Artificial cavity construction: an alternative to nest boxes

Published source details Gano Jr R.D. & Mosher J.A. (1983) Artificial cavity construction: an alternative to nest boxes. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 11, 74-76.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Provide artificial dens or nest boxes on trees Action Link

Provide artificial dens or nest boxes on trees

A study in 1979 in a forest in Maryland, USA (Gano & Mosher 1983) found that artificial den cavities were used by southern flying squirrels Glaucomys volans and white-footed mice Peromyscus leucopus. Within 12 months, 84% of artificial cavities had been used by rodents or birds (data provided for both groups combined). Southern flying squirrels nested in the 40 artificial cavities six times and white-footed mice once. In July–August 1979, forty artificial cavities were created in a forest dominated by chestnut oak Quercus prinus. Cavities were created in 37 oaks, two pitch pines Pinus rigida and one white ash Fraxinus americana. Trees averaged 28 cm diameter at breast height. Cavities were 1.5 m above ground, were 15 × 13 cm across and 15 cm deep. The slab of wood initially removed from the tree surface was reattached across the front of the cavity with a 3.8-cm-diameter entrance hole.

(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)