Auteur(s): Ontiveros, D; Caro, J; Pleguezuelos, JM
Bron: JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 274 (1): 99-104 JAN 2008
Abstract: The greenery and arthropod nest composition has been studied in a population of Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus in south-east Spain, relating them to the plant availability within territories and breeding success of pairs. Greenery was invariably from trees and shrubs, with pine and oak species accounting for 78% of the nest composition in weight. All eagle pairs with Pinus pinaster availability in territories actively selected it for nest greenery. This pine species is characterized by a high level of aromatic compounds, particularly β-pinene, highly repellent for insects. The amount of pine greenery in the nest was correlated with a lower presence of ectoparasites in that nest (blow fly larvae, Protocalliphora), and higher breeding success of pairs. We discuss whether a coevolutionary process between parasites and their hosts has guided a particular nesting strategy of the eagles to improve their breeding success.
Bron: JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 274 (1): 99-104 JAN 2008
Abstract: The greenery and arthropod nest composition has been studied in a population of Bonelli's eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus in south-east Spain, relating them to the plant availability within territories and breeding success of pairs. Greenery was invariably from trees and shrubs, with pine and oak species accounting for 78% of the nest composition in weight. All eagle pairs with Pinus pinaster availability in territories actively selected it for nest greenery. This pine species is characterized by a high level of aromatic compounds, particularly β-pinene, highly repellent for insects. The amount of pine greenery in the nest was correlated with a lower presence of ectoparasites in that nest (blow fly larvae, Protocalliphora), and higher breeding success of pairs. We discuss whether a coevolutionary process between parasites and their hosts has guided a particular nesting strategy of the eagles to improve their breeding success.
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten