Correlates of the change in Ring Ouzel abundance in Scotland from 1988-91 to 1999 (Buchanan et al 2003)
The change in Ring Ouzel abundance in Scotland between 1988-91 and 1999 was correlated with environmental, habitat and management variables. Declines were most likely on tetrads with shallow gradients, and outside of a 350-750m altitudinal range. Additionally, the change in ouzel numbers was negatively correlated with both the initial area of conifer forest and heather-smooth grass mosaic. The rate of loss was greatest in those areas with a low Ring Ouzel abundance in 1988-91, although this was non-significant once habitat was accounted for. Declines were greater in tetrads lacking topographical features known to be selected by nesting ouzels. The negative relationship between forestry and population change suggests that large-scale afforestation of the uplands is a cause of concern.
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