20880021
not annotated - annotated - LINNAEUS only
Interference from long-tailed finches constrains reproduction in the endangered Gouldian finch.
1. Interspecific interference competition for nest-sites among cavity-nesting birds can have important effects on reproductive fitness and the distribution of competing species. 2. We observed interference at nest-sites in free-living populations of the endangered Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) and sympatric long-tailed finch (Poephila acuticauda), and also experimentally tested the relative strength and effect of interference at nest-sites in captive populations. 3. Levels of competitive interference at nest-sites in the wild were high for Gouldian, but not long-tailed finches, and interference frequency was inversely related to Gouldian finch reproductive success. High levels of interference conferred reduced fledging success but did not affect offspring condition. 4. Captive experiments corroborated the field data, also demonstrating fitness costs of interspecific competition, and that long-tailed finches dominated resources under standardized conditions. 5. Such asymmetrical competition dynamics are likely to constrain reproduction in Gouldian finch populations, potentially affecting recruitment and hindering the recovery of remaining populations of this endangered species.
Ann file
T1 Species 18 37 long-tailed finches
N1 Reference T1 Taxonomy:259256
T2 Species 80 94 Gouldian finch
N2 Reference T2 Taxonomy:44316
T3 Species 363 377 Gouldian finch
N3 Reference T3 Taxonomy:44316
T4 Species 379 397 Erythrura gouldiae
N4 Reference T4 Taxonomy:44316
T5 Species 413 430 long-tailed finch
N5 Reference T5 Taxonomy:259256
T6 Species 432 451 Poephila acuticauda
N6 Reference T6 Taxonomy:259256
T7 Species 650 658;680 687 Gouldian finches
N7 Reference T7 Taxonomy:44316
T8 Species 668 687 long-tailed finches
N8 Reference T8 Taxonomy:259256
T9 Species 741 755 Gouldian finch
N9 Reference T9 Taxonomy:44316
T10 Species 1005 1024 long-tailed finches
N10 Reference T10 Taxonomy:259256
T11 Species 1158 1172 Gouldian finch
N11 Reference T11 Taxonomy:44316