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
AuthorsEllis, Murray V., Taylor, Jennifer E. and Rhind, Susan G.
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.

Keywordshabitat enhancement; hollow-dependent wildlife; landscape restoration; mechanically created habitat; tree hollow; woodland restoration
Year2022
JournalRestoration Ecology
Journal citation30 (8), p. Article e137131
PublisherWiley Periodicals LLC
ISSN1061-2971
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13713
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85131938240
Open accessOpen access
Page range1-6
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online05 Nov 2022
Publication process dates
Accepted25 Apr 2022
Deposited04 Sep 2023
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