This study found that privately owned cattle ranches prove to be preferable habitat for the crested caracara (Caracara cheriway) in southcentral Florida. Compared to nesting pairs on lands managed as natural areas, those on cattle ranches began laying eggs earlier and, more often, attempted a second brood after fledging a first brood. All of the caracara home ranges contained improved pasture, which differed immensely from the habitat composition of random areas, suggesting that caracara home range establishment is not random. On private lands, breeding pairs attempted breeding each year and regularly used the same tree for nesting each time. On public lands the breeding areas were not used every year as evidenced by no nests being located. Morrison and Humphrey suggest that the replacement of native grasses with exotic grasses may maintain structurally suitable plant communities and fertilization, while grazing enhances productivity and nutrient cycling, creating preferable caracara habitat. The shorter grass on pasture land may improve caracara foraging and reduce territorial predator cover.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.