Assessing the use of artificial nests for predicting predation pressure in New Zealand forest fragments : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Ecology at Massey University

Using artificial nests to predict the predation pressure on natural bird nests has been the subject of over 400 publications, the vast majority quantifying aspects that affect nest success. However, these studies have usually invoked the assumption that artificial nests accurately reflect the success of natural nests. The intention of this thesis was to evaluate the technique of using artificial nests to predict natural nest success, with the aim of establishing the main factors influencing its success as a monitoring technique. This was done by addressing three main questions a) Can artificial nests be used to predict natural nest success in forest fragments?, b) What aspects of the methodology influence the precision, practical application and interpretation of the results from artificial nests in New Zealand forest fragments?, c) What external factors, i.e. habitat structure, confound interpretation of artificial nests results in New Zealand forest fragments? Artificial nest experiments were conducted concurrently in nine reserves, with estimates of nest success calculated for each reserve using the known fate model in MARK. These estimates were then correlated with the success of North Island Robin nests (estimated using Stanley's (2000) method of stage specific nest success) in the corresponding reserves. General linear modelling was used to fit a log-log relationship between artificial and natural nest success estimates using parametric bootstrapping to account for error in the estimates. The Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) model selection procedure was used to select the model for estimating both artificial and natural nest success and for selecting the best model for predicting natural nest success using artificial nests. The evidence from the results revealed that artificial nests could be used to predict natural nest success. However, imperative to achieving this result was having the ability to identify and conduct independent analysis for each predator group (all predators, 'rats and possum', birds and mice). AIC selection procedure selected nest success estimates derived from predation by rats and possum as the most parsimonious model, hence the best at predicting natural nest success. Investigation of methodology showed that: (1) data from artificial nests left out for one week gave better predictions than data collected over four consecutive weeks; (2) leaving nests out longer than one week before checking increases the chance of the marks becoming obscured, hampering predator identification: (3) adding a quail egg has little effect on predation rate, particularly on the rate of predation by mammals; and (4) it is necessary to include clay eggs in artificial nests as marks left on quail eggs and damage done to artificial nests were not reliable indicators of predator type. Investigation of external factors revealed: (1) no strong or consistent evidence that the fine-scale habitat at nest sites affected predation on artificial nests; (2) reserve size may affect the rate of rat and possum predation, but not bird predation; and (3) the proximity of artificial nests to a bait station may influence the rate of predation by mammals

Improving Functional Assessment with Computer-Based Data Collection and Analysis Software

Many students exhibit behavior problems in the classroom that can negatively affect academic performance and social/emotional functioning if not identified and appropriately accommodated (Sugai, Lewis-Palmer, and Hagan, 1998; Scott, DeSimone, Fowler, and Webb, 2000). In order to combat the increasing number of students with behavior problems, an efficient means of assessing and treating problem behavior is warranted (Nelson and Johnson, 1996). Traditional observation methods are limited in the number of behaviors recordable and elaborateness of data analysis (Sharpe and Koperwas, 2001), and do not lend themselves to direct treatment development (Nelson, Roberts, Bullis, Albers, and Ohland, n.d.). Computer-based data collection programs were developed to allow for the recording of multiple behaviors and immediate elaborative, extensive analysis of observational data (Sharpe and Koperwas, 2001), and lead to greater treatment efficacy and increased capability to treat problem behavior. The purpose of the current study is to replicate and extend functional assessment research by using computer software to determine the extent to which the program helps facilitate the collection of observation data, the extent to which the program aids in the development of hypotheses with regard to behavioral function, and the extent to which the program is used to develop and evaluated behavioral interventions

Subjective measurements of temperament are influenced by sire and diet, and are associated with feed efficiency traits in adult Merino wethers

Feed efficiency is a heritable trait and genetic improvements in feed efficiency could be utilised to reduce feed costs. Differences in feed efficiency have been associated with aspects of temperament in young growing sheep, the metabolic cost of a stress response could direct energy away from growth or maintenance of body tissues, however the mechanisms underlying differences in efficiency are poorly understood in adult sheep. Using wether progeny from 15 different sires we hypothesised that more docile progeny will be more efficient. Two cohorts of Merino wethers (n = 320) were housed in individual pens and fed 100% of maintenance for 35 days before being fed either ad libitum or restricted (60% maintenance) for a further 35 days. During the differential feeding period temperament was assessed weekly by a subjective measure of avoidance behaviours (chute score and exit score). Feed efficiency (residual feed intake and residual liveweight change) was determined by measuring daily feed intake and live weight three times per week. There were sire differences for exit score (range 2.6 to 3.3 out of 5; P<0.05) and for residual liveweight change (range -40g/day to 36g/day; P < 0.05). There was also a moderate association between temperament and feed efficiency (P < 0.05) however wethers that had a higher exit score (less docile) gained comparatively more weight than the cohort at the same liveweight and feed intake. We conclude that differences in temperament may contribute to the observed variation in feed efficiency, however the response was opposite to what we expected for reasons unknown

Improving Functional Assessment with Computer-Based Data Collection and Analysis Software

Many students exhibit behavior problems in the classroom that can negatively affect academic performance and social/emotional functioning if not identified and appropriately accommodated (Sugai, Lewis-Palmer, and Hagan, 1998; Scott, DeSimone, Fowler, and Webb, 2000). In order to combat the increasing number of students with behavior problems, an efficient means of assessing and treating problem behavior is warranted (Nelson and Johnson, 1996). Traditional observation methods are limited in the number of behaviors recordable and elaborateness of data analysis (Sharpe and Koperwas, 2001), and do not lend themselves to direct treatment development (Nelson, Roberts, Bullis, Albers, and Ohland, n.d.). Computer-based data collection programs were developed to allow for the recording of multiple behaviors and immediate elaborative, extensive analysis of observational data (Sharpe and Koperwas, 2001), and lead to greater treatment efficacy and increased capability to treat problem behavior. The purpose of the current study is to replicate and extend functional assessment research by using computer software to determine the extent to which the program helps facilitate the collection of observation data, the extent to which the program aids in the development of hypotheses with regard to behavioral function, and the extent to which the program is used to develop and evaluated behavioral interventions