Species selection is crucial in determining the metric value of multi-species indicators which are frequently used as surrogate measures of wider biodiversity health. Using European forest birds as a model system, we demonstrate the application of an objective, niche-based approach to species’ selection and use it to identify monitoring priorities that would ensure better ecological coverage.

The ecological implications of rising background tropospheric ozone concentrations are uncertain. We report results from a five-year free-air release experiment in a UK upland grassland community showing that small increases in ozone exposure affect the biomass of individual species and functional groups, but have no effect on total above-ground biomass.

Successive summer flood events coupled with missed hay cuts have lead to a dominance of highly competitive Carex species on UK floodplain meadows. This study has focused on increasing species richness and reducing Carex cover by altering the management regime. Frequency of mowing is most important in controlling Carex on floodplain meadows.

Dry sandy grasslands have suffered from a strong decline in Southern Germany (1% compared to the beginning of the 19^th century left). The remnants are often small, not managed and strongly isolated. Population (age structure, reproduction, genetic diversity, dispersal and pollination) and habitat quality studies (vegetation structure, LAI, soil parameters) show a detailed picture on a viable population of Armeria.

Diclofenac caused unprecedented declines in South Asia’s vultures. Conservation action led to bans on diclofenac and promotion of a safe alternative. Surveys show a reduction in diclofenac availability and prevalence; and a slowing of declines among species and countries. However, species rarity means that decline rates are necessarily imprecise. Conservation efforts must continue to assure species recover.

A 20 year national screening programme has revealed that nine of thirteen persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have declined significantly in otters, but levels remain higher in the east than the west. Bioaccumulation of POPs has health implications for a wide range of biota, and otters are a valuable sentinel species.

It has been suggested that climatic warming has facilitated the recent recovery of Polyommatus bellargus (the Adonis Blue butterfly) in the UK, by relaxing the thermal constraints on its larval niche. However, results show that habitat preferences have not altered, but conservation action has made the turf structure of grassland sites more favourable to P. bellargus. 

Detecting trends in population size is reliant on accurate and precise monitoring methods. This study investigates the accuracy of Ganges River Dolphin abundance estimates obtained during visual boat-based surveys. Using a simultaneous acoustic survey, it has been possible to investigate the factors that affect detection of dolphins during visual surveys and make recommendations to improve accuracy during future surveys.

Tropical grassy biomes receive much less attention than tropical forests. We explore the current threats to tropical grassy biomes through a consideration of the unique defining characteristics of these systems, examine the potential for perverse outcomes in the application of REDD+ to grassy biomes, relate this to the perennial issue of biome definition and discuss specific conservation challenges.

Coir-rolls were used to trap seeds along flood defence walls of a large tidal urban river. The plant diversity of deposited seeds was higher than that found on the walls. There was limited similarity between seeds deposited and wall flora. Seed deposition was affected by trap position and traffic. Results show there is potential to improve urban river plant diversity.

Using lowlandheathlands, we explore how landscape-scale conservation strategies might beimplemented on the ground. Evidence from long-term monitoring indicates thatheathland succession is influenced by area of heathland patches. Managementstrategies may therefore need to vary depending on the heathland patch sizedistribution. We explore the potential impacts of such strategies onbiodiversity and ecosystem services using scenarios.