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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Diversity, fragmentation and connectivity in the UK amphibian and reptile data landscape
Author: Turner, R.K., Griffiths, R.A., Wilkinson, J.W., Julian, A., Toms, M.P. & Isaac, N.J.B.
Published: 2022
Monitoring biodiversity at large spatial scales and over long periods of time is central to understanding how populations change, and supports conservation planning and the prioritisation of resources by decision-makers. While we have a good understanding of the monitoring frameworks that exist for some taxa, e.g. birds, such understanding is lacking for many others, including reptiles and amphibians.
16.11.22
Papers

The incursion of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) into North Atlantic seabird populations: an interim report from the 15th International Seabird Group conference
Author: Cunningham, E.J.A., Amandine Gamble, A., Hart, T., Humphreys, E.M., Philip, E., Tyler, G. & Wood, M.J.
Published: 2022
11.11.22
Papers
Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme Trends Summary 2009–2018
Author: Author(s): Challis, A., Wilson, M.W., Eaton, M.A., Etheridge, B., Kortland, K., Mattingley, W., Steele, L.D., Stevenson, A., Stirling-Aird, P., Thornton, M., Titherington, J., Wernham, C.V. and Wilkinson, N.I.
Published: 2022
This report presents trends for raptors in Scotland based on Scottish Raptor Monitoring Scheme (SRMS) data for the period 2009 to 2018. Trends cover breeding numbers and productivity (breeding success, clutch size, brood size and the number of fledglings) at national and regional (SRMS Region and Natural Heritage Zones) levels for 14 species (13 raptors plus Raven) that breed regularly in Scotland: Osprey, Golden Eagle, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk, Hen Harrier, Red Kite, White-tailed Eagle, Buzzard, Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine and Raven.
07.11.22
Reports Research reports

Demography of Common Swifts Apus apus breeding in the UK associated with local weather but not aphid abundance
Author: Finch, T., Bell, J.R., Robinson, R.A. & Peach, W.J.
Published: 2022
Data from the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Birds Survey reveal that breeding Swift populations in the UK are in decline. Both reductions in the availability of invertebrate prey and the loss of nesting sites have been suggested as possible reasons, but the ultimate drivers of this decline are poorly understood. Can we improve our understanding of Swift decline by bringing together the information collected by bird ringers and nest recorders alongside data on insect availability and weather?
03.11.22
Papers
