Dispersal behaviour of Brown Treecreepers predicts functional connectivity for several other woodland birds
Veronica A. J. Doerr A B C , Erik D. Doerr A B and Micah J. Davies A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
B Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: veronica.doerr@csiro.au
Emu 111(1) 71-83 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU09118
Submitted: 29 December 2009 Accepted: 29 August 2010 Published: 21 February 2011
Abstract
The persistence of native species in fragmented landscapes is dependent on dispersal or foraging movements between habitat patches, which may be limited. Although corridors have been heralded as solutions, their effectiveness depends on species’ movement behaviour, which has rarely been studied. We previously analysed dispersal movements of Brown Treecreepers (Climacteris picumnus), concluding that scattered trees may provide greater connectivity than corridors, and the length of corridors and size of any gaps within may be more important than corridor width. However, conclusions from a single species may not be representative. Here, we analyse dispersal movements of two sedentary birds – Eastern Yellow Robins (Eopsaltria australis) and White-throated Treecreepers (Cormobates leucophaeus) – and foraging movements of two semi-nomadic birds – Fuscous Honeyeaters (Lichenostomus fuscus) and White-plumed Honeyeaters (L. penicillatus). Despite differences in their ecologies and purpose of movements, we found the movement strategies of these species at the local landscape scale were similar. The types of connectivity used and gap distances crossed were similar to those for Brown Treecreepers, strengthening our understanding of how to provide connectivity. We suggest that decision rules for movement have been shaped over evolutionary time by variability in the landscape, so movement behaviour may be less species-specific than previously assumed.
Additional keywords: foray search, gap-crossing, habitat fragmentation, stepping stone
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