Dependence of clutch predation rate of Eurasian reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus on nesting site selection: a model study

作者：Kamenikova Marie; Navratil Josef; Rajchard Josef^*

来源：Biologia, 2016, 71(4): 452-456.

DOI：10.1515/biolog-2016-0053

• artificial nests
• sandpit
• pond
• nonparametric regression
• probit function

The article is focused on describing a possible way of how biological data can be processed, introduces the procedures used and compares the results gained from a field ornithological study. This was carried out using statistical methods of nonparametric regression with binomial classification and probit function together with the method with forward selection, and presents the most significant outcomes. Some of the interesting findings of this study are as follows: first, a lower level of reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus Hermann 1804) nest predation by bird predators was proven in the common reed [Phragmites australis (Cavanilles) Trinius 1841] stands growing in shallow waters, compared to nests located in stands growing in deeper waters. For this field research artificial nests containing one egg made of plasticine and one egg of Japanese quail were used. Second, a negative correlation was proven between predation of nests and their distance from the nearest tree, whereas no interdependence was proven either for various nesting-site types (oligotrophic sandpits, ponds with intensive fish-pond management and ponds with extensive use) or monitoring time (during the first, resp. second nesting). Based on the methods applied, 56% of egg predation variability was clarified and last but not least, the efficiency of these statistical methods was proven for practical use in similar field research zoological studies.

• 出版日期2016-5