<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Anthropogenic changes in a landscape create new cues for birds, which must permanently adapt to these. If landscape changes occur too quickly, individuals have insufficient time to develop adequate reactions. They may, therefore, preferentially nest in low-quality habitats, which can lead to diminished nesting success and to reduction of their population size. This is usually termed the <italic>ecological trap hypothesis</italic>. We reviewed 38 studies investigating this phenomenon and analysed whether relationships exist between ecological trap occurrence and geographical region, habitat type, and/or life strategies of bird species. Ecological traps were most often associated with the presence of exotic species. Exotic species can modify environmental conditions in ways to which native communities are not adapted. They have been mainly detected in open habitats. Such open habitats as arable fields and meadows are under greater human pressure, and rapid changes probably occur there more frequently. Although more studies from North America were investigated, the hypothesis was supported more frequently in European studies. This is possibly due to higher human population density and, hence, more frequent habitat changes. Our results show that an ecological trap is not likely associated with migration. Ground nests suffered fewer consequences of such traps than did other nest types. Although the implications of the ecological trap hypothesis in species conservation are undisputable, a more detailed approach is still needed. For instance, some habitat types, such as suburban areas, have been neglected in the context of ecological traps, as has been the phenomenon’s appearance in pristine habitats.</p></abstract>

Anthropogenic changes in a landscape create new cues for birds, which must permanently adapt to these. If landscape changes occur too quickly, individuals have insufficient time to develop adequate reactions. They may, therefore, preferentially nest in low-quality habitats, which can lead to diminished nesting success and to reduction of their population size. This is usually termed the ecological trap hypothesis. We reviewed 38 studies investigating this phenomenon and analysed whether relationships exist between ecological trap occurrence and geographical region, habitat type, and/or life strategies of bird species. Ecological traps were most often associated with the presence of exotic species. Exotic species can modify environmental conditions in ways to which native communities are not adapted. They have been mainly detected in open habitats. Such open habitats as arable fields and meadows are under greater human pressure, and rapid changes probably occur there more frequently. Although more studies from North America were investigated, the hypothesis was supported more frequently in European studies. This is possibly due to higher human population density and, hence, more frequent habitat changes. Our results show that an ecological trap is not likely associated with migration. Ground nests suffered fewer consequences of such traps than did other nest types. Although the implications of the ecological trap hypothesis in species conservation are undisputable, a more detailed approach is still needed. For instance, some habitat types, such as suburban areas, have been neglected in the context of ecological traps, as has been the phenomenon’s appearance in pristine habitats.

The Occurence of Ecological Traps in Bird Populations: Is our Knowledge Sufficient? A Review

Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Science, Kamýcká 129, CZ-165 21 Prague 6

Journal of Landscape Ecology

Anthropogenic changes in a landscape create new cues for birds, which must permanently adapt to these. If landscape changes occur too quickly, individuals have...

The Occurence of Ecological Traps in Bird Populations: Is our Knowledge Sufficient? A Review

Published Online: Feb 14, 2013

Page range: 36 - 56

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10285-012-0058-4

Keywords
edge effect, exotic species, habitat fragmentation, life strategies, nest predation, nesting success

This content is open access.

The Occurence of Ecological Traps in Bird Populations: Is our Knowledge Sufficient? A Review

Published Online: Feb 14, 2013

Page range: 36 - 56

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10285-012-0058-4

Keywordsedge effect, exotic species, habitat fragmentation, life strategies, nest predation, nesting success

This content is open access.

Keywords
edge effect, exotic species, habitat fragmentation, life strategies, nest predation, nesting success