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Harmáčková L, Remeš V. The Evolution of Local Co-occurrence in Birds in Relation to Latitude, Degree of Sympatry, and Range Symmetry. Am Nat 2024; 203:432-443. [PMID: 38358810 DOI: 10.1086/728687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
AbstractRecent speciation rates and the degree of range-wide sympatry are usually higher farther from the equator. Is there also a higher degree of secondary syntopy (coexistence in local assemblages in sympatry) at higher latitudes and, subsequently, an increase in local species richness? We studied the evolution of syntopy in passerine birds using worldwide species distribution data. We chose recently diverged species pairs from subclades not older than 5 or 7 million years, range-wide degree of sympatry not lower than 5% or 25%, and three definitions of the breeding season. We related their syntopy to latitude, the degree of sympatry (breeding range overlap), range symmetry, and the age of split. Syntopy was positively related to latitude, but it did not differ between tropical and temperate regions, instead increasing from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere. Syntopy was also higher in species pairs with a higher degree of sympatry and more symmetric ranges, but it did not predict local species richness. Following speciation, species in the Northern Hemisphere presumably achieve positive local co-occurrence faster than elsewhere, which could facilitate their higher speciation rates. However, this does not seem to be linked to local species richness, which is probably governed by other processes.
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2
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Kim M, Chung OS, Lee JK. The relationship between nest location selection of Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and human activity and residence. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23008. [PMID: 38155232 PMCID: PMC10754929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50149-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We found that barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) breeding occurs within close proximity to humans. An evaluation of barn swallow breeding frequency and the breeding success rate of swallows at research sites, which were buildings inhabited by humans and buildings where humans had previously resided, was conducted in order to establish a relationship between the location of barn swallow nests and human habitation and activity frequency. The results demonstrated that barn swallows often breed in human-inhabited buildings. No significant relationship was observed between the wall material and the direction of the wall and the type of building, whereas a much higher proportion of the nests were located near doors with a high level of human movement. In addition, no significant correlation was observed between the location of the nest and the distance from potential resources (food, water etc.), however, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the frequency of human activity measured through the video camera and the number of nests located at a certain distance. The average number of offspring and the reproductive success rate were higher in nests located within close proximity to human activity compared to nests not located within close proximity to human activity, suggesting that the presence of humans had a positive effect on reproduction. This study show that barn swallow nesting occurs in locations where there is a human influence and humans provide implicit protection of swallows from predation, which has a significant impact on breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyoung Kim
- Division of Life Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea
| | - Ok-Sik Chung
- Space and Environment Laboratory, Chungnam Institute, 73-26 Institute Road, Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, 32589, South Korea
| | - Jong Koo Lee
- Division of Life Science, Incheon National University, 119 Academy-Ro, Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon, 22012, South Korea.
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3
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Bicca-Marques JC. Little things, big consequences. Primates 2023; 64:463-468. [PMID: 37644239 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01089-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Júlio César Bicca-Marques
- Laboratório de Primatologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga 6681, Prédio 12D, Sala 401.02, Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil.
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4
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Hays SC, Cheek RG, Mouton JC, Sillett TS, Ghalambor CK. Lack of avian predators is associated with behavioural plasticity in nest construction and height in an island songbird. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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5
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Morozov NS. The Role of Predators in Shaping Urban Bird Populations. 4. The Urban Predation Paradox and Its Probable Causes. BIOL BULL+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359022090242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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6
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Hung CM, Tsao SH, Chiang PL, Wu SP, Tuanmu MN, Juang JY. Functional connections between bird eggshell stiffness and nest characteristics through risk of egg collision in nests. Ecol Lett 2022; 25:1421-1431. [PMID: 35291055 PMCID: PMC9315002 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Eggs and nests are two critical traits for the ecological success of birds. Their functional interactions, however, remain unclear. Here, we examined the functional connections between egg stiffness and nest attachment, site and structure for 1350 avian species. We revealed high eggshell stiffness for eggs in nests with a pensile attachment, located on non-tree vegetation or having a domed shape, suggesting that birds produce stiffer eggs in response to higher egg-collision risk in unstable or enclosed nests. Interdependence models suggested that the evolution of eggshell stiffness was more likely to be driven by than drive that of nest characters. Our results implied a trade-off between investment in competing for established nesting niches and producing stiff eggs to explore novel niches with high collision risk, possibly mediated by predation or thermoregulation. This study highlights an overlooked connection between nests and eggshells that may have broadened the ecological niches of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ming Hung
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Han Tsao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lin Chiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Ping Wu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Ning Tuanmu
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Thematic Center for Systematics and Biodiversity Informatics, Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yang Juang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Program in Nanoengineering and Nanoscience, Graduate School of Advanced Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Alruiz JM, Peralta-Maraver I, Bozinovic F, Santos M, Rezende EL. Thermal tolerance in Drosophila: repercussions for distribution, community coexistence and responses to climate change. J Anim Ecol 2021; 91:655-667. [PMID: 34951017 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Here we combined controlled experiments and field surveys to determine if estimates of heat tolerance predict distributional ranges and phenology of different Drosophila species in southern South America. We contrasted thermal death time curves, which consider both magnitude and duration of the challenge to estimate heat tolerance, against the thermal range where populations are viable based on field surveys in an 8-yr longitudinal study. We observed a strong correspondence of the physiological limits, the thermal niche for population growth, and the geographic ranges across studied species, which suggests that the thermal biology of different species provides a common currency to understand how species will respond to warming temperatures both at a local level and throughout their distribution range. Our approach represents a novel analytical toolbox to anticipate how natural communities of ectothermic organisms will respond to global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Alruiz
- Departamento de Ecología, Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ignacio Peralta-Maraver
- Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Research Unit Modeling Nature (MNat), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Bozinovic
- Departamento de Ecología, Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauro Santos
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Grup de Genòmica, Bioinformàtica i Biología Evolutiva (GBBE), Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Enrico L Rezende
- Departamento de Ecología, Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Santiago, Chile
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8
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Interspecific nest destruction in the Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus: kleptoparasitism or competition? Acta Ethol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-021-00380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
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10
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Mariette MM. On nest-site copying, owner aggression, and mimicry: the adaptive significance of interspecific information use in a landscape of fear. Acta Ethol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10211-020-00357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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11
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Burke K, Wettlaufer J, Beresford D, Martin P. Habitat use of co-occurring burying beetles (genus Nicrophorus) in southeastern Ontario, Canada. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The coexistence of closely related species plays an important role in shaping local diversity. However, competition for shared resources can limit the ability of species to coexist. Many species avoid the costs of coexistence by diverging in habitat use, known as habitat partitioning. We examine patterns of habitat use in seven co-occurring species of burying beetles (genus Nicrophorus Fabricius, 1775), testing the hypothesis that Nicrophorus species partition resources by occupying distinct habitats. We surveyed Nicrophorus abundance and 54 habitat characteristics at 100 random sites spanning an environmentally diverse region of southeastern Ontario, Canada. We found that three species occupied distinct habitat types consistent with habitat partitioning. Specifically, Nicrophorus pustulatus Herschel, 1807, Nicrophorus hebes Kirby, 1837, and Nicrophorus marginatus Fabricius, 1801 appear to be specialists for forest canopy, wetlands, and open fields, respectively. In contrast, Nicrophorus orbicollis Say, 1825, Nicrophorus sayi Laporte, 1840, and Nicrophorus tomentosus Weber, 1801 appear to be generalists with wide breadths of habitat use. We were unable to identify the habitat associations of Nicrophorus defodiens Mannerheim, 1846. Our findings are consistent with habitat acting as an important resource axis along which some Nicrophorus species partition; however, divergence along other resource axes (e.g., temporal partitioning) also appears important for Nicrophorus coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- K.W. Burke
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - J.D. Wettlaufer
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - D.V. Beresford
- Department of Biology, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - P.R. Martin
- Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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12
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Incubating parents serve as visual cues to predators in Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236489. [PMID: 32726365 PMCID: PMC7390395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ground-nesting birds face many challenges to reproduce successfully, with nest predation being the main cause of reproductive failure. Visual predators such as corvids and egg-eating raptors, are among the most common causes of nest failure; thus, parental strategies that reduce the risk of visual nest predation should be favored by selection. To date, most research has focused on egg crypsis without considering adult crypsis, although in natural circumstances the eggs are covered by an incubating parent most of the time. Here we use a ground-nesting shorebird, the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) as model species to experimentally test whether decoy parents influence nest predation. Using artificial nests with a male decoy, a female decoy or no decoy, we found that the presence of a decoy increased nest predation (N = 107 nests, p < 0.001). However, no difference was found in predation rates between nests with a male versus female decoy (p > 0.05). Additionally, we found that nests in densely vegetated habitats experienced higher survival compared to nests placed in sparsely vegetated habitats. Nest camera images, predator tracks and marks left on eggs identified the brown-necked raven (Corvus ruficollis) as the main visual nest predator. Our study suggests that the presence of incubating parents may enhance nest detectability to visual predators. However, parents may reduce the predation risk by placing a nest in sites where they are covered by vegetation. Our findings highlight the importance of nest site selection not only regarding egg crypsis but also considering incubating adult camouflage.
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13
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Martinig AR, Riaz M, St Clair CC. Temporal clustering of prey in wildlife passages provides no evidence of a prey-trap. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11489. [PMID: 32661272 PMCID: PMC7359302 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67340-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wildlife passages are structures built across roads to facilitate wildlife movement and prevent wildlife collisions with vehicles. The efficacy of these structures could be reduced if they funnel prey into confined spaces at predictable locations that are exploited by predators. We tested the so-called prey-trap hypothesis using remote cameras in 17 wildlife passages in Quebec, Canada from 2012 to 2015 by measuring the temporal occurrence of nine small and medium-sized mammal taxa (< 30 kg) that we classified as predators and prey. We predicted that the occurrence of a prey-trap would be evidenced by greater frequencies and shorter latencies of sequences in which predators followed prey, relative to prey–prey sequences. Our results did not support the prey-trap hypothesis; observed prey–predator sequences showed no difference or were less frequent than expected, even when prey were unusually abundant or rare or at sites with higher proportions of predators. Prey–predator latencies were also 1.7 times longer than prey–prey sequences. These results reveal temporal clustering of prey that may dilute predation risk inside wildlife passages. We encourage continued use of wildlife passages as mitigation tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Robin Martinig
- Department of Biology, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Boulevard W, Montreal, QC, H3G 1M8, Canada. .,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.
| | - Mahnoor Riaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada
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14
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Han Y, Bai J, Zhang Z, Wu T, Chen P, Sun G, Miao L, Xu Z, Yu L, Zhu C, Zhao D, Ge G, Ruan L. Nest site selection for five common birds and their coexistence in an urban habitat. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 690:748-759. [PMID: 31302540 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Many species of birds gradually adapt to urbanization and colonize cities successfully. However, their nest site selection and competitive relationship in an urban community remain little known. Understanding the impact of urbanization on birds and the competitive relationship has important implications for the conservation and management of wildlife in urban ecosystems. Here, we undertook a systematic study to quantify nests in all species of birds in an urbanizing area of Nanchang, China. A total of 363 nests were detected in surveys including 340 nests of 16 bird species and 23 unidentified species nests. We mainly analyzed 5 dominant breeding birds with a sample size of >10 during the two breeding seasons (From April to July in 2016 and 2017), which included the light-vented bulbul, Chinese blackbird, scaly-breasted munia, spotted dove and grey-capped greenfinch. Most birds (93.66%) nested in the tree of artificial green belts, which seems to be the best breeding habitat for urban birds. Our results suggested that birds' breeding success relies on the trade-off between the benefit and the expense of specific stresses from habitats. The nest site selection of birds is also affected by the life habit of urban predators. Furthermore, competition among species can influence their distributions and utilization of environmental resources when birds nest in cities. We confirmed that the niche differentiation of five bird species in an urban environment makes them coexist successfully by utilizing various resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Han
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Junpeng Bai
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Ting Wu
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Peng Chen
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, 8 Jiangwangmiao St., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Guanglong Sun
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Lingwei Miao
- Xiamen University Malaysia, Jalan Sunsuria, Bandar Sunsuria, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zhifeng Xu
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Liangjie Yu
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Chaoying Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Dongqin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance of Shandong Province, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Gang Ge
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Luzhang Ruan
- School of Life Sciences, State Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Environment and Resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
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15
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Busse A, Schoreisz JJ, Petermann JS. Predators and priority effects suggested as potential drivers of microfauna communities in a community transplantation experiment along an elevational gradient. OIKOS 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.05894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Busse
- Dept of Biosciences, Univ. of Salzburg Hellbrunner Straße 34, AT‐5020 Salzburg Austria
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Inst. of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany. – J. J. Schoreisz, Inst. of Biology, Freie Univ. Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Jeremias J. Schoreisz
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Inst. of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany. – J. J. Schoreisz, Inst. of Biology, Freie Univ. Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Jana S. Petermann
- Dept of Biosciences, Univ. of Salzburg Hellbrunner Straße 34, AT‐5020 Salzburg Austria
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Inst. of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany. – J. J. Schoreisz, Inst. of Biology, Freie Univ. Berlin Berlin Germany
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16
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Derbyshire R, Norris D, Hobson K, Strickland D. Isotopic spiking and food dye experiments provide evidence that nestling Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) receive cached food from their parents. CAN J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2018-0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
While many animals rely on stored food to survive periods of no or few resources, some of these species may also use cached food to feed young. The Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis (Linnaeus, 1766)) is a territorial, food-caching resident of North American boreal forests. Canada Jays have high winter survival when fresh food is rarely available and achieve high fledging rates before the return and breeding of most sympatric migratory passerines. Stored food must account for the Canada Jay’s winter survival, but it is less certain that stores are also used to feed nestlings. We conducted two experiments seeking evidence of such use, one using food marked with dye and a second using 15N-enriched glycine. Breeding pairs were supplemented with marked food in the pre-incubation period, followed by our attempts to find the marker in nestling feces (dye experiment) or feathers (15N-enrichment experiment). Both experiments provided evidence that at least some nestlings had ingested the marker, although the importance of this behaviour within the population remains unknown. Our study demonstrates how food markers can be used to infer feeding behaviour that has not been directly recorded in the wild, even after over 50 years of close observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Derbyshire
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - D.R. Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - K.A. Hobson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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18
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Are predation rates comparable between natural and artificial open-cup tree nests in boreal forest landscapes? PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210151. [PMID: 30625199 PMCID: PMC6326507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nest predation studies often use artificial nests to secure sample sizes and nest distribution patterns that allow empirically testing differences in predation rates between ecological units of interest. These studies rely on the assumption that natural and artificial nests experience similar or consistent relative predation rates across ecological gradients. As this assumption may depend on several factors (for example differences in predator community, nest construction, parental care patterns), it is important to test whether artificial nests provide adequate and comparable estimates of predation rates to natural nests. In this study, we compare predation rates of above-ground natural open-cup nests, artificial nests and natural nests with artificial eggs along a forest gradient from edge to interior (interior, transition zone and edge) and within two nest visibility classes (visible and concealed). Our aim was to determine whether nest structure affects comparability between nest types along these ecological gradients in boreal forests. Our results indicated important contributions of nest type, nest visibility and location along the forest edge-interior gradient, but no variable had strong significant effects on predation rates, except exposure time that showed lower predation rates at longer exposure times. Predation rates in visible and concealed nests remained similar for all nest types, but not along the forest edge-interior gradient. Here, artificial nests showed much lower predation rates than natural nests, whereas natural nests with artificial eggs tended to have higher predation rates than natural nests. We conclude that artificial nests in boreal forests represent an adequate measure of relative nest predation risk in open-cup natural nests along some ecological gradients, but results on predation rates along forest edge-interior gradients obtained from artificial nests should be interpreted with care.
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19
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Tolvanen J, Seppänen JT, Mönkkönen M, Thomson RL, Ylönen H, Forsman JT. Interspecific information on predation risk affects nest site choice in a passerine bird. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:181. [PMID: 30514204 PMCID: PMC6280475 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1301-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breeding site choice constitutes an important part of the species niche. Nest predation affects breeding site choice, and has been suggested to drive niche segregation and local coexistence of species. Interspecific social information use may, in turn, result in copying or rejection of heterospecific niche characteristics and thus affect realized niche overlap between species. We tested experimentally whether a migratory bird, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, collects information about nest predation risk from indirect cues of predators visiting nests of heterospecific birds. Furthermore, we investigated whether the migratory birds can associate such information with a specific nest site characteristic and generalize the information to their own nest site choice. Results Our results demonstrate that flycatchers can use the fate of heterospecific nesting attempts in their own nest site choice, but do so selectively. Young flycatcher females, when making the decision quickly, associated the fate of an artificial nest with nest-site characteristics and avoided the characteristic associated with higher nest predation risk. Conclusions Copying nest site choices of successful heterospecifics, and avoiding choices which led to failed attempts, may amplify or counter effects of nest predation on niche overlap, with important consequences for between-species niche divergence-convergence dynamics, species coexistence and predator-prey interactions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1301-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jere Tolvanen
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland. .,Current Address: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Janne-Tuomas Seppänen
- Nature and Game Management Trust, Degerby, Finland.,Open Science Centre, University of Jyvaskyla, PO Box 35, 40014 University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Mikko Mönkkönen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, PO Box 35, 40014 University of Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Robert L Thomson
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014, Turku, Finland.,Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, 7701, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Hannu Ylönen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyvaskyla, Konnevesi Research Station, 44300, Konnevesi, Finland
| | - Jukka T Forsman
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Current Address: Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), University of Oulu, Paavo Havaksen tie 3, 90014, Oulu, Finland
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Guaraldo AC, Kelly JF, Marini MÂ. Independent trophic behavior and breeding success of a resident flycatcher and a coexisting migratory congener. AUSTRAL ECOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André C. Guaraldo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservaçäo; Behavioral Ecology and Ornithology Lab; Universidade de Federal do Paraná; Curitiba 81530-900 Brazil
| | - Jeffrey F. Kelly
- Department of Biology; Oklahoma Biological Survey; University of Oklahoma; Norman Oklahoma USA
| | - Miguel Â. Marini
- Departamento de Zoologia; Universidade de Brasília; Brasília DF Brazil
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Mouton JC, Martin TE. Fitness Consequences of Interspecific Nesting Associations among Cavity-Nesting Birds. Am Nat 2018; 192:389-396. [PMID: 30125230 DOI: 10.1086/698873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Interspecific aggregations of prey may provide benefits by mitigating predation risk, but they can also create costs if they increase competition for resources or are more easily detectable by predators. Variation in predation risk and resource availability may influence the occurrence and fitness effects of aggregating in nature. Yet tests of such possibilities are lacking. Cavity-nesting birds provide an interesting test case. They compete aggressively for resources and experience low nest predation rates, which might predict dispersion, but across 19 years of study we found that they commonly aggregate by sharing nest trees. Tree sharing was more common when aspen were more abundant and was somewhat more common in years with higher nest predation risk. Nest success was higher in shared trees when nest predation risk was higher than average. Ultimately, the costs and benefits of aggregating (nest tree sharing) varied across years, and we outline hypotheses for future studies.
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22
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Loman ZG, Monroe AP, Riffell SK, Miller DA, Vilella FJ, Wheat BR, Rush SA, Martin JA. Nest survival modelling using a multi‐species approach in forests managed for timber and biofuel feedstock. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary G. Loman
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture Mississippi State University Mississippi State MS USA
| | - Adrian P. Monroe
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture Mississippi State University Mississippi State MS USA
| | - Samuel K. Riffell
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture Mississippi State University Mississippi State MS USA
| | | | - Francisco J. Vilella
- Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit U.S. Geological Survey Mississippi State MS USA
| | - Bradley R. Wheat
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture Mississippi State University Mississippi State MS USA
| | - Scott A. Rush
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture Mississippi State University Mississippi State MS USA
| | - James A. Martin
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources University of Georgia Georgia GA USA
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Martin PR, Freshwater C, Ghalambor CK. The outcomes of most aggressive interactions among closely related bird species are asymmetric. PeerJ 2017; 5:e2847. [PMID: 28070465 PMCID: PMC5217525 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive interactions among closely related species are common, and can play an important role as a selective pressure shaping species traits and assemblages. The nature of this selective pressure depends on whether the outcomes of aggressive contests are asymmetric between species (i.e., one species is consistently dominant), yet few studies have estimated the prevalence of asymmetric versus symmetric outcomes to aggressive contests. Here we use previously published data involving 26,212 interactions between 270 species pairs of birds from 26 taxonomic families to address the question: How often are aggressive interactions among closely related bird species asymmetric? We define asymmetry using (i) the proportion of contests won by one species, and (ii) statistical tests for asymmetric outcomes of aggressive contests. We calculate these asymmetries using data summed across different sites for each species pair, and compare results to asymmetries calculated using data separated by location. We find that 80% of species pairs had aggressive outcomes where one species won 80% or more of aggressive contests. We also find that the majority of aggressive interactions among closely related species show statistically significant asymmetries, and above a sample size of 52 interactions, all outcomes are asymmetric following binomial tests. Species pairs with dominance data from multiple sites showed the same dominance relationship across locations in 93% of the species pairs. Overall, our results suggest that the outcome of aggressive interactions among closely related species are usually consistent and asymmetric, and should thus favor ecological and evolutionary strategies specific to the position of a species within a dominance hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Martin
- Department of Biology, Queen's University , Kingston , Ontario , Canada
| | - Cameron Freshwater
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria , Victoria , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Cameron K Ghalambor
- Department of Biology and Graduate Degree Program in Ecology, Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , United States
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24
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Paterson JE, Blouin-Demers G. Do ectotherms partition thermal resources? We still do not know. Oecologia 2016; 183:337-345. [PMID: 27848081 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3762-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Partitioning of the niche space is a mechanism used to explain the coexistence of similar species. Ectotherms have variable body temperatures and their body temperatures influence performance and, ultimately, fitness. Therefore, many ectotherms use behavioral thermoregulation to avoid reduced capacities associated with body temperatures far from the optimal temperature for performance. Several authors have proposed that thermal niche partitioning in response to interspecific competition is a mechanism that allows the coexistence of similar species of ectotherms. We reviewed studies on thermal resource partitioning to evaluate the evidence for this hypothesis. In almost all studies, there was insufficient evidence to conclude unequivocally that thermal resource partitioning allowed species coexistence. Future studies should include sites where species are sympatric and sites where they are allopatric to rule out alternative mechanisms that cause differences in thermal traits between coexisting species. There is evidence of conservatism in the evolution of most thermal traits across a wide range of taxa, but thermal performance curves and preferred temperatures do respond to strong selection under laboratory conditions. Thus, there is potential for selection to act on thermal traits in response to interspecific competition. Nevertheless, more stringent tests of the thermal resource partitioning hypothesis are required before we can assess whether it is widespread in communities of ectotherms in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Paterson
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
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25
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Sumasgutner P, Millán J, Curtis O, Koelsag A, Amar A. Is multiple nest building an adequate strategy to cope with inter-species nest usurpation? BMC Evol Biol 2016; 16:97. [PMID: 27150363 PMCID: PMC4858914 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black sparrowhawks (Accipiter melanoleucus) recently colonised the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, where the species faces competition for their nest sites from Egyptian geese (Alopochen aegyptiaca) which frequently usurp black sparrowhawk nests. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that multiple nest building by black sparrowhawks is a strategy to cope with this competitor, based on a 14-year long term data set. RESULTS Two main results support the hypothesis: first, the numbers of intact nests per breeding season in black sparrowhawk territories increased as levels of geese interactions increased, specifically when usurpation occurred. Usurpation occurred significantly more often at nests later in the season, and may provide a further explanation for the advancement of the black sparrowhawk breeding season towards earlier breeding attempts which results in an overall extension of the breeding period (over 9 months) that has been found in our study population. Second, nest usurpation had a negative impact on black sparrowhawks' reproductive performance at the 'nest' level, but not at the 'territory' level when multiple nests were available within the same breeding season, suggesting that this strategy was effective for dealing with this competitor. However, our results do not rule out long term negative consequences of these interactions, for example, reduced adult survival rates or reduced lifetime reproductive success, due to the higher energy demand required to build several nests each breeding season. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that black sparrowhawks avoid direct conflict with this large and aggressive competitor and instead choose the passive strategy in allocating more resources to multiple nest building. Our research further highlights the importance of behavioural plasticity, which might be especially important for city-dwelling species in the face of global urbanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sumasgutner
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Juan Millán
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Odette Curtis
- Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ann Koelsag
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Arjun Amar
- Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
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26
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27
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Sperry JH, Cimprich DA, Peak RG, Weatherhead PJ. Is nest predation on two endangered bird species higher in habitats preferred by snakes? ECOSCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.2980/16-1-3198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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28
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Toyama M, Kotaka N, Koizumi I. Breeding timing and nest predation rate of sympatric scops owls with different dietary niche breadth. CAN J ZOOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2015-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Breeding timing is one of the key life-history traits considered to be under strong stabilizing selection, such that offspring should be born when food resources are most abundant. Predation, however, may also affect the breeding timing because nest predation is a leading mortality for many species, although this possibility has been less considered. Here, we examined the possible effects of nest predation on breeding timing by comparing sympatric scops owls in a subtropical forest where only reptilian predators are present. The Japanese Scops Owl (Otus semitorques Temminck and Schlegel, 1844), a dietary generalist, bred one month earlier than the specialist Ryukyu Scops Owl (Otus elegans (Cassin, 1852)). The breeding timing of the Ryukyu Scops Owl matched with the emergence of their main prey species, but also matched with predator activity. Accordingly, the predation rate on eggs or nestlings was 7.5 times higher in the Ryukyu Scops Owl (13.9%; 21 out of 150 nests) than in the Japanese Scops Owl (1.9%; 1 out of 52 nests). Clutch size, on the other hand, was significantly larger in the Ryukyu Scops Owl than in the Japanese Scops Owl, possibly compensating loss from predation. Although alternative explanations still remain, our results suggest that the food generalist might have adjusted its breeding timing to avoid nest predation, whereas the breeding timing of the specialist might have been constrained by the availability of its main prey items.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Toyama
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, North 10 West 5 Kitaku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - N. Kotaka
- Kyushu Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, 4-11-16 Kurokami, Kumamoto, 860-0862, Japan
| | - I. Koizumi
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, North 10 West 5 Kitaku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
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29
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Indirect effect of climate change: Shifts in ratsnake behavior alter intensity and timing of avian nest predation. Ecol Modell 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Socolar J, Washburne A. Prey Carrying Capacity Modulates the Effect of Predation on Prey Diversity. Am Nat 2015; 186:333-47. [PMID: 26655352 DOI: 10.1086/682362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of predation in regulating prey diversity is a major goal in ecology, with profound consequences for community dynamics, ecosystem structure, and conservation practice. Deterministic differential equation models predict that some predation regimes, such as prey-switching predation, should promote prey coexistence and increase prey diversity. However, such models do not capture stochastic population fluctuations that are ubiquitous in empirical study sites and nature reserves. In this article, we examine the effects of prey-switching predation on the species richness of prey communities with demographic noise. We show that in finite, discrete prey populations, the ability of prey-switching predation to promote diversity depends on the carrying capacity of the prey community and the richness of the source pool for prey. Identical predation regimes may have opposite effects on prey diversity depending on the size and productivity of the habitat or the metacommunity richness. Statistical properties of the fluctuations of prey populations determine the effect of stabilizing mechanisms on species richness. We discuss the implications of this result for empirical studies of predation in small study areas and for the management of small nature reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Socolar
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
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31
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Sofaer HR, Sillett TS, Langin KM, Morrison SA, Ghalambor CK. Partitioning the sources of demographic variation reveals density-dependent nest predation in an island bird population. Ecol Evol 2014; 4:2738-48. [PMID: 25077023 PMCID: PMC4113296 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological factors often shape demography through multiple mechanisms, making it difficult to identify the sources of demographic variation. In particular, conspecific density can influence both the strength of competition and the predation rate, but density-dependent competition has received more attention, particularly among terrestrial vertebrates and in island populations. A better understanding of how both competition and predation contribute to density-dependent variation in fecundity can be gained by partitioning the effects of density on offspring number from its effects on reproductive failure, while also evaluating how biotic and abiotic factors jointly shape demography. We examined the effects of population density and precipitation on fecundity, nest survival, and adult survival in an insular population of orange-crowned warblers (Oreothlypis celata) that breeds at high densities and exhibits a suite of traits suggesting strong intraspecific competition. Breeding density had a negative influence on fecundity, but it acted by increasing the probability of reproductive failure through nest predation, rather than through competition, which was predicted to reduce the number of offspring produced by successful individuals. Our results demonstrate that density-dependent nest predation can underlie the relationship between population density and fecundity even in a high-density, insular population where intraspecific competition should be strong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Sofaer
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and Biology Department, Colorado State University 1878 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523
| | - T Scott Sillett
- Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park MRC 5503, Washington, District of Columbia, 20013-7012
| | - Kathryn M Langin
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and Biology Department, Colorado State University 1878 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523
| | - Scott A Morrison
- The Nature Conservancy 201 Mission St, 4th Floor, San Francisco, California, 94105
| | - Cameron K Ghalambor
- Graduate Degree Program in Ecology and Biology Department, Colorado State University 1878 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523
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33
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Jorgensen CF, Powell LA, Lusk JJ, Bishop AA, Fontaine JJ. Assessing landscape constraints on species abundance: does the neighborhood limit species response to local habitat conservation programs? PLoS One 2014; 9:e99339. [PMID: 24918779 PMCID: PMC4053377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Landscapes in agricultural systems continue to undergo significant change, and the loss of biodiversity is an ever-increasing threat. Although habitat restoration is beneficial, management actions do not always result in the desired outcome. Managers must understand why management actions fail; yet, past studies have focused on assessing habitat attributes at a single spatial scale, and often fail to consider the importance of ecological mechanisms that act across spatial scales. We located survey sites across southern Nebraska, USA and conducted point counts to estimate Ring-necked Pheasant abundance, an economically important species to the region, while simultaneously quantifying landscape effects using a geographic information system. To identify suitable areas for allocating limited management resources, we assessed land cover relationships to our counts using a Bayesian binomial-Poisson hierarchical model to construct predictive Species Distribution Models of relative abundance. Our results indicated that landscape scale land cover variables severely constrained or, alternatively, facilitated the positive effects of local land management for Ring-necked Pheasants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F. Jorgensen
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Larkin A. Powell
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Jeffery J. Lusk
- Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Andrew A. Bishop
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Grand Island, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Joseph J. Fontaine
- U.S. Geological Survey, Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
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34
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Rodewald AD, Rohr RP, Fortuna MA, Bascompte J. Community-level demographic consequences of urbanization: an ecological network approach. J Anim Ecol 2014; 83:1409-17. [PMID: 24702202 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ecological networks are known to influence ecosystem attributes, but we poorly understand how interspecific network structure affect population demography of multiple species, particularly for vertebrates. Establishing the link between network structure and demography is at the crux of being able to use networks to understand population dynamics and to inform conservation. We addressed the critical but unanswered question, does network structure explain demographic consequences of urbanization? We studied 141 ecological networks representing interactions between plants and nesting birds in forests across an urbanization gradient in Ohio, USA, from 2001 to 2011. Nest predators were identified by video-recording nests and surveyed from 2004 to 2011. As landscapes urbanized, bird-plant networks were more nested, less compartmentalized and dominated by strong interactions between a few species (i.e. low evenness). Evenness of interaction strengths promoted avian nest survival, and evenness explained demography better than urbanization, level of invasion, numbers of predators or other qualitative network metrics. Highly uneven networks had approximately half the nesting success as the most even networks. Thus, nest survival reflected how urbanization altered species interactions, particularly with respect to how nest placement affected search efficiency of predators. The demographic effects of urbanization were not direct, but were filtered through bird-plant networks. This study illustrates how network structure can influence demography at the community level and further, that knowledge of species interactions and a network approach may be requisite to understanding demographic responses to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Rodewald
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, 2021 Coffey Road, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rudolf P Rohr
- Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana , CSIC C/ Americo Vespucio s/n, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
| | - Miguel A Fortuna
- Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana , CSIC C/ Americo Vespucio s/n, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
| | - Jordi Bascompte
- Integrative Ecology Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana , CSIC C/ Americo Vespucio s/n, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
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35
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Forest vegetation structure has more influence on predation risk of artificial ground nests than human activities. Basic Appl Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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36
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Ghosh-Harihar M, Price TD. A test for community saturation along the Himalayan bird diversity gradient, based on within-species geographical variation. J Anim Ecol 2013; 83:628-38. [PMID: 24219104 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The idea that ecological communities are unsaturated is central to many explanations for regional gradients in species diversity. We describe a test for differing degrees of saturation across a regional diversity gradient, based on within-species geographical variation in ecological attributes. If communities in species-poor regions are less saturated than communities in species-rich regions, species that straddle both regions should have broader niches in species-poor regions, exploiting resources that are consumed by other species in species-rich regions. We studied 10 species of Old World leaf warblers that range across the Himalayas. Elevational range and feeding method showed niche contractions in the species-poor north-west Himalayas with respect to the species-rich south-east Himalayas, whereas prey size did not vary geographically. Niche contractions are contrary to the expectation of character release in depauperate environments, as has been shown, for example in mainland-island comparisons. We show that arthropod abundances are likely a limiting resource, and that niche contractions are consistent with measurements of a narrowing of resource availability. Results suggest that north-western warbler communities are at least as saturated as the south-east and that lower resource diversity drives reduced species numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trevor D Price
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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37
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Breeding phenology of birds: mechanisms underlying seasonal declines in the risk of nest predation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65909. [PMID: 23776566 PMCID: PMC3680469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal declines in avian clutch size are well documented, but seasonal variation in other reproductive parameters has received less attention. For example, the probability of complete brood mortality typically explains much of the variation in reproductive success and often varies seasonally, but we know little about the underlying cause of that variation. This oversight is surprising given that nest predation influences many other life-history traits and varies throughout the breeding season in many songbirds. To determine the underlying causes of observed seasonal decreases in risk of nest predation, we modeled nest predation of Dusky Flycatchers (Empidonax oberholseri) in northern California as a function of foliage phenology, energetic demand, developmental stage, conspecific nest density, food availability for nest predators, and nest predator abundance. Seasonal variation in the risk of nest predation was not associated with seasonal changes in energetic demand, conspecific nest density, or predator abundance. Instead, seasonal variation in the risk of nest predation was associated with foliage density (early, but not late, in the breeding season) and seasonal changes in food available to nest predators. Supplemental food provided to nest predators resulted in a numerical response by nest predators, increasing the risk of nest predation at nests that were near supplemental feeders. Our results suggest that seasonal changes in foliage density and factors associated with changes in food availability for nest predators are important drivers of temporal patterns in risk of avian nest predation.
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38
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Frei B, Fyles JW, Nocera JJ. Maladaptive Habitat Use of a North American Woodpecker in Population Decline. Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Frei
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences; McGill University; Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue; Quebec; Canada
| | - James W. Fyles
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences; McGill University; Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue; Quebec; Canada
| | - Joseph J. Nocera
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; Trent University; Peterborough; Ontario; Canada
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39
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Auer SK, Martin TE. Climate change has indirect effects on resource use and overlap among coexisting bird species with negative consequences for their reproductive success. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2013; 19:411-419. [PMID: 23504780 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can modify ecological interactions, but whether it can have cascading effects throughout ecological networks of multiple interacting species remains poorly studied. Climate-driven alterations in the intensity of plant-herbivore interactions may have particularly profound effects on the larger community because plants provide habitat for a wide diversity of organisms. Here we show that changes in vegetation over the last 21 years, due to climate effects on plant-herbivore interactions, have consequences for songbird nest site overlap and breeding success. Browsing-induced reductions in the availability of preferred nesting sites for two of three ground nesting songbirds led to increasing overlap in nest site characteristics among all three bird species with increasingly negative consequences for reproductive success over the long term. These results demonstrate that changes in the vegetation community from effects of climate change on plant-herbivore interactions can cause subtle shifts in ecological interactions that have critical demographic ramifications for other species in the larger community.
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Vögeli M, Laiolo P, Serrano D, Tella JL. Predation of experimental nests is linked to local population dynamics in a fragmented bird population. Biol Lett 2011; 7:954-7. [PMID: 21493624 PMCID: PMC3210645 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2011.0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial nest experiments (ANEs) are widely used to obtain proxies of natural nest predation for testing a variety of hypotheses, from those dealing with variation in life-history strategies to those assessing the effects of habitat fragmentation on the persistence of bird populations. However, their applicability to real-world scenarios has been criticized owing to the many potential biases in comparing predation rates of artificial and natural nests. Here, we aimed to test the validity of estimates of ANEs using a novel approach. We related predation rates on artificial nests to population viability analyses in a songbird metapopulation as a way of predicting the real impact of predation events on the local populations studied. Predation intensity on artificial nests was negatively related to the species' annual population growth rate in small local populations, whereas the viability of large local populations did not seem to be influenced, even by high nest predation rates. The potential of extrapolation from ANEs to real-world scenarios is discussed, as these results suggest that artificial nest predation estimates may predict demographic processes in small structured populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Vögeli
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.
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Elmberg J, Pöysä H. Is the risk of nest predation heterospecifically density-dependent in precocial species belonging to different nesting guilds? CAN J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1139/z11-093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nest predation is a key source of mortality and variation in fitness, but the effect co-occurring species belonging to different nesting guilds have on each other’s nest success is poorly understood. By using artificial nests, we tested if predation on cavity nests of Common Goldeneyes ( Bucephala clangula (L., 1758)) is increased in the presence of ground nests of Mallards ( Anas platyrhynchos L., 1758) and vice versa. Specifically, by adding ground nests in the vicinity of cavity nests, we tested the hypothesis that predation on cavity nests is heterospecifically density-dependent. A shared predator, the pine marten ( Martes martes (L., 1758)), was intensively hunted in one of the study areas, but not in the other, leading to most individuals in the former being naïve immigrants. Cavity-nest fate was not affected by addition of ground nests. Similarly, ground-nest survival did not decrease when nearby cavity nests were depredated. Fate of nests in a given nest cavity was highly predictable between years in the study area with minimal removal of pine martens, but not in the one with intensive removal. Predation rate was higher on cavity nests than on ground nests. Predation on ground nests was lower in the study area with intensive removal of pine martens. We conclude there was neither apparent competition between guilds nor heterospecific density-dependence in predation risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Elmberg
- Aquatic Biology and Chemistry, Kristianstad University, SE-291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Hannu Pöysä
- Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Joensuu Game and Fisheries Research, Yliopistokatu 6, FIN-80100 Joensuu, Finland
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Treinys R, Dementavičius D, Mozgeris G, Skuja S, Rumbutis S, Stončius D. Coexistence of protected avian predators: does a recovering population of White-tailed Eagle threaten to exclude other avian predators? EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-011-0529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Dias RI, Castilho L, Macedo RH. Experimental Evidence that Sexual Displays are Costly for Nest Survival. Ethology 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2010.01817.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Pelech SA, Smith JN, Boutin S. A predator's perspective of nest predation: predation by red squirrels is learned, not incidental. OIKOS 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2009.17786.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pelech SA, Smith JN, Boutin S. A predator's perspective of nest predation: predation by red squirrels is learned, not incidental. OIKOS 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-1706.2009.17786.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lima SL. Predators and the breeding bird: behavioral and reproductive flexibility under the risk of predation. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2009; 84:485-513. [PMID: 19659887 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2009.00085.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of work suggests that breeding birds have a significant capacity to assess and respond, over ecological time, to changes in the risk of predation to both themselves and their eggs or nestlings. This review investigates the nature of this flexibility in the face of predation from both behavioural and reproductive perspectives, and also explores several directions for future research. Most available work addresses different aspects of nest predation. A substantial change in breeding location is perhaps the best documented response to nest predation, but such changes are not always observed and not necessarily the best strategy. Changes in nesting microhabitat (to more concealed locations) following predation are known to occur. Surprisingly little work addresses the proactive avoidance of areas with many nest predators, but such avoidance is probably widespread. Individual birds could conceivably adopt anti-predator strategies based on the nest predators actually present in an area, but such effects have yet to be demonstrated. In fact, the ways in which birds assess the risk of nest predation is unclear. Nest defence in birds has historically received much attention, but little is known about how it interacts with other aspects of decision-making by parents. Other studies concentrate on predation risk to adults. Some findings suggest that risk to adults themselves influences territory location, especially relative to raptor nests. An almost completely unexplored area concerns the sorts of social protection from predators that might exist during the breeding season. Flocking typical of the non-breeding season appears unusual while breeding, but a mated pair may sometimes act as a "flock of two". Opportunistic heterospecific sociality may exist, with heterospecific protector species associations more prevalent than currently appreciated. The dynamics of singing during the breeding season may also respond to variation in predation risk, but empirical research on this subject is limited. Furthermore, a few theoretical and empirical studies suggest that changes in predation risk also influence the behaviour of lekking males. The major influence of predators on avian life histories is undoubtedly expressed at a broad phylogenetic scale, but several studies hint at much flexibility on an ecological time scale. Some species may forgo breeding completely if the risk of nest predation is too high, and a few studies document smaller clutch sizes in response to an increase in nest predation. Recent evidence suggests that a female may produce smaller eggs rather than smaller clutches following an increase in nest predation risk. Such an increase may also influence decisions about intraspecific brood parasitism. There are no clear examples of changes in clutch/egg size with changes in risk experienced by adults, but parental responses to predators have clear consequences for offspring fitness. Changes in risk to adults may also influence body mass changes across the breeding season, although research here is sparse. The topics highlighted herein are all in need more empirical attention, and more experimental field work whenever feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Lima
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809, USA.
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Banda E, Blanco G. Implications of nest-site limitation on density-dependent nest predation at variable spatial scales in a cavity-nesting bird. OIKOS 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2009.17363.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Barrientos R, Valera F, Barbosa A, Carrillo CM, Moreno E. Plasticity of nest-site selection in the trumpeter finch: A comparison between two different habitats. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2009.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Nest height, nest concealment, and predator type predict nest predation in superb fairy-wrens (Malurus cyaneus). Ecol Res 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-008-0569-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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