Nest-site selection and its impact on breeding success of the Lesser Kestrel,Falco naumanni,in the North of Iran (Aves: Falconiformes) |
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Authors: | Sina Anushiravani Davoud Fadakar Zahra Sepehri Roshan Hamid-Reza Rezaei |
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Affiliation: | 1. Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Resource, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran;2. Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran;3. Environmental Sciences Department, Gorgan University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran |
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Abstract: | The Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a small migratory falcon which nests coloni- ally on inland cliffs and ruined buildings. Bandar Turkman city holds one of the most important breeding colonies in Iran. It nests in holes in roofs, walls or on ledges of buildings throughout of the city. We tried to find out whether there is a relationship between nest-site selection and breeding success. Although height from the ground is the most important factor in nest-site selection by F. naumanni, height from the floor and distance to the nearest neighbour are other main factors which affect breeding success. This could be the result of accessibility by human and natural predators such as domestic cats which threaten nests. The number of possible nest-sites in the study area is limited as many old, ruined buildings are being replaced by new construc- tions; this colonially breeding bird species therefore suffers from a lack of highly suitable nest-sites and this directly affect breeding success. |
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Keywords: | Lesser Kestrel Falconidae nest-site selection habitat nest variables Bandar Turkman Middle East |
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