The lure of the big city: smaller Danish rookeries are increasingly associated with urban land cover

• DOI: 10.1007/s11252-023-01372-6
• Publication Date: 2023-06-02T14:02:04Z
• Authors: Henning Heldbjerg; Claus Lunde Pedersen; Ole R. Therkildsen; Thomas Bregnballe; Henning Ettrup; Johnny Kahlert; Thomas Vikstrøm; Anthony D. Fox
• Keywords: Rookery; Land Cover; Agricultural land; Urban area

Abstract Rooks Corvus frugilegus are common and widespread in urban agricultural habitats Denmark. Large numbers killed annually by derogation shooting to control population growth reduce noise near populated areas prevent damage. Responding increasing public complaints about nuisance from rookeries, we investigated changes extent of within 500 m, 1000 m 2000 all known breeding rook colonies (rookeries) eastern Jutland, Denmark 1991 compared 2021 based on open access land cover GIS layers 1990 2019. Numbers rookeries increased 40% 95 (1991) 133 (2021) but nest abundance only 6% 10,299 10,887 due more significantly smaller increasingly associated with sites. In both years, the proportion area distance classes was higher, agriculture lower, than at randomly chosen points same region. The around each rookery decreased distance, whereas increased. proportional use between decreased. Given no simultaneous major change overall use, our results indicate an selection rooks for over landscapes, where have declined. We consider these trends, especially proliferation areas, as a potential explanation upsurge residential areas. urge further research explain causes behind trends before can provide science-based solutions resolve such conflicts effectively.