Habitat Use and Selection by the Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus) in the Tropical Rainforest of Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Abstract

The availability of habitat determines patterns of habitat use and selection by raptors, and habitat loss in human-modified landscapes may influence habitat use by individual raptors. This is important for tropical forest-dependent species, which face an accelerated rate of habitat loss worldwide. I evaluated habitat use and selection by Collared Forest-Falcons (Micrastur semitorquatus) in the fragmented rainforest of the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, state of Veracruz, Mexico. I conducted vantage point and transect observations combined with playbacks to survey Collared Forest-Falcons in March–June 2012 and 2013. I estimated habitat use and selection by forest falcons that inhabit low forest-cover and high forest-cover landscapes. In general, Collared Forest-Falcons selected primary forest and included higher proportions of this habitat within their territories and core areas. Even though the falcons avoided cattle pastures, individuals inhabiting low forest-cover landscapes included a higher proportion of this land cover within their territories, probably as a response to low forest availability in the landscape. Results from this study demonstrate that Collared Forest-Falcons preferentially selected primary rain forests but also used secondary forests in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve. Low forest-cover in the landscape may be influencing habitat use patterns of falcons, forcing them to use a higher amount of the suboptimal habitat, and increasing their risk of mortality with potential consequences for population dynamics.