No evidence of short-term effects of clear-cutting on artificial nest predation in boreal mixedwood forests

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1900-1910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E Cotterill ◽  
Susan J Hannon
Keyword(s):  
Populus Tremuloides ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Clear Cutting ◽  
Mixedwood Forests ◽  
Continuous Forest ◽  
Predator Abundance

We examined whether nest predation in unharvested blocks of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) would increase when adjacent stands were clearcut in the boreal mixedwood forest of Alberta, in 1993, 1994, and 1998. Artificial nests placed on the ground and in shrubs were baited with Chinese painted quail (Coturnix chinensis L.) and plasticine eggs, which along with cameras, were used to identify nest predators. Fragmented sites were isolated from continuous forest by clear-cutting in 1994, while control sites remained unfragmented. Overall, predation on ground and shrub nests did not increase in isolated forest patches post-harvest (p = 0.056 and p = 0.085, respectively), nor was there a consistent effect of distance from a clearcut edge (p >= 0.050). Predation on ground nests was higher in 1994 and 1998 compared with 1993 levels (p < 0.001), while predation on shrub nests remained relatively constant over the 3 years (p >= 0.073). Mice, voles, and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Erxleben) were the main identified predators of ground and shrub nests, respectively. Probability of nest predation could not be consistently predicted by nest site vegetation or adjacent land cover, but was related to predator abundance. However, neither predators nor songbirds congregate at recent clearcut-forest edges, and we conclude that elevated nest predation caused by clear-cutting may not occur in the boreal mixedwood, at least not at current levels of harvest and within 5 years of clear-cutting.

Predation on different-sized quail eggs in an artificial-nest study in western Newfoundland

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (7) ◽  
pp. 1170-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith P Lewis ◽  
William A Montevecchi
Keyword(s):  
Japanese Quail ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Buffer Strips ◽  
Artificial Nest ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Riparian Buffer Strips

In artificial-nest studies, Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) eggs have been used as surrogates for passerine eggs, although small mammals that prey on passerine eggs may be unable to consume Japanese Quail eggs. To determine the influence of egg size on nest predation in different landscapes on insular Newfoundland, we placed either a Japanese Quail egg or a smaller Chinese Painted Quail (Xexcalfactoris chinensis) egg in artificial ground nests along lakeshore forest edges and along riparian buffer strips. Clay eggs were used to identify nest predators. Levels of predation on nests with Japanese Quail and Chinese Painted Quail eggs were similar. Based on clay eggs, predation was attributed to red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and we found no evidence that smaller mammals preyed on artificial nests. We conclude that the Japanese Quail egg is acceptable for use in artificial-nest studies in Newfoundland, and we discuss the implications of egg size and small mammals in nest-predation experiments.

scholarly journals A Possible Role for Red Squirrels in Structuring Breeding Bird Communities in Lodgepole Pine Forests

The Condor ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 232-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M. Siepielski
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Pinus Contorta ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Bird Abundance ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Cavity Nesters

Abstract Nest predation is thought to play an important role in structuring certain breeding bird communities. One potential consequence of nest predation is lower recruitment in breeding birds, which may be manifested as lower breeding bird abundance. Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta ssp. latifolia) forests east and west of the Rocky Mountains became isolated following glacial retreat 12 000 years ago and differ in whether or not red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), which are a key nest predator, are present. Breeding bird abundance in lodgepole pine forests was compared between four ranges with red squirrels and four ranges without red squirrels. Species grouped into canopy and understory nesting guilds were, on average, two and three times more abundant, respectively, in forest ranges without red squirrels than in ranges with red squirrels; no statistically significant differences were found for midstory, ground, or cavity nesters. These results suggest that geographic variation in the presence or absence of red squirrels is likely important in structuring breeding bird communities in lodgepole pine forests across the landscape.

Nest predation and breeding activity of songbirds in riparian and nonriparian black spruce strips of central Quebec

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 922-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marylène Boulet ◽  
Marcel Darveau ◽  
Louis Bélanger
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Birds ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Pass System ◽  
Breeding Activity ◽  
Gray Jays ◽  
Riparian Strips

The black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) forests of Quebec are often harvested according to a single-pass system where clearcuts are separated by 20- to 60-m-wide forest strips. Little is known about the suitability of these strips as habitats for breeding birds. We selected five nonriparian strips, five riparian strips, and five forest control sites located in a forested area of central Quebec. During 1997–1998, we monitored the predation of artificial bird nests baited with a common quail (Coturnix coturnix L.) egg and a plasticine egg and the breeding activity of adult songbirds in strips and controls. Artificial nest predation was high in all sites (72%). The most common predators were specialists of mature coniferous forests: gray jays (Perisoreus canadensis L.) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus Erxleben). In forest-dwelling bird species, the number of breeding pairs was lower in strips than in controls. We conclude that the small number of forest-dwelling breeding birds observed in strips is not related to an increase in predation pressure following harvest of adjacent forests and that forest strips are not suitable breeding habitats for these species.

Edge effects on survival and behaviour of juvenile red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
pp. 1038-1046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M Anderson ◽  
Stan Boutin
Keyword(s):  
Predation Risk ◽  
Edge Effects ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Emergence Period ◽  
High Predation ◽  
Survival Differences

Much research has examined parasitism and predation rates on avian nests within the context of edge effects. Few studies, however, have considered the influence that behavioural compensation for high predation risk may have on subsequent survival rates and edge effects. We attempted to determine whether juvenile red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) experience edge effects by comparing the survival and behaviour of individuals born along a forest edge with those of individuals born in the forest interior. A combination of telemetry, direct observation, and livetrapping was used to determine the fate of juveniles born during the summers of 1987 through 1998 and the behaviour of juveniles born during the summers of 1997 and 1998 in Kluane, Yukon. There were no differences in survival between edge and interior juveniles from birth to emergence but there was a trend towards higher survival rates for edge juveniles from emergence to weaning. Behavioural differences between edge and interior juveniles were consistent with these survival differences: edge juveniles spent less time travelling and foraging and more time resting near the time of weaning than did interior juveniles. Edge and interior mothers differed little behaviourally during the early emergence period. The significant differences in juvenile behaviour which we found suggest that behaviour may indeed moderate differences in predation risk between edge and interior habitats and thus should be considered in other studies that examine the influence of edges on survival or nest predation.

scholarly journals Potential of Small Culverts as Wildlife Passages on Forest Roads

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7224
Author(s):  
Hsiang-Ling Chen ◽  
Erin E. Posthumus ◽  
John L. Koprowski
Keyword(s):  
Animal Movement ◽  
Small Dimension ◽  
Lynx Rufus ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Forest Roads ◽  
Alternative Pathways ◽  
Slow Moving ◽  
Trail Cameras ◽  
Spermophilus Variegatus

Roads and traffic can cause animal mortality. Specifically, roads serve as barriers by impeding animal movement, resulting in demographic and genetic consequences. Drainage structures, such as culverts, can provide linkages between habitat patches. However, the potential of small culverts with diameters of <60 cm (e.g., wildlife passages that facilitate movement on forest roads) are relatively unknown. In this study, we used trail cameras to monitor the use of 14 small culverts, by mammals, along forest roads on Mt. Graham, home of the critically endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis), in southeastern Arizona, USA. From 2011 to 2013, we only recorded 20 completed road crossings through culverts. More than half of culvert uses were by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), followed by the rock squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus) and the bobcat (Lynx rufus). The Mt. Graham red squirrel was the only species that was common along the roads, but never crossed the roads. Culverts with higher usages were characterized by shorter culvert lengths and absence of accumulated soil inside the culverts. Our study shows that small-dimension drainage systems may provide alternative pathways for wildlife crossing roads, especially for slow moving and ground dwelling species. However, the potential of small culverts assisting wildlife crossings can only be maximized when culverts are accessible year-round.

Landscape features associated to wind farms increase mammalian predator abundance and ground-nest predation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Gómez-Catasús ◽  
Adrián Barrero ◽  
Margarita Reverter ◽  
Daniel Bustillo-de la Rosa ◽  
Cristian Pérez-Granados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nest Predation ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Landscape Features ◽  
Mammalian Predator ◽  
Predator Abundance

scholarly journals Do Repugnant Scents Increase Survival of Ground Nests? A Test with Artificial and Natural Duck Nests

2007 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Vanessa B. Harriman ◽  
Justin A. Pitt ◽  
Serge Larivière
Keyword(s):  
Human Hair ◽  
Nest Predation ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Olfactory Cues ◽  
Artificial Nests ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
High Predation ◽  
Ground Nesting ◽  
Predation Rates

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.

Jack pine cone quality and cache sizes of red squirrels in southern New Brunswick, Canada

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 332-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Setterington ◽  
Daniel M. Keppie
Keyword(s):  
New Brunswick ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Seed Mass ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Total Seed ◽  
Number Of Seeds

Relationships between external cone characteristics (length, width, wet and dry mass), cone quality (total seed mass as a proportion of cone mass, total number of seeds per cone, total seed mass per cone), and number of cones in caches were evaluated for caches of jack pine (Pinus banksiana) cones belonging to red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) in two plantations in southern New Brunswick. Cone length and mass were good predictors of the total number of seeds per cone and total seed mass per cone. Length accounted for a small proportion of the variance of total seed mass as a proportion of cone mass. There was no relationship between the number of seeds or total seed mass per cone and the number of cones per cache.

SEASONAL DAMAGE BY INSECTS AND SQUIRRELS TO FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE STRUCTURES OF BLACK SPRUCE, PICEA MARIANA (MILL.) B.S.P.

1988 ◽  
Vol 120 (12) ◽  
pp. 1113-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.H. Prévost ◽  
J.E. Laing ◽  
V.F. Haavisto
Keyword(s):  
Picea Mariana ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Choristoneura Fumiferana ◽  
Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus ◽  
Red Squirrel ◽  
Red Squirrels ◽  
Reproductive Structures ◽  
Cone Axis ◽  
Viable Seeds ◽  
Cone Growth

AbstractThe seasonal damage to female reproductive structures (buds, flowers, and cones) of black spruce, Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P., was assessed during 1983 and 1984. Nineteen insects (five Orders) and the red squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Erxleben), were found feeding on these reproductive structures. Collectively, these organisms damaged 88.9 and 53.5% of the cones in 1983 and 1984, respectively. In the 2 years, Lepidoptera damaged 61.8% of the cones in 1983 and 44.4% of the cones in 1984. The spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.), and the spruce coneworm, Dioryctria reniculelloides Mut. and Mun., were the most important pests. Cones damaged by Lepidoptera could be classed into three categories: (a) severe, yielding no seeds; (b) moderate, yielding 22.3 seeds per cone; and (c) light, yielding 37.5 seeds per cone. Undamaged cones yielded on average 39.9 seeds per cone. Red squirrels removed 18.8% of the cones in 1983 and none in 1984. The spruce cone axis midge, Dasineura rachiphaga Tripp, and the spruce cone maggot, Lasiomma anthracinum (Czerny), caused minor damage in both years. Feeding by spruce cone axis midge did not reduce cone growth significantly or the number of viable seeds per cone, but feeding by the spruce cone maggot did. During both years new damage by insects to the female reproductive structures of the experimental trees was not observed after mid-July. In 1983 damage by red squirrels occurred from early to late September. In 1984 damage to cones on trees treated with dimethoate was 15.6% compared with 53.5% for untreated trees, without an increase in the number of aborted cones.

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