CORVUSTRACK

Rapid environmental alterations caused by human activities are causing one of the greatest biodiversity losses ever observed in Earth's history. Most efforts to mitigate these losses have been concentrated on rarer species. However, evidence is accumulating that some common species are also rapidly declining. Despite their greater importance in terms of ecosystem function and service provision, the causes of these unexpected declines are little understood.

Corvustrack focuses on one of these species, the jackdaw (Corvus monedula), a social, medium-sized corvid, well-known for their remarkable intelligence. While the species is classified as least concern at a global scale, it is rapidly declining in some areas of Europe that have undergone a more intensive urbanization. The reasons behind such declines are not completely understood but could be related to an innate fear to humans, which would interfere in their daily activities and ultimately reduce their survival and breeding success. To start addressing the hypothesis, we propose to use new GPS technology to analyse the spatiotemporal patterns of habitat use of individuals in a highly populated urban area. Comparing the results with those of a growing rural population that is being studied in an outgoing project, Corvustrack will provide information on whether jackdaws avoid using areas highly frequently by humans and whether this reduces the food available for the population.

With the support of Fundació Barcelona Zoo and Ajuntament de Barcelona.