reference is 51o07’52.23”N, 32o05’8.65”W and this report only documents wildlife within the grounds of the house (see Map 2). The estate is around 60 hectares and there is a large variety of environment types: Dry semi- improved neutral grassland, bare ground, woodland (large, small, man –made and natural), bracken dominated hills, ornamental shrubs (lawns/ domestic gardens) and streams. These will all provide different habitats, enabling the rich diversity of wildlife found at Nettlecombe Court. Nettlecombe court has possessed a meteorological station for a number of years and so a summary of “MET” data has been included in this report. -
Carmarthenshire Moth & Butterfly Group
CARMARTHENSHIRE MOTH & BUTTERFLY GROUP NEWSLETTER ISSUE No.2 JUNE 2006 Editor: Jon Baker (County Moth Recorder for VC44 Carms) INTRODUCTION Welcome to the 2 nd newsletter of the VC44 Moth & Butterfly Group. I received a positive reaction to the 1 st one, so I have decided to continue this experiment, and expand on it. In this edition I have included a couple of articles, as well as looking at some of the recent records in more detail. June has been a notably hot month. Sitting here in sweltering heat at the start of July, I look back on what has been a cracking month for mothing. A good range of our native species has been recorded so far this year, but it has also been an exceptionally good month for migration. Although the south coast of England has fared much better than us, a few things have made it here. A summary of migrant moths can be found below. I’ve decided not to continue including full lists of micro moths recorded, as this is really not of widespread interest, and time and space can be better used elsewhere. If anyone does wish to discuss micros with me, feel free to ask anything. Similarly, as I do not actually receive records of Butterflies, I cannot really do a formal write up of those in these bulletins – although I will continue to mention any personal highlights of those of others that I am aware of. At the end of this edition are a couple of informal articles. One looking at the status of Mouse Moth in the county, the other an identification workshop on the tricky group of “white waves”. -
Biodiversity Information Report 13/07/2018
Biodiversity Information Report 13/07/2018 MBB reference: 2614-ARUP Site: Land near Hermitage Green Merseyside BioBank, The Local Biodiversity Estate Barn, Court Hey Park Roby Road, Liverpool Records Centre L16 3NA for North Merseyside Tel: 0151 737 4150 [email protected] Your Ref: None supplied MBB Ref: 2614-ARUP Date: 13/07/2018 Your contact: Amy Martin MBB Contact: Ben Deed Merseyside BioBank biodiversity information report These are the results of your data request relating to an area at Land near Hermitage Green defined by a buffer of 2000 metres around a site described by a boundary you supplied to us (at SJ598944). You have been supplied with the following: records of protected taxa that intersect the search area records of BAP taxa that intersect the search area records of Red Listed taxa that intersect the search area records of other ‘notable’ taxa that intersect the search area records of WCA schedule 9 taxa (including ‘invasive plants’) that intersect the search area a map showing the location of monad and tetrad references that overlap the search area a list of all designated sites that intersect your search area citations, where available, for intersecting Local Wildlife Sites a list of other sites of interest (e.g. Ancient Woodlands) that intersect your search area a map showing such sites a list of all BAP habitats which intersect the search area a map showing BAP habitats a summary of the area for all available mapped Phase 1 and/or NVC habitats found within 500m of your site a map showing such habitats Merseyside BioBank (MBB) is the Local Environmental Records Centre (LERC) for North Merseyside. -
MOTH CHECKLIST Species Listed Are Those Recorded on the Wetland to Date
Version 4.0 Nov 2015 Map Ref: SO 95086 46541 MOTH CHECKLIST Species listed are those recorded on the Wetland to date. Vernacular Name Scientific Name New Code B&F No. MACRO MOTHS 3.005 14 Ghost Moth Hepialus humulae 3.001 15 Orange Swift Hepialus sylvina 3.002 17 Common Swift Hepialus lupulinus 50.002 161 Leopard Moth Zeuzera pyrina 54.008 169 Six-spot Burnet Zygaeba filipendulae 66.007 1637 Oak Eggar Lasiocampa quercus 66.010 1640 The Drinker Euthrix potatoria 68.001 1643 Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia 65.002 1646 Oak Hook-tip Drepana binaria 65.005 1648 Pebble Hook-tip Drepana falcataria 65.007 1651 Chinese Character Cilix glaucata 65.009 1653 Buff Arches Habrosyne pyritoides 65.010 1654 Figure of Eighty Tethia ocularis 65.015 1660 Frosted Green Polyploca ridens 70.305 1669 Common Emerald Hermithea aestivaria 70.302 1673 Small Emerald Hemistola chrysoprasaria 70.029 1682 Blood-vein Timandra comae 70.024 1690 Small Blood-vein Scopula imitaria 70.013 1702 Small Fan-footed Wave Idaea biselata 70.011 1708 Single-dotted Wave Idaea dimidiata 70.016 1713 Riband Wave Idaea aversata 70.053 1722 Flame Carpet Xanthorhoe designata 70.051 1724 Red Twin-spot Carpet Xanthorhoe spadicearia 70.049 1728 Garden Carpet Xanthorhoe fluctuata 70.061 1738 Common Carpet Epirrhoe alternata 70.059 1742 Yellow Shell Camptogramma bilineata 70.087 1752 Purple Bar Cosmorhoe ocellata 70.093 1758 Barred Straw Eulithis (Gandaritis) pyraliata 70.097 1764 Common Marbled Carpet Chloroclysta truncata 70.085 1765 Barred Yellow Cidaria fulvata 70.100 1776 Green Carpet Colostygia pectinataria 70.126 1781 Small Waved Umber Horisme vitalbata 70.107 1795 November/Autumnal Moth agg Epirrita dilutata agg. -
Radiating Yellowish
UNIO MISOOI.ENSIS. 259 NOTE XXXVI. Description of a new species of Unio BY M.M. Schepman Unio misoolensis, n. sp. Shell rather elongated, compressed, very inaequilateral, at the umbones laying about one sixth of the whole length of the shell, rather smooth, with numerous fine concentric striae; umbones little prominent, decorticated in the adult, half shells in grown with conspicuous radiating folds, more or less over the disk extending of the shell; moreover few the a radiating grooves occupy anterior part of the and shell, microscopic radiating wrinkles of the epidermis cover the posterior slope; epidermis reddish-brown in the adult, yellowish olive-green in the young ones. Upper margin slightly curved, anterior margin rounded, slightly protruded below; ventral margin incurved, posterior margin with the forming upper one a more or less obtuse angle, Notes from the Leyden Museum, Vol. XVIII. 260 UNIO MISOOLENSIS. regularly curved above, rounded below and running with the umbonal which is rather a very obtuse angle at ridge, obtuse, into the ventral margin. Ligament long, narrow, yellowish-brown. Nacre bluish white, more iridescent near the posterior than part, brownish near the umbones; scarcely more one in short, thick, crenated tooth each valve; a small knob in the left valve be considered as a second may perhaps tooth; lateral lamellae: 2 in the left valve, one in the right are curved, rather thick. one; they elongated, slightly rounded Anterior scars: a large one, which is rather and below the deep, a much smaller, very deep one, just line distinct. tooth; posterior scars very shallow; pallial anterior ventral Nacre much thickened near the part of margin, forming a callus, which is connected with another umbones callus, running from the to this ventral one. -
Description and Classification of Late Triassic Neritimorpha (Gastropoda, Mollusca) from the St Cassian Formation, Italian Alps
Description and classification of Late Triassic Neritimorpha (Gastropoda, Mollusca) from the St Cassian Formation, Italian Alps KLAUS BANDEL Neritopsis represents the only surviving genus of an ancient group of the Neritimorpha that has no internal dissolution of its shell walls. While the two known living species have lecithotrophic early development without larval shell, Neritopsis aqabaensis n. sp. from the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan, has a planktotrophic veliger. These living species of the ge- nus differ in their protoconch shape as well as teleoconch morphology and ornament from the Triassic species that can be considered related to Neritopsis. Neritopsidae with the modern Neritopsinae is distinguished from the Triassic Cassianopsinae n. subfam. based on the genus Cassianopsis n. gen. with three species by features of their protoconch as well as the different characters of the operculum. Zardiniopsis n. gen. differs from these by higher shell shape and a smaller more complexly ornamented protoconch. Fossariopsis has a more angular shell shape. Colubrellopsinae n. subfam. with Colubrellopsis n. gen. resembles Cassianopsis n. gen. in respect to protoconch and features of the aperture of the teleoconch, but the former has rounded whorls and an ornament of axial ribs. Among the Fedaiellidae n. fam. with smooth shells two species of Fedaiella are redefined. The characters of the inner lip of their aperture connect them with the Neritopsidae, whereas the operculum in the Fedaiellidae with concentric structure on the outside distinguishes them from neritopsids. In distinction to the groups of the Neritopsoidea members of the Dephinulopsidae have a smooth inner lip of the aperture. Here Delphinulopsinae and Platychilininae n.