My research focuses upon the Mediterranean breeding population of the European roller (Coracias garrulus); a migratory bird species. The species' breeding range includes the Iberian Peninsula and other countries bordering the Mediterranean, and stretches across eastern Europe and into western Asia. My core study population is located in the west of the Republic of Cyprus, although my research also incorporates data collected from a second study area in south-central Portugal.
European breeding populations are highly fragmented and the species has undergone a rapid decline across its global range, resulting in the roller being classified as Near Threatened by BirdLife International. It is cavity nesting species that primarily feeds upon large invertebrates within open habitats, and has therefore been negatively impacted by the large-scale agricultural intensification which has taken place across much of Europe in recent decades. Until recently Cyprus supported one of the few remaining stable European populations of the roller, but recent research has indicated that this population may now be experiencing a steep decline also.
My research is therefore investigating whether the reported population decline is a continuing trend, or instead a momentary 'blip' for the Cypriot population. I am also trying to identify the most important habitats required for breeding success and model how future land use changes on the island may further impact the roller population. I am currently investigating foraging habitat preferences using novel GPS technology, with the same equipment also being used to identify the migration routes and African wintering sites used by the Cypriot breeding roller population. Ultimately, the aim of the project is to produce robust evidence-based recommendations for the conservation of the Cypriot roller population within an agri-environment scheme context.
My project is currently one of two roller research PhD's being carried out at UEA. Please do also check out the excellent blog detailing the work being done upon the French and Latvian roller populations by my friend and colleague Tom Finch at http://www.coracias-research.co.uk
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