BTO Research Reports are scientific papers that have been self-published by the BTO. The following is a full list of the published BTO research reports. Most are free to download, and links to Abstracts are included where possible.
Numbers missing from the list are those allocated but which were never produced or which have not been published. BTO recognises that, particularly in respect of commercially sensitive cases, a period of confidentiality is appropriate for some projects. However, in the interests of scientific development and dissemination of information, we encourage clients to permit publication as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
- If you wish to purchase a physical copy of a report please contact researchreports@bto.org.
- More information about our Annual Service reports to JNCC 1992-2005.
Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling
This study uses a population modelling approach to explore the effects of changes in rates of productivity, survival, and settlement on population growth in the English population of Hen Harriers.
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The conservation of Afro-Palaearctic migrants: what we are learning and what we need to know
Author: Vickery, J.A., Mallord, J.W., Adams, W.M., Beresford, A.E., Both, C., Cresswell, W., Diop, N., Ewing, S.R., Gregory, R.D., Morrison, C.A., Sanderson, F.J., Thorup, C., Van Wijk, R.E. & Hewson, C.M
Published: 2023
The populations of many migrant birds have been in decline for decades, prompting research to understand the nature of these declines so that they can be addressed. The highly complex annual cycles of migrant birds, with their long migration routes and a dependence on different sites at different times of the year, makes it very difficult to identify the drivers of decline and to implement conservation action. While our knowledge is still incomplete, can we afford to wait until we have all of the answers?
15.02.23
Papers
BirdTrends 2022
Author: Massimino, D., Woodward, I.D., Barber, L., Barimore, C., Harris, S.J., Leech, D.I., Noble, D.G., Walker, R.H., Baillie, S.R. & Robinson, R.A.
Published: 2023
The BirdTrends 2022 report is a one-stop shop for authoritative information about the population status of the common breeding birds of the wider UK countryside. The report is based on data gathered by the many thousands of volunteers who contribute to BTO-led surveys.
15.02.23
Reports BirdTrends
Collation of a century of soil invertebrate abundance data suggests long-term declines in earthworms but not tipulids
Author: Barnes, A.E., Robinson, R.A. & Pearce-Higgins, J.W.
Published: 2023
This study identifies what could be a previously undetected biodiversity decline that potentially represents a significant conservation and economic issue in the UK.
14.02.23
Papers
A review of the impacts of air pollution on terrestrial birds
Author: Barton, M.G., Henderson, I., Border, J.A. & Siriwardena, G.M.
Published: 2023
A review paper by BTO considers 203 studies of the effects of air pollution on 231 bird species. Of these studies, 82% document at least one negative effect associated with increasing levels of pollution. The review also highlights biases towards particular study species, especially Great Tit and Pied Flycatcher, and also towards particular geographical regions (Western Europe) and pollutants (heavy metals). The paper proposes research approaches that could help to provide a fuller understanding of how birds are impacted by air pollution.
10.02.23
Papers
Using species-habitat models to predict bird counts from urban development plans
Author: Cooper, J.E.J., Plummer, K.E. & Siriwardena, G.M.
Published: 2023
BTO research explores how best to integrate bird biodiversity within planned urban developments.
01.02.23
Papers
