New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts
Using artificial nests to explore predation by introduced predators
inhabiting alpine areas in New Zealand
Des H. V. Smith*
Department of Zoology, University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Deborah J. Wilson
Landcare Research
Private Bag 1930
Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Henrik Moller
Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Elaine C. Murphy
Department of Conservation
Research, Development and Improvement Division
PO Box 13049
Christchurch 8141, New Zealand
*Author for corrrespondence: Centre for Conservation
Research, Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6, Canada.
dess@calgaryzoo.ab.ca
Abstract Many bird species endemic
to alpine New
Zealand are now at critically low densities and restricted in range,
making predator-prey research difficult. We used artificial nests in
the Borland Valley, Fiordland National Park, to investigate (1) which
introduced species is the most frequent nest predator in the two
habitats, (2) whether nest survival differs between habitats, and (3)
the utility of artificial nests for guiding conservation management. We
used different types of artificial nest in 2 different years and
undertook a calibration study of the two types. In 2003, survival of
artificial nests containing wax eggs and chicken eggs was high in both
habitats. In 2004, survival of artificial nests containing plastilina
eggs and chicken eggs was low in both habitats, but was higher in
alpine grassland compared with beech forest. Stoats and possums were
the most frequent predators (36 and 22% respectively of artificial
plastilina nests in alpine grassland and high-altitude beech forest
combined); these percentages did not vary significantly between
habitats. Given the low density and sparse distribution of vulnerable
species in much of New Zealand, data from artificial nests can be a
useful tool for studying predation in these remote and difficult
habitats, or at least, preferable to ignorance. However, the type of
artificial nest used can strongly affect the rate at which they are
destroyed.
Keywords alpine grassland; possum;
predation; rodent; stoat
Z08005; Online publication date 9 May 2008; Received 26 January
2008; accepted 15 February 2008
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2008, Vol. 35: 119–128
0301–4223/08/3502–119 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2008
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