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Article << Previous     |     Next >>   Contents Vol 112(4)

Ground-based survey methods both overestimate and underestimate the abundance of suitable tree-cavities for the endangered Swift Parrot

Dejan Stojanovic A D , Matthew Webb A B , David Roshier C , Debra Saunders A and Robert Heinsohn A

A Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
B Threatened Species Section, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
C Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life & Environmental Science, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: dejan.stojanovic@anu.edu.au

Emu 112(4) 350-356 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MU11076
Submitted: 29 September 2011  Accepted: 25 June 2012   Published: 24 September 2012


 
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Abstract

Most cavity-dependent species select tree-cavities with a narrow range of characteristics so that only a small subset of available cavities may be suitable for any species. Most surveys for tree-cavities are done from the ground using binoculars to reduce effort, but this technique is prone to error. These errors are likely to contribute to the loss of the cavity resource when used to inform conservation efforts for cavity-dependent species. The Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) is an endangered migratory bird threatened by ongoing removal of cavity-bearing trees by production forestry. We climbed trees with cavities used for nesting by Swift Parrots and determined that they prefer cavities with small entrances, deep chambers and wide floors. Such cavities are rare and occur in large trees that support higher than average numbers of tree-cavities. Importantly, cavities used by Swift Parrots were also likely to be both overestimated and underestimated using ground-based surveys, and without calibration by climbing, the size and direction of survey error could not be determined. We conclude that the most effective way to gain detailed information about the characteristics and abundance of tree-cavities is to climb a representative sample of trees to calibrate ground-based methods for a specific ecosystem.

Additional keywords: cavity availability, forestry, nest selection, survey error, tree-hollow.


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