Nesting habitat selection by booted eagles Hieraaetus pennatus and implications for management

摘要: Summary 1.  The booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus is a poorly known and scarce raptor that breeds in Spain. In Donana National Park (south-west Spain) its population has increased from only six breeding pairs the early 1980s to about 150 today. 2.  In order guide habitat management for this Park, we related nesting selection success. 3.  Birds withstood some human disturbance when nesting, choosing sites closer pastures besides marshes, footpaths crops than would occur random distribution. Birds also selected areas near marsh stands of cork oak Quercus suber. 4.  Trees used were wider taller at random. They usually small groups or large isolated trees, typically eucalyptus (Eucaliptus spp.). 5. most productive nests close marshland stone pine trees Pinus pinea. 6.  Habitat improve success eagles should include: (i) retaining especially oaks marshland, buildings crops; (ii) creating clearings plantations; (iii) burying potentially dangerous power lines reduce collision risks; (iv) clearing scrubland increase rabbit population; (v) controlling forest activities, season. 7. populations western Europe during recent decades may be consequence species’ capacity adapt environmental change. Deforestation policies designed favour agricultural use implemented second half 20th century have not had detrimental effect on raptor. 8.  Our work demonstrates how important organisms can favoured by sensitive forestry habitats.