RESEARCH |


The hallmark of GWCT research


The Review reports and showcases some of our research work undertaken over the last year. A recent feature of the Review has become an analysis of data from our National Gamebag Census (NGC) (see page 40). This unique dataset, brought together by the GWCT from the annual bag returns from a dedicated band of contributors (more than 650 in the 2015/16 season), enables us to report on trends in indices of abundance of a range of quarry species and their predators. Nicholas Aebischer reports on the six species of deer found in the UK and, for the first time, on wild boar now that they are established in some areas of Britain. The increases in some species are quite remarkable. For the first time, we report on our new demonstration farm at Auchnerran in Aberdeenshire, unreasonably labelled by some of us ‘McLoddington’ (see page 70). Its importance will be stressed in other reports, but the research team will monitor changes in game and wildlife following the implementation of management changes on the farm. Such a long-term commitment to data collection is the hallmark of GWCT research. It might take a decade to produce informative trends in species abundance but in the long-term, such information is invaluable. Our conservation work with declining species is also a hallmark of our work. In


this Review we report on our work on capercaillie, lapwing, woodcock and swallow, all species needing conservation research and action to halt their declines. In 2016, two of our PhD students successfully defended their theses and were


awarded their doctorates. We also supervised 10 MSc students, nine of them achieved merits/distinctions for their projects. We congratulate them all and wish them well in their future scientific careers.


Wild boar are now established in some areas of Britain. © Dave Kjaer


by Nick Sotherton Director of Research


We are reporting on the first results from our Scottish Demonstration Project at Auchnerran. © Marlies Nicolai/GWCT


We looked at the effectiveness of fallow plots for breeding lapwings (see page 24). © Andrew Hoodless/GWCT


www.gwct.org.uk GAME & WILDLIFE REVIEW 2016 | 13


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