Interactions between Coypu (Myocastor coypus) and bird nests in three mediterranean wetlands of central Italy
 
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1
DIVAPRA (Department of Protection and Exploitation of Agricultural Resources) Entomology & Zoology, Via L. da Vinci 44, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy and Wildlife Science, Via Cossolo 68/A, 10029 Villastellone (TO), Italy
 
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Nazzano-Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve, via Tiberina km 28.100, 00060 Nazzano, Rome, Italy and SROPU (Stazione Romana Osservazione e Protezione Uccelli), via Britannia 36, 00183 Rome, Italy
 
3
Macchiatonda Nature Reserve, Castello di Santa Severa, Santa Marinella, 00058 Rome, Italy
 
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Regional Park Agency - Latium, via del Pescaccio 96, 00166 Rome, Italy
 
 
Publication date: 2012-02-23
 
 
Hystrix It. J. Mamm. 2011;22(2)
 
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ABSTRACT
We evaluated the possible predation on eggs and the disturbance to waterbird nests by coypus by monitoring the breeding success of four bird species and a sample of dummy and natural nests by photo-cameras. The monitoring of waterbirds activity showed that 14.8% of Fulica atra and 9.5% of Gallinula chloropus nests failed, possibly as a consequence of disturbance by coypus. In 2009, 7.4% of ground dummy nests and 10.8% of water dummy nests showed signs of coypu activity with eggs either preyed or removed. Camera surveys confirmed that coypus used the nests as resting platforms, thus destroying or sinking the eggs. This study showed that in areas with high coypu density the disturbance to bird nests floating amid the vegetation or built in open water may be severe.
eISSN:1825-5272
ISSN:0394-1914
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