Breeding and feeding habitat selection by an island endemic bird may increase its vulnerability to climate change

Endangered Micronesian Scrubfowl (Megapodius laperouse senex) in Palau's Rock Islands Southern Lagoon Conservation Area (RISL) exhibit highly specific breeding habitat preferences that render them vulnerable to climate change. Research reveals these birds preferentially select incubation sites near the shore, characterized by large trees and taller canopies than surrounding forests, particularly favoring ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia) bases while incorporating breadfruit (Artocarpus mariannensis) trees more frequently than random. Despite non-preferential foraging across littoral strand forests, their breeding grounds face significant threat from sea level rise, overshadowing immediate risks of anthropogenic habitat loss or invasive species. This study underscores the critical need to address climate-driven vulnerabilities in conservation planning for such island-endemic species.

Radley, P. M., van Etten, E. J. B., Blake, D., & Davis, R. A. (2020). Breeding and feeding habitat selection by an island endemic bird may increase its vulnerability to climate change. Biotropica, 53(2), 422–432. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/btp.12885