Adapting conservation efforts to face climate change: Modifying nest-site provisioning for lesser kestrels

摘要: Abstract Adaptation to climate change has recently become a crucial element on the policy agenda as it is now recognized that even most stringent mitigation efforts may not arrest effects of warming. The ecological impacts and costs predicted weather-related extreme events, such temperatures, are fully understood present unexpected challenges conservationists require solutions. In Portugal, provisioning artificial nests been main driver spectacular increase in endangered lesser kestrel population. Nevertheless, atypically high temperatures recorded during 2009 breeding season coincided with mortality 22% surveyed chicks provided nests. Hot days did affected prey delivery rates nestlings, suggesting die-off was due chicks’ acute dehydration. Chick significantly higher amongst younger individuals. Within survivors, physiological chick growth body condition at fledging. Nest-site microclimate influenced by nest-type compass orientation: wooden nest-boxes attained highest exceeding 55 °C when facing south, so explaining mortality, lower fledging among broods these Simulated scenarios global warming increasing occupation rate reductions alternatives reduction population rate. worst scenario, 100% occupancy nest-boxes, would decline average 7% per year. impact success highlights need for actions modify research adapt conservation future planning account change.