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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 32(4)

Predation of artificial ground nests in Australian tropical savannas: inverse edge effects

Fiona J. Fraser A C and Peter J. Whitehead B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre and Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Darwin, NT 0900, Australia; and Centre for Resources and Environmental Studies, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. Present address: Caring for Country Unit, Northern Land Council, PO Box 42921, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia.

B Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management, Northern Territory University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia.

C Corresponding author.

Wildlife Research 32(4) 313-319 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR04021
Submitted: 22 March 2004  Accepted: 19 April 2005   Published: 5 July 2005

Abstract

Depredation of artificial ground nests was examined in tropical savanna in northern Australia to assess potential predation pressures on nests of the partridge pigeon (Geophaps smithii), a declining tropical granivore. Predation rates were examined at two sites, Kakadu National Park (which supported a relatively high density of partridge pigeons) and Berry Springs (which had greater habitat fragmentation and comparatively low partridge pigeon density). The effects of distance from road, understorey structure, topography and nest-microsite concealment on nest predation rates were examined. Artificial-nest predation rates were greater at 150 m from roads than <1 m from the roadside. Predation rates did not vary with understorey structure, topography, or level of nest concealment. There was marked variation between sites, with predation levels at Kakadu more than double those recorded for Berry Springs. Discerning predator identity, or even the size of a predator, from marks left in clay eggs proved difficult and was possible for ~35% of predation events. Of these, 42% of predation events involved predators of a size we considered too small to take a natural partridge pigeon nest. We suggest that extrapolation from artificial to natural ground-nest predation rates be undertaken with caution for landscapes such as Australia’s tropical savanna, which supports a high diversity and abundance of small potential predators of artificial nests. There was no evidence of predation by birds, and the methodology proved inadequate for identifying predation by feral cats (Felis catus).


Acknowledgments

The research was carried out as part of a Ph.D. degree at the Australian National University and financial support was provided by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory. Traditional Owners within Kakadu National Park and Parks Australia gave permission for research to be conducted within the park. The Northern Territory Museum allowed access to their mammal collection. We thank the Jim Jim District ranger staff for their cooperation and E. Astondae and M. A. Reid for assistance in the field. We are grateful to K. McGuinness and B. Brooke for statistical advice and D. C. Franklin, R. A. Noske, J. C. Z. Woinarski, P. A. S. Wurm and two anonymous referees for comments on drafts of this paper.


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