Nest box provision for lesser kestrel Falco naumanni populations in the Apulia region of southern Italy

Abstract

SUMMARY Renovation of historic buildings and measures to li mit access by feral pigeons Columba livia var. domestica has a strong negative impact on some lesser kestre l Falco naumanni populations by reducing nest site availability thus lowering reproductive s uccess. In order to test the efficacy of nest boxes as a means to mitigate for such loss of nesting sites, w e studied the occupancy rate of roof-top nest boxes and compared their performance to that of ‘natural’ nes ts (i.e. located in cavities in bulidings and under roofs within buildings). Of 200 nest boxes provided, 16 ( 8%) were used for breeding in the first year (2007) and 35 (17.5%) in the second year (2008); it is exp ected that occupancy will increase substantially in subsequent years. In 2007, the number of fledged yo ung produced/pair in nest boxes (1.82 young) was similar to that of attic nests (1.66 young), whilst those nest located with cavities (2.70) had a much higher reproductive output. In 2008 the number of fledged young produced/pairs in nest boxes was 1.54.