Predation edge effects in coast redwood forest fragments

Brand, L; George, T

A manuscript to be submitted to the Journal of Wildlife Management (published 2000, see reference: 581199). This study was conducted by a graduate student from Humboldt State University, California. Excerpts: "Loss and fragmentation of habitat remain the principal threats to most temperate zone birds. The coast redwood forest ecosystem has been highly fragmented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate predation risk in relation to nest type, distance from the forest edge, edge type, and nest concealment. The study was conducted in old-growth and mature second growth coast redwood forest stands from May to August 1997. Forty-one transects were established extending from the edge to 150 m into the forest interior surrounded by five edge types: suburb, young forest, prairie, river and road. Transect locations were selected in four geographical locations corresponding to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and the Arcata/Eureka area. A total of 562 artificial nests (half arboreal nests and half ground nests) with quail eggs were placed at 25 m intervals along the transects and were checked after 7 and 14 days."