Symbiotic nesting of birds with formidable animals: a review with applications to biodiversity conservation

摘要: Increased predation and parasitism of bird nests has become a major problem in many biological communities altered by human activities, often causing declines populations. To help solve this threat to biodiversity, I propose restoring the abundance symbiotic nest-protecting animals habitats where birds face an increased risk from predators parasites, so that there can increase their chances reproductive success nesting close these protectors. The re-establishment such protective associations avian differs other proposed solutions it involves point defense themselves. Rather than diminishing number nest brood parasites whole habitat or community, as with approaches, presence, activity enemies are reduced only within microhabitat defended protector. animal protecting need not be larger size is times smaller. In addition, higher trophic position, cases comes same lower level. Research suggests informed careful use wildlife managers reverse prevent decline populations, especially when used combination approaches restoration top predator populations habitats. Although biologists have long recognized important role plants play concealing enemies, regularly recommend manipulation vegetation enhance survival, they generally ignored formidable nests, failed incorporate protectors into management strategies. Because neglect, host new studies experiments urgently needed provide critical information effectively integrated strategies preserve biodiversity.