Relative predation rate of artificial nests in the invasive black locust and semi-natural oak stands
Abstract
Nest predation represents one of the main factors affecting nest success in birds. Nest predation rate has been widely studied in various habitats.
Generally, higher predation pressure is assumed in invasive plant stands than in semi-natural stands. However, in our study we presumed lower nest predation rate in invasive stands due to their more complex vegetation structure.
We analysed the relative nest predation rate in invasive black locust and semi-natural oak stands using artificial nests containing one quail and one plasticine egg. We took forest type, nest position (on the ground and on branches) and nest concealment into consideration.
Despite our assumptions, we did not find differences in the level of nest predation between the two stand types, nor between nest positions. Results of this study thus indicate similar predation pressure in invasive and semi-natural stands.
However, we should point out that the artificial nest predation is not fully comparable to real nest predation.