• Research

• Longleaf Pine Research
• Aquatics Research
• Wildlife Research
• Predation and Predator Management
• Predator Exclosure Study
• Supplemental Feeding Study
• Food Plot Study
• Raccoon Study
• Bobcat Study
• Effects of Predator Harvest
• Diversionary Feeding Study
• Diversionary Feeding Study 2
• Wildlife/Habitat Relationships
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• Research Publications
• Graduate Projects

Nest Predator Use of Food Plots Within a Forest Matrix: An Experiment Using Artificial Nests

Research Team: Dr. L Michael Conner (Associate Scientist) and Micah Perkins (Research Technician III)

Food plots are often used to enhance wildlife habitat within forested systems, but food plots also create edge within the forested matrix that may attract nest predators. Because little information exists regarding how food plots affect nest predation, we examined predation rates on artificial nests placed in 30 food plots (0.70 – 13.0 ha). We determined that 4 landscape variables and 1 temporal variable were important predictors of predator use of food plots. Predators used forested edges more intensively than fallow strips within food plots and small food plots with short perimeters more intensively than large food plots with long perimeters. As food plots became more irregularly shaped, intensity of predator use increased. Lastly, predators used food plots more intensively during the early nesting season (May) than during the later nesting season (July). Because many bird species nest along food plot/forest ecotones or in native vegetation within periodically disturbed sites, managers should consider food plot designs which reduce encounter rates between nesting birds and their predators.

Additional Information:

Conner, L. M. and M. Perkins. (In Press) Nest predator use of food plots within a forest matrix: an experiment using artificial nests. Forest Ecology and Management.

Funded by: The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center