Understanding the coexistence of competing raptors by Markov chain analysis enhances conservation of vulnerable species.

2016

Understanding ecological interactions among protected species is crucial for correct management to avoid conflicting outcomes of conservation planning. The occurrence of a superior competitor may drive the exclusion of a subordinate contestant, as in Sicily where the largest European population of the lanner falcon is declining because of potentially competing with the peregrine falcon. We measured the coexistence of these two ecologically equivalent species through null models and randomization algorithms on body sizes and ecological niche traits. Lanners and peregrines are morphologically very similar (Hutchinson ratios <1.3) and show 99% diet overlap, and both of these results predict …

Onset of natal dispersal in Peregrine Falcon from Mediterranean islands (Italy)

2018

Abstract Basic information on natal dispersal of Peregrine Falcons is virtually lacking in Europe, despite increased attention on this species, and the sensitivity of this stage in the Peregrines’ life history. In this study, we collected satellite telemetry data during the onset of natal dispersal of 19 Peregrine Falcons tagged in Sicily and the Aeolian archipelago (Italy). We divided the onset of dispersal into the following 3 periods: post-fledging dependence period (PFDP), wandering, and wintering. PFDP lasted on average 47±16 days, during which young peregrines moved very little (0.167 km), and explored small areas (0.226 km2) far from the nest cliff, and showed no sex differences. The…

Broad-front migration leads to strong migratory connectivity in the lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni)

2019

Aim: Migratory animals regularly move between often distant breeding and non‐breeding ranges. Knowledge about how these ranges are linked by movements of individuals from different populations is crucial for unravelling temporal variability in population spatial structuring and for identifying environmental drivers of population dynamics acting at different spatio‐temporal scales. We performed a large‐scale individual‐based migration tracking study of an Afro‐Palaearctic migratory raptor, to determine the patterns of migratory connectivity of European breeding populations. Location: Europe, Africa. Methods: Migration data were recorded using different devices (geolocators, satellite transmi…

Effetti del clima sul successo riproduttivo del grillaio Falco naumanni

2013

Valore ornitologico della ZPS - ITA 050012 - "Torre Manfria, Biviere e Piana di Gela" (Sicilia)

2009

VALORE ORNITOLOGICO NELLA ZPS - ITA 050012 “TORRE MANFRIA, BIVIERE E PIANA DI GELA” (SICILIA)

2009

Preliminary observation on use of nest boxes in protected areas of Southern Sicily

2011

In this short note we summarize the data self-made nesting in nest boxes in two areas of NATURA 2000 in southern Sicily. The models of nest boxes considered host species during the study the following period: Falco naumanni, Falco tinnunculus, Athene noctua, Strix aluco, Sturnus unicolor, Parus major, Certhia brachydactyla, Corvus monedula, Passer montanus.

Effects of microclimate on nest site selection and breeding success of lesser kestrel Falco naumanni in the Gela Plain (Sicily)

2013