Nest-site selection of New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in plantation forests and the implications of this to forestry management
Richard Seaton A , Edward O. Minot A B and John D. Holland A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
B Corresponding author. Email: e.minot@massey.ac.nz
Emu 110(4) 316-323 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU09050
Submitted: 11 June 2009 Accepted: 14 May 2010 Published: 9 November 2010
Abstract
This study investigates the factors that determine nest-site selection by New Zealand Falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in a plantation pine forest. Selection was examined by measuring habitat and forestry management variables at actual nesting sites and randomly selected sites in the forest. Nesting sites were located on the ground in pine stands up to 5 years old, with unplanted and 1-year-old stands of pine selected preferentially for nesting. Overall, 54% of pairs nested in the same stand of pines in a subsequent year, whereas 44% moved to a stand of the same age or younger and 2% moved to older stands. Falcons chose nesting sites close to older pine trees and with cover over the scrape. New Zealand Falcons benefit from clear-fell harvesting that creates a mosaic of stand ages across a plantation. This mosaic provides both suitable nesting sites and an abundance of prey. This threatened species benefits from felling plantation forests in fairly small, discrete stands.
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