Aim of the study
The White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) was historically present in many European countries but has faced dramatic declines due to human land-use changes (e.g. conversion to coniferous forests, loss of old-growth forests, dead wood removal). In addition to be considered as an umbrella species for saproxylic beetles, it is a top-predator of this guild and therefore highly dependent on sufficient insect biomass supply. Even if several studies have shown that this bird species is foraging on a diversity of dead wood structures, its relationship with saproxylic beetles remains unclear regarding its associated saproxylic communities.
To fill this knowledge gap, we want to study the White-backed Woodpecker – Saproxylic Beetle relationship along its eurasian distribution by implementing a standardized method as a vertically stratified emergence sampling (forest floor, understory, tree crown).
To fill this knowledge gap, we want to study the White-backed Woodpecker – Saproxylic Beetle relationship along its eurasian distribution by implementing a standardized method as a vertically stratified emergence sampling (forest floor, understory, tree crown).
Understand |
Enlight |
deliver |
Understand the interaction between White-backed Woodpecker and Saproxylic Beetles at the european scale.
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Enlightenment of potential biogeographical patterns for the distribution of Saproxylic Beetles and the importance of dead wood at different forest strata as potential feeding source for the White-backed Woodpecker as for proper conservation measures.
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Deliver baseline information for the conservation of the studied communities.
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Planning, Material & Method
2018Installation of freshly cut pieces of wood during the winter season.
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2019After 12 month, collection of half of the exposed pieces of wood which will be placed in ex-situ rearing traps.
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2020After 24 month, collect of the remaining exposed pieces of wood which will be placed in ex-situ rearing traps.
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2021-[...]Data analyses and publications.
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Interested ?
We are looking for collaborators located in the European distribution range of Dendrocopos leucotos.
Participants will be responsible of the field installation and the insect's rearing.
A plot consist of 6 pieces of wood of 80 cm each (2 lying on the ground, 2 standing, 2 in the tree crown).
Expected field time around 2 day per year per plot.
We will provide the required material.
Participants will be responsible of the field installation and the insect's rearing.
A plot consist of 6 pieces of wood of 80 cm each (2 lying on the ground, 2 standing, 2 in the tree crown).
Expected field time around 2 day per year per plot.
We will provide the required material.