An innovative approach to targeting sites for wading bird assemblages in the UK

SummaryThe advantages of a multispecies as opposed to a single species targeting approach for conservation initiatives are often debated. Concern has arisen that the multispecies approach satisfies the needs of the focal species to a certain extent but not as fully as a single species approach. We present a targeting approach suitable for single species and multispecies assemblages using modelling techniques not normally associated with ecology. These were used to identify sites of highest habitat suitability for three wading bird species within a UK agri-environment scheme. Habitat suitability maps were generated for each species and overlaid to identify shared sites of highest habitat suitability, which were further investigated to identify the proportion of land currently not under management prescriptions within an agri-environment scheme which we subsequently recommend for future conservation enhancement for the target species. By developing a multispecies approach consisting of species with a similar biology, we believe that conservation effectiveness can be achieved.