Arthropods and predation of artificial nests in the Bahamas, implications for subtropical avifauna

Little is known of nest predation patterns in the dry subtropics. We used a rtificial nests to examine patterns of nest predation and to identify possi ble nest predators in the Bahamas. Unlike pre dation patterns in temperate areas, we found no relationship between predation rates and nest cover or d istance to the road, instead, the rate of nest predation depended on distan ce to ocean. This result and a photograph taken at a disturbed nest implica ted the giant white land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) as a possible nest preda tor. Because land crabs are prevalent throughout the subtropics and could p otentially influence nesting behavior, we advise researchers to consider va riables associated with land crabs when examining nest predation in the sub tropics.