Tracking the hidden niches: Movement-based insights into northern lapwing intraspecific variation and conservation

Johanna Esguerra, Annegret Grimm-Seyfarth, Mark Frenzel, Elina Takola 

Context.
Global monitoring data reveal farmland bird population declines, primarily driven by agricultural intensification, chemical inputs, and climate shifts. The northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus), a ground-nesting wader adapted to lowland agricultural matrices, exemplifies this decline across Europe.
Objectives.
This study quantified intraspecific variation in habitat selection to evaluate the degree of behavioural variance in resource use among individuals and assess its conservation implications. We specifically tested for: (1) inter-individual differences in resource use; (2) repeatability of habitat preferences; and (3) niche components driving selection patterns.
Methods.
Using Movebank high-resolution GPS data from 13 individuals tracked between 2021 and 2023 across Europe, we applied step selection functions (SSFs) incorporating both biotic and abiotic covariates. Repeatability estimates were derived from mixed-effects models to quantify consistent individual-level selection across resource gradients. We also estimated variation of habitat selection across seasons as well as within- and between-individual variation.
Results.
Lapwings most frequently selected grasslands and areas with intermediate cropping intensity. Individual preferences for crop types varied widely, with low repeatability across most types except pulses (R = 0.31) and wheat (R = 0.19). Movement patterns were influenced by abiotic factors, and nocturnal activity increased during full-moon nights. Habitat selection also varied seasonally.
Conclusions.
Conservation strategies should focus on maintaining low-intensity farmland and grasslands, particularly in remote areas. Predator control through culling is ineffective due to rapid recolonization; instead, managing nesting habitats and removing predator perching structures is recommended. Establishing dedicated nesting areas (lapwing plots) can further support the species survival.