Factors determining the occupancy of nest-boxes by Great Tits (Parus major) in eucalypt plantations

Abstract

Providing nest-boxes as surrogate tree cavities can be of great importance to increase the breeding populations of cavity-nesting birds in managed forests. However, the exact placement of nest-boxes should be taken into consideration to enhance their occupancy according to species-specific preferences. In this study, we investigated which factors can better predict nest-box occupancy by the Great Tit (Parus major) in eucalypt plantations. We used generalised linear mixed-effects models to analyse the influence of topography, nest-box positioning, vegetation cover and landscape variables on three-year occupancy records from 80 newly provided nest-boxes. Non-random patterns of nest-box occupancy were found with respect to all categories except topography. Results suggest that Great Tits prefer to occupy high-placed nest-boxes, close to areas that can provide them with supplementary resources either within or in the vicinity of the stand (i.e., trees other than eucalypts, riparian vegetation, and large patches of adjacent habitats). Overall, this study provides important recommendations for nest-box placement and spatial distribution in managed forests and enhances the potential of nest-box interventions as a biodiversity offset and management tool.