Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus (o.) oedipus) in a semi-naturalistic captive colony

To test the prediction that the breeding success of captive cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus (o.) oedipus) could be improved by maintaining them in groups whose size and age-sex composition resembled those of wild groups, data were collated from 6.5 years of records from a breeding colony that otherwise had housing and husbandry procedures similar to those of other successful colonies. Group size and composition in the colony closely resembled those of wild groups, and infant survival was the highest yet reported for the species, with 69% of the 124 infants born reared by their parents to adulthood, and a mean surviving litter size of 1.5 infants. Abortion, stillbirth, and parental neglect of infants were rare. Parity had several effects on reproduction: mean litter size decreased, but percentage infant survival increased; interbirth intervals decreased in length; and seasonality in reproduction was more pronounced for the first four litters born to breeding females than for their subsequent litters, with a birth peak in the spring. Although a spacious and complex physical environment, retention of offspring in their natal families until experience of several sets of infant siblings had been obtained, and non-invasive husbandry and research techniques may all have contributed to the colony's success, it seems possible that the improvement over other colonies is due to the resemblance of group composition to those of wild tamarins.     

长白猪有关繁殖性状对60d窝重影响的分析

本研究材料来自杭州种猪试验场1996-2001年长白母猪产仔哺育记录的原始档案,共收集6733窝,利用通径分析和多元逐步回归分析等方法找到了影响长白猪60d窝重的主要繁殖性状是60d仔数和60d个重,影响60d窝重的最优回归方程为：y=-131．01 0．2878x1-2．8753x3-4．3098x4 0．6435x5 18．7975x6 7.8899x7。     

Age and breeding success related to nest position in a White stork Ciconia ciconia colony

Coloniality is a breeding system that may produce benefits in terms of breeding success, although these advantages could vary according to factors such as colony size or nest position. We studied breeder's age in relation to nest position (peripheral or central) within the colony. In addition, we studied the relationship between breeding success and nest position, controlling for breeder's age, a highly correlated factor, in a White Stork Ciconia ciconia colony over a 7-year period. Our results show that central nests are mainly occupied by adult birds and had lower failure rates. However, controlling for breeder's age, nest position per se did not explain breeding success. The scarce predation and the lack of human disturbance in the study colony could explain the absence of differences in breeding success between different nest positions within the colony.     

Big boys get big girls: Factors influencing pupping site and territory location in Australian fur seals

To examine the factors influencing birth site selection and territory location in Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), habitat variables (slope, substrate, and elevation) were quantified in seven zones within a breeding colony on Kanowna Island (39º15′S, 146º18′E), southeastern Australia. Distribution across the colony was not uniform with zones at low elevations (i.e., close to water) being preferred areas, having earlier occupancies and greater female densities. Body length of females and territorial adult males was assessed using laser‐metrics. Average female length increased throughout the breeding season, within zones and across the colony, with larger females arriving to give birth later. Larger females also occupied areas of lower elevation close to water. Adult male body length had no influence on territory size, but was positively correlated with the number of females in harems (r² = 0.70, P < 0.05) and female length (r² = 0.87, P < 0.01) within harems. By monopolizing larger females, adult males may enhance their reproductive success as these individuals are more likely to give birth and have greater weaning success.     

Use of microsatellite polymorphisms for paternity exclusion in rhesus macaques (Macaca multatta)

A total of 224 infant rhesus macaques and their dams and potential sires in 11 multimale groups in 2 different specific pathogen free breeding colonies were screened for up to 6 different microsatellite polymorphism using cross-species PCR amplification. Observed and expected success of paternity exclusion analysis (based on gene frequencies of sires and dams in each colony) were computed by individual locus and cumulatively. Greater or less success of PEA than expected was observed at most loci due to the nonrandom distribution of genotypes between sires and dams and among breeding groups at each colony and because genotypes at different loci did not provide completely independent information about parentage. The combined success of PEA using all loci, however, was slightly greater than predicted both with and without assuming knowledge of one parent's (i.e. the dam's) genotype and was far greater than that based on protein coding loci or DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms.     

ASPECTS OF THE POPULATION DYNAMICS OF CAPE VULTURES IN THE CAPE PROVINCE

Robertson, A. S. 1984. Aspects of the population dynamics of Cape Vultures in the Cape Province. Ostrich 55: 196–206.

Information gathered in 1981 and 1982 and collated from previous records on the numbers, spatial distribution, proportion of age classes, age and frequency of breeding, breeding success and causes of breeding failure, and the survival of immature and adult Cape Vultures Gyps coprotheres in the southern and southwestern areas of the Cape Province, South Africa, is presented. This sub-population of about 75 birds is apparently isolated from conspecifics in the rest of southern Africa; the implications of this are discussed. At the Potberg colony in both years an average of 85% of birds 5 years and older were involved in breeding attempts. The age of first breeding was 4–6 years. Nest sites were active for about two in every three years. Between 1975 and 1982, 0,51-0,67 nestlings were reared per active nest site (n=165). Four (possible maximum six) of 21 immatures were resighted one year after they had flown. Of 123 birds that had been ringed at Potberg to 1980, 14 (11%) were sighted in 1981; only four of 48(8%) colour-ringed birds 5 years old and older were breeding in 1981.     

Increasing returns in the life history of Columbian ground squirrels

1. We examined positive associations and trade-offs of maternal and reproductive traits in a population of Columbian ground squirrels, Spermophilus columbianus .
2. Structural size, body condition, mother's personal allocation to body mass during reproduction, and timing of littering were estimated for live-trapped reproductive females that were observed during an 8-year period, and were compared to litter mass, litter size, and average pup mass using path analyses.
3. Mothers exhibited age-structured traits that influenced reproductive patterns. Yearling mothers were significantly smaller, bred later, and had smaller litters than older females. Mothers that gained more body mass during reproduction and older mothers in good body condition that were structurally large had larger litters.
4. Early seasonal timing of littering was an important positive influence on successful reproduction by older mothers only in early breeding seasons and in years when conditions for reproduction were good for all females.
5. The number of offspring that survived to 1 year of age was most strongly associated with litter mass and litter size; date of breeding was of secondary influence, with earlier litters exhibiting greater success.
6. In general, mothers that gained the most in body mass during reproduction were concurrently more successful in weaning large litters (perhaps due to better quality of foraging habitat).
7. In addition to expected reproductive trade-offs, reproduction by Columbian ground squirrels exhibited positive associations of life-history traits that may reflect evolutionary increasing returns.     

Evidence for dietary essentiality of lithium in the rat

The purpose of this study was to determine the dietary essentiality of lithium (Li) in rats. In three experiments, two types of diets were fed during growth, reproduction, and lactation. In the first experiment, dams were maintained on a corn-based diet containing 2 ng or 500 ng (controls) Li/g through five successive periods of pregnancy and lactation. The offspring of dams fed the low-Li diet had significantly lower weaning weights (p=0.011), and the percent weaned was lower (p=0.094) than that of controls. In the second experiment, rats were maintained through three generations on a rice-based diet containing 0.6 ng Li/g, or the control (500 ng/g) diet. There was a significant effect of Li level on litter size (p=0.017) and litter wt at birth (p=0.006) in the third generation. The overall effect through three generations on litter wt at birth approaches statistical significance (p=0.086). In the third experiment, third-generation rats were continued on the respective rice-based diets with three levels of dietary sodium, the normal level, one-half, and four times that level. The litter size and birth wt were significantly lower (p=0.0030 and 0.0038, respectively) among the low-Li dams that consumed the normal and high-sodium levels compared to those that consumed the low-sodium diets. The interaction of Li and sodium as regards litter wt at birth approached significance (p=0.083). Various tissues of the rats in the third experiment were analyzed for Li. It seems likely that Li exerts an essential nutrient role for the rat. Contribution of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No. 11,327.     

Fetal and maternal factors associated with infant mortality in vervet monkeys

Background Causes of infant death remain unknown in significant proportions of human and non‐human primate pregnancies. Methods A closed breeding colony with high rates of infant mortality had pregnancies assessed (n = 153) by fetal measurements and maternal characteristics. Infant outcome was classified as neonatal death (stillborn or died <48 hours from birth), postnatal death (died 2–30 days) or surviving (alive after 30 days). Results Fetal size did not predict outcome. Poor maternal glycemic control and low social ranking increased odds for adverse outcome (OR = 3.72, P = 0.01 and 2.27, P = 0.04, respectively). Male sex was over‐represented in stillbirths (P = 0.04), and many were macrosomic, but size did not associate with maternal glycemic control measured as glycated hemoglobin A1c. Postnatally dead infants were smaller (P < 0.01), which associated with behavioral factors and glycemic control. Conclusions Fetal growth estimates predicted gestational age but not fetal outcome. Maternal social status and metabolic health, particularly glycemic control, increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcome.     

Effects of spatial disturbance on common loon nest site selection and territory success

The common loon (Gavia immer) breeds during the summer on northern lakes and water bodies that are also often desirable areas for aquatic recreation and human habitation. In northern New England, we assessed how the spatial nature of disturbance affects common loon nest site selection and territory success. We found through classification and regression analysis that distance to and density of disturbance factors can be used to classify observed nest site locations versus random points, suggesting that these factors affect loon nest site selection (model 1: Correct classification = 75%, null = 50%, K = 0.507, P < 0.001; model 2: Correct classification = 78%, null = 50%, K = 0.551, P < 0.001). However, in an exploratory analysis, we were unable to show a relation between spatial disturbance variables and breeding success (P = 0.595, R² = 0.436), possibly because breeding success was so low during the breeding seasons of 2007–2008. We suggest that by selecting nest site locations that avoid disturbance factors, loons thereby limit the effect that disturbance will have on their breeding success. Still, disturbance may force loons to use sub-optimal nesting habitat, limiting the available number of territories, and overall productivity. We advise that management efforts focus on limiting disturbance factors to allow breeding pairs access to the best nesting territories, relieving disturbance pressures that may force sub-optimal nest placement. © 2011 The Wildlife Society     

Nest success of grassland sparrows on reclaimed surface mines

Grasslands resulting from surface mine reclamation support grassland songbird populations in several midwestern and eastern states in the United States, especially where reclaimed mines are large (>1,000 ha). However, most reclaimed surface mines in Pennsylvania are small (<200 ha), and nest success is unknown. We evaluated nest success of grasshopper (Ammodramus savannarum), Henslow's (A. henslowii), and Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) on 4 reclaimed surface mines (50–180 ha) in western Pennsylvania, USA from 2006 to 2007. Overall nest success based on mean covariate values was 0.435 (95% CI = 0.376–0.504) for grasshopper sparrows, 0.396 (95% CI = 0.295–0.533) for Henslow's sparrows, and 0.158 (95% CI = 0.063–0.392) for Savannah sparrows. These estimates of nest success are comparable to those on larger reclaimed mines and other habitats. Grasshopper and Henslow's sparrow nests that were well concealed were less likely to fail than highly visible nests (β_visible = −0.028, CI = −0.051 to −0.005 for grasshopper sparrows; β_visible = −0.063, CI = −0.112 to −0.014 for Henslow's sparrows), and nests in areas with surrounding deep litter were more likely to fail than nests in areas with shallow litter (β_litterD = −0.145, CI = −0.335 to 0.045 for grasshopper sparrows; β_litterD = −0.676, CI = −1.187 to −0.116 for Henslow's sparrows). Savannah sparrow nests in areas with high visual obstruction by vegetation were less likely to fail than nests in areas with sparse and short vegetation (β_VisOb = 0.048, CI = 0.006–0.091). Daily probability of survival for grasshopper sparrow nests was greatest early and late in the breeding season, and Savannah sparrow nest survival followed a decreasing linear trend. Nest survival of Henslow's sparrows was greater on warm days (β_temp = 0.197, CI = 0.014–0.379), whereas for Savannah sparrows nest survival decreased on warm days and on days with rain, but for Savannah sparrows confidence intervals of weather effects included zero (β_temp = −0.098, CI = −0.246 to 0.050; β_rain = 3.13, CI = −14.19 to 20.45). We suggest that small reclaimed surface mine grasslands can provide valuable nesting habitat and could be important to the conservation of grassland bird populations. Because nest success can increase in the latter part of the nesting season, agricultural disturbances or management activities in mid- to late summer could adversely affect reproductive success. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Factors influencing reproductive success and litter size in captive island foxes

A severe decline of island foxes (Urocyon littoralis) on the northern Channel Islands in the 1990s prompted the National Park Service to begin a captive breeding program to increase their numbers. Using detailed records of all the fox pairs (N = 267) that were part of the program on San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Santa Cruz Islands from its inception in 2000 through 2007, we identified factors influencing the breeding success of pairs in captivity in the interest of formulating strategies that could increase captive productivity. We compiled a database of variables including litter size, reproductive success, distance to nearest occupied pen during the breeding season, subspecies, exposure, female age, male age, age difference, female and male origin (wild vs. captive born), same versus different origin, years paired, previous reproductive success by the pair, previous reproductive success by the female, mate aggression-related injuries, male previous involvement in a pair with mate aggression, and female previous involvement in a pair with mate aggression. We used multiple linear regression to identify factors predictive of litter size, and logistic regression to predict the probability of reproductive success. A larger inter-pen distance, older male age, less exposure, and a smaller intra-pair age difference positively affected litter size. The probabilities of reproductive success increased with fewer years paired and less exposure. Comparatively, pairs with wild born females (vs. captive born females), and previously successful pairs (vs. previously unsuccessful and new pairs) were most likely to be successful. These results indicate that the optimal situation was to pair wild-caught females with older males in sheltered pens that were as far from other pens as possible, to maintain successful pairs and repair unsuccessful ones. Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.     

Intraspecific variation in size and density of Avocet colonies: effects of nest-distances on hatching and breeding success

In many colonial bird species there is considerable intraspecific variation in colony size and inter‐nest distance (colony density). Possible causes of this variation and its effects on hatching success (survival of eggs) and breeding success (probability of a pair raising chicks) were studied in 48 Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta colonies in Schleswig‐Holstein (Germany) between 1991 and 1996. Colony density was influenced by time of year and habitat (categories: island or mainland, close to or far from feeding grounds). Colonies on islands had the highest densities. When all available space at a colony site was used, colonies became very dense (mean nearest‐neighbour nest distance less than 1 m). Colony size (number of clutches) was influenced by time of year, but not by habitat. Hatching success was low in high density colonies and in very low density ‘colonies’ (single nests) and high over a broad range of intermediate nest densities. The low success rate of single nests was caused by a very high predation rate, whereas the low success rate in very dense colonies was caused by a high rate of nest abandonment. Nest abandonment in very dense colonies was associated with a high level of aggressiveness among Avocets during the egg‐laying period. Due to territorial behaviour, Avocets seemed to be expelled from the densest breeding sites. In very dense colonies, high frequencies of clutches of unusual size occurred due to conspecific nest parasitism. The number of Avocets taking part in attacks on potential egg predators was small and (in colonies of more than one clutch) depended neither on colony size nor on colony density. Despite a low hatching success in very dense colonies, individuals breeding in the densest colonies had significantly better chances of raising chicks than Avocets breeding in less dense colonies. Coloniality seemed to be obligatory for Avocets in order to ensure hatching success. The size and density of colonies seemed to be associated with the availability of suitable nesting habitats (islands).     

Long-term population dynamics of a managed burrowing owl colony

We analyzed the population dynamics of a burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) colony at Mineta San Jose International Airport in San Jose, California, USA from 1990–2007. This colony was managed by using artificial burrows to reduce the occurrence of nesting owls along runways and within major airport improvement projects during the study period. We estimated annual reproduction in natural and artificial burrows and age-specific survival rates with mark–recapture techniques, and we estimated the relative contribution of these vital rates to population dynamics using a life table response experiment. The breeding colony showed 2 distinct periods of change: high population growth from 7 nesting pairs in 1991 to 40 pairs in 2002 and population decline to 17 pairs in 2007. Reproduction was highly variable: annual nesting success (pairs that raised ≥1 young) averaged 79% and ranged from 36% to 100%, whereas fecundity averaged 3.36 juveniles/pair and ranged from 1.43 juveniles/pair to 4.54 juveniles/pair. We estimated annual adult survival at 0.710 during the period of colony increase from 1996 to 2001 and 0.465 during decline from 2002 to 2007, but there was no change in annual survival of juveniles between the 2 time periods. Long-term population growth rate (λ) estimated from average vital rates was λ_a = 1.072 with λ_i = 1.288 during colony increase and λ_d = 0.921 (Δλ = 0.368) during decline. A life table response experiment showed that change in adult survival rate during increasing and declining phases explained more than twice the variation in growth rate than other vital rates. Our findings suggest that management and conservation of declining burrowing owl populations should address factors that influence adult survival. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

DO NEST SITE CHARACTERISTICS AFFECT THE BREEDING SUCCESS OF RED BISHOPS EUPLECTES ORIX?

Summary

Ferguson, J.W.H. 1994. Do nest site characteristics affect the breeding success of Red Bishops Euplectes orix? Ostrich 65:274-280.

A colony of Red Bishop birds Euplectes orix in a reed bed near Pretoria was studied during two breeding seasons. Breeding activity was greater during the second year, following increased rainfall. Predation was the most important source of mortality with 25–30% of the nests yielding fledglings. Between 7 and 11% of the nests were parasitised by Diederik Cuckoos. Reed height and distance from the edge of the reed bed were strongly correlated with nest density. From a temporal perspective breeding success was highest in late January following the peak in breeding activity. These observations suggest that overall breeding success is higher when nest densities are low. The mean fledging rate per nest was lower in areas of high nest density. This was, however, a statistical artifact. Multivariate analyses could not identify any environmental factors as predictors of breeding success within a colony.     

Energy intake and milk production in mink (MUSTELA vison)‐effect of litter size

Energy intake and milk production were measured in 12 mink dams raising litters of 3, 6 and 9 kits one to four weeks post partum by means of balance experiments and measurements of milk intake of the kits by the water isotope dilution technique. The dams were fed ad libitum on a conventional wet mink diet (DM: 323 g/kg; CP: 173 g/kg; ME: 4.4 MJ/kg). Milk samples collected from dams with corresponding litter sizes and lactation weeks, and body composition of kits nursed by these dams, were analysed for content of DM, ash, N and fat. The ME and drinking water consumption were higher in dams nursing 9 kits than in dams nursing 3 kits. The N and water balances as well as the live weight of dams were not affected by litter size. Daily milk production was higher in dams nursing 9 kits than in dams nursing 3 kits. The DM, N and fat content of the milk increased during lactation, but were not affected by litter size. Individual kit live weight was higher in litters of 3 than in litters of 6 and 9 kits four weeks post partum. The DM and fat content of the kits were lowest in kits from litters of 9 kits, whereas these kits had the highest protein content. Daily ME for maintenance of kits and the efficiency of utilisation of ME in milk for body gain were estimated to 356 kJ/kg^0.75, k_p ≈0.53 and k_f ≈0.71, respectively. In conclusion, daily milk production increased with increasing litter size, but not in proportion to the number of kits, indicating that milk production limits the growth rate of the young. In the fourth week of lactation, milk production was not different between dams nursing 6 or 9 kits, indicating a maximum capacity.     

Reproduction in the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang)

The reproductive biology of the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) is poorly documented because of infrequent captive breeding success and the absence of field studies of this species. Reproductive data were collected from a breeding colony of slow lorises held at the Duke University Primate Center for the past 10 years. Nineteen infants were born, with a sex ratio of 1:1 and a neonatal mortality rate of 15.8%. In all cases, litter size was one. Females born in the colony copulated for the first time between 18 and 24 months of age. A male that reached sexual maturity in the colony sired his first offspring at the age of 17 months. Estrous cycles ranged in duration from 29–45 days, with copulations usually occurring for 1 day of estrus. Gestation length averaged 192.2 days. Although a postpartum estrus was observed in three cases of infant death, no conceptions resulted. Lactation lasted approximately 6 months. A clear birth peak was observed, with 12 out of 19 births occurring in March, April, and May. The comparatively low basal metabolic rate of this species may account for the unusually low reproductive rate of the slow loris in comparison with other prosimian primates.     

Husbandry,overwinter care,and reproduction of captive striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis)

The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is the focus of research interest for a variety of reasons, including its roles as a rabies reservoir, urban pest, predator of bird eggs, and parasite host. Some research programmes may require husbandry and breeding of captive animals, and because skunks are inactive in the winter in northern environments, special methods are needed to maintain the animals over winter. We report on the establishment of a colony of striped skunks kept in captivity in the northern part of their range. Our goals were to develop simple and effective methods to keep skunks in captivity over winter, and successfully breed skunks in a manner that resembles conditions in the wild. In the spring of 2002, three wild‐caught, pregnant females gave birth in captivity (mean litter size=7). During the first year, 11 of 12 females kept in captivity over winter reproduced successfully in the spring of 2003, with a mean litter size of 5.5 (range=4–8, n=11). In the summer of 2003, 91 of 93 juveniles (97.9%) survived >60 days past weaning. Our high survival and reproduction rates testify to the success of this program, and provide insights into the husbandry of a species that is inactive during winter. Zoo Biol 24:83–91, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The impact of prenatal circadian rhythm disruption on pregnancy outcomes and long-term metabolic health of mice progeny

Animal studies demonstrate that circadian rhythm disruption during pregnancy can be deleterious to reproductive capacity and the long-term health of the progeny. Our previous studies in rats have shown that exposure of pregnant dams to an environment that significantly disrupts maternal circadian rhythms programs increased adiposity and poor glucose metabolism in offspring. In this study, we used mice with a ClockΔ19 mutation to determine whether foetal development within a genetically disrupted circadian environment affects pregnancy outcomes and alters the metabolic health of offspring. Ten female ClockΔ19+MEL mutant mice were mated with 10 wildtype males, and 10 wildtype females were mated with 10 ClockΔ19+MEL mutant males. While genetically identical, the heterozygote foetuses were exposed to either a normal (wildtype dams) or disrupted (ClockΔ19+MEL mutant dams) circadian environment during gestation. Pregnancy outcomes including time to mate, gestation length, litter size and birth weight were assessed. One male and one female offspring from each litter were assessed for postnatal growth, body composition, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test at 3 and 12 months of age. There was no effect of maternal genotype on pregnancy outcomes, with days to plug, gestation length, litter size and perinatal mortality not significantly different between wildtype and ClockΔ19+MEL mutant dams. Similarly, there was no effect of maternal genotype on weight of the offspring at birth or at any stage of postnatal growth. While there was an effect of sex on various tissue weights at 3 and 12 months of age, there were minimal effects of maternal genotype. Relative adrenal weight was significantly reduced (?32%) in offspring from ClockΔ19+MEL mutant dams, whereas gastrocnemius muscle was significantly increased (+16%) at 3 months of age only. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests at 3 months of age revealed female offspring from ClockΔ19+MEL mutant dams had significantly reduced area under the curve following glucose administration (?25%), although no differences were found at 12 months of age. There was no effect of maternal genotype on intraperitoneal insulin tolerance at 3 or 12 months of age for either sex. These results demonstrate that foetal growth within a genetically disrupted circadian environment during gestation has no effect on pregnancy success, and only marginal impacts upon the long-term metabolic health of offspring. These results do not support the hypothesis that circadian rhythm disruption during pregnancy programs poor metabolic homeostasis in offspring. However, when maintained on a 12L:12D photoperiod, the ClockΔ19+MEL mutant dams display relatively normal patterns of activity and melatonin secretion, which may have reduced the impact of the mutation upon foetal metabolic programming.     

Cliff characteristics,neighbour requirements and breeding success of the colonial Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres

The breeding success of endangered colonial nesting species is important for their conservation. Many species of Gyps vultures form large breeding colonies that are the foci of conservation efforts. The Cape Vulture is a globally threatened species that is endemic to southern Africa and has seen a major reduction in its population size (≥ 50% over 48 years). There is evidence that breeding colonies are prone to desertion as a result of human disturbance. Factors that influence the occupancy and breeding success of individual nest‐sites is not fully understood for any African vulture species. We investigated cliff characteristics and neighbour requirements of the Msikaba Cape Vulture colony, a major breeding colony in the southern node of the population in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, together with their nest‐site occupation and breeding success over 13 years. In total, 1767 breeding attempts were recorded. Nest‐sites that had a higher elevation, smaller ledge depth, greater total productivity and were surrounded by conspecifics were more likely to be occupied, although the amount of overhang above the nest was not an important predictor of occupancy. In accordance with occupation, nest‐sites with a smaller ledge depth had higher breeding success; however, nests with a greater overhang were also more successful and height of the nest‐site was not an important predictor of breeding success. The breeding success of a nest‐site in a given year was positively influenced by the number of direct nest neighbours, and nests in the middle of high‐density areas had greater breeding success. This suggests that maintaining a high nest density may be an important consideration if declines of reproducing adults continue. Breeding success declined over the study period, highlighting the effects of a temporal variation or observer bias. Our results identified optimal nest‐site locations (ledge depths of 1 m, at a height of 180 m) and their effects on breeding success. This information can be used for planning reintroduction efforts of the endangered Cape Vulture and for their ongoing conservation.