Nest Survival and Failure in Ruffs Breeding on Grazed Coastal Meadows

Area of Science:

• Avian ecology
• Conservation biology
• Wildlife management

Background:

• Nest survival is crucial for bird breeding success, especially for ground-nesting species vulnerable to predation and environmental hazards.
• Ruff (Calidris pugnax) females exhibit specific nesting preferences near leks and conspecifics, but factors influencing nest survival remain unclear.
• Understanding nest survival drivers is vital for effective management of endangered wader populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze daily nest survival in ruffs using six breeding seasons of data.
• To assess the impacts of social, spatial, and temporal factors on ruff nest survival.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of nest protection interventions.

Main Methods:

• Bayesian analysis of daily nest survival rates.
• Development of three models: Overall mortality, No-predation mortality, and Predation mortality.
• Intervention study using dummy eggs and artificial incubation for high-risk nests.

Main Results:

• Younger nests and those at intermediate distances to conspecifics showed higher daily nest survival.
• Laying date and distance to paths negatively affected nest survival in the absence of predation.
• Dummy eggs reduced mortality in nests at risk from flooding, trampling, and predation.

Conclusions:

• Identifying specific sources of nest mortality is essential for targeted conservation strategies.
• Nest protection interventions can mitigate risks from environmental factors and predation.
• Informed management practices can improve ruff productivity and aid recovery efforts for endangered waders.