Chick condition and reproductive success of great tits Parus major along an urban gradient
Abstract
Worldwide urbanization is increasing and it is profoundly changing the world’s face. In 1900, only 9% of the world’s human population lived in urban areas and it is expected that by 2025 that figure will increase to over 66%. Urbanization impacts on wildlife are well documented, but whether urban landscapes provide also suitable environments for animal populations that suffer from loss of their natural habitats is still questionable and urges for research. Our research aims to assess the effects of urbanization on fitness of a common passerine (great tits). We will quantitatively and explicitly define an urban gradient and capture urban complexity using the city of Vienna as our case study. In addition, we will link those urban patterns to assess chick condition and reproductive success, which is scarcely done along urban gradients. By assessing both local and landscape scales in estimating chick condition and reproductive success, we will provide new insights on relevant parameters that affect fitness of great tits that also could be translated to other similar insectivores species in an urban ecosystem. This project will open up new dimensions of landscape and habitat management opportunities in urban areas that the Department of Environmental Protection (MA 22) is eager to receive and will enable nature conservation activities within the city that may include for example urban gardening or citizen science. Finally, setting up a breeding population of great tits in Vienna can be used for further long-term studies on the impact of urbanization on survival and phenology.
Publikationen
Project staff
Marcela Suarez-Rubio
Priv.-Doz. Dr. Marcela Suarez-Rubio
marcela.suarezrubio@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-83316
BOKU Project Leader
01.07.2014 - 30.06.2016
Sabine Hille
Priv.-Doz. Dr.rer.nat. Sabine Hille
sabine.hille@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-83223
Sub Projectleader
01.07.2014 - 30.06.2016