High tourism activity alters the spatial distribution of Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) and predation on artificial nests in a high-mountain habitat

Abstract

Human presence can significantly reduce habitat availability for wildlife. We investigated the impact of the distance from hiking trails and number of tourists on the number of sites occupied by Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia) and on the predation rate of artificial nests in two forest types (spruce and beech) in the Tatra Mountains (Poland). The study was carried out in the Tatra National Park from 2009 to 2014. Presence of Hazel Grouse males was detected in spring by playing territorial calls of this species from an electronic device. A total of 79 sites occupied by Hazel Grouse were found, and 174 artificial ground nests were monitored. Data on the number of tourists gathered at entry points and at trail crossings in the Tatra National Park were used to estimate levels of tourism activity. Sites occupied by Hazel Grouse were mostly located farther from hiking trails and in places with low tourist numbers. Artificial nests were mainly predated by mammals (85%) in both spruce and beech forests.