A critique of the use of nest boxes for the conservation of Leadbeater's possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 619 ◽  
Author(s):  
DB Lindenmayer ◽  
MT Tanton ◽  
RB Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Habitat Requirements ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Leadbeater's Possum

The provision of nest boxes has been proposed as a conservation strategy to overcome the predicted shortage of nest sites for the arboreal marsupial Leadbeater's possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri. Here estimates of the longevity of nest boxes are coupled with data on the habitat requirements of G. leadbeateri. This approach is used to predict the number of boxes required in a nest box programme for the conservation of the species. The practicality of implementing a nest box programme based on these predictions is discussed.

A role for nest boxes in the conservation of Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan K. P. Harley
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Structure ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Swamp Forest ◽  
Considerable Potential ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Substantial Decline ◽  
Leadbeater's Possum

A combination of fires and logging mean that more than 80% of the montane ash forests inhabited by Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in the Victorian Central Highlands consist of ecologically young stands possessing few trees with hollows. As a consequence, there have been predictions of a substantial decline in Leadbeater’s possum populations over the next 40 years. If this is to be averted, or reduced in extent, then an immediate means of increasing den site availability for the species is required. The results of a recent investigation into nest-box use by the species in lowland swamp forest demonstrate that high rates of occupancy can be achieved by targeting established colonies at sites where the vegetation structure is suitable for box installation. This suggests that nest boxes can be an effective means of increasing den-site availability for the possum, and therefore have considerable potential to contribute to the species’ conservation in the short term. Such measures should be applied in conjunction with altered forestry practises that better provide for the retention and future provision of mature hollow-bearing trees.

scholarly journals The Use Of Nest-Boxes By Two Species Of Sparrows (Passer Domesticus And P. Montanus) With Opposite Trends Of Abundance – The Study In Warsaw

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Węgrzynowicz
Keyword(s):  
House Sparrow ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Specific Rate ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Urbanization Gradient ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Housing Estates

Abstract The occupation of nest-boxes by House- and Tree Sparrow in Warsaw was investigated in 2005-2009 and in 2012. Riparian forests, younger and older parks in downtown, and housing estates were included in the study as 4 types of habitats corresponding to the urbanization gradient of Warsaw. 1035 inspections of nest-boxes suitable for both species (type A) were carried out during the breeding period and 345 nest-boxes of other types were inspected after the breeding period. In order to determine the importance of nest-boxes for both species on different plots, obtained data were analyzed using Nest-box Importance Coefficient (NIC). This coefficient describes species-specific rate of occupation of nest-boxes as well as the contribution of the pairs nesting in them. Tree Sparrow occupied a total of 33% of A-type nest-boxes, its densities were positively correlated with the number of nest-boxes, and seasonal differences in occupation rate were low for this species. The NIC and the rate of nest-box occupation for Tree Sparrow decreased along an urbanization gradient. House Sparrow used nest-boxes very rarely, only in older parks and some housing estates. Total rate of nest-box occupation for House Sparrow in studied plots was 4%, and NIC was relatively low. However, locally, installation of nest-boxes limited House Sparrow decline caused by reduced availability of its typical nest sites. Both species used only A-type nest boxes. The rate of nest-box occupation by House Sparrow decreased sharply since 1980s, and opposite trend was observed for Tree Sparrow. These alterations are consistent with the general changes in both species populations in Warsaw in recent decades: decrease in House Sparrow and increase in Tree Sparrow number. The presented results suggest that loss of nest sites may not be the main reason of decrease in House Sparrow population in Warsaw. Additionally, House Sparrow decline leads to increase in nest sites (including nest-boxes) available for Tree Sparrow, what may contribute to the expansion of the latter species.

The use of nest boxes by arboreal marsupials in the forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 259 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. B. Lindenmayer ◽  
C. I. MacGregor ◽  
R. B. Cunningham ◽  
R. D. Incoll ◽  
M. Crane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Arboreal Marsupials ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Mountain Ash ◽  
The Common ◽  
Central Highlands ◽  
Leadbeater's Possum ◽  
Ringtail Possum

The results are reported of a nest-box study conducted in two locations in the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria (south-eastern Australia) to compare usage of different nest-box designs located at different heights in trees. A total of 96 nest boxes was established using a rigorous experimental design – two regions (Powelltown and Toolangi State Forests), two forest age classes (20-year post-logging regrowth and 60-year fire- and salvage-logging regrowth), two nest-box designs (large boxes with large entrance holes and small boxes with small entrance holes), and two heights at which nest boxes were attached to trees (3 m and 8 m above the ground). The study entailed setting out four nest boxes at each of 24 sites to meet the design criteria. Evidence of occupancy by vertebrates was recorded in a total of 19 of 96 boxes on 11 of 24 sites site during regular inspections over more than three years. Thirteen boxes were used by Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), six by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus cunninghami) and seven by the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). The common ringtail possum and mountain brushtail possum were seen only in high–large boxes but Leadbeater's possum used all but the low–large boxes. There was evidence of spatial dependence in usage patterns, with all four boxes at a given site showing signs of eventually being occupied. Only two nest boxes located in mountain ash forest regenerating after the 1939 wildfires were occupied. Relatively limited use of nest boxes supports concerns about the use of a nest box over large scales and long timeframes as an effective recovery tool for species threatened by the loss and subsequent shortage in the numbers of naturally occurring hollows.

Comment — Economics of a nest-box program for the conservation of an endangered species: a re-appraisal

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 2244-2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
D B Lindenmayer ◽  
C MacGregor ◽  
P Gibbons
Keyword(s):  
Eucalyptus Regnans ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Forestry Practices ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Mountain Ash ◽  
Tree Retention ◽  
Ecologically Sustainable ◽  
Leadbeater's Possum

Spring et al. (D.A. Spring, M. Bevers, J.O.S. Kennedy, and D. Harley. 2001. Can. J. For. Res. 31: 1992–2003) recently published a paper on the economics of a nest-box program for the endangered arboreal marsupial, Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in southeastern Australian forests. While their paper is a useful one, there are some important limitations of nest-box programs that need to be highlighted. In the case of Leadbeater's possum, we have undertaken extensive nest-box studies in Victoria mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.) forests, where the vast majority of populations of the species now occur. Although large numbers of nest boxes have been deployed, very few have actually been occupied, which is a major problem since the effectiveness of any nest-box program will depend on patterns of use by the target species. Given very low levels of nest-box occupancy, harvesting regimes such as those that lead to on-site tree retention are needed to better conserve hollow-dependent species like Leadbeater's possum. Moreover, the need for nest boxes in the first place indicates that logging practices are presently not ecologically sustainable, and modified forestry practices need to be adopted.

Nestling Of House Sparrow Passer Domesticus In Nest Boxes In Zielona Góra Preliminary Report

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-26
Author(s):  
Damian Markulak
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Report ◽  
House Sparrow ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Nesting Sites

Abstract The population of House Sparrows in most of European cities declined in the end of the XX century (De Laet & Summers-Smith 2007). One of the presumable reasons of this decline is loss of nest sites. The House sparrow is a secondary hole-nester (Anderson 2006) and places its nest in holes of buildings, shrubs and nest boxes. The rate of nest box occupation depends on the location and competition with other species (Anderson T.R. 2006). The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of nest box occupation by House sparrows in Zielona Góra, Western Poland, which can provide information about the availability of nesting sites.

An economic assessment of a nest-box strategy for the conservation of an endangered species

1994 ◽  
Vol 24 (10) ◽  
pp. 2012-2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W. McKenney ◽  
David B. Lindenmayer
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Economic Assessment ◽  
Timber Harvesting ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Resource Managers ◽  
Production Value ◽  
Leadbeater's Possum

There is increasing concern over the extinction of plants and animals resulting from modern land-use activities. Many jurisdictions have enacted legislation that limits these activities and directs resource managers to take mitigative steps. In this paper we demonstrate how standard economic analysis can be used to assess the costs of alternative conservation management strategies. The costs of a nest box program for the conservation of an endangered Australian arboreal marsupial, Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideusleadbeateri McCoy), are compared with the timber production value of the forests they inhabit. Nest boxes have been suggested as a mechanism to maintain the species and still allow timber harvesting to occur. In most scenarios nest boxes cost more than logging bans even under a variety of discount rates. Thus, given an exogenous policy decision to conserve Leadbeater's possum, the most efficient management strategy in this case is to not harvest the old-growth forests that are likely to support the species.

scholarly journals Nest-boxes for Common Swifts Apus apus as compensatory measures in the context of building renovation: efficacy and predictors of occupancy

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
TONIO SCHAUB ◽  
PETER J. MEFFERT ◽  
GERALD KERTH
Keyword(s):  
Boosted Regression Trees ◽  
Occupation Probability ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
City District ◽  
Absolute Height

SummaryCurrently, renovation and thermal insulation of buildings is happening at a high rate in many European countries, driven in part by the political aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, building renovations often lead to a loss of structures, such as accessible cavities, on which synanthropic species, for example house-nesting birds, depend. In Germany, due to legislative regulations, it is a common practice to install nest-boxes as compensation for destroyed nest sites of birds. However, studies on the efficacy of such measures remain sparse. We monitored the occupancy of 477 compensatory nest-boxes for Common Swifts Apus apus, predominantly placed on renovated prefabricated buildings in a city in Germany. We found 24.3% of the boxes occupied by Swifts. On most buildings, the number of occupied boxes was as high as or even higher than the assumed number of breeding sites prior to renovation. Furthermore, in a district where nearly all buildings had been renovated in the past 10 years, we recorded a remarkably high density of Swifts breeding in nest-boxes. Using boosted regression trees, we analysed whether eight different nest-box properties influenced box occupation probability. The number of neighbouring boxes was the most important. Additionally, box age, facade orientation, city district, relative and absolute height, and manner of installation (external/internal) also played a role. Between different nest-box types, we found only negligible differences in occupation probability. Our findings suggest that installing nest-boxes is likely to be an appropriate measure to compensate for nesting sites of Swifts lost during building renovations. Based on our results, we recommend mounting the boxes a few metres apart from each other and close to the roof edge to maximise success. Further studies should be carried out to assess whether our results and conclusions can be confirmed in other situations.

scholarly journals Nest-attenders in the Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) During Nestling Rearing: A Possible Case of Prospective Resource Exploration

The Auk ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 118 (4) ◽  
pp. 1069-1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Ottosson ◽  
Johan Bäckman ◽  
Henrik G. Smith ◽  
J. L. Dickinson
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Incubation Period ◽  
Ficedula Hypoleuca ◽  
Breeding Biology ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Resource Exploration ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Reading System

Abstract Visits to nest holes by birds other than their owners is a familiar phenomenon for students of breeding biology. In this study, we evaluate that behavior using a transponder reading system. Eighty-five males and females were fitted with transponders at the end of the incubation period or just after hatching. Nest boxes were fitted with transponder readers from just after hatching until all nestlings fledged. That system revealed 123 visits by birds to nest boxes other than their own, a visit being defined as at least one visit to a separate nest box on a separate day. Males were more often detected at other nests than females (53% of males vs. 29% of females visited) and males on average made more visits than females did (4.8 vs. 2.5 visits). However, both males and females devoted time to visiting other nests while still feeding nestlings. That behavior is more common than previously suspected and is consistent with birds prospecting for future nest sites or investigating patch reproductive success.

The use of nest boxes in urban natural vegetation remnants by vertebrate fauna

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Harper ◽  
Michael A. McCarthy ◽  
Rodney van der Ree
Keyword(s):  
Brushtail Possum ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Common Myna ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Pseudocheirus Peregrinus ◽  
Acridotheres Tristis ◽  
The Common

Nest boxes are routinely installed as a substitute for natural tree hollows to provide den and nest sites for a range of hollow-utilising fauna. We installed 120 nest boxes in 20 patches of indigenous vegetation (remnants) across the urban/suburban landscape of Melbourne, south-eastern Australia, and investigated their use by indigenous and exotic vertebrate species over a period of 12 months. Nest-box use was dominated by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), an aggressive introduced bird. We found that brushtail and ringtail possums utilised nest boxes all year round but more frequently in cooler months (May–August). Common mynas dominated nest-box use during spring/summer, potentially reducing the availability of this resource to indigenous species. We found evidence that the probability of a nest box being occupied by either species of possum was greater in remnants with abundant possum populations. Brushtail possums preferred thick-walled pine nest boxes over thin-walled plywood nest boxes, most likely owing to differences in their thermal insulation properties. Although considerable economic costs would be involved in using nest boxes as a long-term substitute for hollow-bearing trees, nest boxes may provide a temporary hollow resource until hollow-bearing trees are recruited in urban remnants.

scholarly journals Keeping Africanized Honey Bees Out of Wildlife Nest Boxes

EDIS ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Kern, Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bee ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Africanized Honey Bees ◽  
Nest Box ◽  
Africanized Honey Bee ◽  
Fact Sheet ◽  
Nest Boxes

ENY-838, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by William H. Kern, Jr., provides useful information for keeping pests out of bird and mammal nest boxes, especially the Africanized honey bee, which has become established in Florida, and sets up colonies in smaller and lower locations which may displace wildlife that uses these locations as dens. Includes recommendations, what to do if bees have invaded your nest box, and references. Published by the UF Department of Entomology and Nematology, January 2007. ENY-838/IN682: Keeping Africanized Honey Bees Out of Wildlife Nest Boxes (ufl.edu)

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