Focal bird species and risk assessment approach for non‐agricultural grassland scenarios in Central Europe
The European Food Safety Authority guideline on risk assessment identifies pesticide exposure scenarios for non‐target wildlife, however this scheme is not applicable to non‐agricultural grassland. For example, different habitats and human utilisation on golf courses attract bird communities that differ from those found in agricultural fields with annual crop cycles. The present study determined “focal bird species” for amenity grasslands such as golf courses following the EFSA guideline. Based on published data and bird surveys, a total of 102 species were found on 13 golf courses in Central Europe. About 58% of the species were recorded on > 20% of the golf course and were classified as “focal species” candidates. Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), common linnet (Carduelis cannabina), wood pigeon (Columba palumbus), yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella), white wagtail (Motacilla alba) and grey heron (Ardea cinerea) are the most adequate candidate focal species for exposure scenarios of carnivorous, granivorous, herbivorous, omnivorous, insectivorous, and piscivorous birds, respectively. Candidate species were verified on 3 golf courses in south‐western Germany in spring 2012. Observations on feeding behaviour identified the main foraging areas of focal species. The results of the field work combined with data from literature identified reliable exposure scenarios to assess the risk of pesticides to birds found on golf courses. Environ Toxicol Chem © 2014 SETAC
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