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The relationship between environmental variables, detection probability and site occupancy by Tasmanian nocturnal birds, including the Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops)

The relationship between environmental variables, detection probability and site occupancy by... Knowledge of the habitat requirements of nocturnal birds is vital for the development of effective conservation strategies. This study is the first intensive systematic survey of the occurrence of the threatened Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), the Tasmanian boobook (Ninox leucopsis) and the Australian owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) in Tasmania using call playback, spotlighting and listening techniques. Occupancy models were created that explain the spatial distribution of the three species. Temperature and wind influenced the detectability of all species. Detectability of the Tasmanian boobook was also associated with nightlight. The Tasmanian masked owl was most often found in low-elevation mature dry eucalypt forest. This may be related to a combination of availability of nesting sites, food availability and accessibility, and physiological factors. The Australian owlet-nightjar also showed a broad preference for dry eucalypt forest and avoided open country. In contrast, the Tasmanian boobook was most often found in wet eucalypt forest with higher temperatures and fewer roads. We conclude that mature dry and wet forest types at low elevations need to be carefully managed to maintain populations of Tasmanias nocturnal birds, particularly the threatened Tasmanian masked owl. Consideration should be given to retention of a network of contiguous areas of undisturbed mature forest across forested landscapes. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Australian Journal of Zoology CSIRO Publishing

The relationship between environmental variables, detection probability and site occupancy by Tasmanian nocturnal birds, including the Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops)

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References (90)

Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s). Published by CSIRO Publishing
ISSN
0004-959X
eISSN
1446-5698
DOI
10.1071/ZO17069
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Knowledge of the habitat requirements of nocturnal birds is vital for the development of effective conservation strategies. This study is the first intensive systematic survey of the occurrence of the threatened Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), the Tasmanian boobook (Ninox leucopsis) and the Australian owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) in Tasmania using call playback, spotlighting and listening techniques. Occupancy models were created that explain the spatial distribution of the three species. Temperature and wind influenced the detectability of all species. Detectability of the Tasmanian boobook was also associated with nightlight. The Tasmanian masked owl was most often found in low-elevation mature dry eucalypt forest. This may be related to a combination of availability of nesting sites, food availability and accessibility, and physiological factors. The Australian owlet-nightjar also showed a broad preference for dry eucalypt forest and avoided open country. In contrast, the Tasmanian boobook was most often found in wet eucalypt forest with higher temperatures and fewer roads. We conclude that mature dry and wet forest types at low elevations need to be carefully managed to maintain populations of Tasmanias nocturnal birds, particularly the threatened Tasmanian masked owl. Consideration should be given to retention of a network of contiguous areas of undisturbed mature forest across forested landscapes.

Journal

Australian Journal of Zoology – CSIRO Publishing

Published: Jan 1, 2018

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