Creating entrances to tree cavities attracts hollow-dependent fauna : Proof of concept
Journal article
Ellis, Murray V., Taylor, Jennifer E. and Rhind, Susan G.. (2022). Creating entrances to tree cavities attracts hollow-dependent fauna : Proof of concept. Restoration Ecology. 30(8), p. Article e137131. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13713
Authors | Ellis, Murray V., Taylor, Jennifer E. and Rhind, Susan G. |
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Abstract | Redressing the paucity of tree hollows is essential for conservation of hollow-dependent fauna in many landscapes around the world. We describe a method of accelerating availability of natural hollows in regenerating landscapes by mechanically creating entrances in tree stems that have existing voids or internal decay but have not yet developed entrances. We trialed this method in woodland and forest of south-eastern Australia in 39 stems in the closely related tree genera Eucalyptus and Angophora. Exploratory drilling of 10-mm diameter holes was used to detect the presence of internal decay or voids. We then drilled 40-, 65-, or 90-mm diameter entrance holes, depending on the size of the potential cavity, 2.4–4.8 m above ground level. Camera traps showed that drilled entrances were investigated or used within hours of creation. A diverse suite of invertebrates, reptiles, mammals, and birds were recorded entering or leaving entrances, including threatened species. All 39 holes were used by animals with up to six vertebrate taxa using some entrances. Two bird species excavated material from within cavities, and three species of marsupial were recorded taking nesting material into the cavities. This trial provides evidence that adding entrances to currently inaccessible internal cavities in trees has potential to accelerate development of habitat for hollow-dependent fauna, particularly in regenerating vegetation. |
Keywords | habitat enhancement; hollow-dependent wildlife; landscape restoration; mechanically created habitat; tree hollow; woodland restoration |
Year | 2022 |
Journal | Restoration Ecology |
Journal citation | 30 (8), p. Article e137131 |
Publisher | Wiley Periodicals LLC |
ISSN | 1061-2971 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13713 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85131938240 |
Open access | Open access |
Page range | 1-6 |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 05 Nov 2022 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 25 Apr 2022 |
Deposited | 04 Sep 2023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8z8yy/creating-entrances-to-tree-cavities-attracts-hollow-dependent-fauna-proof-of-concept
Download files
Publisher's version
OA_Ellis_2022_Creating_entrances_to_tree_cavities_attacts.pdf | |
License: CC BY 4.0 | |
File access level: Open |
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