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Red throated diver (Gavia stellata) © S. Hulka |
In 2006, Simon Hulka started a Natural Research funded PhD at Glasgow University on the breeding biology of the red-throated diver (Gavia stellata). This study follows up on work by us since 2004, is based in Shetland and aims to distinguish the importance of factors that may influence diver breeding performance, factors which fall into three main categories:
- Marine factors on the wintering grounds – e.g. exposure to environmental contaminants.
- Marine factors on the breeding grounds – e.g. food provision during chick-rearing
- Terrestrial factors on the breeding grounds – e.g. nest-site attendance rates, predation threats, breeding site characteristics.
The initial objective is to assess which factors are important and which are unimportant in influencing breeding performance and population size. Important factors will then be investigated further. The ultimate objective is to understand the mechanisms that affect population processes so that practical measures can be undertaken to conserve divers, and to develop models that predict the likely impacts of human developments and environmental change.
This project is being undertaken in collaboration with D. Okill of the Shetland Ringing Group.
For further information please contact simonhulka@hotmail.com
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Red-throated diver nest with one egg © S. Hulka |
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