The influence of landscape features on nest predation rates of grassland-breeding waders

Ground-nesting birds typically experience high predation rates on their nests, often by mammalian predators. As such, researchers and wildlife managers have employed numerous techniques to mitigate nest predation. We investigated the use of scents as repellents to deter predators from both artificial and natural ground nests. Survival rates of artificial nests did not differ among six groups of substances (Wald ?2 df = 5 = 4.53, P < 0.48); however the chronology of predation among groups differed. A commercial Coyote urine based deterrent (DEER-D-TERTM), human hair, and Worcestershire sauce were depredated faster than the control (F4,5 = 40.3, P < 0.001). Nest survival of natural nests differed among those groups tested (Wald ?2 df = 2 = 11.8, P < 0.005); the eight mothball treatment decreased survival (Wald ?2 df = 1 = 11.5, P < 0.005), which indicated that novel smells may attract predators or result in duck nest abandonment when coupled with natural duck scent. Chronologies of predation events among treatment groups were not different for natural nests (F2,3 = 1.9, P = 0.22). These findings indicate an interaction between novel scents and predator olfactory cues.

Download Full-text

Do weather, convection, isolated surface features, or shelterbelts influence nest predation rates of olfactory predators?

Predator-Prey Dynamics ◽

10.1201/9781420009125-16 ◽

2007 ◽

pp. 187-196

Keyword(s):

Nest Predation ◽

Surface Features ◽

Predation Rates

Download Full-text

No evidence for disruption of global patterns of nest predation in shorebirds

10.1101/601047 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Martin Bulla ◽

Jeroen Reneerkens ◽

Emily L. Weiser ◽

Aleksandr Sokolov ◽

Audrey R. Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Nest Predation ◽

The Arctic ◽

Statistical Support ◽

Methodological Problems ◽

Global Patterns ◽

The 1950S ◽

Predation Rates

AbstractKubelka et al. (Science, 9 November 2018, p. 680-683) claim that climate change has disrupted patterns of nest predation in shorebirds. They report that predation rates have increased since the 1950s, especially in the Arctic. We describe methodological problems with their analyses and argue that there is no solid statistical support for their claims.

Download Full-text

Nest-predator prevalence along a mountain birch - alpine tundra ecotone

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr11031 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

pp. 525

Author(s):

Åshild Ø. Pedersen ◽

Lasse Asmyhr ◽

Hans Christian Pedersen ◽

Nina E. Eide

Keyword(s):

Nest Predation ◽

Alpine Tundra ◽

Mountain Birch ◽

Pine Marten ◽

Willow Ptarmigan ◽

Generalist Species ◽

Management Actions ◽

Nest Predator ◽

Predation Rates ◽

Birch Forests

Context Nest predation is a major factor influencing life history and population dynamics of ground-nesting birds. The transitions between the northern boreal mountain birch forests and the low-alpine tundra are important habitats for the willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (Linnaeus, 1758). During the past decades, these landscapes have been extensively developed with cabin resorts in southern Norway, which has led to an increased number of roads and foot paths in relatively undisturbed habitats. Aims The aim of the present study was to investigate relative nest-predation rates in elevation gradients (ecotones) spanning from northern boreal mountain birch forests to low-alpine tundra in three locations with contrasting willow ptarmigan densities. Methods We conducted an artificial nest study by using baited track boards (n = 108). Track boards were placed along transects (200 m) in the following three habitat types: birch forest, edge habitat and low-alpine tundra. Predator prevalence was analysed in relation to study-design variables (location, habitat, study period) and the load of human infrastructure (i.e. distance to foot paths and roads), using generalised linear mixed-effect models assuming binomial distribution for the response variable. Key results Prevalence of avian predators was consistently high (range 38.2–85.3%), in contrast to much lower prevalence of mammalian predators (range 2.8–22.9%). Raven (Corvus corax) was the dominant nest predator, followed by hooded crow (C. cornix) and pine marten (Martes martes). Location, as contrasted by differences in willow ptarmigan density, was not significantly related to total relative predation rates. Species-specific predator prevalence was habitat specific and related to human infrastructure, but with opposite relative predation patterns between pine marten and raven. Hooded crow predation was similar across the ecotone and not related to human infrastructure. Conclusions Predator prevalence was habitat specific and affected by human infrastructure (distance to human foot paths). Our study confirmed that human activity might alter the predation rates by generalist species in these low-alpine environments. Implications We recommend that attractive willow ptarmigan habitat should be avoided when planning human infrastructure in alpine ecosystems. To reduce predation pressure in this ecosystem, it appears that generalist predators should be considered for management actions. Further research is needed to explain the underlying mechanism driving expansion of generalist species into alpine habitats. Such knowledge is also important in developing alternative management actions with focus other than predator control.

Download Full-text

Artificial nest predation rates vary among habitats in the Australian monsoon tropics

Ecological Research ◽

10.1007/s11284-007-0403-y ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 519-527 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Richard A. Noske ◽

Sarah Fischer ◽

Barry W. Brook

Keyword(s):

Nest Predation ◽

Artificial Nest ◽

Australian Monsoon ◽

Predation Rates

Download Full-text

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

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr01022 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 341 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

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.

Download Full-text

Importance of individual species of predators on nesting success of ducks in the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region

Canadian Journal of Zoology ◽

10.1139/z89-043 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 67 (2) ◽

pp. 291-297 ◽

Cited By ~ 69

Author(s):

Douglas H. Johnson ◽

Alan B. Sargeant ◽

Raymond J. Greenwood

Keyword(s):

Nest Predation ◽

Prairie Pothole Region ◽

Individual Species ◽

Prairie Pothole ◽

Canadian Prairie ◽

Vegetation Growth ◽

Striped Skunk ◽

Franklin's Ground Squirrel ◽

Predation Rates ◽

Activity Indices

We followed 3094 upland nests of several species of ducks. Clutches in most nests were lost to predation. We related daily nest predation rates to indices of activity of eight egg-eating predators, precipitation during the nesting season, and measures of wetland conditions. Activity indices of red fox (Vulpes vulpes), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and raccoon (Procyon lotor) activity were positively correlated, as were activity indices of coyote (Canis latrans), Franklin's ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii), and black-billed magpie (Pica pica). Indices of fox and coyote activity were strongly negatively correlated (r = −0.51), as were those of badger (Taxidea taxus) and skunk (r = −0.46). Nest predation rates in the early part of the breeding season were positively related to indices of fox, American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), and badger activity. Predation rates in the latter part of the season were positively related to indices of fox and skunk activity. Predation rates on early-season nests were lower in areas and years in which larger fractions of seasonal wetlands contained water. For late-season nests, a similar relationship held involving semipermanent wetlands. We suspect that the wetland measures, which reflect precipitation during some previous period, also indicate vegetation growth and the abundance of buffer prey, factors that may influence nest predation rates.

Download Full-text

Rural and suburban forest edges: effect on egg predators and nest predation rates

Landscape and Urban Planning ◽

10.1016/s0169-2046(97)00016-9 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 38 (1-2) ◽

pp. 25-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

William R. Danielson ◽

Richard M. DeGraaf ◽

Todd K. Fuller

Keyword(s):

Nest Predation ◽

Forest Edges ◽

Predation Rates

Download Full-text

Predation on Real and Artificial Nests in Shrubsteppe Landscapes Fragmented by Agriculture

The Condor ◽

10.1093/condor/104.3.496 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 104 (3) ◽

pp. 496-506 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

W. Matthew Vander Haegen ◽

Michael A. Schroeder ◽

Richard M. DeGraaf

Keyword(s):

Nest Predation ◽

Survival Rates ◽

Predation Rate ◽

Future Research ◽

Fragmented Landscape ◽

Corvus Corax ◽

Artificial Nests ◽

Fragmented Landscapes ◽

Eastern Washington ◽

Predation Rates

Abstract Clearing of shrubsteppe communities for agriculture has created a highly fragmented landscape in eastern Washington, a condition that has been shown to adversely affect nesting success of birds in some forest and grassland communities. We used artificial nests monitored by cameras to examine relative effects of fragmentation, distance to edge, and vegetation cover on nest predation rates and to identify predators of shrubsteppe-nesting passerines and grouse. Predation rate for artificial nests was 26% (n = 118). Fragmentation had a strong influence on predation rates for artificial nests, with nests in fragmented landscapes about 9 times more likely to be depredated as those in continuous landscapes. Daily survival rate (± SE) for 207 real nests of 4 passerine species also was greater in continuous (0.978 ± 0.004) than in fragmented (0.962 ± 0.006) landscapes, although pattern of predation between real and artificial nests was not consistent among sites. Artificial nests were depredated by Common Ravens (Corvus corax), Black-billed Magpies (Pica hudsonia), Sage Thrashers (Oreoscoptes montanus), least chipmunks (Tamias minimus), and mice. Most nests in fragments were depredated by corvids (58%), whereas only Sage Thrashers and small mammals depredated nests in continuous landscapes. Increased predation by corvids and lower nest success in fragmented landscapes may have played a part in recent declines of some shrubsteppe birds. Future research should measure annual reproductive success of individual females and survival rates of juveniles and adults. Depredación de Nidos Naturales y Artificiales en Paisajes de Estepa Arbustiva Fragmentados por Agricultura Resumen. El reemplazo de estepa arbustiva por campos de cultivo ha creado un paisaje altamente fragmentado en el este de Washington, afectando adversamente el éxito de nidificación de aves en algunas comunidades de bosque y pastizal. Usamos nidos artificiales monitoreados por cámaras para examinar los efectos relativos de la fragmentación, la distancia al borde y la cobertura de la vegetación sobre las tasas de depredación de nidos, y para identificar los depredadores de paserinos y gallinas silvestres (Phasianidae) que nidifican en la estepa arbustiva. La tasa de depredación de los nidos artificiales fue del 26% (n = 118). La fragmentación tuvo una fuerte influencia en las tasas de depredación de nidos artificiales, ya que los nidos en paisajes fragmentados tuvieron una probabilidad de ser depredados 9 veces mayor que aquellos en paisajes continuos. La tasa de supervivencia diaria (± EE) de 207 nidos naturales pertenecientes a 4 especies de paserinos también fue mayor en paisajes continuos (0.978 ± 0.004) que fragmentados (0.962 ± 0.006), aunque el patrón de depredación entre nidos naturales y artificiales no fue consistente entre sitios. Los nidos artificiales fueron depredados por Corvus corax, Pica hudsonia, Oreoscoptes montanus, Tamias minimus y ratones. La mayoría de los nidos en fragmentos fueron depredados por C. corax (58%), mientras que sólo O. montanus y pequeños mamíferos depredaron nidos en paisajes continuos. Un incremento en la depredación por parte de C. corax y un menor éxito de los nidos en paisajes fragmentados puede haber jugado un rol en la disminución de algunas aves de la estepa arbustiva. Futuras investigaciones deberían medir el éxito reproductivo anual de hembras individuales y las tasas de supervivencia de juveniles y adultos.

Download Full-text