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GPS tracking informs nest reserve design for an endangered raptor, the Grey Goshawk Tachyspiza novaehollandiae, in hostile anthropogenic landscapes

David Young , James Kirkpatrick

Abstract

We used GPS telemetry to investigate space use and movements of 15 grey goshawks Tachyspiza novaehollandiae in south-east Tasmania, Australia between 2021 and 2023. The number of nests per territory in 73 active breeding territories was also determined and inter-nest distances were calculated. Mean minimum convex polygon non-breeding season home range size of female goshawks was more than twice as large as the mean breeding season home range size. Home range size of males was similar in the breeding and non-breeding seasons and the MCP estimates suggest their home ranges are much larger than females. Tracked goshawks were range residents throughout the year with KD core areas centred on nest trees and preferred foraging locations. Movement patterns were highly recursive although some individuals occasionally undertook long range excursions away from their nests. Mean number of nests per goshawk breeding territory was 2.0 (range 1 - 6). Median distance between nests in breeding territories was 78 m (range 1.8 - 915.0m). We recommend that prescriptive nest reserves for grey goshawks be implemented based on our 50, 75 and 95% KD core area estimates for females in the breeding season. We provide a conceptualised example of a nest reserve design.

ZO24025  Accepted 17 February 2025

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