Foraging habitat characteristics influence the nest-box occupancy and breeding parameters of European roller (Coracias garrulus) in Serbia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS220404024MKeywords:
European roller, Coracias garrulus, nest box, prey, perches, grazingAbstract
Paper description:
- Knowledge about a species’ key requirements in habitats is an essential step in planning and improving conservation efforts.
- Combinations of variables (habitat composition and structure, biophysical characteristics, grazing regime, prey availability) were used in generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to determine the influence on Coracias garrulus (European roller) nest box occupancy and breeding parameters.
- The grazing regime negatively affected the pray of rollers; short vegetation in grazed areas provided for more exposed insects, leading to successful foraging activities.
- The obtained results represent basic information regarding the needs of rollers within the breeding area, which will be incorporated in future actions.
Abstract: The European roller (Coracias garrulus) is an endangered species whose breeding in Serbia depends almost entirely on nest boxes. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of prey availability and foraging habitat characteristics on nest-box occupancy and breeding parameters. Data from 20 roller foraging sites over 5 breeding seasons were used in a set of linear regression models to evaluate which factors affect the diversity and biomass of roller prey, as well as nest-box occupancy and breeding parameters. Our analyses revealed that prey availability parameters were significantly affected by the grazing regime and biophysical parameters. An area under grassland negatively affected nest-box occupancy, clutch size and fledging success. In contrast, grazing intensity showed positive effects. Although grazing negatively affected prey diversity and quantity, it potentially increased the likelihood of a successful hunt by forming short vegetation. These results indicate that the habitat characteristics linked to the ability of the species to hunt successfully should be considered when installing nest boxes as a part of the broader management of roller breeding sites. Furthermore, nest-box installation in open agricultural habitats other than grasslands should be considered in the conservation strategy for the species in Serbia.
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