Within this section:
Introduction
Research
Conservation of
fauna and flora
The value of
remnant vegetation
Ecology of the
Red-capped Robin
Diversity of
invertebrates
Frogs as
bioindicators
Ecology and
behaviour of
frogs
Staff
Greg Gowing
Richard Major
Graham Pyke
Fieldwork Gallery
Diversity Gallery
Robin Gallery
Vegetation Gallery
Links

HomeResearch and CollectionsTerrestrial Ecology

Ecology of the Red-capped Robin in a fragmented landscape

The project investigates the survival of Red-capped Robins in roadside remnants (habitat with a small area and a large proportion of edge habitat) in comparison with large patches of woodland (which have a large area and a smaller proportion of edge habitat). We aim to find out whether the survival of Red-capped Robins is affected by habitat area and shape. The project consists of two parts - one focussing on the survival of adult birds, and the other focussing on the survival of eggs.

One hundred and ninety-six male Red-capped Robins were captured in five large non-linear woodland remnants and five linear roadside remnants in the wheatbelt of south-eastern Australia. Male Red-capped Robins were attracted into mistnets by playing tape recordings of their song. They were then banded with personalised colour combinations. We have been monitoring their survival since 1995.

One hundred artificial nests, mimicking those of the Red-capped Robin and monitored with automatically triggered cameras were used to determine the intensity of nest predation and the identity of nest predators. Forty-seven independent photographic events were recorded, and nine species of bird accounted for all predation.

This research will contribute to our understanding of the relationship between the ecology of birds and remnant native vegetation. It should assist in plans for habitat reconstruction of heavily cleared and fragmented landscapes.

This project was conducted by Australian Museum staff, Fiona Christie, Sally Cowan, Greg Gowing, Tessa Ivison and Richard Major. Invaluable volunteer assistance was given by Clive Barker, David Bickerstaff, Stephen Clune, Donnah Day, Corey French, Robyn Hill, Simone McMonigal and Tim Martin who gave up their time to participate in fieldwork.

Top