Modelling the nesting-habitat of the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus on a fine scale for conservation purposes

Abstract:

Capsule Nests of Cinereous Vultures were found to be located farther from roads, villages and the edge of large vegetation patches. They preferred large vegetation patches containing extensive Cork Oak cover on steeper slopes and with lower solar radiation. Less than 8% of the study area was pbkp_redicted to be suitable for nesting.Aims To generate a pbkp_redictive habitat suitability map for the Cinereous Vulture's nesting-habitat on a fine scale for conservation applications within its breeding range.Methods Habitat features of 43 nest-locations and random points were compared in order to identify nest-habitat selected in the region of the Hornachuelos Natural Park (Spain). A logistic regression approach was used to create habitat models.Results Compared with random points, nests were found to be located farther from roads, villages and patch edges, and in large vegetation patches containing extensive Cork Oak cover on steeper slopes with lower solar radiation. The pbkp_redictive map revealed that less than 8% of the study area had a greater probability of occupancy than 0.8.Conclusions Most habitats in the study area are unsuitable for nesting suggesting that conservation of the best suitable areas is important. The fine-scale pbkp_redictive map approach may be valuable in designating conservation priority areas. © 2013 British Trust for Ornithology.

Año de publicación:

2013

Keywords:

Fuente:

scopus