Linking landscape composition to predator‐specific nest predation requires examining multiple landscape scales

Chiavacci, Scott J.; Benson, Thomas J.; Ward, Michael P.

doi:10.1111/1365-2664.13090

Cited by 41 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 73 publications

(163 reference statements)

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“…Evidence for adaptive habitat selection provides support for the theoretical model, suggesting that animals should possess the ability to accurately assess habitat quality (Fretwell & Lucas, 1970 (Chiavacci, Benson, & Ward, 2018;Ibáñez-Álamo et al, 2015;Ricklefs, 1969). In support of this, after placing nest cameras at select nests (n = 47) in 2015, we found that 80% of known nest failures were caused by predation, with 55% due to depredation by snakes, avian predators, and mammals.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

“…F I G U R E 3 Predicted daily survival rate and numbers of fledglings produced per nest and 95% confidence intervals of Bell's Vireo (BEVI) and Willow Flycatcher (WIFL) nests relative to % restored habitat within 1,200 m and % forest cover within 1,200 m of a nest, respectively important cause of avian nest failure (Chiavacci, Benson, & Ward, 2018;Ibáñez-Álamo et al, 2015;Ricklefs, 1969). In support of this, after placing nest cameras at select nests (n = 47) in 2015, we found that 80% of known nest failures were caused by predation, with 55% due to depredation by snakes, avian predators, and mammals.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In support of this, after placing nest cameras at select nests (n = 47) in 2015, we found that 80% of known nest failures were caused by predation, with 55% due to depredation by snakes, avian predators, and mammals. Nest predation rates have been found to be influenced by nest-site vegetation (Chalfoun & Martin, 2007;Martin, 1993Martin, , 1998 as well as nest height (Chiavacci et al, 2018), with generally reduced depredation rates with more concealment and higher nests. Additionally, concealment also influenced parasitism rates especially for Bell's Vireo which had a 28% decrease in nest success when parasitized.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Avian fitness consequences match habitat selection at the nest‐site and landscape scale in agriculturally fragmented landscapes

Reiley

Benson

2019

Ecology and Evolution

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Habitat selection theory suggests that when choosing breeding sites, animals should choose the best available habitat; however, studies show that individuals fail to choose habitats that maximize their fitness especially in drastically altered landscapes. Many studies have focused on selection at single scales, often using a single measure of fitness. However, links between habitat selection and fitness may vary depending on the spatial scale and measure of fitness, especially in situations where agricultural land use has altered the surrounding landscape. We examined multiscale habitat selection and fitness measures of the Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii) and Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) using data collected in agriculturally fragmented landscapes. We found evidence for selection of nest sites with dense understory, larger patches, and increasing restored habitat cover and decreasing forest cover in the surrounding landscape. For both focal species, selection for dense understory significantly increased nest survival; however, there appeared to be no concurrent benefit for fledgling production. Selection for broader scale features positively influenced nest survival for the Willow Flycatcher with no concurrent benefit for fledgling production. The observed mismatches may be due to anthropogenic habitat fragmentation at broader scales or may represent reproductive trade‐offs for a fitness benefit not measured in this study. Fine‐scale habitat selection decisions by our focal species appear to match fitness outcomes, whereas habitat selection at broader scales only provided fitness benefits for the Willow Flycatcher. Though providing no fledgling production benefit, when combined with suitably dense nesting habitat, larger patches in landscapes with greater amounts of restored habitat cover for Bell's Vireo and lower amounts of forest cover for Willow Flycatcher will produce more fledglings per unit area than smaller patches in landscapes with less restored habitat and more forest cover, respectively, which could help inform conservation decisions for these at‐risk species.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 58%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Avian fitness consequences match habitat selection at the nest‐site and landscape scale in agriculturally fragmented landscapes

Reiley

Benson

2019

Ecology and Evolution

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“…Evidence of a nest Although we were unable to identify specific nest predators, except for rare encounters during monitoring (e.g., an observed garter snake [Thamnophis spp.] blackbird nest depredation), a recent study using nest cameras in Illinois identified 9 bird, 13 mammal, and 5 snake species depredating bird nests, with raccoon, long-tailed weasel Mustela frenata, and fox snake Pantherophis vulpinus representing the highest portion of events in decreasing order (Chiavacci, 2016). Many of these predators were likely common nest predators in our study area.…”

Section: Nest Searching and Monitoringmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…Nevertheless, habitat management may be ineffectual under certain landscape and patch contexts which conservation organizations have less control over. Landscape-scale features are suspected to strongly affect the nest predator community, which for birds, is commonly the highest source of nest failure (Chiavacci, Benson, & Ward, 2017;Stephens, Koons, Rotella, & Willey, 2004). For grassland birds, forest edges seem to negatively impact nests because nest predators, such as raccoons (Procyon lotor), are more active around these edges (Barding & Nelson, 2008).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Finer‐scale habitat predicts nest survival in grassland birds more than management and landscape: A multi‐scale perspective

Shew

Nielsen

Sparling

2019

Journal of Applied Ecology

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Birds may respond to habitat at multiple scales, ranging from microhabitat structure to landscape composition. North American grassland bird distributions predominantly reside on private lands, and populations have been consistently declining. Many of these lands are enrolled in U.S. federal conservation programmes, and properly guided management policies could alleviate declines. However, more evaluative research is needed on the effects of management policies juxtaposed with other multi‐scale habitat features. Furthermore, research focused on nest survival is arguably more valuable because habitat associations with avian densities can sometimes be deceptive. We investigated nest survival of a grassland facultative (red‐winged blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus) and obligate species (dickcissel Spiza americana), and two nesting communities (ground and above‐ground nesters) relative to management and multi‐scale habitat (nest‐site characteristics, in‐field microhabitat, patch metrics, and landscape context). Our study was conducted on private lands in Illinois (2011–2014) and directly linked to policy‐based management (discing, herbicidal spraying, spray/interseeding) and landowner decisions. Multi‐scale models explained more variation in nest survival compared to single scales or management in three of four analyses (blackbirds, dickcissels, and above‐ground nesters). Finer‐scale habitat variables, such as nest‐site characteristics, were more often in top and among the competitive models relative to landscape factors. Compared with other management types, discing (i.e., tractor‐pulled disc harrows removed approximately 50% of vegetation) displayed distinct effects and positively influenced nest survival in above‐ground nesters. Also, greater proportions of a field managed cumulatively and yearly, regardless of type, generally improved nest survival for dickcissels and above‐ground nesters. All groups except above‐ground nesters had generally higher nest survival in native‐grass dominated fields. Synthesis and applications. Habitat practitioners can improve nest survival for certain grassland birds by directly affecting in‐field microhabitat vegetation and structure. However, characteristics associated with specific nest locations often drive nest survival. We suggest habitat managers and agency staff promote native grass practices and management, such as discing, to enhance nest survival of grassland bird populations. Management will likely be most effective in favourable unfragmented grassland landscapes with less surrounding forested areas, which also promote other important responses (e.g., colonization and persistence) of target species.

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Water depth influences survival and predator‐specific patterns of nest loss in three secretive marsh bird species

Schmidt,

Fournier,

Osborn

et al. 2023

Ecology and Evolution

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Wetlands have become increasingly rare in the United States, negatively influencing wetland‐dependent birds, and many remaining wetlands are intensively managed through seasonal dewatering mimicking historic flood pulses during spring and summer. However, water around nests may provide protection from terrestrial predators, and lowering water levels during the breeding season of wetland birds may increase predation risk and exacerbate marsh bird population declines. Understanding interactions between water depth, nesting marsh birds, and nest predators is critical to aid managers in developing a multi‐species management approach in emergent wetlands. During the 2020 and 2021 breeding seasons, we examined nest survival of 148 marsh bird nests (American Coot, Fulica americana, n = 1; Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, n = 64; and Least Bittern; Ixobrychus exilis, n = 83) and installed cameras at 78 nests to identify predators at a large, restored floodplain wetland in Illinois where the primary management technique is seasonal water removal to stimulate germination of moist soil plants. We found nest predation of, and abandonment by, Least Bittern and Common Gallinule were related to shallower water, and early season, high volume dewatering. Least Bitterns nested more commonly along wetland edges and nests farther from the shore were more likely to survive. Similarly, we found mammalian depredation of nests and nest abandonment decreased when deeper water was present around nests. Alternatively, snake predation was observed earlier in the year prior to water removal from inundated emergent vegetation. Our results demonstrate water depth may be an important deterrent of nest predators, especially mammals, during the breeding season. Further, we recommend managers delay dewatering until after the nesting season at sites where management for conservation‐priority marsh birds is a focus.

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Linking landscape composition to predator‐specific nest predation requires examining multiple landscape scales

Cited by 41 publications

References 73 publications

Avian fitness consequences match habitat selection at the nest‐site and landscape scale in agriculturally fragmented landscapes

Avian fitness consequences match habitat selection at the nest‐site and landscape scale in agriculturally fragmented landscapes

Finer‐scale habitat predicts nest survival in grassland birds more than management and landscape: A multi‐scale perspective

Water depth influences survival and predator‐specific patterns of nest loss in three secretive marsh bird species

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