The effect of treeline proximity on predation pressure: an experiment with artificial nests along elevational gradients in the European Alps

Capsule Predation rates of artificial nests along elevational gradients were higher closer to the treeline in the European Alps. Aims Alpine grassland birds tend to show an avoidance of mature trees, possibly due to an edge effect, i.e. higher predation pressure close to the treeline. This study aimed to estimate potential predation pressure in relation to the distance from the treeline and other environmental variables by using artificial nests positioned along elevational transects in the Italian Alps. Methods 119 artificial nests were positioned and monitored during the breeding season. For each nest, habitat data at small and large scales were collected. Daily nest survival was estimated using MARK. Results The most informative model included date, distance from the treeline and a micro-habitat structure variable. In particular, the model showed a positive relationship between nest survival and the distance from the treeline. Conclusions This study suggests that if treelines advance due to climate change, the functional habitat loss may be greater than physical habitat loss, since the optimal breeding area would be further away from the forest edge. The conservation of high elevation grasslands in relation to environmental changes may therefore be addressed through management strategies to maintain open habitats.