Suburban Gardens Research Articles

The Living Image in Bio-Art and in Philosophy

The central piece of Eduardo Kac’s project Natural History of the Enigma (2003–08) is a genetically modified, living artwork: a transgenic petunia (Fig. 1). The pinkish flower might first appear to be a pleasant, unthreatening, even mundane representative of its species, familiar from window boxes and suburban gardens. Only once we are informed of the flower’s provenance does it acquire an uncanny quality. The flower has been produced by introducing a gene, extracted from Kac’s blood sample, into the plant’s DNA. Kac’s gene has been modified to express itself as the blood-red, vein-like pattern on the petunia’s bloom. The genetically modified flower thereby presents us with a living image of blood-filled veins on pinkish human skin, and it is on this vision that we are invited to reflect. Consider now an image of a different sort, one conjured by a text rather than by living matter. In...

500 Flowers by Roger Camp

Recognizing the contribution art has had in the Mayo Clinic environment since the original Mayo Clinic Building was finished in 1914, Mayo Clinic Proceedings features some of the numerous works of art displayed throughout the buildings and grounds onMayo Clinic campuses as interpreted by the author.

The challenges of recognising individuals with few distinguishing features: Identifying red foxes Vulpes vulpes from camera-trap photos.

Over the last two decades, camera traps have revolutionised the ability of biologists to undertake faunal surveys and estimate population densities, although identifying individuals of species with subtle markings remains challenging. We conducted a two-year camera-trapping study as part of a long-term study of urban foxes: our objectives were to determine whether red foxes could be identified individually from camera-trap photos, and highlight camera-trapping protocols and techniques to facilitate photo identification of species with few or subtle natural markings. We collected circa 800,000 camera-trap photos over 4945 camera days in suburban gardens in the city of Bristol, UK: 152,134 (19%) included foxes, of which 13,888 (9%) contained more than one fox. These provided 174,063 timestamped capture records of individual foxes; 170,923 were of foxes ≥ 3 months old. Younger foxes were excluded because they have few distinguishing features. We identified the individual (192 different foxes: 110 males, 49 females, 33 of unknown sex) in 168,417 (99%) of these capture records; the remainder could not be identified due to poor image quality or because key identifying feature(s) were not visible. We show that carefully designed survey techniques facilitate individual identification of subtly-marked species. Accuracy is enhanced by camera-trapping techniques that yield large numbers of high resolution, colour images from multiple angles taken under varying environmental conditions. While identifying foxes manually was labour-intensive, currently available automated identification systems are unlikely to achieve the same levels of accuracy, especially since different features were used to identify each fox, the features were often inconspicuous, and their appearance varied with environmental conditions. We discuss how studies based on low numbers of photos, or which fail to identify the individual in a significant proportion of photos, risk losing important biological information, and may come to erroneous conclusions.

Engaging with nature through the dwelling practices in garden landscapes

ABSTRACT Based on an empirical study in Copenhagen, Denmark, this article investigates whether and how a more diverse nature can be integrated in the dwelling practices of garden owners and users. Is concern for biodiversity part of the engagements inherent in gardening practices? And are such engagements integrated in the embodied competences of garden owners? Drawing on and discussing the theoretical approaches applied in affordance theory, Tim Ingold’s dwelling perspective, relational geography and practice theory, the article analyses the affordances and affects that are maintained in common gardening practices and how these practices sustain or hinder the integration of a broader variety of species in suburban gardens. The study finds that concern for biodiversity and a deeper care for wildlife do not appear to play a significant role in gardening practices. But concern for wildlife and biodiversity does have a latent presence among the affects, conceptions and ideals that are – or potentially could be – enacted in the constitution of gardens landscapes. Based on its empirical findings and theoretical discussions, the article furthermore suggests that we need to consider how secondary experiences and media representations are an integral part of the co-constitution of landscape and dwelling.

Taxonomic morphology of the genus Adineta (Rotifera: Bdelloidea: Adinetidae) with a new species from a suburban garden.

The morphological descriptions of the species of bdelloid rotifers and the associated taxonomic difficulties, primarily resulting from the inadequate original descriptions of many species, are discussed. The genus Adineta, whose members are relatively easy to study and frequently encountered, is proposed as a starting point for taxonomic revisions of the Bdelloidea. The taxonomically significant morphological traits in the genus Adineta are discussed. Some of these have rarely been used: the number of denticles on the rake organ and body proportions. These traits are used to describe Adineta beysunae sp. nov., which was found in a sample from a house garden. The new species is diagnosed by the morphology of its rump, foot and rake organ. The latter has up to 11 denticles, the highest number recorded in an Adineta species.

Re-discovering the Spatial Structure and Planting Plan of Salar-e-Jang Garden in Shiraz based on Terence O'Donnell Memoirs

Current knowledge about Shiraz gardening heritage is limited to the outstanding and famous courts and governmental gardens, hence limited data from the other ones has remained. Among these, the garden of Salar-e-Jang (Minou-e-Salar) or Garden of the brave in War (English meaning) is the striking example that was built by Naser-al-din Koupal Shirazi (celebrated Salar-e-Jang) and is worth studying and analyzing. The aim of this study is to re-discover this garden based on memoirs of Terrence O'Donnell who spent nearly 10 years (1960-71) of his life in this garden. His description provides an overview on the Iranian garden planting order in Qajar and Pahlavi era. This current study is the first step in identifying the historic gardens of Ghasroldasht (Bardi) area in Shiraz suburban gardens that has not been investigated yet. Therefore, recognition of geometrical-spatial order of the garden, rereading and understanding the irrigation method and the garden planting patterns have been considered. In addition, the garden has been perceived as a place for various events and social-individual life. The research method was a combination of descriptive-historical strategy and case study based on analytical procedures in a deductive approach. The findings are segmented into four parts which show the stages of development and destruction of the garden. They also show that the gardens are a mixture of two categories of dualities: a) conceptual and b) functional. The paradoxical nature of the garden is identifiable in the conflict between owners and occupants of the garden, contradiction between literary and cultural character of the founder and his unusual habits and finally, the distinction between the notion of Garden and the Farm. also the garden is a mixture of two types: Persian Governmental garden and and orchard. The garden has two perpendicular axes and contrary to usual practices, the pavilion is not placed at the intersection of two longitudinal and transverse axes. This eventually converts a kind of suburban garden from a place for recreation and lounge to a productive farm and orchard garden. As a result the garden turns into a unified social, economic and natural system that indicates the integration of aesthetics with the functional and production aspects of the garden.

Ultrasonic deterrents reduce nuisance cat (Felis catus) activity on suburban properties

Urban environments are increasingly important for biodiversity conservation, but pet cats threaten wildlife therein, displaying nuisance behaviour such as hunting, fighting, fouling and urine spraying. In an attempt to empower landholders wishing to reduce cat incursions humanely, we tested the effectiveness of two ultrasonic cat deterrents (CatStop© and On-Guard Mega-Sonic Cat Repeller©).After confirming in arena trials that cats detect and respond negatively to an ultrasonic device, we tested both deterrents in 18 suburban gardens in Perth, Western Australia. Camera monitoring at foci of cat activity (e.g. fish ponds, property entry/exit points) occurred for two weeks before (Period 1: device off), during (Period 2: device on) and after (Period 3: device off) the activation of deterrents. Data included individual cat demographics and behaviours, number of cat detections per site per day per sampling period, the duration of cat activity, and detection of non-target species.Seventy-eight unique cats were detected at 17 of 18 garden sites (2–9 cats/garden). Over half the cats could be sexed (56.4%, with 65.1% males). Nearly 53.0% of cats were confirmed to be pets living nearby. Cats that were most active in period 1 (≥100 s total activity duration) were classified as ‘residents’; all others were ‘peripherals’.Overall, the ultrasonic deterrents reduced the frequency of incursions into gardens by resident cats by 46%, while the duration of incursions was reduced by 78%. Cat activity declined significantly from period 1 (baseline) to period 2 for resident cats but not peripheral cats (50% reduction; p = 0.001), and remained depressed in period 3 for resident cats but not peripheral cats (p < 0.001). Peripheral cat activity remained at an unchanging low level across all three periods. Males were slightly more active than females over the experiment (p = 0.04), but sexes did not vary in response to deterrents (p > 0.05). Cats confirmed as owned (53% of cats) generated more activity than cats of unknown ownership status (p = 0.03), probably reflecting proximity of their residences to trial gardens. Both deterrent models had similar effects (p = 0.89).By allowing pets to roam, cat owners are complicit in cat nuisance. This requires public education. Ultrasonic deterrents offer a cost-effective, humane option to reduce incursions by unwanted cats. Ultrasonic deterrents will not prevent all incursions, but they reduce their frequency and duration. Reduced cat activity has flow-on benefits to wildlife across a variety of urban-suburban settings, including gardens and parks.

Soil Contaminant Concentrations at Urban Agricultural Sites in New Orleans, Louisiana: A Comparison of Two Analytical Methods

Along with the many benefits of urban agriculture comes the possible exposure to contaminants not typically seen in rural soils. Through the use of standard laboratory analyses (ICP-AES and CVAAS) and a field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) calibrated for soil analysis, this study quantified contamination levels at urban agricultural sites throughout New Orleans, Louisiana. The results of the standard laboratory analyses were compared to the results from the XRF. We collected soil samples at 27 urban and suburban farm and garden sites from the Greater New Orleans area. We analyzed the soil samples for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, lead, nickel, and zinc using the XRF and standard methods. Most sites had median con­centrations significantly below Louisiana’s soil standards. Paired soil samples showed XRF results were significantly higher than laboratory results for all metals but copper. Only lead (ρ=0.82, p<0.0001) and zinc (ρ=0.78, p=0.0001) were highly correlated. Poor correlation of results between XRF and standard methods make the standard methods preferred. See the press release for this article.

Introduced Grey Squirrels subvert supplementary feeding of suburban wild birds

Providing food for wild birds is perhaps the most widespread intentional interaction between people and wildlife. In the UK, almost half of households feed wild birds, often as peanuts and seed supplied in hanging feeders. Such food is also taken by the introduced, invasive Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis. Little is known of how Grey Squirrels utilise this resource and how they affect feeder use by wild birds. To assess this we recorded the numbers and time spent by animals visiting experimental feeding stations in suburban gardens, and also asked if exclusionary guards (to prevent Grey Squirrel access), food type (peanut, mixed seed), habitat and weather conditions influenced visits. Using automated cameras, we recorded 24,825 bird and 8577 Grey Squirrel visits. On average >44% of the time feeders were utilised, they were being visited by Grey Squirrels. Grey Squirrel presence prevented birds from feeding at the same time (>99.99%). Feeders where Grey Squirrels were dominant were less likely to be visited by birds, even in their absence. Guards reduced Grey Squirrel use to a minimum on seed feeders, and by approximately half on peanut feeders. Squirrels, food type, guard status, habitat and rainfall all influenced bird activity and timing of feeder visits. Our work suggests that Grey Squirrels reduce the availability of supplementary food to wild birds, while gaining large volumes of food resources with corresponding benefits. Given the ubiquity of supplementary feeding, it is likely that this is an important resource for urban Grey Squirrels; feeder guards mitigate this effect.

Lizards in the suburbs: a single-garden study of a small endemic New Zealand skink (Oligosoma aeneum)

ABSTRACTDetailed investigations of ecology and life history of lizards in New Zealand/Aotearoa are needed to inform their conservation and management. An early demographic study of copper skinks (Oligosoma aeneum) in a suburban garden was undertaken in Lower Hutt using mark–recapture methods, sampling weekly from March 1971 to December 1973. Oligosoma aeneum were seen on 1372 occasions, with 972 captures of 169 individuals. The maximum snout–vent length was 66 mm, 33% of skinks had complete tails, and colour differences suggested sexual signalling and warrant further study. Most captures occurred over November–March, with fewest over June–August. The estimated spring/summer population size in the garden (± SEM) was 83.6 (± 9.4) skinks, and the annual survival rate (± SEM) was 38.0% (± 16.0%). This is one of the few New Zealand lizard studies that have extended through all months of the year and it adds to limited information on lizard populations in suburban areas.

Factors affecting presence of vervet monkey troops in a suburban matrix in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Globally with increased urban development, understanding spatial habitat requirements of urban-dwelling wildlife is increasingly important for conservation management. Consequently, we determined the factors that influence the presence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in urban landscapes. Firstly, we hypothesized that troop size is influenced by seasonality, residence type, proximity to water sources and food provisioning. Secondly, we hypothesized that the resting behaviour of vervet troops is influenced by natural factors, including the presence/absence of raptor nest(s)) and man-made structures including the distance to the nearest main road. Thirdly, we hypothesized that resting by vervet monkey troops would be influenced by the seasons, the distance to the nearest main road (due to the relative openness) and the residence type. Fourthly, we hypothesized that foraging by vervet monkey troops is influenced by food provisioning and bird feeders. Finally, we hypothesized that playing by vervet monkey troops are influenced by the presence/absence of a raptor nest(s), a dog(s) and the residency type. From June 2013 through May 2014 observations were conducted on vervet monkey troops in 20 suburban gardens in the Ethekwini and Msunduzi municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, following a standardized group scan sample method. The observation data were analyzed to determine population-level patterns of landscape use and key suburban landscape features influencing seasonal behaviour, troop size and sex ratios of vervet monkey troops. Mean troop size (29±3.4 (SE) individuals) was influenced by female and juvenile numbers and sex ratio varied across study sites. Behavioural observations (foraging, grooming, playing) were more frequent during winter in gardens with high tree density, and a preference for visitation was found in gardens closer to roads, and where food was provisioned. Probability of foraging, grooming and playing was higher in gardens with greater canopy cover, however this decreased with increasing troop size. Probability of resting decreased with increasing distance from indigenous forest patches and roads. Gardens experienced high levels of raiding. Understanding vervet monkey spatial ecology within a transformed landscape contributes to determining sustainable ways to mitigate conflict and manage their populations in suburbia.

Heavy metals in suburban gardens and the implications of land-use change following a major earthquake

Numerous studies have shown that urban soils can contain elevated concentrations of heavy metals (HMs). Christchurch, New Zealand, is a relatively young city (150 years old) with a population of 390,000. Most soils in Christchurch are sub-urban, with food production in residential gardens a popular activity. Earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 have resulted in the re-zoning of 630 ha of Christchurch, with suggestions that some of this land could be used for community gardens. We aimed to determine the HM concentrations in a selection of suburban gardens in Christchurch as well as in soils identified as being at risk of HM contamination due to hazardous former land uses or nearby activities. Heavy metal concentrations in suburban Christchurch garden soils were higher than normal background soil concentrations. Some 46% of the urban garden samples had Pb concentrations higher than the residential land use national standard of 210 mg kg−1, with the most contaminated soil containing 2615 mg kg−1 Pb. Concentrations of As and Zn exceeded the residential land use national standards (20 mg kg−1 As and 400 mg kg−1 Zn) in 20% of the soils. Older neighbourhoods had significantly higher soil HM concentrations than younger neighbourhoods. Neighbourhoods developed pre-1950s had a mean Pb concentration of 282 mg kg−1 in their garden soils. Soil HM concentrations should be key criteria when determining the future land use of former residential areas that have been demolished because of the earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Redeveloping these areas as parklands or forests would result in less human HM exposure than agriculture or community gardens where food is produced and bare soil is exposed.

Species Diversity and Habitat Preferences of Aculeata (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of Urban and Suburban Gardens in Brno-City (Czech Republic)

I conducted a survey of aculeate Hymenoptera in urban and suburban gardens of Brno-city in August 2015. For my survey, I selected three individual gardens, and in each of them chose three type of microhabitats: tree, grass and patch. I used yellow pan traps for taxon sampling. Using this method, I recorded 382 specimens belonging to 76 species. Subsequently, the basic indices of species diversity in individual gardens were calculated, and statistical analyses of individual gardens and various microhabitats were created. I report large differences between the Aculeata taxa found in urban and suburban gardens. Habitat preferences of species between microhabitats were discovered as well. Furthermore, I report 14 species mentioned in the Red List of threatened species of the Czech Republic (Straka 2005a,b) (hereinafter referred to as Red List); as well as one invasive species Isodontia mexicana (Saussure, 1867) and one species Pison atrum Spinola, 1808 recently reported as new for the Czech Republic (reported after the publication of the Red List itself).

Provision of supplementary food for wild birds may increase the risk of local nest predation

In countries such as the UK, USA and Australia, approximately half of all households provide supplementary food for wild birds, making this the public's most common form of active engagement with nature. Year‐round supplementary feeding is currently encouraged by major conservation charities in the UK as it is thought to be of benefit to bird conservation. However, little is understood about how the provision of supplementary food affects the behaviour and ecology of target and non‐target species. Given the scale of supplementary feeding, any negative effects may have important implications for conservation. Potential nest predators are abundant in urban areas and some species frequently visit supplementary feeding stations. We assess whether providing supplementary food affects the likelihood of nest predation in the vicinity of the feeder, by acting as a point attractant for potential nest predators. We provided feeding stations (empty, peanut feeder, peanut feeder with guard to exclude potential nest predators) in an area of suburban parkland in the UK and monitored the predation rate of eggs placed in artificial nests located at distances that replicated the size of typical suburban gardens. Nest predators (Magpies Pica pica, Grey Squirrels Sciurus carolinensis) were frequent visitors to filled feeders, and predation caused by Magpies, European Jays Garrulus glandarius and Grey Squirrels was significantly higher when nests were adjacent to filled feeders. The presence of a feeder guard did not significantly reduce nest predation. As supplementary feeding is becoming increasingly common during the breeding season in suburban habitats, we suggest that providing point attractants to nest predators at this time may have previously unconsidered consequences for the breeding success of urban birds.

A citizen science survey: perceptions and attitudes of urban residents towards vervet monkeys

A diversity of indigenous and alien wildlife persists in suburbia, and provides residents with the opportunity to experience wildlife. Suburban gardens may serve as refugia and foraging grounds for many primate species allowing them to populate within a largely urbanized landscape. However, this has led to the increasing human interactions with them, resulting in conflict. Our study investigated the perceptions of suburban residents towards urban vervet monkeys Cercopithecus aethiops pygerythrus within the Msunduzi and Ethekwini municipalities, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We assessed how these related to the monkeys’ presence, activities and interactions in residential gardens, and the value of wildlife to residents. Assessment was conducted through an online questionnaire survey. General attitudes of residents to vervet monkeys were canvassed by assessing the respondents’ level of active engagement in wildlife watching within their properties. We analyzed 603 surveys submitted online using logistic regression and ordinal regression models. We ascertained that vervet monkeys were disliked by 29% of residents due to their aggressiveness, destructive behaviour in gardens and households, and perceived threat to native wildlife. Frequency and duration of foraging vervet monkeys in residents’ gardens was influenced by the presence of pet dogs, fruiting trees, tall trees (>2 m), ratio of indigenous to alien vegetation of gardens, residency type, and active and passive food provisioning. Despite conflict, the majority of respondents appreciated urban wildlife (67%) and actively engaged in wildlife watching (88%), emphasizing the importance of incorporating human dimension values into the management of urban biodiversity. Our study highlights the value of citizen science in providing mechanisms for identifying priority management and conservation efforts at the highly complex human-wildlife interface in an urbanized landscape.

Investigating suburban micromoth diversity using DNA barcoding of malaise trap samples

Micromoths can be challenging to identify based on morphology and are frequently omitted in assessments of moth diversity. However, their species richness and biology make them important components of terrestrial ecosystems. In this study we identified 1227 micromoths from a suburban garden at 63° north using DNA barcoding of Malaise trap samples. We recorded 78 different species with the 11 most abundant taxa accounting for 82 % of the catch. The remaining 67 species were represented by fewer than 14 specimens, but the number was often sufficient to provide a good idea of phenology. The larvae of these 78 species all feed on plants common in suburban environments. We show that when facilitated by identifications through DNA barcoding, Malaise traps provide interesting insights into the micromoth communities of suburban environments that might otherwise be overlooked. The use of Malaise traps is beneficial for investigations at high latitudes where light trapping is inefficient for sampling moths due to bright summer nights.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) and degradation products in topsoil from Australia and the United Kingdom

Abstract Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) is listed under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants, yet very few data are available on HBCDD concentrations in soil. Median concentrations of total hexabromocyclododecanes (ΣHBCDDs) from soils from the UK (n = 24) were 0.73 ng g −1 dry weight (range −1 ) and exceed significantly (p = 0.002) those in Australian soils (n = 17, median = 0.10 ng g −1 , range −1 ). Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (average = 4.7 ng ΣPCBs g −1 , range = 0.39–21 ng g −1 ) were determined in 19 UK samples and found to be statistically indistinguishable (p > 0.05) from those of HBCDDs; thereby underlining the extent to which HBCDDs have migrated into the UK environment. Moreover, PCB concentrations in this study are not markedly lower than those recorded in UK soils sampled in the mid-1980s indicating that the initial rapid decline in UK contamination with PCBs following bans on their manufacture and use, has not been maintained. Degradation products of HBCDD: pentabromocyclododecenes (PBCDs) and tetrabromocyclododecadienes (TBCDs) were detected in some UK soil samples with semi-quantitative concentrations ranging between 0.01 and 7.3 ng g −1 for ΣPBCDs and 0.01–1.3 ng g −1 for ΣTBCDs. In Australian soils only ΣTBCDs were detected at concentrations ranging from 0.0023 to 0.45 ng g −1 . Chiral signatures of HBCDDs were racemic or non-racemic in all samples indicating minimal edaphic enantioselective degradation. A horizontal transect at the most contaminated UK location (a suburban garden) revealed a marked decrease in concentrations of HBCDDs with increasing distance from buildings.

미국 도시근교 미들로시안 주거지경관계획에 관한 연구

The goal of this study is to identify the new Architectural type of house and Landscape design pattern of the collective housing area in American garden city, Midlothian near Richmond of Virginia. I had been surveyed old houses of the Virginia and new single family houses and landscape design style of Mariners village to find a different style of houses and lots. The Richmond, capital city of Virginia, is surrounded by five suburban areas and counties. One of them is the Chesterfield where it has main street of Midlothian garden city. The city of Midlothian has a function of residence area both to stay in the forest garden and to go to downtown office of Richmond. There are a lot of collective housing area out of the capital city. I surveyed house form, lots, and site design pattern of the Mariners village in Midlothian. The community of Mariners shows a particular characteristics and harmonious pattern of suburban residence area in a view point of new project. There are three results of this study as follows: First, the types of house in suburban garden city, Midlothian, are focused on vernacular Colonial style with country house, traditional house, and front gable house form which are an unique new American single home. Second, the landscape design of this collective housing area, the Mariners village, has a unity view of residence community, harmony between house and lots, and a sensitive cul-de-sac pattern and loops type with rational land using based on the forest topology. Third, the Mariners village shows that the design concept of landscape architecture has to consider of traditionalism, naturalism, and living condition of residents.

Urban gardens promote bee foraging over natural habitats and plantations.

Increasing human land use for agriculture and housing leads to the loss of natural habitat and to widespread declines in wild bees. Bee foraging dynamics and fitness depend on the availability of resources in the surrounding landscape, but how precisely landscape related resource differences affect bee foraging patterns remains unclear. To investigate how landscape and its interaction with season and weather drive foraging and resource intake in social bees, we experimentally compared foraging activity, the allocation of foragers to different resources (pollen, nectar, and resin) and overall resource intake in the Australian stingless bee Tetragonula carbonaria (Apidae, Meliponini). Bee colonies were monitored in different seasons over twoyears. We compared foraging patterns and resource intake between the bees' natural habitat (forests) and two landscapes differently altered by humans (suburban gardens and agricultural macadamia plantations). We found foraging activity as well as pollen and nectar forager numbers to be highest in suburban gardens, intermediate in forests and low in plantations. Foraging patterns further differed between seasons, but seasonal variations strongly differed between landscapes. Sugar and pollen intake was low in plantations, but contrary with our predictions, it was even higher in gardens than in forests. In contrast, resin intake was similar across landscapes. Consequently, differences in resource availability between natural and altered landscapes strongly affect foraging patterns and thus resource intake in social bees. While agricultural monocultures largely reduce foraging success, suburban gardens can increase resource intake well above rates found in natural habitats of bees, indicating that human activities can both decrease and increase the availability of resources in a landscape and thus reduce or enhance bee fitness.

Predation of artificial bird nests in suburban gardens of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

As urbanization increases, the identification of nest predators becomes important for avian conservation and management of urban wildlife communities. We investigated bird nest predation using artificial nests in urban areas of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province of South Africa. From June 2013 through February 2014 we installed seventy-five artificial nests in 25 suburban gardens in the Ethekwini and Msunduzi municipalities of KZN. Euplectes spp. nests were used and baited with two quail-sized, hand-made, silicon eggs. These were placed in residential gardens and monitored by camera traps for 2-weeks in winter, spring and summer respectively. Generally bird nesting occurs throughout the year in KZN’s subtropical climate, with some avoidance during the autumn season. Therefore, experiments were not conducted during autumn, as fresh nests were not available for use. Overall the rate of predation on artificial nests was 25 % (n = 19), with vervet monkeys Ceropithecus aethiops pygerythrus predating 20 % (n = 17) of the nests while domestic cats Felis catus predated 3 % (n = 2) of nests. Nest predation was significantly higher in the winter season, with 79 % of depredations occurring in winter (n = 15), 16 % in spring (n = 3) and 5 % in summer (n = 1), and in areas with less canopy cover. Our results suggest that vervet monkeys may have a negative impact on nesting birds in urban environments, however, in order to assess the rate of predation experiments on natural nests coupled with information on fledgling success is deemed necessary to investigate avian population declines.