Do non-target species visit feeders and water troughs targeting small game? A study from farmland Spain using camera-trapping

摘要

Provision of food and water is a widespread tool implemented around the world for the benefit of game and other wildlife, but factors affecting the use of food and water by non-target species are poorly known. We evaluated visits to feeders and watertroughs by non-game species using camera-traps in two separate areas of Spain. Feeders and water troughs were either “protected” (when surrounded by more than 50 of shrubs/forest) or “open” (in the opposite case). A total of 18 948 photos from 5344camera-trapping days depicted animals, and 75 species were identified. Feeders and water troughs were visited by target species (partridges and lagomorphs, 55.3 of visits) and non-target species (44.7 of visits). Among the latter, corvids were the mostcommon (46.1 of visits), followed by rodents (26.8), other birds (23.6, mainly passerines), columbids (1.9), and other species at minor percentages. The highest proportion of visiting days to feeders and water troughs was from corvids (0.173) followed by other-birds (0.109) and rodents (0.083); the lowest proportion was recorded for columbids (0.016). Use intensity and visit frequency of water troughs tripled that recorded in feeders, and visits to open feeders/troughs were approximately twice those to protected ones. In summary: feeders and water troughs targeting small game species are also used regularly by non-target ones; they should be set close to cover to optimize their use by non-target species that are not competitors of target species (though corvids may visit them); water availability should be prioritized where drought periods are expected.