Conservation Science in the RSPB 2006

10
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com)
• To reduce the overlap between
the corncrake breeding and
mowing seasons by delaying the
date of mowing.
• To reduce the mortality of chicks
caused by mowing, by changing
the pattern of mowing to allow
chicks to escape from mowed
areas whilst remaining in cover –
corncrake-friendly mowing
techniques (CFM).
A recovery programme for corncrakes
in Scotland began in 1992. It includes
prescriptions to reduce losses of nests
and chicks by delaying mowing until
after the end of July and using CFM
techniques. Early and late cover
habitats are also being provided.
Changes to land management have
been achieved in several ways. These
include the acquisition and
management of nature reserves,
payments to farmers and crofters for
specified management under
voluntary agreements with the RSPB,
Scottish Natural Heritage or National
Trust for Scotland, and participation by
farmers and crofters in agrienvironment
schemes in which
payments for management are made
by the Scottish Executive Environment
and Rural Affairs Department.
During 1993–2003, an average of 70%
of corncrakes in the core area of the
range (the Hebridean islands and
Orkney) occurred in 1-km National Grid
squares in which schemes to reduce
losses of nests and chicks were in
operation. About half of the tall grass
present in areas with corncrakes was
included in schemes intended to
modify mowing to reduce losses of
nests and chicks. Coverage by
schemes that create or maintain early
and late vegetation cover was less
good, with about 36% of corncrakes
Numbers of singing male corncrakes in Britain, 1978–2005.
Results are from full surveys in 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003,
with estimates based on surveys in the core of its range for other
years.
1200
Number of males in Britain
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1978 1982 1986 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006
Year