A study documenting the bird population in Oxford is marking its 75th year today.
The Wytham Great Tit study at is the longest continuous study of an individually-marked animal population in the world.
The first Great Tit egg was counted by the University of Oxford at its 'living laboratory' in Wytham Woods on April 27 1947.
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It plays a key role in scientists’ understanding of population changes in response to the environment, particularly changing climates.
Sir David Attenborough said: “I am delighted to hear of the 75th anniversary of the long-term Great Tit study in Wytham Woods. Having visited several times, I know how fundamental this study, and others like it, have been for our understanding of the impacts of climate change on the natural world.”
Professor Ben Sheldon, who leads the study, said one of the most “striking” changes is that the average Great Tit breeds three weeks earlier now than it did at the start of the study.
We have eggs! First clutches for 2022 have started. This is the earliest so far - 4 Great Tit eggs found today so first egg date inferred as 28/3. Only in the very early spring of 2019 have we seen earlier laying over the last 75 years. Hope that badger hair keeps things cosy! pic.twitter.com/7z8uDwrIY2
— Wytham Tit Study (@WythamTits) March 31, 2022
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He said: “This shift is a clear signal of the effects of climate change on one of our most familiar woodland and garden birds, and it is studies of this kind that allow us to work out what the consequences of such changes have been, and what they may be in the future.”
More than 70 PhD theses and 350 scientific papers have been published on the project.
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