RT info:eu-repo/semantics/article
T1 Patterns of artificial avian nest predation by introduced rats in a fragmented laurel forest (Tenerife, Canary Islands)
A1 Arévalo, José Ramón
A1 Delgado García, Juan D.
A1 Fernández-Palacios, José María
K1 Artificial avian nest predation
K1 disturbance
K1 laurel forest
K1 road edge effect
K1 road fragmentation
K1 Ship rats
AB The importance of introduced rats as damaging factors on island biotas is globally recognized. Thepredation of artificial avian nests by Ship rats (Rattus rattus) in fragmented laurel forests in Tenerife(Canary Islands) was explored. The influence of road edge, patch type, and position (ground versustree) on nest survival in two forest remnants differing in conservation degree, were assessed usingfailure-time analysis. Overall, nest predation was greater in the preserved than in the disturbedremnant. Nest predation also differed among and within patches, variation being greater within thedisturbed remnant. The probability of nest failure was higher at the interior than along the road edgein both remnants, but the road edge effect on nest predation was more intense in the disturbedremnant. Predation pressure was higher in patches of mature, closed canopy or dense understoreywith stump sprouting. Ground nests were predated at higher rates than tree nests at any location.These results contrast with other nest predation studies in fragmented landscapes where forest edgesrather than the interior are more frequently used by predators. Predatory activity by rats seemsnegatively affected by forest disturbance and road edge effect. Overall, artificial nest predationpatterns by rats confirm a potential predation risk for the avifauna of the Canarian laurel forest. Thisshould be considered in implementing conservation management programmes.
PB Taylor & Francis Group Ltd
YR 2005
FD 2005-07-19
LK http://riull.ull.es/xmlui/handle/915/17772
UL http://riull.ull.es/xmlui/handle/915/17772
LA en
DS Repositorio institucional de la Universidad de La Laguna
RD 05-may-2024