Hole site selection by Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopus syriacus) in Naeen, Isfahan province

Abstract

Introduction: In this research, the nesting areas of the Syrian woodpecker (Dendrocopus
syriacus) in the natural region of Naeen township were selected for investigation.
Materials & Methods: The job of finding the nests of this bird was done by a multi
personnel team in the Spring of 2015 by establishing random transects with a length of 2000
meters on a map in the area during field operations. 65 nests of this bird were identified on
trees and the coordinates of the nests were registered by GPS. Initially, the height and
diameter of the opening of the nests were measured and then the habitat variables including
type, height, and diameter of plant species for each species, the distance of the nest to the
nearest water source and road around the nests were calculated. By randomly distancing the
nests from different directions, the job of finding the control points or their absence was
done. In these areas, no trace of the Syrian woodpecker nests was found. 65 absence points
were also identified for the number of the nests and after registering the coordinates, the
above variables were also measured.
Result: According to our observations, 75.38 percent of the nests had been established on
mulberry trees (Morus alba). Due to its having more nectar, the mulberry tree is a more
suitable food source for the Syrian woodpecker chicks. Furthermore, the soft bark of this
tree is more economical and easier than that of walnut (Juglan nigra) and almond
(Amygdalus sp) trees with hard barks. The results of the t-test showed that there was a
meaningful difference between the presence and absence regions in terms of some habitat
variables for the Syrian woodpecker’s nests. The average distance of the nests to the nearest
water source in the presence regions was meaningfully less than that in the absence regions
(p<0.05). Our study region was part of the desert areas of Iran and consequently the need
for water was a vital parameter; furthermore, water sources absorb more insects to their
surfaces which are a food source for the chicks of this bird bringing about their existence.
No meaningful difference was obtained in terms of the height and diameter of mulberry
trees as well as the average distance to the road between the presence and absence regions.
It can be due to the aged mulberry trees (no obvious external difference) along with low
traffic which do not have much effect on the nesting of Syrian woodpecker.
Conclusion: To protect the Syrian woodpecker population by paying attention to the
important ecological role of this bird in Naeen region for the control of insects and pests, it
seems necessary to protect the mulberry trees and prevent the destruction of this bird’s
habitat along with the protection and provision of new water sources.