Introduction:Reproductive success is a critical factor affecting avian demographics and can be influenced by many factors including nesting chronology,predation risk,and fine-scale nest site selection.Methods:We model...Introduction:Reproductive success is a critical factor affecting avian demographics and can be influenced by many factors including nesting chronology,predation risk,and fine-scale nest site selection.Methods:We modeled the relative influences of habitat-related covariates at six spatial scales(nest site:15-,40-,80-,120-,160-,and 200-m radii)on Eastern wild turkey(Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)nest site selection in two pine savannas managed by frequent prescribed fire(≤3 years)in southwestern Georgia during 2011-2013.Results:Nest site(15-m scale)habitat metrics(mean visual obstruction[cm]and canopy closure[%])had the greatest influence on nest site selection relative to covariates measured at larger spatial scales.Scaled odds ratios suggested that nests were 26.8% more likely to occur for every 10 cm increase in mean vegetation height with a range of 7.5 to 150.0 cm and 18.5% less likely to occur for every 10% increase in canopy closure with a range from 0.0 to 97.8%.Total ground cover,canopy closure,edge density,and percent land cover type(e.g.,mature pine,mixed pine/hardwood,shrub/scrub)had minimal influence on nest site selection.Conclusions:Management of pine savannas for turkey nest sites should focus on creating early-successional vegetation to conceal nests from potential predators.Additionally,we suggest that future studies consider evaluating the influence of spatial scale on turkey nest site selection.展开更多
Background:Pine savannas are primarily managed with frequent prescribed fire(≤3 years)to promote diversity of flora and fauna,and to maintain open,park-like conditions needed by species such as the endangered red-coc...Background:Pine savannas are primarily managed with frequent prescribed fire(≤3 years)to promote diversity of flora and fauna,and to maintain open,park-like conditions needed by species such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker(Picoides borealis).However,a knowledge gap exists in our understanding of bobcat(Lynx rufus)habitat selection in longleaf pine savannas and research is warranted to direct our future management decisions.Methods:We examined bobcat habitat selection in a pine savanna managed with frequent fires at two spatial scales(i.e.,study area boundary[hereafter,landscape scale])and annual area of use[95%kernel density;local scale],and assessed effects of prescribed fire on bobcat habitat selection.Specifically,we monitored 45 bobcats(16 males and 29 females)during 2001–2007.Results:We found differential habitat selection by sex.At the landscape scale,female bobcats were closer to mixed pine-hardwoods,young pine,and secondary roads,but farther from mature pine and hardwoods stands relative to males.We found no difference in selection of agriculture,shrub-scrub,and primary roads between sexes.At the annual area of use scale,female bobcats were closer to secondary roads,but farther from agriculture and shrub-scrub relative to males.We found no difference in selection of mature pine,mixed pine-hardwoods,hardwoods,young pine,and primary roads between sexes.Bobcats primarily selected for stands burned≤1.1 years post-fire.Conclusions:Our results show that bobcats exploit a broad range of habitat types in pine landscapes managed with frequent fire and commonly use recently burned stands(≤1.1 year post-fire),suggesting prey in many areas of this system are at risk of bobcat predation.Additionally,we suggest land managers consider scale of selection by bobcats when developing habitat management strategies.展开更多
基金funding provided by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division through the Wildlife Restoration Program(Grant No.W75)。
文摘Introduction:Reproductive success is a critical factor affecting avian demographics and can be influenced by many factors including nesting chronology,predation risk,and fine-scale nest site selection.Methods:We modeled the relative influences of habitat-related covariates at six spatial scales(nest site:15-,40-,80-,120-,160-,and 200-m radii)on Eastern wild turkey(Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)nest site selection in two pine savannas managed by frequent prescribed fire(≤3 years)in southwestern Georgia during 2011-2013.Results:Nest site(15-m scale)habitat metrics(mean visual obstruction[cm]and canopy closure[%])had the greatest influence on nest site selection relative to covariates measured at larger spatial scales.Scaled odds ratios suggested that nests were 26.8% more likely to occur for every 10 cm increase in mean vegetation height with a range of 7.5 to 150.0 cm and 18.5% less likely to occur for every 10% increase in canopy closure with a range from 0.0 to 97.8%.Total ground cover,canopy closure,edge density,and percent land cover type(e.g.,mature pine,mixed pine/hardwood,shrub/scrub)had minimal influence on nest site selection.Conclusions:Management of pine savannas for turkey nest sites should focus on creating early-successional vegetation to conceal nests from potential predators.Additionally,we suggest that future studies consider evaluating the influence of spatial scale on turkey nest site selection.
基金We are grateful for funding provided by the Joseph W.Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway,Robert W.Woodruff Foundation,and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia.
文摘Background:Pine savannas are primarily managed with frequent prescribed fire(≤3 years)to promote diversity of flora and fauna,and to maintain open,park-like conditions needed by species such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker(Picoides borealis).However,a knowledge gap exists in our understanding of bobcat(Lynx rufus)habitat selection in longleaf pine savannas and research is warranted to direct our future management decisions.Methods:We examined bobcat habitat selection in a pine savanna managed with frequent fires at two spatial scales(i.e.,study area boundary[hereafter,landscape scale])and annual area of use[95%kernel density;local scale],and assessed effects of prescribed fire on bobcat habitat selection.Specifically,we monitored 45 bobcats(16 males and 29 females)during 2001–2007.Results:We found differential habitat selection by sex.At the landscape scale,female bobcats were closer to mixed pine-hardwoods,young pine,and secondary roads,but farther from mature pine and hardwoods stands relative to males.We found no difference in selection of agriculture,shrub-scrub,and primary roads between sexes.At the annual area of use scale,female bobcats were closer to secondary roads,but farther from agriculture and shrub-scrub relative to males.We found no difference in selection of mature pine,mixed pine-hardwoods,hardwoods,young pine,and primary roads between sexes.Bobcats primarily selected for stands burned≤1.1 years post-fire.Conclusions:Our results show that bobcats exploit a broad range of habitat types in pine landscapes managed with frequent fire and commonly use recently burned stands(≤1.1 year post-fire),suggesting prey in many areas of this system are at risk of bobcat predation.Additionally,we suggest land managers consider scale of selection by bobcats when developing habitat management strategies.