The role of pigeon consumption in the population dynamics and breeding performance of a peregrine falcon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Falco peregrinus</Emphasis>) population: conservation implications |
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Authors: | Pascual López-López José Verdejo Emilio Barba |
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Institution: | (1) “Cavanilles” Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology. Terrestrial Vertebrates Group, University of Valencia, Polígono de la Coma s/n, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain;(2) Department of Microbiology and Ecology. Ecology Unit. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, University of Valencia, Campus de Burjassot. C/Doctor Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain |
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Abstract: | In this paper, we describe and analyze the diet of peregrine falcons during a long-term period (1982–2002). A combination
of direct observations of prey brought to nests, prey remains, and regurgitated pellets were used to calculate diet diversity
and dietary overlap between peregrine pairs. We also examined diet diversity in relation to breeding performance. All peregrine
pairs fed mainly on birds, with pigeons the most common prey. An increase in pigeon availability has been associated with
both an increase in population size and an increase in breeding performance (measured as the average productivity of pairs
per year) of a small peregrine falcon population in eastern Spain. Average productivity was lower when dietary breadth was
higher. We speculate that our results were the synergistic effect of declining persecution and increased pigeon availability
through increased popularity of keeping racing pigeons. There is a conflict of interests between pigeon fanciers and peregrine
conservation. As a consequence, this could result to an increased risk of mortality by direct persecution. In accordance with
this, conservation measures aimed at preventing direct persecution are encouraged. |
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Keywords: | Diet Castellón Homing Pigeon fancying Raptors Spain |
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