Study

Pioneers and perches—promising restoration methods for degraded renosterveld habitats?

  • Published source details Heelemann S., Krug C.B., Esler K.J., Reisch C. & Poschlod P. (2012) Pioneers and perches—promising restoration methods for degraded renosterveld habitats?. Restoration Ecology, 20, 18-23.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Build bird perches to encourage colonisation by plants

Action Link
Shrubland and Heathland Conservation
  1. Build bird perches to encourage colonisation by plants

    A replicated, controlled study in two renosterveld shrubland sites in Western Cape province, South Africa (Heelemann et al. 2012) found that building artificial bird perches increased the number of seeds, but no shrubs became established at any of two sites. Two areas where artificial bird perches were built received more seeds (18–202 seeds/seed trap) than areas without artificial bird perches (0 seeds/seed trap). However, no shrubs became established at any of the sites with bird perches or those without bird perches. At both sites artificial bird perches made of dead branches of Eucalyptus spp. were erected in 10 abandoned agricultural areas, whereas in another 10 areas no perches were erected. Netted seed traps were placed below each perch or in the areas without perches.

    (Summarised by: Phil Martin)

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