The Effects of Territorial Behaviour on Lapwing Populations

Abstract

During a population study of Lapwings Vanellus vanullus no evidence was found for any direct density dependent effects on hatching or fledging success. However, the temporal and spatial settlement patterns of the adults and differences between areas in breeding success conformed to the ideal despotic model, suggesting that territoriality may have a density dependent effect through the exclusion of settlers into sub-optimal habitats where their breeding success is low.