Breeding ecology and genetics of waders (Charadriformes) in Norway and Svalbard
1 Purpose
First, we will investigate factors which potentially affect the evolution of clutch size in waders, by manipulating clutch sizes and record basic parental behaviour, hatching success, and chick growth parameters in experimentally enlarged (5 eggs) vs. control/normal (4 eggs) clutches. This will be done in ringed plovers (Charadrius hiaticula) and Temminck's stints (Calidris temminckii). Second, we will sample 1-3 wild populations of 23 wader species in Norway and Svalbard to compare the population genetics of these species throughout the Arctic. We aim to document and understand the patterns of inter- and intra-specific gene flow in wild wader populations.
2 Distress
The experimental procedures planned in this project are expected to be of only mild severity. These procedures include 1) experimentally enlarging some clutches by using artificial eggs and let parent birds incubate enlarged clutches (within the natural clutch size range), and swapping chicks between nests, 2) taking blood samples, 3) colour-ringing for subsequent individual identification without re-trapping birds, and 4) re-trapping chicks every 3-5 days for measuring body growth.
3 Expected benefit
The study will likely provide new insight into the breeding biology of waders and the evolution of clutch sizes in birds. The population genetic study will provide data useful for analysing patterns of genetic variation and how this is related to population size and species conservation.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
For the population genetic study, we will take blood samples from 10 birds in each of 1-3 populations (depending on distribution) of the 23 wader species; i.e. max. 10-30 samples per species. For the clutch size study we aim to use 30 nests in each of the clutch size categories (four and five eggs), leaving the total number of nests to 60 per year per species. All birds included will be bled for molecular sexing. The number of birds that will be bled per species over two years is max. 740 ringed plovers and 610 Temminck's stints (480 chicks in both cases), incl. samples from two and one extra population bled for genetic studies, respectively.
5 How to adhere to 3R
REPLACEMENT. We cannot see that the research questions asked here are possible to answer without the use of wild animals. However, based on the literature, all the planned experimental techniques are likely to have only mild effects on the birds. REDUCTION. The number of birds that we will include in the clutch size experiment are similar to those included in other published studies focusing on research questions similar to ours. For the genetic study we will search for useful tissue samples in Norwegian museums (blood samples or whole dead birds). This will reduce the need for blood samples to some extent in some species. REFINEMENT. Procedures involving handling and disturbance of birds will be kept brief and is carried out by or under supervision of experienced personnel. We will keep a high standard of hygiene when taking blood samples and the volumes are below recommended maximum levels.
First, we will investigate factors which potentially affect the evolution of clutch size in waders, by manipulating clutch sizes and record basic parental behaviour, hatching success, and chick growth parameters in experimentally enlarged (5 eggs) vs. control/normal (4 eggs) clutches. This will be done in ringed plovers (Charadrius hiaticula) and Temminck's stints (Calidris temminckii). Second, we will sample 1-3 wild populations of 23 wader species in Norway and Svalbard to compare the population genetics of these species throughout the Arctic. We aim to document and understand the patterns of inter- and intra-specific gene flow in wild wader populations.
2 Distress
The experimental procedures planned in this project are expected to be of only mild severity. These procedures include 1) experimentally enlarging some clutches by using artificial eggs and let parent birds incubate enlarged clutches (within the natural clutch size range), and swapping chicks between nests, 2) taking blood samples, 3) colour-ringing for subsequent individual identification without re-trapping birds, and 4) re-trapping chicks every 3-5 days for measuring body growth.
3 Expected benefit
The study will likely provide new insight into the breeding biology of waders and the evolution of clutch sizes in birds. The population genetic study will provide data useful for analysing patterns of genetic variation and how this is related to population size and species conservation.
4 Number of animals, and what kind
For the population genetic study, we will take blood samples from 10 birds in each of 1-3 populations (depending on distribution) of the 23 wader species; i.e. max. 10-30 samples per species. For the clutch size study we aim to use 30 nests in each of the clutch size categories (four and five eggs), leaving the total number of nests to 60 per year per species. All birds included will be bled for molecular sexing. The number of birds that will be bled per species over two years is max. 740 ringed plovers and 610 Temminck's stints (480 chicks in both cases), incl. samples from two and one extra population bled for genetic studies, respectively.
5 How to adhere to 3R
REPLACEMENT. We cannot see that the research questions asked here are possible to answer without the use of wild animals. However, based on the literature, all the planned experimental techniques are likely to have only mild effects on the birds. REDUCTION. The number of birds that we will include in the clutch size experiment are similar to those included in other published studies focusing on research questions similar to ours. For the genetic study we will search for useful tissue samples in Norwegian museums (blood samples or whole dead birds). This will reduce the need for blood samples to some extent in some species. REFINEMENT. Procedures involving handling and disturbance of birds will be kept brief and is carried out by or under supervision of experienced personnel. We will keep a high standard of hygiene when taking blood samples and the volumes are below recommended maximum levels.