Nest Box Use by Cavity-nesting Birds

Willner, Gale R.; Gates, J. Edward; Devlin, William J.

doi:10.2307/2425530

Cited by 25 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…For instance, box size, shape, entrance hole size and positioning are all important determinants (Willner et al 1983;Munro and Rounds 1985;Lumsden 1989;Stone et al 1996). Below, I discuss some of the major considerations in the context of Leadbeater's possum and the contrasting results reported by Harley (2004b) and Lindenmayer et al (2003).…”

Section: Possible Reasons For the Contrasting Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

A role for nest boxes in the conservation of Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)

Harley¹

2006

Wildl. Res.

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A combination of fires and logging mean that more than 80% of the montane ash forests inhabited by Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) in the Victorian Central Highlands consist of ecologically young stands possessing few trees with hollows. As a consequence, there have been predictions of a substantial decline in Leadbeater’s possum populations over the next 40 years. If this is to be averted, or reduced in extent, then an immediate means of increasing den site availability for the species is required. The results of a recent investigation into nest-box use by the species in lowland swamp forest demonstrate that high rates of occupancy can be achieved by targeting established colonies at sites where the vegetation structure is suitable for box installation. This suggests that nest boxes can be an effective means of increasing den-site availability for the possum, and therefore have considerable potential to contribute to the species’ conservation in the short term. Such measures should be applied in conjunction with altered forestry practises that better provide for the retention and future provision of mature hollow-bearing trees.

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Section: Possible Reasons For the Contrasting Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

A role for nest boxes in the conservation of Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)

Harley¹

2006

Wildl. Res.

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“…Placement should also consider the surrounding habitat because some species may be influenced by habitat variables in their choice of suitable nest boxes (e.g. Willner et al 1983;Pogue and Schnell 1994). Few studies have tested whether bird or bat species show a preference for the height at which boxes are placed in trees.…”

Section: Table 1 Characteristics Of Artificial Hollows Used By Diffementioning

confidence: 99%

Use of artificial tree hollows by Australian birds and bats

Goldingay

Stevens

2009

Wildl. Res.

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Artificial tree hollows (nest or roost boxes) may be of considerable importance to the conservation and management of Australian hollow-using birds and microbats. This is suggested by recognition that the rate of collapse of hollow-bearing trees may exceed replacement in some landscapes. We review the published literature to synthesise current information on the use of artificial hollows by Australian birds and bats, and to provide guidance to future research and management. The use of artificial hollows has been documented in some detail for 15 native bird and eight microbat species. A range of hollow designs has been employed but there is a limited understanding of favoured designs. General designs (e.g. front-entry plywood boxes) have been used extensively by some species and should continue to be used until more effective designs are identified. Species tend to use artificial hollows that have entrance sizes just sufficient for their body size, and this should guide hollow design. Competitive interactions with a range of non-target species (native and non-native) may have a pronounced influence on artificial hollow use and must be considered in any management program involving artificial hollows. We highlight some design elements that may reduce interference by non-target species. Temperature inside artificial hollows may have a particular influence on their use by bats due to the role of microclimate in bat thermoregulation. Trials are needed to investigate this factor and to inform general approaches to positioning of artificial hollows. Several distinct management uses exist for artificial hollows, including assisting threatened species recovery, e.g. Kangaroo Island glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus) and orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). Artificial hollows offer an interim solution to hollow shortage but their full potential will only be realised when preferences for different designs are better understood. This will require a commitment to monitoring and should be conducted in an adaptive management context. Increased knowledge of the use of artificial hollows by Australian birds and bats should be of global relevance to the management of hollow-using species because it provides an independent test of ideas and strengthens any generalisations.

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“…Diversas espécies de vertebrados encontrados em florestas tropicais são dependentes de cavidades naturais para nidificação ou abrigo (BALEN et al, 1982;WILLNER et al, 1983;TUBELIS;TUBELIS, 2000). Cerca de 25% das espécies de vertebrados terrestres e 20% das espécies de aves brasileiras utilizam cavidades naturais com esta finalidade (McCOMB;NOBLE, 1981 a;SICK, 1997).…”

Section: Introductionunclassified