Population Density and Habitat Use by Megapodius freycinet eremita in West Britain

Abstract

The population densities of volcano scrubfowl Megapodius freycinet eremita were assessed in breeding grounds and in other habitat types throughout West New Britain. In the breeding grounds densities reached 1384 birds per sq km in the Garu study area and 7468 birds per sq km at Pokilli during the peak of the breeding season in June. Birds were absent from the breeding areas during the wet season from December until late March, and appear to disperse widely throughout lowland rainforests when not involved in egg-laying activities. Only light use was made of swamp forests, garden regrowth areas and hill forests, and birds were virtually absent from palm plantations and clear-felled seedling areas. The prime foraging habitat was lowland rainforests, forests rich in commercial timber trees which are supporting a rapidly growing timber industry. Although these unique and socially valuable birds appear to be fairly tolerant of light selective logging, heavy disturbance or clear-felling represents a major loss of habitat to them. The breeding population is also very susceptible to any disturbances near the breeding grounds, and to the possibility of overharvesting of eggs.