Interference from long-tailed finches constrains reproduction in the endangered Gouldian finch
Date
2011
Authors
Brazill-Boast, James
van Rooij, Erica
Pryke, Sarah
Griffith, Simon C.
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
British Ecological Society
Abstract
Interspecific interference competition for nest-sites among cavity-nesting birds can have important effects on reproductive fitness and the distribution of competing species. We observed interference at nest-sites in free-living populations of the endangered Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) and sympatric long-tailed finch (Poephila acuticauda), and also experimentally tested the relative strength and effect of interference at nest-sites in captive populations. Levels of competitive interference at nest-sites in the wild were high for Gouldian, but not long-tailed finches, and interference frequency was inversely related to Gouldian finch reproductive success. High levels of interference conferred reduced fledging success but did not affect offspring condition. Captive experiments corroborated the field data, also demonstrating fitness costs of interspecific competition, and that long-tailed finches dominated resources under standardized conditions. Such asymmetrical competition dynamics are likely to constrain reproduction in Gouldian finch populations, potentially affecting recruitment and hindering the recovery of remaining populations of this endangered species.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: cavity; endangered species; fitness; interspecific competition; nest site; passerine; recruitment (population dynamics); reproductive success; animal; article; competitive behavior; ecosystem; endangered species; female; finch; male; physiology; reproduct Cavity-nester; Erythrura gouldiae; Heterospecific aggression; Interspecific competition; Poephila acuticauda
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Source
Journal of Animal Ecology
Type
Journal article
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2037-12-31