Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia;2. Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY, 11367 USA Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Ave., New York, NY, 10016 USA;3. Zoological Society of London – Nepal Office, PO Box 4. 5867 Kathmandu, Nepal School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury-Woodonga, NSW, Australia;5. The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709 USA;6. Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
Abstract: | Quantitative studies on nesting habitat selection are important to understand and predict the resource requirements for breeding habitat. In this study, we analysed nest-site (cliff) and territory selection patterns of the Bearded Vulture in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas (Nepal). Our study area represents high-elevation mountain range systems, where information on nest selection is lacking, despite having the largest remaining populations of Bearded Vultures in the world. Our models indicated selection patterns at both nest and territory spatial scales that are consistent with previous studies at lower altitudes (Pyrenees, the Caucasus), such as a preference for landscape patches with greater food availability. However, our models also indicated selection patterns that are probably a response to the higher altitudes and sheer reliefs of the Annapurna massif, such as avoidance of the steepest slopes and selection of cliffs facing south and west for nest-sites. We did not detect an impact of human activities on the distribution of nests or territories. However, the Annapurna massif is experiencing development of infrastructures (e.g. road construction). Further research efforts will be needed to monitor human impacts on Bearded Vulture populations in the Annapurna Range, as this is a global stronghold for this species. |