Using thresholds to determine priorities for apex predator conservation in an urban landscape

• DOI: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104559
• Publication Date: 2022-09-14T13:57:23Z
• Authors: Nick Bradsworth; John G. White; Anthony R. Rendall; Nicholas Carter; Desley A. Whisson; Raylene Cooke
• Keywords: Impervious surface; Land Cover

As landscapes are increasingly modified due to anthropogenic processes such as urbanisation or development for agriculture, the need understand wildlife habitat requirements is imperative. This particularly pertinent species that threatened, apex predators with specific nest, den, food requirements. Identifying responses thresholds can provide an understanding of what resources using avoiding, and their interactions surrounding environment. In this research we investigated space use threatened predator, powerful owl (Ninox strenua) in Greater Melbourne, Australia. We deployed GPS devices 21 urban owls over five years found had average home range size 397 ha, core-range 84 ha. Home positioning was driven by tree cover land cover, while core ranges were restricted treed environments a limited area impervious surfaces housing. used identify-three priorities conservation Melbourne. Priority 1: Ensuring river corridors public open spaces adequately protected. 2: Limit property densities near rivers protected areas. 3: Finding opportunities revegetation expand enhance time. Our demonstrates how species-specific inform planning ensure maintained within highly environments.