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On the basis of current knowledge in behavioural ecology, the conditions/mechanisms leading to maladaptive habitat choice of birds in heterogeneous environment will be investigated (incl. formation of 'ecological traps' due to human (conservational) activity). On the other hand, limits of adaptation of avian reproduction strategies to the conditions of novel, human-created habitats will be studied. As a model system, we will use two species having different life histories (great tit Parus major, a sedentary species characterized by facultative intraseasonal iteroparity, and pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, who is migratory bird without intraseasonal iteroparity) who breed in artificial nests provided in heterogeneous habitat system consisting of fragmentized deciduous habitat patches and managed pine forests. Using experimental and comparative approach, we plan to study habitat preferences, breeding strategies, parents' condition and reproductive output of the species in different habitats of this environment. Our aim is to test if (and where) the nestbox provision as a common and widely used conservation method results in the improvement of breeding opportunities of these species, or if an ecological trap may be created in this way. As an academic result of the study, we hope to provide novel empirical data contributing to making theoretical models concerning ecological traps and source-sink systems more realistic. For conservation biology, analysis of the relative effectiveness of a widely used conservation method in different habitats, as well as study of birds' ability to adapt to novel, human-created habitats, is of great interest. Besides, recommendations will be given to governmental institutions for raising the effectiveness of currently running 'nest-box provision' programmes in forestry and nature conservation. The results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals. Two PhD and 2-3 MSc theses related to this project will be completed during the project period. |