A new study by RSPB Scotland, revealing the must-haves in the breeding of Slavonian grebes, has shown that stopping the introduction of pike into Scottish lochs could help ensure the future of one of Scotland’s rarest birds.
The spectacular Slavonian grebe only began breeding in the UK in 1908. Its population today remains restricted to northern Scotland – where latest counts have shown only 29 breeding pairs remain.
Conservationists hope a better understanding of species, particularly during the breeding season, could help determine what measures are needed to reverse the population decline.
The study, led by RSPB and part funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, looked at what factors influence breeding Slavonian grebes to choose certain – but not other – lochs to raise young.
It found that the moderately sized lochs with an abundance of small fish (sticklebacks and minnows) to feed on, with clear water to hunt fish and with plenty of nesting habitat were most suitable for the species.
It also revealed that lochs containing pike had fewer small fish, which are a valuable food source for grebes.
Ron Summers, RSPB Scotland’s Principal Conservation Scientist, says: ‘The Slavonian grebe is still a relative newcomer to the UK and as such we have much to learn about its behaviour and factors affecting its population size. This research helps us understand what kind of conditions are suitable for grebes when raising young. In this way, we can help ensure suitable habitat is maintained and that the species isn’t competing against others, such as pike, for food. By considering these measures we stand a better chance of improving breeding success in the future.’
Tim Dawson, SNH South Highlands area officer, says: ‘We’d all like to make sure these striking birds not only remain in the Highlands, but also increase their small numbers. This study is an important first step, giving us information on how to help protect these vulnerable birds.’
Slavonian grebes are strong swimmers and build their nests in sedge beds. They arrive back in Scotland in March/April and leave in autumn. They are best recognised by their colourful summer plumage – as in the photograph above – and by their trilling calls. Both males and females have golden ear tufts, black faces and deep red eyes. Around half of the UK population breed at Loch Ruthven, south east of Loch Ness. The RSPB has a nature reserve at the eastern end of the loch. In the spring and summer, it is possible to get excellent views of displaying grebes in front of the hide there.
Note 1: The study is titled and authored: Ron W. Summers, Roddy A. Mavor, Sandra Hogg & Ron Harriman 2011 Lake characteristics and their selection by breeding Slavonian grebes Podicpes auritus in Scotland Bird Study 58, 349-356.
Note 2: The image above of a Slavonian Grebe is © Steve Knell (rspb-images.com)
Surely, as you have stated in your article, the slavonian grebe is a non indigenous species – a relative newcomer – as such why should we afford it any protection?
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It’s not as if the Slavonian Grebe has the same pariah status as Signal Crayfish or Japanese Knotweed, and as far as I’m aware it’s not guilty of having been artificially or accidentally let loose in this country by us human species. So it has colonised from elsewhere, but then so did we – a long time ago, and it’s an ongoing process with many species. I can’t help noticing a dubious analogy between Slavonian Grebe / Pike and local bookshops / Amazon, but in the latter case one is far more deserved of ‘non-indigenous species’ criticism.
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