scholarly journals Tree hollow densities reduced by frequent late dry-season wildfires in threatened Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) breeding habitat

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. J. Radford ◽  
S. L. J. Oliveira ◽  
B. Byrne ◽  
L.-A. Woolley
Keyword(s):  
Dry Season ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Gouldian Finch ◽  
Tree Hollow

Comparison of the breeding sites and habitat of two hole-nesting estrildid finches, one endangered, in northern Australia

1992 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia C. Tidemann ◽  
James Boyden ◽  
Robert Elvish ◽  
Jennifer Elvish ◽  
Brian O'Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Termite Mounds ◽  
Short Supply ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
Feeding Habitat ◽  
Gouldian Finch

ABSTRACTThe endangered Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae is the only Australian finch to nest exclusively in tree hollows or, more rarely, in termite mounds. It is sympatric with the abundant Long-tailed Finch Poephila aculicauda which nests frequently in tree hollows. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of nest sites and breeding areas of Gouldian and Long-tailed Finches to determine whether nest hollows were in short supply, and where finches fed relative to their nest sites. The Gouldian Finch chose hollows with smaller, more northerly entrances than Long-tailed, or randomly chosen hollows, nested deeper down the hollow and on steeper hill-slopes. Both species preferred single to multi-trunked trees of larger diameter than trees with randomly chosen hollows. Discriminant analysis classified 22–25% of the randomly chosen hollows and 28–38% of Long-tailed nesting hollows as Gouldian hollows. Gouldian Finches were more specific in their choice of nest sites than Long-tailed Finches. The vegetation at the two sites differed floristically, but within each site there was no floristic distinction between feeding or breeding sites or sites chosen at random. Gouldian Finches chose feeding habitat where trees were more spaced, on less rocky, barer ground than around breeding sites.On the basis of the criteria measured, there was no shortage of suitable hollows available to the Gouldian Finch for nesting. The overlap between feeding and breeding sites indicates the importance of managing breeding habitat for conservation.

scholarly journals Seasonal abundance and breeding habitat occupancy of the Orinoco Goose (Neochen jubata) in western Brazilian Amazonia

2014 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
WHALDENER ENDO ◽  
TORBJØRN HAUGAASEN ◽  
CARLOS A. PERES
Keyword(s):  
Sandy Beaches ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
River Channel ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Encounter Rate ◽  
Brazilian Amazonia ◽  
Main River ◽  
Main River Channel

SummaryThe Near-threatened Orinoco Goose Neochen jubata is a poorly known South American sheldgoose with a declining population and range distribution. In this study, we surveyed the Orinoco Goose population along the middle reaches of the Rio Juruá, western Brazilian Amazonia, and its first-order tributaries. We quantified the seasonal abundance of geese, pinpointed their approximate breeding season, and examined their habitat associations and the potential effects of human activities on their abundance. Hunting by local villagers was also monitored to assess the offtake rate of this species. Orinoco Goose occurrence in the region was highly seasonal and restricted to the dry season. We estimated a mean dry-season encounter rate of 7.18 ± 2.45 adult individuals per 4-km section along this river. Immature individuals were seen along the river margins from August to December. The species showed a strong preference for sandy beaches and was primarily restricted to the main river channel, with few individuals occurring along tributaries. The encounter rate of this species was also significantly related to fluvial distance from the municipal urban centre and to the level of protection from hunting. Hunting of Orinoco Goose was reported in 12 of the 26 villages monitored. The seasonal appearance of the Orinoco Goose in the region indicates that this is a migratory population. Our study indicates that strict protection of the river margins, and sandy beaches in particular, along the main river channel is likely to be positive for the conservation of this species along the Rio Juruá. However, further knowledge of migration routes is critical for effective protection of both breeding and non-breeding populations.

scholarly journals Conserving a globally threatened species in a semi-natural, agrarian landscape

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriet Ibbett ◽  
Chansetha Lay ◽  
Ponlork Phlai ◽  
Det Song ◽  
Chamnan Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Rice Cultivation ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Tonle Sap ◽  
Local Livelihood ◽  
The Tropics

AbstractAgriculture threatens biodiversity across the tropics, particularly in semi-natural grassland landscapes, where human populations are high, habitat is easily converted and agriculture is prone to intensification. Over the last 20 years intensive, commercial dry season rice cultivation has emerged as the dominant threat to the Bengal florican Houbaropsis bengalensis, a globally threatened bustard that breeds in the seasonally inundated grasslands of central Cambodia. Although floricans have been extensively monitored for 10 years, no socioeconomic research has been undertaken to examine how local livelihood activities interact with the florican. We conducted household questionnaires and focus groups in 21 villages in the Northern Tonle Sap Conservation Landscape to gather information on household demographics, rice farming and bird hunting in protected and unprotected areas of florican breeding habitat. We identified a significant increase in dry season rice adoption by local communities since 2005. Dry season rice cultivation was strongly associated with agrochemical use and rice fields directly overlapped with florican breeding habitat, reducing habitat availability throughout the breeding season. We identified a low but significant level of bird hunting in grassland households (8%) and revealed a demand for wild bird meat amongst local communities. Our findings suggest an urgent need for conservation interventions in unprotected farmland and emphasize the role of enforcement and community engagement in improving protection within protected areas. We highlight the potential of private sector initiatives such as the Sustainable Rice Platform in reconciling conservation and development for impoverished rural communities.

Seasonal use of savanna landscapes by the Gouldian finch, Erythrura gouldiae, in the Yinberrie Hills area, Northern Territory

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. Dostine ◽  
G. C. Johnson ◽  
D. C. Franklin ◽  
Y. Zhang ◽  
C. Hempel
Keyword(s):  
Full Range ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Themeda Triandra ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Gouldian Finch ◽  
Hills Area

The diet, attributes of feeding sites and patterns of seasonal movements of a population of the Gouldian finch, Erythrura gouldiae, were studied in the Yinberrie Hills area north of Katherine in the Northern Territory. In the dry season (April–November) Gouldian finches foraged mostly on burnt ground and fed on exposed seed of annual grasses, especially seed of spear-grass, Sorghum spp. In the wet season (December–March) Gouldian finches fed on seed of a sequence of perennial grass species, including Themeda triandra, Alloteropsis semialata, Chrysopogon fallax and Heteropogon triticeus. Gouldian finches undertake regular seasonal shifts in habitat, from breeding areas in hill woodland in the dry season to adjacent lowlands throughout much of the wet season, in response to seasonal changes in food availability. There is an annual pulse in abundance of fallen seed in the early dry season that is depleted to near zero levels by germination of annual grasses early in the wet season. Thereafter, finches depend on seed from other sources, principally ripe and ripening seed of perennial grasses. Observations over three successive wet seasons suggest that Gouldian finches track seed resources provided by seeding perennial grasses over an extensive area of lowland grassy woodland adjacent to the breeding area, favouring small patches of grassy woodland for brief periods until seed fall. There were subtle differences between years in the types of resources used. Management of Gouldian finch populations will entail protection and management of the full range of grassland habitats used throughout the annual cycle, and will require predictive knowledge of the causes of patterning of seed resources and probably an ability to exert control over the timing and extent of fires in fire-prone seasonal savanna landscapes.

Selection of breeding habitat by the endangered Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) at two spatial scales

2011 ◽  
Vol 111 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Brazill-Boast ◽  
Josephine K. Dessmann ◽  
Gareth T. O. Davies ◽  
Sarah R. Pryke ◽  
Simon C. Griffith
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Gouldian Finch ◽  
Selection Of

scholarly journals Causes of the decline of the Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae

1996 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia C. Tidemann
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
Gouldian Finch

SummaryPopulations of Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae, an estrildid endemic to northern Australia, declined markedly during the last two or three decades. A survey revealed the species in two areas of Northern Territory, with an estimated 2,000 individuals, including juveniles. Recaptures were low either because of mortality or dispersal. Gouldian Finches eat predominantly Sorghum spp. seeds, but consume other seeds before Sorghum ripens. Other finches declined as cattle increased. Gouldian Finches breed in tree hollows of predominantly two species of eucalypts that grow on rocky slopes. They require water within about 4 km of the nest site. There was no shortage of nesting hollows at the known breeding sites. Fires in the early to mid-dry season allow birds access to seed without damaging trees, but later fires can destroy trees with nest hollows and remove shade. Average clutch-size is 5.2. About 72% of eggs laid, and 63% of nests, fledged young. Pairs lay up to three clutches in a season (February-August), the length of which may depend on rainfall during the preceding wet season. Air-sac mite (Sternostoma tracheacolum), found in 62% of Gouldian Finches sampled, may be preventing the species recovering to former numbers. New colonies of Gouldian Finches should be identified, populations monitored, and habitat managed by effecting patchy burns by low-intensity fires early in the dry season.

scholarly journals Environmental Factors Associated with Larval Habitats of Anopheline Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Metema District, Northwestern Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esayas Aklilu ◽  
Mizan Kindu ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie ◽  
Solomon Yared ◽  
Habte Tekie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Season ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Anopheles Species ◽  
Larval Habitats ◽  
Anopheles Mosquitoes ◽  
Predominant Species ◽  
Breeding Habitats ◽  
Anopheline Larvae ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae S.L

Background: Malaria is one of the major public health concerns in Ethiopia. Control options available for the management of malaria, include case detection, personal protection and larval source management. Effective control of Anopheles larvae largely depends on understanding of the habitats of the vectors. The aims of this study were to identify the breeding habitats of mosquitoes and characterize the larval habitats in Gende Wuha Town in northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: Different aquatic habitats were sampled and characterized for anopheline larvae from November 2012 to June 2013 Results: In total, 2784 larvae of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from various breeding habitats. Microscopic identification of the III and IV instars revealed the presence of seven Anopheles species. Of the Anopheles spp, Anopheles gambiae s.l. (80%) was the most predominant species in the study area. Spearman correlation coefficient results also determined that the density of An. gambiae s.l. increased significantly with habitat temperature (r= 0.346, p< 0.01). Significantly higher An. gambiae s.l. larvae were obtained in non-shaded habitats (z= -3.120, p< 0.05) when compared with shaded habitats. Conclusions: The current study demonstrated An. gambiae s.l., the principal malaria vector in the country, is the predominant species in the larval sampling habitats. It was also noted the importance of edge of stream as larva breeding habitats for this species during the dry season of the year. Therefore, attention should be given for this breeding habitat for control of the vector during dry season.  

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