Nest-site selection of New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in plantation forests and the implications of this to forestry management

作者：Seaton Richard; Minot Edward O^*; Holland John D

来源：EMU, 2010, 110(4): 316-323.

DOI：10.1071/MU09050

This study investigates the factors that determine nest-site selection by New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in a plantation pine forest. Selection was examined by measuring habitat and forestry management variables at actual nesting sites and randomly selected sites in the forest. Nesting sites were located on the ground in pine stands up to 5 years old, with unplanted and 1-year-old stands of pine selected preferentially for nesting. Overall, 54% of pairs nested in the same stand of pines in a subsequent year, whereas 44% moved to a stand of the same age or younger and 2% moved to older stands. Falcons chose nesting sites close to older pine trees and with cover over the scrape. New Zealand Falcons benefit from clear-fell harvesting that creates a mosaic of stand ages across a plantation. This mosaic provides both suitable nesting sites and an abundance of prey. This threatened species benefits from felling plantation forests in fairly small, discrete stands.

• 出版日期2010