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Ringing Turtle doves in France, Streptopelia turtur
Oléron Island : A Pilot Study Site

In 1996, a long-term research project based on capture-recapture methods was launched on Oléron Island to study the population dynamics of the species. A similar survey was recently initiated on a second study site (Forest of Chizé).

" First results suggest that habitat quality and food resources on the sub-sahelian wintering grounds have a significant impact on survival rates. "

A National Ringing Scheme since 2001

Since 2001, ONCFS have initiated a national survey of four Colombidae species breeding in France:  Woodpigeon, Columba palumbus, Stock Dove, Columba oenas, Collared Dove, Streptopelia decaocto, and Turtle Dove, Streptopelia turtur. The main goal of this survey is to obtain estimates of survival rates, breeding success and dispersion characteristics, in order to be able to predict the temporal trend of breeding population and propose relevant management measures if necessary.

 

This survey includes a monitoring of breeding throughout all the country and within a various range of habitat: from forest to farmland and urban area. It relies on professional technicians from ONCFS and hunting federations. Simultaneously, and based on the same survey, a national ringing scheme devoted to French breeding population has been developed: technicians ring chicks at nest a few days before fledging and/or adults or flying juveniles.

 

To date, this survey has allowed the monitoring of more than  1 500 nesting attempts, and the ringing of 1 436 chicks and 2 958 adults or flying juveniles.

Distribution of the french communes where turtle dove ringing occured from 2001 to 2012. Dot size increases along with the number of birds ringed per commune (range 1 - 1542).

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