Does Removal of Duck Nest Predators Affect the Temporal Patterns of Predation for Simulated Nests of Grassland Songbirds?

Authors

  • Nancy Dion Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2
  • Keith A. Hobson Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Station, Environment Canada, 115 Perimeter Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 0X4
  • Serge Larivière Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v117i3.736

Keywords:

grasslands, nest predation, predator control, songbirds, timing devices, waterfowl

Abstract

We tested whether the temporal patterns of songbird nest predation changed following removal of predators of duck nests in North Dakota, USA, 1995-1996. Overall, 2286 simulated nests were deployed of which 951 were equipped with depredation timing devices that recorded the time of day of nest destruction. Predators destroyed 242 timer nests, and 155 depredation events were recorded. Temporal distribution of predation events was uniform over a 24-h period. However, predator groups, identified by using marks left on modeling clay eggs, depredated nests at different times. Mean times of depredation were 07h41, 12h57, 17h50, and 22h47 for small mammals, ground squirrels, birds, and medium-sized mammals, respectively. Daily depredation events occurred earlier on removal versus non-removal sites. However, within each predator group, there was no difference in depredation times between removal and non-removal sites. We suggest that the difference in time of depredation is caused by the differential importance of each predator group on removal versus removal sites, and thus conclude that removing duck nest predators does not affect temporal foraging patterns of smaller predators.

Author Biographies

Nancy Dion, Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2

Delta Waterfowl Foundation, R.R. 1, Box 1, Site 1, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3A1

Serge Larivière, Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E2

Delta Waterfowl Foundation, R.R. 1, Box 1, Site 1, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3A1 Canada

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