Habitat selection in the post-breeding period by Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia in the Bohemian Forest

Abstract

The Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) is a cryptic forest-obligate bird species with special habitat requirements, including structured mixed forests at the local scale and good connectivity at the landscape level. These conditions are rarely met in Central European forests, with the exception of those in mountainous areas, such as the Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic. To explain habitat use in the Bohemian Forest by the Hazel Grouse during the post-breeding period more precisely, we used a small dataset as part of a long-term study to model the probability of occurrence for Hazel Grouse. We found that site occupancy by Hazel Grouse in the Bohemian Forest was high in dense spruce forests characterized by short sighting distances (20–40 m). It increased sharply with small proportions of deciduous trees (5–10 %) in a conifer-dominated forest and remained high at intermediate ground vegetation height (20–50 cm). Other elements that were positively associated with site occupancy of Hazel Grouse were the presence of anthills and fallen logs, and higher crown closure. Site occupancy decreased with a higher proportion of grass cover but was positively influenced by higher proportions of herbs and bilberry. Outcomes of this study may be used to inform forest and conservation practitioners for improvements of Hazel Grouse habitat in Central European mountain areas but also to assess forest sites for their suitability as Hazel Grouse habitats.