Collaboration

Project partners

University of Groningen (RUG)

The University of Groningen is a public Dutch university with diverse research themes. Among other things, the RUG has focused on the conservation of Black-tailed Godwits along the East Atlantic Flyway for the past 17 years. It has been conducting studies on demographics, breeding success and viability of bird populations.

The RUG staff members are well-connected and work closely with local farmers, citizens, authorities, NGOs and farmer collectives to ensure that their knowledge informs policymakers to promote the conservation of meadow birds and sustainable agricultural practices.

Four brown-dotted bird eggs lay on the grassy ground. The nest is surrounded by higher... — Most meadow birds usually lay four eggs. This is a full Black-tailed Godwit clutch. Photo: T. Piersma/RUG

A hand holds a Black-tailed Godwit chick. The chick carries multiple coloured rings on its... — This Black-tailed Godwit chick has just been measured and ringed. It is now getting released. Photo: R. Fokkema/RUG

More than 40 birds standing relatively close to each other in a wet grassland landscape.... — Black-tailed Godwits and other birds on a wet grassland in the Netherlands. Photo: J. Hooijmeijer/RUG

A cylindrical soil sample removed from the ground. At the top there is a relatively thin... — A soil sample taken in the Netherlands for research purposes. Favourable soil conditions are very important for meadow birds and biodiversity in general. Photo: T. Piersma/RUG

A large group of birds of many different species stands in a large shallow pond. Some of... — The Iberian Peninsula is a main stopover site for many migratory birds, including Black-tailed Godwits. They use sites like this to rest and replenish their fat reserves. Photo: R. Howison/RUG

A relatively close shot of around 15 Black-tailed Godwits standing in shallow water. The... — Outside of the breeding season, the colouration of Black-tailed Godwits is less impressive. These birds are currently resting on the Iberian Peninsula. Photo: R. Howison/RUG

A group of Black-tailed Godwits and some other birds stands in shallow water. In the... — A group of Black-tailed Godwits and some other birds in their wintering grounds in West Africa. Photo: R. Howison/RUG

A hand holds a muddy clump of soil. Inside the mud there is one small red worm. — A soil sample from a pond in West Africa. Invertebrates like this red worm are what Black-tailed Godwits and other meadow birds feed on. Photo: R. Howison/RUG

Within the LIFE project GrassBirdHabitats, RUG is working on the following actions:

Capacity building, including training of international students
Researching meadow bird demographics, conservation and migration
Monitoring insect abundance and food availability in the Netherlands and Germany
Assessment of socio-economic indicators that benefit a transition towards more agroecological farming practices

RUG team

Jos Hooijmeijer

Long-term Black-tailed Godwit demography

Photo of Jos Hooijmeijer.

Taylor B. Craft

Spatial landscape ecology and satellite tracking

Photo of Taylor B. Craft.

Dr Georgette Lagendijk

Entomology and Godwit feeding ecology

Photo of Dr Georgette Lagendijk.

Michella Ligtelijn

Entomology and Godwit feeding ecology

Ligtelijn

Prof. Dr Anne Beaulieu

Science and technology studies, knowledge infrastructures

Photo of Prof. Dr Anne Beaulieu.

Clarisse Kraamwinkel

Soil health and functioning

Photo of Clarisse Kraamwinkel.

Dr Ruth Howison

Spatial ecology of migratory birds as sentinels for sustainable agriculture

Photo of Dr Ruth Howison.

Prof. Dr Theunis Piersma

Global flyway ecology

Photo of Prof. Dr Theunis Piersma.

Prof. Dr Pablo Tittonell

Resilient landscapes for nature and people

Photo of Prof. Dr Pablo Tittonell.

Luis Barba Escoto

The evolution and complexity of landscapes

Photo of Luis Barba Escoto.

Jean-Yves Duriaux

Farmers' perspectives towards alternative business models

Photo of Jean-Yves Duriaux.

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