Article
Ecology
Sinchan Ghosh, Arnab Banerjee, Soumalya Mukhopadhyay, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, Santanu Ray
Summary: This study proposes a methodology and modeling framework to accurately predict the nesting success probabilities of birds, using Merops philippinus as a model species. The study highlights the vulnerability of the time window between nesting and mating to environmental fluctuations and the importance of both biotic and abiotic factors in nesting success. Linear modeling frameworks and artificial neural networks are useful tools for predicting mating, nesting, and overall reproductive success probabilities.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lukas Landler, James Skelton, Michelle A. Jusino, Andy Van Lanen, Jeffrey R. Walters
Summary: This study examined the directional orientation of cavity entrances in the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population. The results showed a strong westward bias in all populations studied. The orientation of the cavities was found to be correlated with reproductive success and breeding group size, indicating the importance of directional construction in animal ecology and the conservation of endangered species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Michiel P. Boom, Kees H. T. Schreven, Nelleke H. Buitendijk, Sander Moonen, Bart A. Nolet, Gotz Eichhorn, Henk P. van der Jeugd, Thomas K. Lameris
Summary: Intermittent breeding is a tactic used by long-lived species to balance survival and reproduction. A study of barnacle geese found that breeding propensity and nesting success were influenced by breeding latitude and timing of arrival on the breeding grounds, with spring onset being a better predictor than arrival timing.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annie E. Schmidt, Grant Ballard, Amelie Lescroel, Katie M. Dugger, Dennis Jongsomjit, Megan L. Elrod, David G. Ainley
Summary: Variations in group sizes are common in colonially breeding species like seabirds, with factors like nesting habitat quality influencing reproductive success. This study found that subcolony habitat characteristics significantly affect reproductive success, with smaller colonies showing more variability and being more impacted by interactions with nest predators.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Maxime Eeraerts, Rik Clymans, Vincent Van Kerckvoorde, Tim Belien
Summary: The study found that European orchard bees preferred nesting in paper straws over wooden grooved boards, with the latter resulting in more brood cells and female bees. The nesting success and parasite infestation of bees were influenced by the type of nesting material, with paper straws having a lower rate of mite infestation. Implementing practices such as using paper straws, closing nests near the end of the active nest-construction period, and conserving semi-natural habitat can enhance bee nesting success and reduce parasite infestation.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Fernando Marques-Santos, Uschi Wischhoff, Marcos Rodrigues
Summary: The life-histories of neotropical birds exhibit unexpected variations when compared to patterns in northern temperate regions, with saffron finches in subtropical Brazil serving as a prime example. Factors such as temperature and rainfall from previous weeks were found to be related to breeding traits of individual females, influencing factors such as renesting probability and nest success. Warmer temperatures were found to have adverse effects, while increased rainfall during incubation benefited egg survival in saffron finches. Further studies on this widespread species are recommended to gain more insights into the variability of life-histories in the region.
JOURNAL OF AVIAN BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Cyril Eraud, Herve Lormee
Summary: This study reports on the nesting habitat, nest-site characteristics, nesting success (38.6%), and productivity (2.40 young per pair per season) of radiotracked European Turtle Doves in a deciduous forest of western France. A matrix population model based on the results suggests that an increase of approximately 0.18 additional young per pair is needed to achieve a population growth rate of one. However, elasticity analysis indicates that increasing adult survival has a higher impact on population growth compared to increased productivity or first-year survival.
Article
Ecology
Xiaodong Rao, Jialing Li, Binbin He, Hesheng Wang, Guanmian Wu, Tiantian Teng, Qingping Ling
Summary: Breeding success is crucial for avian fecundity and is limited by nest predation. Understanding nest predation and its influencing factors is important for bird population dynamics and conservation strategies. A study in two nature reserves in Hainan, China found that the breeding season of the red junglefowl occurs mainly from March to July, with a peak in April. Predation accounted for 45.4% of nest failure, with rodent, reptile, and coucal predation being the main contributors. Artificial nest experiments showed varying predation rates, suggesting the importance of considering the impacts of certain animal species on the breeding success of red junglefowl.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Lydia H. Wong, Jessica R. K. Forrest
Summary: Reproductive timing plays a crucial role in determining the reproductive success of solitary bees in subalpine environments, with bees nesting earlier in the season exhibiting greater reproductive output. Floral abundance positively affects reproductive output, while temperature influences nesting rate but not overall reproductive success. Bees that initiate nesting early and sustain activity for a longer period have the highest reproductive output.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Alejandro Simeone, Carlos B. Zavalaga, Roberto Aguilar-Pulido, Paulina Arce
Summary: Grey Gulls are unique in their ability to breed in the barren Atacama Desert of northern Chile and forage in the coast. They adjust their nesting and chick provisioning strategies to cope with the new coastal habitat, reducing parental duties, energy expenditure, and increasing chick growth rates.
EMU-AUSTRAL ORNITHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Steven Guidos, Jiska van Dijk, Geir Systad, Arild Landa
Summary: Although nesting in colonies can benefit seabird species, it also makes them more visible to predators. Some seabirds have evolved aggressive nest defense strategies to protect their eggs and chicks. This study found that the presence of breeding gulls in seabird colonies significantly reduced the activity of the Eurasian otter, a native predator. The activity patterns of the otters were not significantly affected by the presence of the gulls.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Diego Gallego, Jose H. Sarasola
Summary: The study tested the utility of drones in examining nesting status of endangered birds, showing that drone monitoring significantly reduced disturbance levels and was three times faster compared to traditional methods without negative effects on bird reproductive success.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. S. Carrillo, D. I. Archuby, G. Castresana, M. Lunardelli, D. Montalti, A. E. Ibanez
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in migratory seabirds and their prey during the non-breeding season. Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tract of the Common terns and in their regurgitated prey, indicating trophic transfer. The most abundant types of microplastics were cellulose ester plastics, polyethylene terephtalate, polyacrylonitrile, and polypropylene in both the birds and their prey. These results highlight the high levels of ingested microplastics in Common terns and their prey, raising concerns for this important location for migratory seabirds.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Hiba Al Shehhi, Sabir Bin Muzaffar
Summary: Seabirds breeding on remote islands form dense nesting colonies, with their activities affecting soil invertebrates in different ways. The impact of nesting varied between taxa depending on life history and seasonality, reflecting a dynamic relationship influenced by the hyper-abundance of nesting seabirds.
Article
Ecology
Jeremy P. Bird, Richard A. Fuller, Penny P. Pascoe, Justine D. S. Shaw
Summary: Burrowing seabirds play a crucial role in ecological systems and conservation efforts, but their populations are often impacted by both positive and negative human influences, making it challenging to measure changes in their populations. Camera traps at burrow entrances have shown promise in accurately determining breeding pair numbers and recording breeding success, reducing uncertainty in estimated breeding success. Different camera models can vary in performance, with potential for identifying breeding and non-breeding burrows based on activity patterns derived from camera time series.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
