The structure of raptor assemblages in riparian environments in the south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia

Abstract

During 1995–97, raptor assemblages were studied in ten riparian habitats in the arid south-west of the Northern Territory, Australia. The assemblages at different creeks differed in species composition, diversity, richness and pair density. They also changed from year to year, in parallel with changes in rainfall and food abundance.

Differences in food abundance probably accounted for much of the spatial and temporal variation in the assemblages, although between-creek differences in habitat and the availability of nesting resources were also implicated. Most species appeared to respond to the environmental changes individualistically, but differences in pair spacing within and between trophic groups were suggestive of competitive interactions.