Nest predators of Chinese Grouse (Tetrastes sewerzowi) at Lianhuashan, Gansu, China

Abstract

Predation is the most important cause of nest failure in the Chinese Grouse (Tetrastes sewerzowi). However, no studies have been conducted to document the nest predators responsible for nest predation events. During 2012–2016, we monitored 17 nests using infrared video cameras to identify nest predators of Chinese Grouse. Six nests were preyed upon during the incubation period. We successfully identified the predators responsible for 5 depredated nests: Asian badger (Meles leucurus), hog badger (Arctonyx collaris), and Blue Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum). The Asian badger was responsible for 3 of these nest predation events. We recorded Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus) and an unidentified rodent species attempting to prey upon grouse eggs, but none of them were successful.