Origins of juvenile Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) harvested in Spain inferred from stable hydrogen isotope (δ2H) analyses of feathers

摘要: Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) are heavily hunted in south-central Europe during the winter and have been focus of intense management efforts concern. One significant challenges with this other migratory gamebirds is that they typically produced locations than those where primarily har- vested. The delineation origins harvested important for identification appropriate manage- ment strategies. Using analysis stable hydrogen isotope ratios (d 2 H) feathers juvenile Spain (2007-2009, n = 802 individuals), we assigned using a derived feather d H isoscape four potential isotopic regions covering breeding range. We also used continuous probability surface approach forest cover available throughout range as constraint on origins. majority (90 %) captured were to central-eastern (488 indi- viduals, 60 %), Baltic region (237 individuals, 30 %). These results similar previously obtained taken France (although rel- ative importance both eastern origin was opposite Spain). This means portion Spanish French bags can be considered same stock, thus hunter takes countries should coordinated. Addition- ally, our provide further evidence suggesting need conservation forests Eastern Europe, southern Baltic, Ukraine, Belarus, western Russia.