Conservation Evidence: Evidence Data

Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Provide buffer strips alongside water courses (rivers and streams) Three studies (including one replicated site comparison) from the Netherlands and the UK reported that the provision of riparian buffer strips had a positive influence on plant, invertebrate and bird diversity or abundance, and supported vegetation associated with habitats preferred by water voles. Two replicated site comparison studies from France and Ireland found that the provision of riparian buffer strips on farms did not result in an increase in the number of plant species when compared to farms without buffer strips. One replicated site comparison study found ground beetle diversity was higher in grazed riparian zones and narrow fenced strips than in wide riparian buffer strips. However the ground beetle assemblages in wide riparian buffer strips were more distinct from the adjacent pasture field assemblages than either the grazed riparian zones or narrow fenced strips. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F120https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F120Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:03:36 +0000Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Raise mowing height on grasslands to benefit farmland wildlife A replicated controlled study and a review from the UK found that raised mowing heights provided benefits to Eurasian skylark including increased productivity. A review found raised cutting heights were less damaging to amphibians and invertebrates. A randomized, replicated, controlled trial from the UK found that raising mowing height on grasslands had no effect on numbers of foraging birds or invertebrates. One replicated controlled study found no difference in invertebrate abundance. One replicated study from the UK found that northern lapwing and common starling chicks had greater foraging success in shorter grass. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F138https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F138Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:43:43 +0000Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Apply herbicide to mid- and understorey vegetation Of seven studies, one replicated, controlled study in forests in Canada found that bird species richness declined after the treatment of deciduous trees with herbicide. Two of the four studies monitoring bird populations (two replicated, controlled before-and-after studies) these found that numbers of red-cockaded woodpeckers or male greater sage grouse increased in all or some herbicide-treated areas. Increases of sage grouse were larger at two areas without vegetation control. One study considered two species: one decreased while the other showed no response. Another found that bird densities increased equally in both control and treatment areas. Three replicated, controlled before-and-after studies in forests found that nest survival was lower where herbicide was applied to exotic shrubs or deciduous vegetation. One study also found lower nesting densities. One controlled study found northern bobwhite chicks higher had foraging success in herbicide-treated forest areas. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F346https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F346Sun, 29 Jul 2012 14:17:01 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Raise water levels in ditches or grassland Of seven studies captured, one, a before-and-after study from the UK found that two wader species recolonised a site after water levels were raised. A third was found at very high levels. A review from the UK found that high-level agri-environment schemes designed to provide wet habitats were effective at providing habitats for waders and two replicated studies from the UK and Denmark found that northern lapwings were more likely to nest or nested at higher numbers on grasslands with high water levels. A replicated and controlled study from Denmark found that Eurasian oystercatchers did not nest at higher densities on fields with raised water levels and that raising water levels had no effect on nesting on restored grassland fields. A replicated study from the USA found that predation rate on Cape Sable seaside sparrow nests increased as water levels increased. A replicated, controlled and paired sites study from the UK found that birds visited grassland sites with raised water levels at higher rates than other fields. A replicated study from the UK found no differences in feeding rates on sites with raised water levels, compared with control sites. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F354https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F354Sun, 29 Jul 2012 16:25:13 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Use aversive conditioning to reduce nest predation by avian predators Five studies from the USA and Europe found reductions in consumption of eggs treated with various chemicals. A further ex situ study from the USA found that American kestrels Falco sparverius consumed fewer chicks when they were treated, but not to the point of losing body condition. Three studies from the USA found some evidence that treating eggs with some chemicals may have reduced predation of eggs after treatment stopped, or of untreated eggs, although two of these were only short term experiments and the third found that the effect was lost after a year. Four studies from the Europe and the USA found no evidence for conditioning, or a reduction in predation of wild (untreated) eggs. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F418https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F418Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:50:26 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Reduce inter-specific competition for nest sites of ground nesting seabirds by removing competitor species Four studies from Canada and the UK found increased tern Sterna spp. populations following the control or exclusion of gulls Larus spp. In two studies many interventions were used, making it impossible to tell which was responsible. One study from the UK and one from Canada found that controlling large gulls had no impact on smaller species. Two studies from the USA and UK found that exclusion devices successfully reduced the numbers of gulls at sites, although one found that they were only effective at small colonies and the other found that methods varied in their effectiveness and practicality. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F422https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F422Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:21:39 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Use visual and acoustic ‘scarers’ to deter birds from landing on pools polluted by mining or sewage Two studies found lower bird mortality or fewer birds rescued from toxic ponds when deterrent systems were used. Four of five studies found that fewer birds landed on pools with deterrents than controls, although one of these found that the effect was weaker for grebes compared to wildfowl and absent for waders. One study that used regular broadcasts of different sounds found that it had no impact on bird behaviour. Two studies investigated different systems and found that radar-operated systems were more effective than systems that worked at random intervals. One of these studies also found that loud noises were more effective than moving peregrine falcons Falco peregrinus models. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F452https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F452Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:32:11 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Provide supplementary food for hummingbirds to increase adult survival Four studies from the USA found that three species of hummingbird showed preferences for higher concentrations of sucrose (measured in weight/volume), consuming more and visiting feeders more frequently. A study from the USA found that black-chinned hummingbirds Archilochus alexanderi preferentially fed on sugar solutions over artificial sweeteners, and that increasing the viscosity of these solutions (so they appeared more like sugar solutions) did not affect their consumption. Two studies from Mexico (ex situ) and Argentina found that four species showed preferences for sucrose over fructose or glucose when equiweight solutions were compared. One found that birds also preferentially fed on sucrose over a sucrose-glucose mix, the other found no preference for sucrose over a glucose-fructose mix. A controlled study from the USA found that Anna’s hummingbirds Calypte anna showed a preference for red-dyed sugar solutions over five other colours, but only if different colours were presented at the same time. A replicated study from the USA found that rufous hummingbirds Selasphorous rufus preferentially fed on feeders placed higher, over lower ones. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F550https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F550Sun, 16 Sep 2012 09:33:20 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Translocate gamebirds Three studies from the USA found that translocation of gamebirds resulted in population establishment or growth, or an increase in lekking sites. Four studies from the USA found high survival of translocated birds, although one, from Alaska found that translocated birds had high initial mortality, which then fell to levels close to those in resident birds. Two studies from the USA found high mortality in translocated birds. Four studies from the USA found breeding rates that were high, or similar to resident birds, amongst translocated birds. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F572https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F572Sun, 30 Sep 2012 13:50:44 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Translocate raptors Six studies of three translocation programmes in the UK and the USA found that all three successfully established populations of white-tailed eagles Haliaeetus albicilla, red kites Milvus milvus and ospreys Pandion halieatus. However, the latest review of the programme to reintroduce red kites to England and Scotland reported that one of six populations was very small, with only four pairs, despite 90 birds being released. A replicated study in Spain found high survival and establishment of translocated Montagu’s harrier Circus pygargus fledglings. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F574https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F574Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:09:28 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Translocate woodpeckers All five translocation programmes studied were for red-cockaded woodpeckers Picoides borealis in the southern USA. Six studies of four programmes found that >50% of translocated birds remained in their new sites, with two studies of the same programme reporting a large population increase. Birds from four programmes were reported as forming pairs or breeding, although some translocated pairs split up and some translocated nestlings were abandoned. One study found that translocated nestlings fledged at similar rates to native chicks. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F577https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F577Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:34:11 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Translocate parrots Three studies of two translocation programmes from the Pacific and New Zealand found that populations of parrots were successfully established on islands following translocations, including the colonisation of other islands in the New Zealand study. Survival of translocated birds was monitored in five studies of four programmes from across the world and ranged from 41% over 60 days for red-fronted parakeets Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae in New Zealand to 98% for kakapos Strigops habroptila in New Zealand. Survival for translocated thick-billed parrots Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha in the USA was higher than for captive-bred birds. Despite very high survival, kakapos that were translocated had very low reproductive output in New Zealand. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F578https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F578Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:41:44 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Use mixed pastureWeeds: Two of two studies (both randomised, replicated trials, one also controlled) from the USA found reduced weeds in mixed compared to monoculture pasture. Pests: Five studies from North America measured pests including four randomised, replicated, controlled tests. One study found fewer pests and two studies found reductions in some pest groups or in some pasture mixes. One study found no effect and another found more pests, although the effect was potentially inseparable from grazing treatments. Crop mortality: One randomised, replicated study from the USA found no effect on forage crop mortality caused by nematodes.Yield: Two of five studies (including two randomised, replicated, controlled tests) from North America found increased forage crop yields and two studies found mixed effects depending on the crop type and year. One study found no effect. Crops studied were alfalfa, bird’s-foot trefoil, chicory, cicer milkvetch, clovers, fescues, oats, ryegrass, other grasses, other legumes, rapeseed and turnip.Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F721https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F721Thu, 30 May 2013 11:59:00 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Engage volunteers to collect amphibian data (citizen science) Five studies in Canada, the UK and USA found that amphibian data collection projects engaged 100–10,506 volunteers and were active in 16–17 states in the USA. Five studies in the UK and USA found that volunteers undertook 412 surveys, surveyed 121–7,872 sites, swabbed almost 6,000 amphibians and submitted thousands of amphibian records. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F760https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F760Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:11:34 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Create refuges Two replicated, controlled studies (including one randomized study) in the USA and Indonesia found that adding coarse woody debris to forest floors had no effect on the number of amphibian species or overall abundance, but had mixed effects on abundance of individual species. One before-and-after study in Australia found that restoration that included reintroducing coarse woody debris to the forest floor increased frog species. One replicated, before-and-after study in the UK found that creating refugia for great crested newts, along with other interventions, maintained four populations. Two studies (including one replicated study) in New Zealand and the USA found that artificial refugia were used by translocated Hamilton's frogs and hellbenders, although few were used for breeding. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F772https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F772Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:40:21 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Manage grazing regime One replicated, controlled study in the UK found that grazed plots did not have higher abundance of natterjack toads than ungrazed plots and had lower abundance of common toads. Five studies (including four replicated studies) in Denmark, Estonia and the UK found that habitat management that included reintroduction of grazing increased green toad populations, maintained or increased natterjack toad populations and maintained common toad populations. One before-and-after study in the USA found that the decline in amphibian species was similar under traditional season-long or intensive-early cattle stocking. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F780https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F780Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:11:37 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Leave coarse woody debris in forests Two replicated, controlled studies in the USA found that there was no significant difference in abundance in clearcuts with woody debris retained or removed for eight of nine amphibian species, but that the overall response (population, physiological and behavioural) of amphibians was more negative where woody debris was retained. Two replicated, controlled studies in the USA and Indonesia found that the removal of coarse woody debris from standing forest did not decrease amphibian diversity or overall amphibian abundance, but did reduce species richness in one study. One replicated, controlled study in the USA found that migrating amphibians used clearcuts where woody debris was retained more than where it was removed. One replicated, site comparison study in the USA found that within clearcut forest, survival of juvenile amphibians was significantly higher in piles of woody debris than in open areas, and was similar in wood piles to unharvested forest. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F843https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F843Fri, 30 Aug 2013 15:15:04 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Replant vegetation Three studies (including two replicated studies) in Australia, Canada and Spain found that amphibian abundance or community composition was similar to natural sites following tree planting, or became more similar with time since grassland reseeding. One before-and-after study in Australia found that numbers of frog species increased following restoration that included planting shrubs and trees. One replicated, site comparison study in Canada found that following logging, amphibian abundance was lower or similar in forests that were planted and had herbicide treatment compared to those left to regenerate naturally, depending on species and forest age. Four studies (including one replicated study) in Australia, Spain and the USA found that amphibians colonized replanted forest, reseeded grassland and seeded and transplanted upland habitat. Three of the studies investigated restoration following mining. One site comparison study in the USA found that wetlands within reseeded grasslands were used more frequently than those within farmland, but less than those in natural grasslands. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F849https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F849Thu, 05 Sep 2013 13:50:25 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Create ponds for great crested newts Three before-and-after studies (including two replicated studies) in Germany and the UK found that naturally colonizing, captive-bred and translocated great crested newts established breeding populations at 57–75% of created ponds or sites. One systematic review in the UK found that there was no conclusive evidence that mitigation, which often included pond creation, resulted in self-sustaining populations. Three replicated, before-and-after studies in the UK found that up to 88% of created ponds were colonized by translocated or by small numbers of naturally colonizing great crested newts. One replicated before-and-after study in the UK found that head-started great crested newts reproduced in 38% of created ponds. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F863https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F863Fri, 06 Sep 2013 15:57:48 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Create ponds for toads Four before-and-after studies (including one replicated study) in Germany, the UK and USA found that translocated and naturally colonizing toads established breeding populations in created ponds, or in one case 33% of created ponds. Two before-and-after studies (including one replicated study) in Denmark and Switzerland found that common toads and midwife toads naturally colonized 29–100% of created ponds, whereas captive-bred garlic toads did not colonize. One before-and-after study in Denmark found that creating and restoring ponds, along with head-starting, increased populations of European fire-bellied toads. One replicated, before-and-after study in Switzerland found that midwife toads reproduced in 16% of created ponds. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F868https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F868Wed, 11 Sep 2013 08:55:34 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Exclude ants that protect pestsParasitism: One of two replicated, controlled studies (one also randomised) from Japan and the USA found greater parasitism of pests by natural enemies when ants were excluded from trees. The other study found greater parasitism at one site but no effect at another. Natural enemies: Five studies (including four randomised, replicated, controlled trials) from Japan, Switzerland and the USA found effects varied between natural enemy species and groups, sampling dates, sites, crop varieties and ground cover types beneath trees. Pests: Three of seven studies (including four randomised, replicated, controlled trials) found fewer pests and another found fewer pests at times of peak abundance only. One study found mixed effects depending on date and other actions taken simultaneously (predator attractant and ground cover treatments). One study found no effect. Damage and tree growth: One study found no effect on damage to tree foliage but one study found greater tree growth. Ants: Six studies found that glue or pesticide barriers reduced ant numbers in tree or vine canopies. One study found that citrus oil barriers had no effect. Crops studied were cherimoyas, cherry, grape, grapefruit, orange, pecan and satsuma mandarin.Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F886https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F886Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:13:44 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Convert to organic farmingBiodiversity: Four studies in Asia, Europe, and the USA (including two site comparison studies and three replicated trials) found higher numbers, diversity, functional diversity (see background) or activity of soil organisms under organic management. Soil organic carbon: Two replicated trials in Italy and the USA showed that organically managed orchards had higher soil carbon levels compared to conventionally managed orchards. One randomized, replicated trial in the USA found soil carbon was lower under organic management compared to alley cropping. Soil organic matter: One replicated trial in Canada found that soil nutrients were lower in organically managed soils. Yields: One replicated trial in Canada found lower yields in organically managed soils. Two replicated trials in the USA (one also randomized) found that fruit was of a higher quality and more resistant to disease, though smaller or that organic management had mixed effects on yield. SOIL TYPES COVERED: clay, clay loam, fine sandy-loam, loam, sandy loam, sandy-clay loam, silt, silty-clay, silt-loam. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F895https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F895Mon, 30 Sep 2013 11:31:06 +0100Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Modify grazing regime: Forest, open woodland & savanna Seven studies evaluated the effects of managing grazing regimes in forest, open woodland and savanna on reptile populations. Six studies were in Australia and one was in the USA. COMMUNITY RESPONSE (3 STUDIES) Richness/diversity (3 studies): One replicated site comparison study in the USA found that sites with different grazing intensities had similar reptile diversity. One replicated, paired, site comparison study in Australia found that farms with rotational grazing did not have higher reptile species richness than farms with continuous grazing. One replicated, site comparison study in Australia found that following replanting of native vegetation, ungrazed or occasionally grazed plots had higher reptile species richness than plots that were continuously grazed. POPULATION RESPONSE (6 STUDIES) Abundance (5 studies): One of three replicated studies (including one randomized, before-and-after study) in the USA and Australia found that areas with lighter grazing had higher lizard abundance than those with heavier grazing. The other two studies found that different grazing regimes had mixed effects on the abundance of lizards and four-clawed geckos and inland snake-eyed skinks. Two paired, site comparison studies (including one replicated study) in Australia found that sites with rotational grazing had similar reptile abundance as sites with continuous grazing. Occupancy/range (1 study): One replicated, site comparison study in Australia found that different grazing regimes had mixed effects on local colonization and extinction events of six lizard species. BEHAVIOUR (1 STUDY) Use (1 study): One replicated, paired, site comparison study in Australia found that jacky dragons were found in sheep-grazed paddocks more frequently than in cattle-grazed paddocks. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F3492https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F3492Mon, 06 Dec 2021 11:38:49 +0000Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Install barriers along roads/railways Seven studies evaluated the effects of installing barriers along roads/railways on reptile populations. Six studies were in the USA and one was in Canada. COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES) POPULATION RESPONSE (3 STUDIES) Survival (3 studies): One before-and-after study in the USA found that following installation of a barrier fence, along with creating artificial nest mounds on the non-road side of the fence, and actively moving turtles off the road, fewer turtles were found dead on the road. One before-and-after study in the USA found that following installation of a roadside barrier with nest boxes along with a warning sign, fewer female diamondback terrapins were killed while crossing the road compared to before installation. One study in Canada found that dead snakes were found in the vicinity of a barrier fence up to 11 years after it was installed. BEHAVIOUR (4 STUDIES) Use (4 studies): One controlled, before-and-after study in the USA found that following installation of a roadside barrier with nest boxes, fewer diamond-backed terrapin crossed the road compared to before installation. One replicated study in the USA found that after installing barriers, diamondback terrapins laid more nests on the marsh-side of the fence than on the road-side. The study also found that terrapins were less likely to breach barriers with smaller gaps at the bottom. One replicated study in the USA found that desert tortoises were effectively blocked by a concrete barrier. One replicated study in the USA found that taller fences were better at excluding painted and snapping turtles than lower ones. Behaviour change (1 study): One replicated study in the USA found that desert tortoises interacted less with solid compared to non-solid barriers. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F3500https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F3500Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:31:54 +0000Collected Evidence: Collected Evidence: Patrol or monitor nesting beaches Seven studies evaluated the effects of patrolling or monitoring nesting beaches on reptile populations. Three studies were in Costa Rica and one was in each of the US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Mozambique and the Dominican Republic. COMMUNITY RESPONSE (0 STUDIES) POPULATION RESPONSE (2 STUDIES) Reproductive success (2 studies): One before-and-after site comparison study in Costa Rica found that olive ridley turtle nests that were moved to a patrolled hatchery and nests that were camouflaged on the nesting beach had similar hatching success. One replicated, controlled study in the Dominican Republic found that on beaches with regular patrols, hatching success of leatherback turtle nests was higher than in nests relocated to hatcheries. BEHAVIOUR (0 STUDIES) OTHER (6 STUDIES) Human behaviour change (6 studies): Two studies in the US Virgin Islands and Costa Rica found that during years when beach patrols were carried out poaching of leatherback turtle nests decreased. Three studies (including two before-and-after studies) in Costa Rica and Mexico found that when beach patrols were carried out in combination with either an education programme for local communities, limiting beach access or camouflaging nests and moving nests to a hatchery, poaching of leatherback turtle nests and olive ridley turtle nests decreased. One before-and-after study in Mozambique found that during a community-based turtle monitoring project no green turtle egg collection or hunting of adults was recorded. Collected Evidencehttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F3541https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservationevidence.com%2Factions%2F3541Tue, 07 Dec 2021 16:56:30 +0000