The use of nest boxes to sample arboreal vertebrates
H.
BOBBY FOKIDIS1,2,* AND THOMAS S. RISCH1,2
Author Affiliations
1Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University,
PO Box 599, State University, AR 72467
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, PO Drawer E, Aiken, SC
29802
*Corresponding
author - bfokidis@astate.edu
Abstract
Tree cavities are rarely incorporated into surveys of forest ecosystem
biodiversity, due to difficultly in their systematic sampling. We examined
the feasibility of using southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans
Thomas) nest boxes for monitoring arboreal vertebrates at 11 sites within
the Savannah River Site, SC. We recorded 3130 vertebrates of 11 species
(3 mammals, 3 birds, 5 reptiles) using nest boxes for nesting, roosting,
and foraging. G. volans represented the majority of these with
3019 individuals, but flying squirrel occupancy did not affect occupancy
of boxes by other species. Upland hardwood forests had the most species
that used boxes; however, due to uneven sampling, nest boxes placed in
dense-canopy plantations detected the most species per box. We conclude
that nest boxes are a useful means of surveying for cavity-dwelling species.
We recommend a protocol that uses different size nest boxes at varying
heights to accurately survey a traditionally under-sampled component of
forest ecosystems, those species using tree cavities.
SREL Reprint #2899
Fokidis, H.
B. and T. S. Risch 2005. The use of nest boxes to sample arboreal vertebrates.
Southeastern Naturalist 4:447-458.
