Predicting the effects of motorway traffic on breeding bird populations

Presents a method for predicting the impact that motorway traffic has on the total density of all breeding birds in a certain biotope. It is based on extensive research in landscapes of woodland and open grassland areas throughout the Netherlands, although it can also be used in other biotopes. The impact assessment includes the determination of the width of the zone along a highway which has a decreased density of breeding birds, as well as of the extent of that decrease. Criteria are suggested for comparing possible density effects in connection with the evaluation of biotopes. These criteria can also be used for identifying important breeding bird areas to be included in the impact assessment.