A project-related study that has been published in Ardea, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, investigated the impact of intensified predator control on Black-tailed Godwits in the Dümmer area, revealing increased nest and chick survival. This survival rate supports sustained breeding populations. The research was conducted in joint effort by the project partners RUG, BIOCON and NLWKN. LIFE IP GrassBirdHabitats team members Nadja Hofmann, Bettina Hönisch, Johannes Melter and Heinrich Belting worked in cooperation with experts Jelle Loonstra (RUG), Marcel Holy (NUVD) and Christiaan Both (RUG). While past research mainly emphasized nest survival effects, this study also highlights chick survival benefits.
Effective predator management requires continuous and intense efforts. Context-specific approaches are crucial due to predator population variations and ecological factors between areas. In addition, careful implementation and monitoring of predator control are essential to prevent unintended consequences and population declines of Black-tailed Godwits.
The publication “The effect of different mammalian predator management regimes on the reproductive success of Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa limosa” by Loonstra A.H.J., Hofmann N., Hönisch B., Melter J., Holy M., Both C. & Belting H. (2024) was published in Ardea 112: 103–112. doi: 10.5253/arde.2023.a16.
