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The European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a species of migratory bird linked to agricultural environments (in particular, to mixed and forest-agricultural ecosystems), which has suffered a decline of 37% in Spain since 1996. Therefore, as a result of the recommendation of the European Commission proposed in the “International Action Plan for the Conservation of the European Turtle Dove 2018-2028”, a temporary moratorium on hunting has been declared and more studies are required in which scientific knowledge would be key to proper management and conservation.

This document also indicates that the priority action is the maintenance or improvement of the habitat for reproduction. However, there is insufficient information on the relationship between habitat and turtle dove reproduction in our country, so suggestions for habitat improvement focus mainly on the direct supply of grain, and not on landscape management.

The present study has evaluated which habitat elements are most beneficial for the reproduction of the species in Spain, which is particularly relevant in the current context, allowing the identification of the most appropriate habitat management measures for the species, thus complementing other research projects carried out so far.

The main objective of the project has been to identify critical habitat factors applicable to conservation management for the recovery of the European turtle dove.

The specific objectives were as follows:

• Evaluate the relationship between habitat and population parameters.
• Evaluate habitat use for feeding.
• To promote knowledge and understanding of the importance of habitat management for the conservation of the species.

• Carrying out 24 breeding stock censuses in 4 study areas, 2 in Castilla-La Mancha (Quintos de Mora farm and municipality of Picón) and 2 in Catalonia (Mas de Melons and Solsonès Nature Reserve).
• Location and monitoring of 57 turtle dove nests in areas with different habitats (20 nests in Quintos de Mora, 13 in Picón, 7 in Mas de Melons and 17 in Solsonès) to evaluate the reproductive success and productivity of the species. Thus, phenological information has indicated that the European turtle dove can start several clutches during the three months of reproduction, with two peaks in clutch frequency, one in mid-May and the other in mid-June. In addition, active nests have been observed until the end of August. In terms of reproductive success, 54% of the nests have been successful, with the flight of at least one chick being considered successful.
• Ring marking of 316 turtle doves (69 in Mas de Melons, 47 in Picón, 147 in Quintos de Mora, and 53 in Solsonès), collecting information on the method of capture (cage/mist net), feeder, age, sex, weight and the measurements of the tarsus, head, tail and wing of each individual.
• Evaluation of survival rates in areas with different habitats, taking into account the probability of recapture of individuals.
• Marking of 25 turtle dove specimens with GPS transmitters, which has made it possible to evaluate the movement of the specimens during and between breeding events, and to identify the habitats that have been used for feeding.
• Habitat use evaluation based on the data provided by GPS transmitters, determining the roosting areas, both for each individual and breeding event and for each individual throughout the breeding season. In addition to these calculations, it has been possible to identify the habitat type of each GPS location to assess whether there are preferences regarding the use of the feeding habitat. In this sense, patterns of preference for forests with quercineas, wastelands, roads, artificial areas, and water points have been detected. On the other hand, it has been observed that the species avoids plots of agricultural use (arable soil, vineyards and pastures), shrubs or buildings.
• Analysis of the data obtained and writing of the results report: “Population parameters and spatial ecology of the European turtle dove: implications for its management and conservation”.
• Dissemination and communication of the project, through informative talks, meetings with competent administrations and hunting federations, publications on social networks and a final report with the conclusions of the project sent to MAPA and MITECO.

The project, carried out in 4 pilot areas of Castilla-La Mancha and Catalonia, has provided important advances in the knowledge of the ecology and demography of this species typical of our Mediterranean landscapes, currently in decline in Spain and other European countries.

In this sense, the results of the project reveal that the availability of open and fragmented forest areas with a high diversity of uses is the most beneficial for the reproduction of the European turtle dove in Spain, so that forest management is essential for the recovery of its populations, according to the entity. In addition, the productivity of the species depends, to a large extent, on the number of reproductive events that the pairs are able to carry out during the breeding period and, therefore, to improve it, it is essential to implement measures that ensure a long reproductive season.

On the other hand, the entity has shown that neither reproductive success nor productivity vary significantly between the different areas of study, even with differences in habitat and management. This indicates that habitat modifications may not have a direct impact on turtle dove productivity and, therefore, more studies are required to clarify these aspects. In addition, it has been detected that the habitats most used by turtle doves for food are small wastelands and roadsides in agricultural and forest areas. Therefore, the entity highlights the essential role of the integration of agricultural, landscape and forestry management, as well as the maintenance of ruderal plants as the basis of their diet for the recovery of their populations.

Finally, the results show that turtle doves use a relatively large area during the breeding period and that they perform loop movements before beginning migration to Africa. For all these reasons, hunting management together with the conservation management of the species carried out in a given space not only affects local turtle dove populations, but can also affect other turtle dove populations in wider areas.

In addition, dissemination and dissemination actions have been carried out to society, through 4 talks framed in congresses and informative conferences aimed at the scientific community, the hunting sector, the competent authorities and the general public. In addition, the entity has prepared the final report “Population parameters and spatial ecology of the European turtle dove: implications for its management and conservation”, which includes the results and conclusions of the project with the aim of carrying out the transfer of knowledge to the competent authorities of several Autonomous Communities, the MAPA and the MITECO.