6533b7d9fe1ef96bd126cc3e

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Wintering habitats of Eleonora's FalconsFalco eleonoraein Madagascar

subject

description

[Capsule]: Eleonora's Falcons wintering in Madagascar selected degraded humid forests and cultivated areas close to pristine humid forest. [Aims]: To identify the habitat preferences of Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae on their wintering grounds in Madagascar, and to use this information to gain insights into the conservation priorities of this species. [Methods]: A total of 11 Eleonora's Falcons were captured in Spain in 2007 and 2008 and equipped with solar-powered satellite transmitters. We obtained information on five complete wintering events for three birds, two of them tracked for two consecutive years. Data were analyzed using geographic information system-based cartography. [Results]: The analyses showed a preference for degraded humid forests and cultivated lands within areas where pristine humid forests were the most abundant habitat type. [Conclusions]: Eleonora's Falcons could be taking advantage from a spill-over edge effect of their insect prey into cultivated and more open areas close to humid forests. However, the importance of humid forests for Eleonora's Falcons seems to be high. The current loss of this habitat in Madagascar is a cause for concern with respect to the conservation of this long-distance migratory falcon species.