Abstract
We studied a population of the Red-winged grasshopper Oedipoda germanica, which is a highly stenotypic and endangered species in Central Europe. The locality studied is completely isolated and at the northern limit of this species distribution (north-west of the Czech Republic). We used capture-mark-recapture in 3 consecutive years (2008-2010). We estimated the total population size using POPAN software to be 136 adults in 2008, 70 in 2009 and 122 in 2010. Estimated daily survival rate (Ф) ranged from 0.950 to 0.987. We constructed linear mixed models to test for apparent survival in relation to temperature data. Temperatures (i.e. mean air temperature and maximum air temperature) were found to have significant effects on survival. The population studied is small, isolated and thus threatened by extinction, as are other O. germanica populations at the northern limit of their distribution. The preservation of indigenous populations in their localities can be achieved by active management, including the removal of shrubs and trees.
Highlights
The Red-winged grasshopper, Oedipoda germanica (Latreille, 1804) is a highly specialized (Wagner, 2000) and sedentary species (Zöller, 1995; Wagner, 2000)
Over a period of three years (2008–2010) we studied an isolated population of O. germanica on Košťál Hill, in the Czech Republic
We documented a positive relationship between temperature and survival of O. germanica adults for the first time
Summary
The Red-winged grasshopper, Oedipoda germanica (Latreille, 1804) is a highly specialized (Wagner, 2000) and sedentary species (Zöller, 1995; Wagner, 2000). It ranges from the Pyrenees Mts in the west to the Crimea in the east, with the main part of its distribution in southern Europe (Wagner, 2000). O. germanica is considered to be critically endangered in both Germany (Ingrisch & Köhler, 1998a; Maier, 2003) and the Czech Republic (Holuša & Kočárek, 2005; Holuša et al, 2009)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call