Raptors as surrogates of biodiversity along a landscape gradient

摘要: Summary With biodiversity facing threats, there is a need to improve reserve selection procedures. However, detailed information about different measures (e.g. species richness) at potential sites often lacking, and selecting areas that protect most difficult. To simplify matters, surrogate species, is, associated with higher than average, have been used for area selection. consensus the performance of concept are few studies investigating differences in effectiveness multiple predators as surrogates over large spatial scales. We evaluated two avian predators, northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis Ural owl Strix uralensis, boreal forest biome Western Finland. We study design including nest reference each nest, diversity birds wood-decaying fungi (polypores). assessed simultaneously whether surrogacy persisted landscape level while moving from one vegetation zone another. We generally found more polypores around both goshawks owls their respective sites. outperformed owl. Additionally, although was decrease scale result complexity increasing longitude, efficiency raptors remained unchanged. Synthesis applications. These findings suggest applied may be an efficient addition methods identifying conservation priority, even across zones. conclude protecting raptor nests method consider order halt loss. Finally, sampling along gradients can necessary assessment species.