Piloting camera traps to determine nest predators and competitors of Cape Parrots (Poicephalus robustus) in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Abstract

The Vulnerable Cape Parrot, a secondary cavity nester endemic to South Africa, faces habitat-loss challenges, which limit nest site availability. Its breeding success could be further threatened by nest predation and competition, but conventional methods may miss such observations due to the cryptic or brief nature of these interactions. To overcome these limitations, a pilot study was conducted using camera traps to monitor potential nest predators and competitors. Camera traps were deployed for three years at six nesting sites—three natural nests and three nest boxes—in the Hogsback region, Eastern Cape Province. The camera traps identified distinct visitation patterns between the two nest types. African Harrier-Hawk, a suspected avian predator, was detected during the breeding season at natural nests only, although no predation events were observed. Conversely, all nest boxes recorded detections of large primate predators, including Samango Monkeys and Chacma Baboons, predominantly during the Cape Parrot breeding season. No primate detections were recorded at natural nests, which may be linked to the subtlety and reduced accessibility of cavity entrances. Potential competitors (Green Woodhoopoe and small rodents) and potential parasitic species (honeyguides) were detected at natural nests and nest boxes; however, no interactions with Cape Parrots were observed. While Cape Parrots inspected all nest boxes, no successful breeding attempts were recorded; in contrast, Cape Parrots were observed successfully breeding at natural nests. This pilot study supports the use of camera traps as a valuable tool for gaining insights into the risks faced by this threatened species. The results highlight differing threat landscapes: avian predators and rodents at natural nests, versus significant primate threat at nest boxes. Our findings suggest that the future placement and design of conservation nest boxes must prioritise sites less accessible to primates and utilise sturdier construction materials to mitigate this risk.