Evidence for the indirect effects of pesticides on farmland birds

摘要: Indirect effects of pesticides, operating through the food chain, have been proposed as a possible causal factor in decline farmland bird species. To demonstrate such link, evidence is needed (1) an effect abundance on breeding performance or survival; (2) survival population change; and (3) pesticide resources, sufficient to reduce survival, hence affect rate change. Evidence under all three categories only available for one species, Grey Partridge Perdix perdix, although data showing pesticides resources relationships between are also some other This paper reports recent work investigating Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella Skylark Alauda arvensis during season. The probability brood reduction was affected by proportion foraging area around nest which sprayed with insecticide. No significant were recorded chick condition growth rate, but sample sizes small. Invertebrate (Skylark) number chicks fledging (Yellowhammer Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra; relationship latter derived from re-analysis earlier study). Other briefly reviewed current indirect summarized. Significant knowledge gaps identified issues involved resolving these discussed.