Breeding habitat selection in an obligate beach bird: a test of the food resource hypothesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (9) ◽  
pp. 841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Cuttriss ◽  
Grainne S. Maguire ◽  
Glenn Ehmke ◽  
Michael A. Weston
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Marine Pollution ◽  
Food Resource ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Kelp Harvesting ◽  
Bird Breeding ◽  
Prey Resources ◽  
Resource Hypothesis ◽  
A Site

The food resource hypothesis of breeding habitat selection in beach-nesting birds suggests that birds breed at sites with more prey to meet the increased energetic requirements associated with breeding. We compare prey resources using pitfall traps and core samples at breeding sites and absence sites of the eastern population of hooded plover, Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis, which, in this part of its range, is a threatened obligate beach bird. Breeding sites had higher abundances, equivalent species richness, and different assemblages of invertebrate prey compared with absence sites. Assemblages at breeding sites were characterised by more isopods, and fewer beetles of the family Phycosecidae. Breeding habitat selection by plovers appears to be associated with selection for sites with more food, and any process that degrades food resources at a site (e.g. kelp harvesting or marine pollution events) may reduce the likelihood of occupancy of that site by breeding birds.

Breeding-site selection by red-belly toads, Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Anura: Bufonidae), in Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Leynaud ◽  
Julián Lescano ◽  
Laura Pereyra
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Water Body ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Ephemeral Ponds ◽  
Spawning Sites ◽  
Habitat Variables

AbstractDifferences among wetlands can have important consequences on reproductive success of amphibians; therefore habitat selection is expected to be of particular importance for anurans inhabiting heterogeneous environments. To investigate if the red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus stelzneri; Anura: Bufonidae) uses available habitats differentially and to determine the main factors influencing the use of certain water bodies as breeding habitat, we surveyed 30 spawning sites used by red-belly toads, and 30 adjacent unused sites, in an area of the Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina. We evaluated the relative importance of morphological and biotic features of ponds, and the presence of other organisms within the water body on the use of ponds as breeding sites by red-belly toads. Eight habitat variables related to important water body features were recorded and were used to fit a habitat selection model with GLM. Red-belly toads presented a positive selection to mallines, a wetland characteristic of the Sierras of Córdoba. They were associated with small, shallow ephemeral ponds with muddy banks and a high percent of vegetation cover. In general, the ponds used did not host other anuran species or potential predators. Breeding site selection by red-belly toads is largely consistent with records for other species of the genus in other parts of Argentina.

Breeding habitat selection by the endangered Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia (Meliphagidae) at the local and landscape scale

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Oliver ◽  
G. W. Lollback
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Grazing Land ◽  
Landscape Models ◽  
Modelling Techniques ◽  
A Site ◽  
Patch Edge ◽  
Selection Of

This is the first Australian study to apply logistical modelling techniques to describe the breeding habitat selection of a widely dispersed, highly mobile, threatened bird species. Landscape and microhabitat structural attributes of breeding habitat occupied by the endangered Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia in the Bundarra-Barraba region of northern NSW were compared to those of unoccupied habitat using logistic regression modelling. Models containing landscape scale variables were best at explaining Regent Honeyeater presence. Regent Honeyeater occupation was negatively associated with the amount of woodland cover surrounding a site (1 km and 2 km radius) and distance to patch edge, and was positively associated with site connectivity and linear remnants. Linear, well-connected woodland patches surrounded by cleared grazing land are typical of the remnant native vegetation occupied by Regent Honeyeaters in the Bundarra-Barraba region. The landscape models developed here can be used to identify potential new sites for protection and rehabilitation, and to assess the suitability of unsurveyed or unoccupied sites for the release of captively bred Regent Honeyeaters, which is identified as one of the priority recovery action for the species.

scholarly journals Breeding habitat selection of urban peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in London

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Mak ◽  
Robert A Francis ◽  
Michael A Chadwick
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Tall Buildings ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Falco Peregrinus ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Peregrine Falcons ◽  
The City ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Understanding habitat selection by individual animals within their home range is crucial to facilitating their conservation. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations are increasingly urbanised, but little is known about their urban habitat use. In this study, we analysed the breeding habitat selection of peregrine falcons in London, United Kingdom, based on nest site locations identified through records of public sightings submitted to an online database between 2003 and 2018. We found peregrines displayed a preference for nesting in proximity to waterbodies, built-up areas and public parks and gardens, while wooded, agricultural and allotments areas were least preferred. We hypothesise that peregrines seek contrasting topography that proves advantageous for hunting in the vicinity of their nests, resulting in their selection of breeding sites within tall buildings that are adjacent to suitable foraging areas. From these findings, we conclude that (i) social drivers such as demand for green spaces and waterbodies near buildings shape peregrine nesting opportunities in the city and (ii) for urban planning to support conservation, we need further understanding of how each type of greenspace may be used differentially by raptors.

scholarly journals Social cues facilitate habitat selection: American redstarts establish breeding territories in response to song

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 337-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth A Hahn ◽  
Emily D Silverman
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Conspecific Attraction ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Settlement Cues ◽  
Migratory Songbirds ◽  
American Redstarts ◽  
Spring Arrival ◽  
Northern Temperate Forests

For migratory songbirds nesting in northern temperate forests, a short breeding season demands that males rapidly establish territories. Because critical insect and vegetation resources are unavailable during spring arrival, we suggest that conspecifics serve as settlement cues for males new to a local population. To test conspecific attraction, we conducted playback experiments with American redstarts Setophaga ruticilla . Experimental results demonstrate that song playbacks strongly attract conspecifics, recruiting an average of 4.2 additional males per plot; adult males new to our sites increased, while yearling males failed to respond. Yearlings arrived 6 to 10 days later than adults, raising the possibility that yearlings responded to songs of early arriving adults rather than to playbacks. Our work indicates that conspecific attraction is an important mechanism for breeding habitat selection in an established population of a migratory forest songbird, but the effect is moderated by age, reproductive experience and arrival timing.

Habitat selection of sympatric Siberian Grouse and Hazel Grouse in natural and exploited forests of the lower Amur region

Ornis Fennica ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 142-161
Author(s):  
Tobias Ludwig ◽  
Ralf Siano ◽  
Alexander V. Andreev
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Russian Far East ◽  
Far East ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Empirical Modelling ◽  
Hazel Grouse ◽  
Pioneer Trees ◽  
Selection Of

The Siberian Grouse (Falcipennis falcipennis), which is endemic to the “dark-needle” taiga of the Russian Far East, is one of the least studied grouse species in the world. We examined post-breeding habitat selection of Siberian Grouse and contrasted it with that of the better examined Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) in two areas near Komsomolsk na Amure, Russia. To infer species-specific preferences, we used field sampling, logistic regression, and AIC model selection, and compared late summer habitats of Siberian Grouse and Hazel Grouse in a mountain- and hilly area in the dark needle taiga. Our study is the first to explain Siberian Grouse habitat relationships with an empirical modelling approach. Results indicate proportions of coniferous/ pioneer trees forest and rejuvenation to be the most important covariates separating Siberian and Hazel Grouse observation sites in forests from both areas. Siberian Grouse tended to select sites with low proportions of pioneer trees and rejuvenation but availability of dwarf shrubs. Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) appeared to be of high importance for the presence of Siberian Grouse in both regions. Hazel Grouse were common in places dominated by pioneer trees with high canopy cover, and high proportions of grass/herb cover. Hazel Grouse also occurred more often in forest sites with dense vertical layering and rejuvenation. Modern forestry, which results in increasing amounts of forests at younger successional stages, is likely to favour the Hazel Grouse at the expense of the Siberian Grouse.

Who is in the neighborhood? Conspecific and heterospecific responses to perceived density for breeding habitat selection

Ethology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice K. Kelly ◽  
Scott J. Chiavacci ◽  
Thomas J. Benson ◽  
Michael P. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Breeding Habitat

scholarly journals Water-filled Asian elephant tracks serve as breeding sites for anurans in Myanmar

Mammalia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-289
Author(s):  
Steven G. Platt ◽  
David P. Bickford ◽  
Myo Min Win ◽  
Thomas R. Rainwater
Keyword(s):  
Loxodonta Africana ◽  
Ecosystem Engineering ◽  
Asian Elephant ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Elephas Maximus ◽  
Stepping Stones ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Loxodonta Cyclotis ◽  
And Function

Abstract Elephants are widely recognized as ecosystem engineers. To date, most research on ecosystem engineering by elephants has focused on Loxodonta africana and Loxodonta cyclotis, and the role of Elephas maximus is much less well-known. We here report observations of anuran eggs and larva in water-filled tracks (n=20) of E. maximus in Myanmar. Our observations suggest that water-filled tracks persist for >1 year and function as small lentic waterbodies that provide temporary, predator-free breeding habitat for anurans during the dry season when alternate sites are unavailable. Trackways could also function as “stepping stones” that connect anuran populations.

scholarly journals In-situ severe breeding habitat intervention only achieves temporary success in reducing Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Fernández-Loras ◽  
Luz Boyero ◽  
Jaime Bosch
Keyword(s):  
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Habitat Manipulation ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Breeding Habitats ◽  
The Common ◽  
Natural Breeding ◽  
Midwife Toad

Abstract Chytridiomycosis, an emerging infectious disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is causing sharp declines in amphibian populations around the globe. A substantial research effort has been made to study the disease, including treatments against Bd, but most treatments have been applied to captive amphibians only. We report a study aimed at clearing wild populations of the Common Midwife toad Alytes obstetricans. We removed all larvae from natural breeding sites (cattle troughs) and conducted two types of severe breeding habitat manipulation (complete drying and fencing for the whole breeding season). While larval removal followed by drying was a successful method of Bd elimination, the effect was only temporary. Since terrestrial habits of adult A. obstetricans prevent them from infection, our findings suggest that, even in simple breeding habitats where all aquatic amphibian stages can be handled and extreme habitat intervention is possible, Bd cannot be eliminated without controlling other potential Bd reservoirs in the surroundings of breeding sites.

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