Dataset Information

Improved Campephiline detection: An experiment conducted with the Magellanic Woodpecker.

ABSTRACT: Woodpeckers can be difficult to detect, as they are often cryptic, secretive, occurring in low densities, and wary of humans. Several methods exist to detect woodpeckers (e.g., playback surveys, passive point counts), yet no research has established which technique best detects these elusive picids. Thus, we designed an experiment to determine which of three methods best results in a detection of Magellanic Woodpeckers (Campephilus magellanicus), and if weather variables influence detection probability.Mostly during austral summers 2015-2017, we (a) used a drumming device to simulate a double-knock (i.e., territorial acoustical signal), (b) broadcasted a territorial call, and (c) passively listened (control) for Magellanic Woodpeckers. We conducted our experiment on Navarino Island, Chile, where the Magellanic Woodpecker is the sole picid.The drumming device most effectively influenced the likelihood of a woodpecker detection. The odds of a woodpecker responding to a double-knock were 2.14 times more likely than responding to either a call or control. Moreover, the odds of a woodpecker detection decreased by 42% as wind increased by one category and decreased by 40% for every additional month (i.e., October-March), which was expected because woodpeckers become less territorial as the breeding season progresses.As Campephilus woodpeckers communicate via drums or double-knocks, using a drumming device likely will be an effective technique to detect not only Magellanic Woodpeckers, but other woodpeckers within the Campephilus genus in Central and South America.

SUBMITTER: Wynia AL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6822024 | biostudies-other | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Improved Campephiline detection: An experiment conducted with the Magellanic Woodpecker.

Wynia Amy L AL Rolland Virginie V Jiménez Jaime E JE

Ecology and evolution 20190927 20

Woodpeckers can be difficult to detect, as they are often cryptic, secretive, occurring in low densities, and wary of humans. Several methods exist to detect woodpeckers (e.g., playback surveys, passive point counts), yet no research has established which technique best detects these elusive picids. Thus, we designed an experiment to determine which of three methods best results in a detection of Magellanic Woodpeckers (<i>Campephilus magellanicus</i>), and if weather variables influence detecti ...[more]

PMID: 31695882

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Project description:Surveys aimed at finding threatened and invasive species can be challenging due to individual rarity and low and variable individual detection rates. Detection rate in plant surveys typically varies due to differences among observers, among the individual plants being surveyed (targets), and across background environments. Interactions among these 3 components may occur but are rarely estimated due to limited replication and control during data collection. We conducted an experiment to investigate sources of variation in detection of 2 Pilosella species that are invasive and sparsely distributed in the Alpine National Park, Australia. These species are superficially similar in appearance to other yellow-flowered plants occurring in this landscape. We controlled the presence and color of flowers on target Pilosella plants and controlled their placement in plots, which were selected for their variation in cover of non-target yellow flowers and dominant vegetation type. Observers mimicked Pilosella surveys in the plots and reported 1 categorical and 4 quantitative indicators of their survey experience level. We applied survival analysis to detection data to model the influence of both controlled and uncontrolled variables on detection rate. Orange- and yellow-flowering Pilosella in grass- and heath-dominated vegetation were detected at a higher rate than nonflowering Pilosella. However, this detection gain diminished as the cover of other co-occurring yellow-flowering species increased. Recent experience with Pilosella surveys improved detection rate. Detection experiments are a direct and accessible means of understanding detection processes and interpreting survey data for threatened and invasive species. Our detection findings have been used for survey planning and can inform progress toward eradication. Interaction of target and background characteristics determined detection rate, which enhanced predictions in the Pilosella eradication program and demonstrated the difficulty of transferring detection findings into untested environments.

Dataset Information

Improved Campephiline detection: An experiment conducted with the Magellanic Woodpecker.

Publications

Improved Campephiline detection: An experiment conducted with the Magellanic Woodpecker.

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