About the project
It is well known from both ecological theory and empirical evidence that species interactions, such as predation, can have extensive consequences for species population dynamics. Although this insight is far from new, the understanding of how predators specifically affect the distribution of prey species and the resulting spatial restructuring of populations is limited. To better understand how these contribute to species population development, this project investigates the effects of predator management on the distribution of breeding Caspian terns in the Baltic Sea region using a unique material spanning the period 1990-2024. The insights from this project are expected to contribute not only to new scientific results but also to species protection and nature conservation.Project goal
The aim of this research is to understand how dispersal, site loyalty and prospecting behaviour affect the Caspian tern population in the Baltic Sea area. The research project also has an interdisciplinary approach as the planned work touches on the fields of conservation biology, behavioural ecology and population dynamics. As a result, it is expected to produce unique new information that can be used in practical conservation work by promoting evidence-based strategies for the conservation of not only terns but also other seabird species.UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Patrik Byholm
Senior Lecturer