Artificial Nest Predation Experiments In Habitat Of Japanese Marsh Warbler (Locustella Pryeri) At Jiangsu Dafeng

In order to study the main predator of Japanese Marsh Warbler and the influencing factors of nest predation in Spartina alterniflora habitat. During March to June 2014,we monitored the Japanese Marsh Warbler’s nest and conducted nests experiments using artificial nests and quail eggs in Spartina alterniflora habitat at the third core area Jiangsu Dafeng Milu National Nature Reserve. We analyzed the different nest height in the habitat, nest hidden degrees, edge distance, the density of the vegetation factors affect birds nest predation. We placed 520 artificial nest and 1040 pieces of quail eggs; in order to know the predator species,we use the infrared camera monitoring the artificial nest. We record the following data: the nest predation and nest to survive of artificial nest; the habitat factor of artificial nest (nest height, nest concealment, vegetation characteristics); We investigated the small rodents, birds, snakes and crab in Spartina alterniflora habitat,which may be potential predators.The results show that:Japanese Marsh Warbler breed in Spartina alterniflora habitat. The nest includes only one type which is shallow cup shape. The breeding season is late March to May. In Dafeng Milu Nature Reserve Spartina habitats Japanese Marsh Warbler had high predation rate.The main predator is Apodemus agrarius. The artificial nest had high predation rate, total of 352 nests was pried accounted for 67.7%. We use infrared camera record main nest predators is Apodemus agrarius and Elaphe taeniura. We have 11 variables using logistic regression, including nest height, vegetation were high, mainly vegetation density, according to the edge of the (road) enter the final model, nest height and edge was associated with a significant nest predation. We used the chi-square test nest height and distance from edge to the influence of nest predation, the result is significant. We capture two small rodents, Apodemus agrarius and Micromys minutus Pallas, the capture rate of Apodemus agrarius is higher than the data in 2011. The eagle in local small number, we found Pandion haliaetus、Accipiter gentilis、Circus melanoleucos、Falco tinnunculus、Falco amurebsis、Asio otus、Otus sunia. There are 6 common snakes in Spartina alterniflora habitat,which is Dinodon rufozonatum、 Elaphe bimaculata、Elaphe rufodorsata、Elaphe taeniura、Rhabdophis tigrina、Gloydius brevicaudus. There are 5 common crabs, which is Macrophthalmus dilatatum、Uca arcuata、 Helice tridens tientsinensis、Chiromantes dehaani、Eriocheir sinensis. This study did not find crabs on the bird’s nest predation.