Degree of egg-taking by humans determines the fate of maleo (Macrocephalon maleo) nesting grounds across Sulawesi

• DOI: 10.1007/s10531-022-02527-1
• Publication Date: 2022-12-17T15:02:56Z
• Authors: Marcy Summers; Matthew Geary; Nurlin Djuni; Pandji A. Kresno; Agustian Laya; Stallin Sawuwu; Adrianus Bawotong; Wiranto Abas; Vivi Megayanti Ta...; Ahmad Muh. Nur; Moh. Isfandri; Galen V. Priest; Philip J. K. McGowan; Johny S. Tasirin; Nigel J. Collar
• Keywords: Nesting (process)

Abstract The maleo ( Macrocephalon ) of Sulawesi, Indonesia, is culturally iconic and Critically Endangered, but the causes its decline have never been systematically analyzed nor nesting grounds comprehensively surveyed. We visited 122 previously known 58 unrecorded sites, collecting data interviewing local people at each site. used ordinal logistic regression to fit models with combinations 18 different predation, habitat, ground variables determine strongest predictors success, as represented by numbers. At least 56% are now inactive (abandoned), 63% remaining active sites host ≤ 2 pairs/day peak season. Egg-taking humans single biggest driver decline. Protecting eggs in situ predicts higher numbers than protecting through hatchery methods. After egg-taking, quality (not length) travel corridor connecting primary forest best success. Being inside a federally protected area not does ensure persistence: 28% become inactive. Local conservation efforts 2‒3 times better federal protection. update methodology for assessing status, recommend five measures conservation, foremost being protect from egg-taking all sites.