Causes of population declines of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in Israel

Abstract

We studied the ecology of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni , a globally threatened species, to identify the factors causing its gradual decline in Israel, in order to stabilize and possibly restore its numbers. Lesser Kestrels in Israel breed in colonies, both adjacent to human settlements (rural and urban) and in the countryside, where they are found especially on cliffs. In this study, observations of Lesser Kestrels were carried out in three different breeding areas: (1) an urban colony in Jerusalem, (2) a rural colony in the Alona district and (3) a cliff in the Judean desert (open landscape colony) about 10 km east of Jerusalem. The number of fledglings per nest in Jerusalem (1.91) was lower than in Alona (2.44) and the cliff (3.16). As this lower productivity was associated neither with the clutch size, with hatching success, which were similar in all three regions (about four eggs per clutch, and 80% hatched, respectively), nor with egg fertility, it probably reflects factors operating during the nestling phase. We suggest that the two main factors limiting food availability and causing nestling deaths in Jerusalem are the relatively long flight distances between the breeding and hunting sites, and the use of pesticides in the city parks and lawns. Stochastic events superimposed on such factors, such as the drought of 1999, which markedly reduced productivity, may cause pronounced fluctuations eventually affecting long-term population persistence.

Accurate prediction of bird species richness patterns in an urban environment using Landsat‐derived NDVI and spectral unmixing

“…Whereas in the past planners, city municipalities, environmental organizations and ecologists were focused on conservation of wilderness areas, awareness of the importance of natural areas within cities, where most of the human population resides, is increasing (Breuste 2004, Liven-Schulman et al 2004, Bryant 2006. This is also true for the city of Jerusalem, where there is an active environmental community of local people from various organizations, that act to preserve the open spaces still remaining within and around Jerusalem (e.g.…”

Effects of Nest and Colony Features on Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Reproductive Success

“…The lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) is a secondary-cavity nester, that in most of its range, breeds in urban habitats Liven-Schulman et al, 2004) or in other man-made structures surrounded by open and dry cereal steppes (Serrano et al, 2001;Serrano and Tella, 2003;Franco et al, 2005;Sarà, 2010), where nests are found under roof tiles and inside balcony and wall crevices. Like most other Falco species, the lesser kestrel does not build a nest but lays its eggs directly on the cavity floor after scraping its substrate (Cramp and Simmons, 1980).…”

Evidence of increasing Lesser KestrelFalco naumannipopulations in Morocco (North Africa): a confirmation of ‘Least Concern’ conservation status

“…Although a cliff-nesting bird, it has taken the opportunity to breed in urban areas, surrounded by open landscapes (Serrano et al 2001, Serrano & Tella 2003, Franco et al 2005, Sarà 2010), particularly buildings. Although subject to some constraints (Liven-Schulman et al 2004), these man-made environments are likely to be more beneficial, compared to those of rural areas, due to increased food supply, decreased competition, and relatively low predation (Parker 1996, Tella et al 1996, Love & Bird 2000.…”