Hoopoe – A blog by nhbs – Page 91 – The NHBS Conservation Hub

Woodland Creation for Wildlife and People in a Changing Climate

This lucid, beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guidebook is distributed by NHBS – both the authors are experts in habitat restoration and this publication is a significant contribution to approaching the challenges of woodland wildlife conservation in the 21st century.

Woodland Creation for Wildlife and People in a Changing Climate: Principles and Practice, written by David Blakesley and Peter Buckley, and sponsored by the RSPB, Woodland Trust and the Eden Project has recently been published. New native woodland has the potential to make a significant contribution to wildlife conservation in Britain, by supporting flora and fauna characteristic of both woodland and wider countryside habitat. For example, woodland creation provides opportunities for a number of strongly declining woodland birds characteristic of young woodland, such as tree pipit, willow warbler and garden warbler. The bird species benefiting from new woodlands will depend on a number of factors, such as the woodland type, stage of growth and location within the country. As new woodland matures it may be possible to maintain good populations of a number of woodland birds through coppice management or by providing scrub along rides and thewoodland edge.

Open habitats in woodlands are becoming increasingly important in a wider countryside context, with the loss of large areas of unimproved grassland, wetland and heathland. Rides and glades in new native woodland can support such communities, and act as stepping stones to facilitate the movement of species through often inhospitable agricultural landscapes. Even small fragments of open habitat in new native woodland can be important in their own right, supporting not just plants, but also a wide diversity of invertebrates, including many of the declining wider countryside butterflies such as small copper and small heath.

This book presents a comprehensive and extensively illustrated guide to the principles and practice of woodland creation. In the first part of the book, the issues underlying woodland creation projects are considered, such as the relevance of different woodland community types. The process of natural succession is described, illustrating the variety of wildlife that may colonise new woods, including birds, insects and plants. Ecosystem services provided by new woodland for people are examined, together with the threat of climate change, coping strategies for biodiversity, and the planning of woodland habitat networks and planting strategies.

In the second part, detailed practical information for anyone creating woodland is presented, from the planning and selection of sites, sourcing of seeds and selecting tree species to woodland design, layout and management. The creation of woodland edge habitat and open ground communities is given particular prominence.

This book should appeal to anyone with an interest in creating new native woodland, planting trees or conserving woodland wildlife.

Buy your copy of Woodland Creation for Wildlife and People in a Changing Climate

Discoveries of the Census of Marine Life – an interview with author Paul Snelgrove

Could you describe, for those who may not be aware, the Census of Marine Life?

The Census of Marine Life has been a 10 year program involving 2700 scientists from more than 80 countries around the world, focused on understanding the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the global oceans. The Census studied oceans past, oceans present, and oceans future, and found the ocean is richer, more connected, and changing more than we had realized.

How have you been involved in the project?

About 4 years ago, the Census leaders realized that a concerted effort was needed to bring together the many different elements of the project to produce a single coherent view of life in the ocean. They therefore asked me to Chair a group that would bring together Census results for a wide range of audiences, including the general public. One of the outputs of that effort is the book “Discoveries of the Census of Marine Life: Making Ocean Life Count”, which I wrote over the last year. It brings together over 1100 published scientific papers into a single story of the Census of Marine Life.

What does marine science hope to take forward from the knowledge gained from the project?

Knowledge of life in the oceans can help us sustain that life by making us better stewards and managers. In the past, our exploitation of life in the oceans has often proved unsustainable and with indirect and negative consequences to many species other than those targeted by our activities. We know that we have caused many changes, and that we must do better if we are to sustain a rich, healthy ocean environment that many believe is essential to productive fisheries and indeed for life on Earth. Globally, scientists now realize the rich diversity of life in the oceans is important and that by conserving species we can also improve the probability that we can sustain healthy oceans. Knowing where they move and congregate can help us identify areas that should be prioritized for protection. Ignorance has not been bliss for ocean life in the past, and we must do better.

Tell us about the book – what can a reader expect?

The book explains how the Census came about, what it discovered about life in the ocean, and why the information is important. The book includes many colour pictures illustrating the new species and diverse environments we studied, from the shoreline to the abyss. It explains how scientific data is collected, and what it tells us. In short, it tells the story of the Census from start to finish.

Buy your copy of Discoveries of the Census of Marine Life

Visit the official Census of Marine Life website

Urban Ecology – plus ecology special offer

Urban Ecology is the new volume in the Ecological Reviews Series published by Cambridge University Press.

From now until the end of the year (31/12/10) you can save 10% on other volumes in this series:

Guide to Mist Nets

Please note, the sale of mist nets is restricted to those with an appropriate licence or permit. Please provide a copy when ordering.

NHBS offers a range of mist nets to meet specific requirements when catching bats or birds. All of our mist nets are manufactured to high standards and feature the following advantages;

Net design is based on more than 30 years experience.
All nets are made from the highest quality nylon and polyester netting.
All nets are black and UV sun-protected; the material and colours are durable and long-lasting.
The special knots used in all our nets help to prevent the loops and shelf strings from moving.
The construction with positioning strings prevents wind shift of the netting.
Each net comes with a cotton bag.

New Loops

All designs of net have recently been upgraded with new loops. Net loops are now marked with an indelible serial number to help track nets used illegally. The serial number is placed on one of the colour loops and on the product label as well. The new mist net loops are longer and stronger than previous designs. Top loops are colour-coded and equipped with stoppers to make fast setting easier. The new loops are also compatible with the telescopic mist net pole .

Understanding the Terminology

Net Dimensions

All net dimensions are given without loops and stretched to a standard tension. Nets of 3m are ideal for paths and small clearings, whilst nets in excess of 15m in length require careful setting. You should also ensure enough competent helpers are on hand to deal with large numbers of catches experienced by large nets.

Mesh Size

This is measured by one side of the square mesh, e.g. 16mm refers to a 16 x 16mm square mesh. The mesh size should be ideally suited to your chosen target species. If the mesh size is too small, the bat or bird may escape. If the mesh size is too large, the bat or bird may become overly tangled in the net. You also risk catching non-target species. Target species for each net are provided in the product description.

Shelves

The number of shelves (given in the product description) refers to the number of rows of shelves on the net. Nets of up to three shelves are tethered on a single shelf strand to prevent wind bunching the netting. Nets with four or five shelves feature two tethered strands.

Denier and Ply

The denier and ply of a net provide an indication of the thickness, visibility and strength of the net. Denier refers to the weight in grams of 9000 metres of thread. Ply refers to the number of threads of a given denier wound round one another to make the fibre of the net. The smaller the denier and ply, the lighter and thinner the net, e.g. a 70 denier/2 ply net is lighter, less visible, but normally less strong than a 210 denier/3 ply net. However, differing materials can confound this relationship, e.g. polyester is heavier than nylon so the same denier net will be finer in polyester than in nylon.

Choosing a Mist Net

A mist net must be ideally suited to the target species, location and conditions of use. To select the appropriate mist net, follow the stages below;

1. WHAT DO YOU INTEND TO CATCH?

Search the product pages to find all the nets suited to your chosen group. Mist nets have been divided into four groups;

Mist Nets for Bats: includes all species of bats

Mist Nets for Small Birds: includes all small passerines

Mist Nets for Medium-sized Birds: includes medium-sized passerines, waders, small ducks, small to medium terns, small owls, small raptors

Mist Nets for Large Birds: includes medium to big waders, owls, medium to big raptors, medium to big ducks, geese and cormorants.

2. CHOOSE BETWEEN NET TYPES

There are several net types to choose between, although not every net type will be found in every group of target individuals.

Ultra Thin Series M Mist Net

These nearly invisible ultra-thin monofilament nylon nets are perfect for catching the smallest birds (e.g. hummingbirds) and small bat species such as Pipstrellus sp. They are available in two mesh sizes (14 and 20mm).

Series 700P (polyester) Mist Net

These polyester nets are recommended for catching small bats and birds. They are barely visible and can be used in any habitat, including open areas. The polyester fibre in UV resistant and does not absorb moisture. In the morning or after rain, just shake the net to remove droplets. A well-stretched net has only one layer (no pockets) and bats are less likely to echolocate it than a nylon net. The polyester is also stronger and more durable than nylon.

Series 700 Mist Net

This classic design of net is deep black, UV stable and softer than polyester. They can be used for catching birds and bats in all kinds of habitat, including open areas. They are both popular and effective.

Series 1000 Mist Net

These nets are stronger and more durable than the Series 700 mist nets. They are ideal for long term use; they remain as strong and as black as new after 500 days of continuous exposure in the field. They are more visible than the Series 700 nets, so we recommend that they be set in front of trees or bushes to decrease visibility and to increase their effectiveness. They are very safe for birds and effectively catch small to medium-sized species.

Series 2000 Mist Net

These nets are very strong and durable and are primarily designed to catch relatively big birds. They are more visible than the Series 700 and 1000 nets so are most effective when used in shadow when the netting is less visible. The 19mm mesh size nets are most suited to catching birds at night, such as when using recorded calls.

3. CHOOSING SPECIFIC NETS

Once you’ve settled on your chosen net type to catch your target species, you should then consider the dimensions of the net. The mesh size should be ideally suited to the target species (see above). The length of the net should suit its location (e.g. path, clearing, open habitat) and the size of catch required. Make sure there are helpers to properly monitor the whole net. Consider the height of the net and number of shelves, the type and height of the vegetation in your sample area, as well as light conditions.

4. ERECTING THE NET

Finally, ensure the net is erected properly on suitable poles, such as the telescopic mist net pole. Nets may stretch over time so if left in place for prolonged periods, they must be tightened to keep the net taut. Ensure the nets are protected from overstretching – using a Mounting Set with rubber rope can help prevent this.

If you require any further information then please contact us. Mist nets are for use by trained ringers; you will need to supply a copy of your appropriate licence or permit when ordering.

An Introduction to IBAs from Adrian Long, Head of Communications, BirdLife International

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) form a worldwide network of sites for the conservation of birds. When complete, this global network is likely to comprise around 15,000 IBAs covering some 10 million km2 (c.7% of the world’s land surface) identified on the basis of about 40% of the world’s bird species. The effective conservation of these sites will contribute substantially to the protection of the world’s biological diversity.
IBAs are:

critical sites for the conservation of birds and biodiversity

places of international importance

practical targets for conservation action

selected according to internationally recognised criteria

used to reinforce existing protected area networks

used as part of a wider approach to conservation

Data collection and analysis play a highly influential role in underpinning the conservation and management of IBAs. Useful for conservationists, ornithologists, governmental and non-governmental agencies, policy-makers, researchers, consultants and planners, the data managed in the World Bird Database (WBDB) are intended to inform and guide practical management and actions at IBAs and to target political and legal mechanisms to achieve the adequate protection of IBAs.

Contributions have been made by a vast network of ornithologists, birdwatchers and conservation experts around the world. Many thousands of individuals have been involved in the collation of data. In most countries the relevant BirdLife International Partner has co-ordinated the work nationally, and this has generally involved substantial collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organisations.

As of March 2006 over 10,600 IBAs have been identified, mapped and documented in 234 countries (or territories/autonomous regions) and at sea by BirdLife. There are 115 National or sub National IBA Inventories and Five (six if you count Pacific CD) regional directories (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Americas) published. A CD for (most of the) the Pacific has just been produced. Antarctic and marine directories are still in production. Most of these IBAs are available through NHBS, BirdLife’s global distribution partner – this catalogue is a summary of IBAs, key ornithological conservation books, and background reading on habitat and species protection.

We have put together a global guide to IBAs, featuring all the books – many published by BirdLife International – and field equipment necessary for those interested in, or working in, bird conservation.

Browse our IBAs buyer’s guide here

The Skeptical Environmentalist is back with Smart Solutions to Climate Change

Bjørn Lomborg shot to fame with The Skeptical Environmentalist in 2001, a book which generated a great deal of interest from scientists and the media alike. The debate which followed focused on Lomborg’s general assertion that much of what environmentalists claimed was not nearly as bad as they reported. From pollution to public health, and the extinction of biodiversity to climate change, Lomborg offered analysis to show a better than feared picture. Several books since (e.g. The Lomborg Deception) have taken Lomborg to task over his methods and choice of data, and much has been made, particularly by the climate deniers, of his dismissive coverage of global warming.

Well… following on from The Skeptical Environmentalist, and his later book Cool It, he’s back to answer his critics with a new edited book on our response to climate change. Smart Solutions to Climate Change takes catastrophic climate change as a starting point. “I am saying what I have always said” says Lomborg, “that the climate is a real and important, man-made problem, but that we are handling it badly”. A panel of authors (economists – including three Nobel laureates) examine a range of policy and technology responses to climate change and suggest we change emphasis – shifting away from a Kyoto/Copenhagen focus on reducing emissions, and instead invest $100 billion in new technology funded by a carbon tax.

This is an in-depth and fairly technical read, but thought provoking and accessible. No matter what your views on Lomborg, he is now addressing what many see as a looming reality – that we are not making anywhere near enough progress in responding to climate change, and that even building on what’s already been started will not fix the problem.

NHBS at ICES

NHBS will be opening shop at the annual ICES Annual Science Conference for the first time next week. We are looking forward to meeting the marine science community and are bringing a few hundred books to browse and buy. Do drop by if you are there, we’ll be at Stand 5 at the La Cite Events Center in Nantes, 20 – 24 September.

“ICES was established in 1902 as an intergovernmental organization[…]ICES grew from a small body of likeminded researchers to an organization involving about 1600 scientists, with 20 Member Countries as well as several Observer Countries and non-governmental organizations. ICES fulfils its functions through an Annual Science Conference, about a dozen committees, close to one hundred working and study groups, several annual symposia, and a wide range of publications” From the ICES Strategic Plan – A Vision Worth Sharing(pdf)

Click on any of the images below to see a selection of recent and forthcoming books on marine science:

NHBS Catalogue – Explore the World of Bats

This weekend NHBS are heading up to Loughborough for the Bat Conservation Trust’s annual National Bat Conference. We are proud to be involved with bat conservation through the provision of the latest books and equipment for everyone from ecological consultants to amateur bat lovers. Our range is always expanding to keep up with developments in technology and research, and our wildlife equipment team are always chasing the most up-to-date information to help kit out those working in bat conservation.

Our catalogue is a guide to everything you’ll need for bat detecting and conservation. We’ve included information about choosing the right bat detector and accessories, as well as a comprehensive list of the field kit and reference books we think you will find most useful. You can read it in the window below, or click here to view it as a pdf.

We are always coming across new innovations and updating our stock so don’t forget to check our bat equipment pages on the website.

NHBS | Explore the World of Bats

What happened when NHBS went to Birdfair 2010?

NHBS would like to thank all our customers at Birdfair 2010 who helped make it a great escape from the office and a lot of fun!

And we would like to thank the organisers for giving us 1st Place in the Best Stand Awards – commercial (see picture below).

We enjoyed meeting you and we hope you enjoyed browsing our books and wildlife equipment – it was a busy and interesting weekend – made all the more interesting by some classic British weather! – and we hope most of you found what you were looking for. Remember to get in touch if there’s anything you wanted that we were unable to bring with us…

Here are some pictures of NHBS at Birdfair 2010. Click on the images below to enlarge:

We still have a limited amount of signed copies of the following books available:

Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia by Miles McMullan, Thomas M. Donegan and Alsonso Quevedo

Atlas of Rare Birds by Dominic Couzens

RSPB Gardening for Wildlife by Adrian Thomas

Please specify that you would like a signed copy when you place your order so that we can let you know if they are still available, thanks.

Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia jacket image

RSPB Gardening for Wildlife jacket image

We also received brand new copies of the new Helm Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East by Richard Porter and Simon Aspinall which you can buy from NHBS today…

… and don’t forget Nils Van Duivendijk’s bestselling Advanced Bird ID Guide – no more signed copies available, unfortunately, but plenty in stock!

Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East jacket image

Thanks again and see you next year!

Shooting in the Wild – Chris Palmer’s appeal to wildlife film makers

What inspired you to enter the world of wildlife film, and what was the first film you ever made?

What inspired me was a desire to use film to advance the cause of conservation. I was frantically seeking fresh and innovative ways to promote environmental protection. The first film I ever made was on the California Condor with Robert Redford.

Shooting in the Wild is a scrupulously diplomatic survey of the history and ethics of wildlife film making – what is the hardest ethical puzzle you have had to confront in your experience making films?

You forgot to say that the book is full of fascinating stories! The hardest ethical puzzle I confronted was the desire to get close to wild animals while knowing it was wrong to harass them in that way.

As a conservationist, what do you believe a good wildlife film should do? What are the limits?

A good wildlife film should inspire the viewer to love nature more deeply and to encourage action of some kind to promote conservation. And it should do this without harassing animals or deceiving the audience with staging or manipulation. There are no limits.

The tale of someone like Howard Hall and his “extraordinary patience” resulting in fascinating footage and industry recognition for his first film is inspiring – perhaps the overly enthusiastic “claws and jaws” approach hides a more intriguing diversity of behaviour in the animal kingdom?

I’m not a cinematographer like Howard, but the behavior of wild animals goes far beyond copulation and predation, and is often intriguing and unpredictable. The “claws and jaws” approach does wildlife a disservice and is highly disrespectful of the natural world.

You recount some classic stories of misadventure – Timothy Treadwell and Steve Irwin come to mind – have you personally found yourself in any close animal encounters you were glad to have got out of? What is your most memorable animal encounter?

Swimming with humpback whales in Hawaii and walking near Kodiak bears in Alaska come to mind, but remember, we always work closely with biologists and so are never in any danger unless we do something stupid or careless. I’ve never felt threatened.

And what about memorable human encounters? You have worked with a huge variety of people and you mention some of these in the book …

“Shooting in the Wild” contains many memorable stories about film stars and other celebrities. I encourage readers to get hold of my book and enjoy them!

You talk about how social media is bringing wildlife filmmaking directly to people and engaging them in action on the ground. How does this new phenomenon play into the ethical concerns that are raised in the book?

One way is that everybody is a filmmaker now because everyone has a camera on their cell phone. Millions of people with cameras are edging closer and closer to wild animals to try to capture a career-enhancing shot. This upsurge in people stalking animals in order to get pictures is not good news for wild animals, who for the most part just want to be left alone.

What drives you to make this effort, at this time, to bring your industry to account? Are you optimistic that your conscientious approach will become standard?

What drives me is the deteriorating state of television. Recently I saw Bear Grylls on Animal Planet gratuitously and cruelly kill a large lizard by swinging it against a tree by its tail, and then plunging a knife into its neck.

Are you currently working on any interesting projects?

We’re producing three giant screen IMAX films on climate change, humpback whales, and the oceans. I’m also working with Rob Whitehair and Bruce Weide on a film about wolves.

How can people find out more about the questions raised in the book?

By writing to me and requesting the companion Study Guide. My e-mail address is palmer@american.edu. Another way is by asking to be put on my mailing list so you receive periodic e-mails about our various projects. Again, people should feel free to e-mail me about that. Also, every Tuesday night in Washington DC at American University where I teach we have events related to wildlife and environmental films which are free and open to the public.

Buy a copy of Shooting in the Wild