The Corncrake: An Ecology of an Enigma

Changes in farmland management throughout the twentieth century have resulted in the loss of habitat for many species, including the Corncrake. Until recently, many important facts about its lifestyle and behavior have not been widely known, even among ornithologists. New discoveries with the aid of acoustic science have offered new ways to improve the location, identification, and management options to protect and enable the population of this iconic species to recover.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Whittles Publishing

Throughout the twentieth century, significant transformations in farmland management, encompassing agricultural intensification and heightened mechanization, have led to the decline of habitats for numerous species. One such species that has encountered numerous obstacles to its survival is the Corncrake. While once abundant throughout northern Europe, the breeding grounds of Corncrakes have steadily shrunk, leaving their continued existence as a regularly breeding bird in doubt in many regions. Moreover, the Corncrake's unique behavior, characterized by nesting beneath the cover of tall grass and undertaking annual long-distance migrations, has rendered its detailed ecology largely enigmatic and poorly understood for most of the past century. Despite the millions of words written about the Corncrake in scientific papers, a comprehensive book that comprehensively captures all aspects of its ecology and presents this information to non-specialists has yet to be published. Consequently, until recently, many crucial facts about its lifestyle and behavior remained largely unknown, even among ornithologists.

While the Corncrake may be seldom observed in its natural habitat, it is widely recognized in many rural areas due to its distinctive and persistent nocturnal calling. However, recent advancements in acoustic science have yielded surprising discoveries, offering potential avenues for enhancing the location, identification, and management strategies aimed at safeguarding and facilitating the recovery of this iconic species, even enabling its thriving presence in our countryside.

A fresh understanding of the Corncrake's requirements and the ways in which our meticulous management of the entire landscape, encompassing both its potential breeding areas across Europe and Asia and its seasonal quarters, can contribute to its conservation has emerged. By implementing sensitive practices that prioritize the preservation and restoration of habitats, we can foster an environment conducive to the resurgence of Corncrake populations.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 171 x 240 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849955027