New Project: Research project on challenges at the nexus of water, soil and nature in Luxembourg and in the Syr and Upper Sûre valleys

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News from the 'Schlammwiss' Team:

Stable or changed? Migratory numbers in three rare breeding bird species from Luxembourg

by Charel Klein and Merit Finia Pokriefke

Stable or changed_Migratory numbers in t

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Abstract:

Many bird species have experienced population declines in recent years and are forced to deal with climate change effects, causing some species to adjust their migratory patterns. While numerous studies have addressed this issue, research from Luxembourg is currently still lacking. Therefore, this study investigated how the migratory numbers of three rare breeding bird species have changed over a time period of 10 years. For this purpose, the ringing data of the two largest bird ringing stations in Luxemburg were analysed. The results showed over time an overall increase in migratory numbers for Bluethroats (Luscinia svecica) due to increasing numbers in fall that more than compensated the decrease in spring. There were no significant changes in migratory numbers for Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) and Whinchats (Saxicola rubetra). These differing results underline the importance of migratory bird research and highlight the importance of stopover site conservation.

Rapport de stage - Danny Marques

Fr 03 Dez 2021

Stage à la station de baguage d’oiseaux sauvages « Schlammwiss »

Resumé:

Actuellement les mesures, de concentrations d’ammoniac, sont faites par plusieurs techniques, qui soit ne sont pas des mesures continues, soit qui coûtent beaucoup trop chères pour une utilisation régulière. C’est pourquoi nous nous sommes décidés de développer une méthode de mesure des concentrations d’ammoniac low-cost.
Pour mener à bien cette recherche, nous avons construit deux réseaux composés de six ou sept capteurs à oxydes métalliques disposés dans une petite chambre cylindrique. Cinq ou quatre des capteurs étant sensible à l’ammoniac, un des capteurs sensibles au VOC et le dernier au gaz des combustibles.
Ce que nous avons démontré, est que ce réseau de capteurs est capable de distinguer entre différentes concentrations d’ammoniac et différents pourcentages d’humidités. Certaines techniques, comme l’utilisation de sacs d’échantillonnages, plus précisément des sacs en nalophan et des sacs en aluminium, avec un intérieur en polyester, ont été écartées lors de la prise de mesure du réseau de capteur.
Finalement nous avons remarqué, lors d’un épandage test réalisé en extérieur, une réaction d’un réseau de capteurs. Cette réaction est due au changement de la composition de l’air et est corrélé aux concentrations d’ammoniac, mesurées à l’aide d’une chambre à filtres imbibés d’acide.

Abstract:

Usually, the measurements, of ammonia, are performed by different techniques, that are very expensive for a regular use, or aren’t adapted for a continuous monitoring.
Therefore, we tried to develop two sensor arrays, that are build using six or seven metal oxide semiconductors sensors. These sensors were inserted in a small size cylindrical PTFE chambre. Five or Four of the sensors are used to estimate ammonia flow, one is sensitive to VOC and the last one reacts to combustible gas.
We have demonstrated that these sensors arrays are able to detect and separate different ammonia concentrations, and also different humidity percentages.
Some techniques, like the using of sampling bags, nalophan and aluminum with polyester bags, were rejected for measurement with the sensor arrays.
Finally, we have seen a reaction of one sensor array, after spreading of fertilisers,
This reaction was clearly driven by changes in the air composition, and correlated to ammonia concentrations, measured with a chamber of acid-soaked filters.

Rapport de stage -- Danny Marques

in french

Rapport de stage (Danny Marques).pdf

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New study online!

Mo 24 Mai 2021

Abstract. Standardized bird monitoring schemes in wetlands are critical tools for governments and conservation bodies to optimize habitat management and guide conservation measures for protected species. Through the standardized establishment of a baseline, changes in abundance or diversity of local bird populations may be detected. During the years 2017-2019, data on the breeding bird community within a large wetland area called “Schlammwiss-Brill” in eastern Luxembourg were collected using the standardized territory mapping method. The 75 hectare study area constitutes the center piece of a Special Protection Area of the Birds Directive as well as national nature reserve. With 18 in site visits per breeding season between mid-April and the beginning of July, a total of 4,993 observations of 94 species were assessed. Using a species-specific evaluation approach, a breeding community of 50 different bird species with fluctuating population sizes between 160 and 332 territories were estimated. Red List and specialist wetland species include reed buntings Emberiza schoeniclus (18-34 territories), three acrocephalid warbler species: reed Acrocephalus scirpaceus (19-25 territories), sedge A. schoenobaenus (0-1 territories) and marsh warblers A. palustris (7-23 territories), common cuckoos Cuculus canorus (0-4 territories), water rails Rallus aquaticus (0-3 territories) as well as little grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis (0-1 territories). Produced distribution maps of selected indicator species serve as visual display of habitat conditions. Furthermore, the suitability of the chosen method as well as the quantitative and qualitative results are discussed. Concluding recommended habitat management practices may increase the area’s suitability for specialist wetland bird species inhabiting reed marshes as well as wet grasslands.

Pilotstudie für ein Brutvogelmonitoring in den Feuchtgebieten „Schlammwiss-Brill“ im oberen Syrtal, Luxemburg 2017-2019 – Ergebnisse der Brutrevierkartierung

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Published online 27 April 2021 (ISSN 2716-750X).

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351266102_Pilotstudie_fur_ein_Brutvogelmonitoring_in_den_Feuchtgebieten_Schlammwiss-Brill_im_oberen_Syrtal_Luxemburg_2017-2019_-_Ergebnisse_der_Brutrevierkartierung

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New Project: Research project on challenges at the nexus of water, soil and nature in Luxembourg and in the Syr and Upper Sûre valleys

Agenda updated

New study published!

Stable or changed? Migratory numbers in three rare breeding bird species from Luxembourg

Rapport de stage - Danny Marques

Stage à la station de baguage d’oiseaux sauvages « Schlammwiss »

New study online!