The effects of forest edge and nest height on nest predation in a U.K. deciduous forest fragment

Abstract

It has been previously hypothesised that nest predation is higher at forest edges. This has important conservation implications for the increasingly fragmented U.K. climax community. I aimed to test the generality of this edge effect in a mixed deciduous forest fragment which borders open grassland. Artificial nests containing a combination of quail and plasticine eggs were used, at ground and arboreal levels. I found an overall edge effect on nest predation rates, however this effect was not specifically seen in ground nests. Ground nests experienced significantly higher levels of predation than arboreal nests. I suggest this edge effect is due in part to the steep productivity gradient over the ecotone.

Influence of Climatic Factors and Nest Tree Characteristics on the Nest Structures of the Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) in Peninsular Malaysia

“…This was the opposite in Perlis, where the increase of nest height will likely lead to a decrease in the total vertical length of the nest. Nests built at high heights from the ground have been proven to experience reduced risks of predation and increased nesting success [ 19 , 31 ]. Hence, it can be inferred that tall trees may be safer for the nest, enabling baya weavers to build long nests, while nests built on short trees are forced to have shorter structures that increase the risk of predation.…”