Nest‐niche differentiation in two sympatric Streptopelia species from a North African agricultural area: the role of human presence

Abstract

AbstractStudies of niche partitioning among Columbidae species have mainly addressed food habits and foraging activities, while partitioning in relation to nest‐niche differentiation has been little studied. The recent expansion of Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis distribution throughout Morocco has raised concerns regarding its effects on native species, particularly Turtle doves S. turtur. The study, conducted in May 2008 and 2009, attempted to determine the factors that may play a role in nest‐niche differentiation among the two sympatric dove species in the Tadla's agricultural area (central Morocco). I used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to test the relevance of nest placement and human presence variables in the nest distribution of the two species. The results show substantial niche segregation in the olive nest‐trees selected by Turtle and Laughing doves, with selection depending primarily on human presence and, to a lesser extent, the vertical distribution of nests. Observed nest‐niche partitioning may diminish the potential for competition between these species and enhance opportunities for their coexistence. I further suggest guidelines for future studies that seek to understand the spatio‐temporal dynamics of Laughing and Turtle dove coexistence in the region.