NDLI: Predator identification and effects of habitat management and fencing on depredation rates of simulated nests of an endangered population of Hermann’s tortoises

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Vilardell, Albert Capalleras, Xavier Budó, Joan Pons, Pere
Copyright Year	2012
Abstract	Nest predation has been identified as the main threat behind the negative population dynamics in chelonian species and in particular in the native Iberian population of the Western Hermann’s tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni. This endangered subspecies is found within the Albera Nature Reserve, where this study was performed. We selected three formerly high-density tortoise areas to carry out different trials whose aims were to: (1) identify nest predator species, (2) test the success of reducing the shrub cover to reduce nest predation in potential new nesting areas, and (3) assess fencing efficiency to exclude predators. For the first objective, camera-trapping was used to identify nest predators, with sardines and artificial tortoise nests as lures. We obtained 825 pictures of possible predators and demonstrated that the beech marten was the most abundant predator in the study areas, followed by the badger and the wild boar. For the second objective, predation of artificial nests was compared between plots managed for shrub reduction (27 plots of 4, 25, and 100 m2) and a natural nesting area (nine control plots of 100 m2). Predation was strong in the managed plots (43.6% after 48 h and 99.6% after 144 h) but highest in the control area (100% after 48 h). Surprisingly, predation occurred at an even faster pace when we repeated the trial with a single artificial nest (in order to reduce odor intensity). Finally, we compared predation rates between eight fenced and eight unfenced plots of 100 m2. Fencing was partially effective to control nest predation because it excluded all the main predator species except the beech marten, which learned to go through it. Since the nest predation threat to this endangered population is critical, new strategies are needed to control nest predation by taking into account the ability of predators to learn nest location.
Starting Page	707
Ending Page	713
Page Count	7
File Format	PDF
ISSN	16124642
Journal	European Journal of Wildlife Research
Volume Number	58
Issue Number	4
e-ISSN	14390574
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publisher Date	2012-02-28
Publisher Place	Berlin, Heidelberg
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Nest predation Non-lethal control Testudo hermanni hermanni Conservation Management Zoology Ecology Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law Nature and Landscape Conservation

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