Coexistence conservation strategies: Testing conditioned food aversion to protect the endangered Western capercaillie
Bird species, especially ground-nesting species, are experiencing sharp population declines. Nest predation is one of the main factors limiting the reproductive success of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in declining populations. This study represents the first trial assessing the use of Conditi...
| Autores: | , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha |
| Repositorio: | RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/47213 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2025.127140 https://hdl.handle.net/10578/47213 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Conditioned taste aversion Nest predation Wildlife management Biological conservation Grouse Artificial nests |
| Sumario: | Bird species, especially ground-nesting species, are experiencing sharp population declines. Nest predation is one of the main factors limiting the reproductive success of the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) in declining populations. This study represents the first trial assessing the use of Conditioned Food Aversion (CFA) as a non-lethal tool to reduce capercaillie nest predation, particularly by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), within the framework of coexistence conservation strategies. The fungicide Thiram was used as an aversive compound in artificial eggs, and predation rates were compared between a treatment and a control area before and after conditioning (BACI design). In the treatment area, CFA produced a slight reduction in overall nest predation, whereas in the control area a marked increase was observed. At the species level, red fox predation in the treatment area was reduced by a factor of 2.35 compared to controls, demonstrating a significant effect of CFA. No significant effect was observed on predation by martens (Martes martes), suggesting lower conditioning effectiveness in mustelids. Furthermore, the presence of unconditioned juveniles and a slight delay in the post-conditioning phase may have influenced the results. Additionally, nest predation by wild boar (Sus scrofa) and brown bear (Ursus arctos) was detected at low to moderate levels. The study highlights the potential of behavior-based methodologies within coexistence conservation strategies, such as CFA, as viable alternative to lethal control. These tools are not only more socially and ethically accepted but also promote more effective and sustainable conservation of threatened species. |
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