eCite Digital Repository
The relationship between environmental variables, detection probability and site occupancy by Tasmanian nocturnal birds, including the Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops)
Citation
Todd, MK and Kavanagh, RP and Penman, TD and Bell, P and Munks, SA, The relationship between environmental variables, detection probability and site occupancy by Tasmanian nocturnal birds, including the Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), Australian Journal of Zoology, 66, (2) pp. 139-151. ISSN 0004-959X (2018) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2018 CSIRO
DOI: doi:10.1071/ZO17069
Abstract
Knowledge of the habitat requirements of nocturnal birds is vital for the development of effective conservation strategies. This study is the first intensive systematic survey of the occurrence of the threatened Tasmanian masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), the Tasmanian boobook (Ninox leucopsis) and the Australian owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) in Tasmania using call playback, spotlighting and listening techniques. Occupancy models were created that explain the spatial distribution of the three species. Temperature and wind influenced the detectability of all species. Detectability of the Tasmanian boobook was also associated with nightlight. The Tasmanian masked owl was most often found in low-elevation mature dry eucalypt forest. This may be related to a combination of availability of nesting sites, food availability and accessibility, and physiological factors. The Australian owlet-nightjar also showed a broad preference for dry eucalypt forest and avoided open country. In contrast, the Tasmanian boobook was most often found in wet eucalypt forest with higher temperatures and fewer roads. We conclude that mature dry and wet forest types at low elevations need to be carefully managed to maintain populations of Tasmania's nocturnal birds, particularly the threatened Tasmanian masked owl. Consideration should be given to retention of a network of contiguous areas of undisturbed mature forest across forested landscapes.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | habitat preference, nocturnal raptors, occupancy modelling, threatened species |
| Research Division: | Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences |
| Research Group: | Animal production |
| Research Field: | Animal growth and development |
| Objective Division: | Animal Production and Animal Primary Products |
| Objective Group: | Environmentally sustainable animal production |
| Objective Field: | Environmentally sustainable animal production not elsewhere classified |
| UTAS Author: | Todd, MK (Mr Michael Todd) |
| UTAS Author: | Penman, TD (Associate Professor Trent Penman) |
| UTAS Author: | Munks, SA (Dr Sarah Munks) |
| ID Code: | 152039 |
| Year Published: | 2018 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 4 |
| Deposited By: | Zoology |
| Deposited On: | 2022-08-10 |
| Last Modified: | 2022-09-16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
Repository Staff Only: item control page