Modelling nesting site suitability in a population of reintroduced Eurasian black vultures Aegypius monachus in the Grands Causses, France

摘要: Defining habitat selection features and predicting the distribution of species are important for conservation management, suitability models can provide statistical framework linking environmental variables to occurrence locations. However, reliability such is restricted datasets that have limited presence data, which problematic when population size low dynamics transient, as in reintroductions. We characterized projected nest-site a black vulture Aegypius monachus reintroduced Grands Causses, France. performed temporal validations with subsample based on chronological establishment, assess whether first nests able predict subsequent nests. compared these results spatial validation ensure robustness. Predictions were reliable even only 10 nest The vultures Causses selected pine trees steep slopes, similar natural populations elsewhere Europe. Although our projections made from small number founders, they conservative indicate large area this region available nesting thus availability breeding not currently limiting factor species. Our findings will aid modelling further propose management strategies integrate socio-economic constraints prediction sites suitable nesting. Where most vultures, logging human activities need be reduced during critical stages.