Factors affecting diet, habitat selection and breeding success of the African Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus in a fragmented landscape

Swatridge, Christopher J., Monadjem, Ara, Steyn, David J., Batchelor, Garth R. and Hardy, Ian C.W. (2014) Factors affecting diet, habitat selection and breeding success of the African Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus in a fragmented landscape. Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, 85 (1). pp. 47-55. ISSN 1727-947X

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Abstract

This study aimed to identify variables that affect habitat selection and nesting success of the African Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus, the largest forest raptor, in north-eastern South Africa. A preference for nesting in the Northern Mistbelt Forest vegetation type was established and 82% of all nests were located in indigenous trees. Nest abandonment was less common when distances to the nearest neighbour were greater. The diet of this species was investigated by examination of prey remains beneath nests and verified by comparison with museum specimens. In total, 156 remains were found, representing a minimum of 75 prey individuals. The diet of African Crowned Eagles constituted almost entirely mammals (99%), which were predominantly antelopes (61%) and monkeys (25%). It was also found that the proportion of primates in the diet correlates with latitude: populations in equatorial latitudes have a higher proportion of primates in their diets, whereas further south antelopes are a much more common diet component.

Item Type: Article
RIS ID: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/728675
Additional Information: This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology on 15 May 2014, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.2989/00306525.2014.896832
Keywords: African Crowned Eagle, breeding success, diet, geographical variation, habitat fragmentation
Schools/Departments: University of Nottingham, UK > Faculty of Science > School of Biosciences
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2014.896832
Depositing User: Eprints, Support
Date Deposited: 23 Mar 2017 10:46
Last Modified: 04 May 2020 16:47
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/41507

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