Do yellow-faced honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) nests experience higher predation at forest edges?

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Boulton ◽  
Michael F. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Exposure Period ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Ecological Trap ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Fragmented Habitat ◽  
Avian Predators ◽  
Negative Edge ◽  
Nestling Period

We tested the hypothesis that predation rates increase near habitat edges and can cause low reproductive success in forest bird species living in a fragmented habitat. We constructed artificial yellow-faced honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) nests and placed them 5 m, 20 m, 50 m and 200 m from the forest edge. We also monitored natural yellow-faced honeyeater nests at varying distances from the forest edge. Artificial nests experienced 43% predation over the 14-day exposure period, while natural yellow-faced honeyeater nests experienced 28% during the incubation period and 47% during the nestling period. No negative edge effect was detected for artificial or natural nests. In fact, natural nests experienced higher nest success closer to the forest edge. There was no increase in the number of avian predators recorded at the forest edge, even though birds were identified as the main predators at artificial nests (49%). The lack of support for both the 'ecological trap' and 'predator influx' hypotheses contributes to a growing body of evidence that suggests that not all species surviving in highly fragmented environments are negatively affected by edge effects.

Predation rates of artificial nests in the edge and interior of a southern Victorian forest

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lainie Berry
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Avian Predators ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Grey Shrike ◽  
Predation Rates

Predation rates of nests at human-induced habitat edges may be greater than in forest interior due to differences in predator assemblages and predator activity. I compared the predation rates on 192 artificial nests containing plasticine eggs placed in forest edge and interior sites at Bunyip State Park, Victoria. The nest-predation rates at the forest edge sites were significantly greater (mean = 52–58%) than that at the forest interior sites (mean = 30–39%). The relative rates of predation by birds compared with mammals were significantly greater at forest edge sites (mean = 78–94%) than at forest interior sites (mean = 36–67%). Higher rates of nest predation at forest edges appeared to be due to greater densities of avian predators such as the grey shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), and/or lower abundances of small mammals. However, biases towards certain predator types may mask real, or create false, patterns in predation rates of artificial nests. A better understanding of how predators respond to artificial nests compared with natural nests is required. Until then, results of predation studies that use artificial nests should be interpreted with caution.

Edge effects on the distribution and abundance of birds in a southern Victorian forest

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lainie Berry
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Fragmentation ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Open Country ◽  
Habitat Edge ◽  
Malurus Cyaneus ◽  
Grey Shrike

An important consequence of habitat fragmentation for wildlife communities is the effect of an increase in the ratio of habitat edge to interior. This study compares the bird communities at forest/farmland edges and in forest interior at Bunyip State Park, Victoria. Overall, there was a significantly higher number of bird species and individuals in forest edge than in forest interior sites. The greater diversity of species at edge sites appeared to be due to an increase in forest-edge specialists, as opposed to an influx of open-country species. Four bird species: the white-throated treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaeus), the superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus), the grey shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) and the grey fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa) were significantly more abundant in edge sites. There were no species that were significantly more abundant in interior sites. Differences between the bird communities in edge and interior sites were attributed to increased foraging opportunities in the open country adjacent to forest edges.

scholarly journals A Nest Predator's View of a Managed Forest: Gray Jay (Perisoreus Canadensis) Movement Patterns in Response to Forest Edges

The Auk ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 121 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques Ibarzabal ◽  
André Desrochers
Keyword(s):  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Movement Patterns ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Gray Jays ◽  
Perisoreus Canadensis ◽  
Mature Stands ◽  
Nest Predators

Abstract High nest-predation risk is often associated with forest edges. Most nest predators in boreal coniferous forests of North America are forest specialists living in mature stands. Nest predators have been studied mainly through use of artificial nests; knowledge of their behavior remains limited. We used radiotelemetry to examine movement patterns, relative to forest edge, of a forest nest predator, the Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis), in boreal coniferous forest. Each of 11 family groups of Gray Jays monitored in early summer exhibited a marked association with forest edges. Jays were found within 30 m of the forest edges more often than expected from random use of mature forest. Furthermore, jays traveled more slowly near forest edges than in the forest interior. Because forest edges apparently represent prime foraging habitat for Gray Jays, narrow forest strips left by logging could act as ecological traps for mature-stand songbirds before stands regenerate in adjacent clearcuts.

scholarly journals Evidence for Edge Effects on Multiple Levels in Tallgrass Prairie

The Condor ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maiken Winter ◽  
Douglas H. Johnson ◽  
John Faaborg
Keyword(s):  
Tallgrass Prairie ◽  
Edge Effects ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Nest Survival ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Spiza Americana ◽  
Ammodramus Henslowii

Abstract We tested how edges affect nest survival and predator distribution in a native tallgrass prairie system in southwestern Missouri using artificial nests, natural nests of Dickcissels (Spiza americana) and Henslow's Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii), and mammal track stations. Survival of artificial nests was lower within 30 m of forest edge. Nesting success of Dickcissels and Henslow's Sparrows was lower within 50 m to a shrubby edge than at greater distances, whereas fates of nests were not related to distances to roads, agricultural fields, or forests. Evidence from clay eggs placed in artificial nests indicated that mid-sized carnivores were the major predators within 30 m of forest edges. Furthermore, mid-sized carnivores visited track stations most frequently within 50 m of forest edges. Because proximity of woody habitat explained more variation in nest survival and mammal activity than did fragment size, it appears that edge effects were more pronounced than area effects. Edge effects appeared to be caused mainly by greater exposure of nests to mid-sized carnivores. We argue that, based on edge avoidance behavior, “grassland-interior” species such as the Henslow's Sparrow respond to edge effects mainly by a decrease in density, whereas habitat generalists such as the Dickcissel are affected mainly by a decrease in nesting success.

scholarly journals The effects of forest edge and nest height on nest predation in a U.K. deciduous forest fragment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Atkin ◽  
Cris Banks-Leite
Keyword(s):  
Edge Effect ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Forest Fragment ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
Mixed Deciduous Forest ◽  
Nest Height

It has been previously hypothesised that nest predation is higher at forest edges. This has important conservation implications for the increasingly fragmented U.K. climax community. I aimed to test the generality of this edge effect in a mixed deciduous forest fragment which borders open grassland. Artificial nests containing a combination of quail and plasticine eggs were used, at ground and arboreal levels. I found an overall edge effect on nest predation rates, however this effect was not specifically seen in ground nests. Ground nests experienced significantly higher levels of predation than arboreal nests. I suggest this edge effect is due in part to the steep productivity gradient over the ecotone.

scholarly journals Endemic Cyprus Scops Owl Otus cyprius Readily Breeds in Artificial Nest Boxes

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1775
Author(s):  
Savvas Iezekiel ◽  
Reuven Yosef ◽  
Constantinos Themistokleus ◽  
Dimitrios E. Bakaloudis ◽  
Christos G. Vlachos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Laying Date ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Breeding Parameters ◽  
Island Endemic ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Ecological Requirements ◽  
Old Trees

As is well-known, endemic island bird species are especially vulnerable to extinction from anthropogenic environmental change and reduced fitness compared with mainland taxa. The Cyprus Scops Owl, Otus cyprius, is a recently recognized island endemic species whose ecology and breeding biology have not been studied. It nests mainly in holes in trees and buildings, so the felling of old trees, modern architectural practices, and the renovation of old houses in villages may reduce nest site availability. Its population trend is also unknown. Therefore, to better determine its ecological requirements and habitat preferences we placed nest boxes in rural areas adjacent to the forest, in the forest, and in the ecotone between them, and used breeding success as our indicator of habitat suitability. We found that breeding parameters like laying date, clutch size, length of the incubation period, hatching day, hatching success, and number of nestlings did not differ between the three habitats. Despite the low level of nest box occupancy rate (5–11%) the endemic Cyprus Scops Owl readily breeds in artificial nests. Therefore, although we are unaware of any current threats to the Cyprus Scops Owl, we recommend that its conservation be prioritized, including studies, monitoring, habitat conservation, and the provision of nest boxes.

scholarly journals Studies of Ant-Following Birds North of the Eastern Amazon

1972 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshika Oniki ◽  
Edwin O. Willis
Keyword(s):  
Forest Edge ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Army Ants ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Second Growth

Abstract Birds that prey on arthropods flushed by army ants north of the eastern Amazon were studied at Serra do Navio and Reserva Ducke (Brazil) and at Nappi Creek and Bartica (Guyana). Regular ant-followers are two medium-sized antbirds (Percnostola rufifrons and Gymnopithys rufigula) and two smaller ones (Pithys albifrons and Hylophylax poecilonota), plus five woodcreepers of differing sizes (from very large Hylexetastes perrotti through Dendrocolaptes picumnus, D. certhia, and Dendrocincla merula to medium-sized Dendrocincla fuliginosa). Four other regular ant-followers occur in the region but were not found at the study areas. Forty-five species of casual or nonprofessional ant-followers, including 16 antbirds, 5 woodcreepers, and 5 manakins, also were recorded. Percnostola rufifrons tends to be at the forest edge or in second growth. Pithys albifrons works around Gymnopithys rufigula, Hylophylax poecilonota peripheral to both, in the forest interior. The large Dendrocolaptes picumnus and medium-large Dendrocincla merula often capture prey near the ground, like antbirds. Unlike antbirds, which use vertical or horizontal slender perches, the woodcreepers use thick vertical perches. Dendrocolaptes certhia and Dendrocincla fuliginosa also tend to capture prey high over the ground-foraging antbirds. The woodcreepers tend to forage lower at midday. Hylexetastes perrotti is rare, and overlaps strongly with D. picumnus. There is fairly large overlap among the 9 professional ant-followers, and large ones chase away smaller ones. Nonprofessional birds tend to forage briefly or peripherally when or slightly after the professional species are active. They also forage above the antbirds and below or above the woodcreepers, and concentrate at forest edges or in second growth. The guild of ant-following birds in this region differs fairly widely from guilds in Panamá and at Belém, Brazil; the absence of large antbirds and the predominance of large woodcreepers north of the Amazon are the major differences.

Preadaptation and spatial effects on retention-tree survival in cut areas in Estonia

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 2616-2625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Rosenvald ◽  
Asko Lõhmus ◽  
Andres Kiviste
Keyword(s):  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Spatial Effects ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Tree Survival ◽  
Tree Retention ◽  
Standing Dead ◽  
Retention Trees

Survival of live retention trees is a key issue for stand-scale applications of natural-disturbance-based silviculture. We explored the survival of 3255 trees in 102 cut areas (mean size 2.3 ha) in Estonia for 6 years, focusing on spatial variation and preadaptation of the trees. Altogether, 35% of the trees died during the study period, contributing 4.4 m3 of downed dead trunks and 1 m3 of standing dead trees per hectare. The annual mortality rates declined over time. The main survival determinants were tree species (higher for hardwood deciduous trees), diameter (species dependent), position relative to forest edge (higher for trees near current or former forest edges), retention density (positive), and exposure (negative). The results suggest that (1) green-tree retention can effectively increase the abundance of large shade-tolerant trees, but it is equally important for producing deadwood; (2) larger individuals, former interior-forest trees near current forest edges, and preadapted trees in open conditions should be preferably retained; (3) there is no obvious necessity to modify tree-retention techniques for tree survival according to geographical region or forest site type.

scholarly journals The Occurence of Ecological Traps in Bird Populations: Is our Knowledge Sufficient? A Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 36-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Suvorov ◽  
Jana Svobodová
Keyword(s):  
Exotic Species ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ecological Trap ◽  
Native Communities ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Arable Fields ◽  
Insufficient Time

ABSTRACT Anthropogenic changes in a landscape create new cues for birds, which must permanently adapt to these. If landscape changes occur too quickly, individuals have insufficient time to develop adequate reactions. They may, therefore, preferentially nest in low-quality habitats, which can lead to diminished nesting success and to reduction of their population size. This is usually termed the ecological trap hypothesis. We reviewed 38 studies investigating this phenomenon and analysed whether relationships exist between ecological trap occurrence and geographical region, habitat type, and/or life strategies of bird species. Ecological traps were most often associated with the presence of exotic species. Exotic species can modify environmental conditions in ways to which native communities are not adapted. They have been mainly detected in open habitats. Such open habitats as arable fields and meadows are under greater human pressure, and rapid changes probably occur there more frequently. Although more studies from North America were investigated, the hypothesis was supported more frequently in European studies. This is possibly due to higher human population density and, hence, more frequent habitat changes. Our results show that an ecological trap is not likely associated with migration. Ground nests suffered fewer consequences of such traps than did other nest types. Although the implications of the ecological trap hypothesis in species conservation are undisputable, a more detailed approach is still needed. For instance, some habitat types, such as suburban areas, have been neglected in the context of ecological traps, as has been the phenomenon’s appearance in pristine habitats.

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