Conservation objective research into long-lived breeding birds with large home ranges in Flanders (LifeWatch) (EVINBO)

This project is a continuation of ongoing research within the sustainable conservation of long-lived Flemish breeding birds with large home ranges. We study the key driving factors that influence population dynamics such as quality of breeding and foraging habitat, dispersal and survival in relation to the effects of various anthropogenic activities and land use. This will enable us to provide scientific advice in the future on policy concerning habitat management and the conservation of these species, and come up with solutions for situations of conflict with human use (agriculture, fishing, urbanisation). For this type of research we have selected the following model species: the marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), the sandwich tern (Sterna sandvicensis), the common tern (Sterna hirundo) and the lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus).