Because of widespread habitat fragmentation, maintenance landscape connectivity has become a major focus conservation planning, but empirical tests animal movement in fragmented landscapes remain scarce. We conducted translocation experiment to test the relative permeability three elements (open habitat, shrubby secondary vegetation, and wooded corridors) by Chucao Tapaculo (Scelorchilus rubecula), forest understory bird endemic South American temperate rainforest. Forty-one radio-tagged...

Predation risk can inflict profound effects on prey by influencing behavior and other traits. Prey are often subjected to a diversity of predators, which exert differential predation pressures life-history strategies. In birds, breeding adults offspring (as eggs, nestlings, fledglings) susceptible different types theory predicts that birds adjust adult versus differentially via allocation investment. Here, we experimentally tested for the perceived birds' reproductive strategy performance....

Highway infrastructure and accompanying vehicle noise is associated with decreased wildlife populations in adjacent habitats. Noise masking of animal communication an oft-cited potential mechanism underlying species loss sound-polluted This study documents the disruption between-species information transfer by anthropogenic noise. Titmice chickadees broadcast specific calls to alert kin predator threats, sympatric vertebrates eavesdrop on these alarm avoid predators. We tested if tufted...

docarpus National Park in southern Ecuador (ca. 100 km north of Angashcola), where recent records S. cinctus derive (Bloch et al. 1991), and the Reserva del Alto Quindio Acaime/Los Nevados Park/ Ucumari Regional complex Colombia. Other potentially viable populations probably occur within Sangay (Chimborazo/Morona-Santiago) Cayambe/Coca Ecological Reserve (R. Ridgely pers. comm.). Stringent protection these areas should be strongly supported. Acknowledgments.-Sponsors Amaluza expeditions are...

Barro Colorado Island (BCI) is a 75—yr—old tropical forest isolate in Gatun Lake the Republic of Panama, where depredation understory bird nests hypothesized to be more intense than nearby mainland forest. Eight 12 species terrestrial insectivore guild, with historical breeding records from BCI, are now extinct on island. I tested hypothesis that interspecific variation nest design and placement underlies differential avian extinction BCI. Selecting five two three persist constructed 200...

Empirical evidence to assess the hypothesis that nest predation pressure influences avian assemblage composition is mostly lacking. We examined distribution of risk for artificial bird nests in understory coniferous and deciduous forests southeastern Alaska adjacent western Canada determine whether habitat-specific could be a factor influencing habitat selection and, turn, breeding diversity. Two sizes open-cup were constructed natural materials placed sites representative those used by...

Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) are the most abundant mammalian carnivores worldwide. Given that domestic rely on human-provided food, their densities usually independent of prey densities. Nevertheless, underfed pets may need to hunt meet energetic nutritional requirements. We explored effects different levels care (provision food) predation rates wild vertebrates in 2 areas southern Chile. interviewed cat dog owners analyzed remains scats examine how were managed...

Birds in family Paridae (titmice and chickadees) produce complex distinct alarm vocalizations response to predator encounters. In 2 controlled aviary experiments, we tested for information transfer between different species of parids. We first recorded the vocal nonvocal displays captive tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) flocks responding presentations live predators controls (no animal quail). Second, broadcast Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) their responses. By evaluating...

Abstract Millions of people across the tropics rely on wildlife for food and income. However, overhunting to satisfy this demand is causing decline many species; an issue known as wild meat crisis. We applied a before‐after control‐intervention design assess effects social marketing (an information campaign community engagement) with without economic incentive (discount coupons chicken) consumption. Coupons increased chicken consumption, expected, but did not reduce In contrast, price...

Abstract: For five species of endemic understory birds ( families Rhinocryptidae, Furnariidae) inhabiting fragmented temperate rainforest in southcentral Chile, we distinguished between vegetated corridors functioning as living space and those potentially suitable for short‐distance movements only. In the first phase study, surveyed 24 forested ≤ 50 m wide using passive song‐playback censuses. Corridor width determined presence or absence, whereas number individuals increased with vegetation...

Many mammal and bird species respond to predator encounters with alarm vocalizations that generate risk‐appropriate responses in listeners. Two conceptual frameworks are typically applied the information encoded calls associated anti‐predator behaviors. ‘Functionally referential’ systems encode nominal classes or categories of risk distinct call types refer predation‐risk situations. ‘Risk‐based’ alarms graded ranked threat‐levels by varying production patterns same as urgency predation...

Conservation ecology research, management and modeling often assume species-specific fixed traits ignoring intraspecific variation. Dispersal in animals is a heritable trait where variation should be common, as it develops via interactions between landscape behavioral processes. We conducted translocation-radio-tracking experiments novel-environment tests on Neotropical rainforest bird (Pyriglena leucoptera, Thamnophillidae) to assess whether dispersal success exploratory behavior are...

Abstract BACKGROUND Behavioral mechanisms underlying avian deterrence by lasers in sweet corn are not known, and we evaluated them a rigorous aviary experiment. Eighteen flocks of European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris ) foraged on for several days control laser treated plots with ripe while data were collected where birds distributed how long corn. In 16 trials, fresh ears presented wooden sticks, two trials natural grown from seed. Birds sexed boldness scores obtained. We predicted that (a)...

Abstract: To enhance efforts to conserve birds, especially insectivorous species, we examined the social dimensions of conventional and organic farming in northern Florida ( U.S.A.). Using a framework for adoption agricultural innovations, developed 44‐item survey instrument measure farmers' sociodemographic background, farm characteristics, participation organizations, communication information networks, perceived barriers incentives adopting bird‐friendly practices. Seventy‐six surveys...

Abstract: We used experimental nests baited with California Quail ( Callipepla californica ) eggs or clay to examine relative risks of nest predation in an agricultural landscape and two large forest preserves a south‐temperate rainforest Chile. The most common predators, as identified by marks on eggs, were caracara Milvago chimango ), blackbird Curaeus curaeus rodents. Nest losses from similar small patches lower than extensive forest. In general, risk was higher (and survival therefore...

Abstract: We studied the potential for native birds to control insect pests on farms. assessed habitat factors correlated with diversity, distribution, and insect‐foraging activity of farms in north‐central Florida then characterized common bird species that consumed biomass crops as “functional insectivores” (birds most likely contribute pest control). Analyses point‐count survey data foraging observations collected over 2 years paired organic conventional farm sites indicated (1) supported...