Habitat preferences of diurnal raptors in relation to human access to their breeding territories in the Balkan Mountain Range, Bulgaria

Abstract

Abstract Background In this study we examined the habitat preferences of three diurnal raptors in relation to human access. We aimed to identify the selection of breeding habitat by the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), and the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in response to site accessibility by humans, and in turn, the response of these species to human presence. Methods Data about the nest locations were collected. Analyses and maps were created using ArcGIS. The “least cost path” was defined using the Cost Path tool. Results The lowest values of the Cost Path were established for Long-legged Buzzard and the highest values were estimated for Golden Eagle. Intermediate Cost Path values for Peregrine Falcon were found. Conclusions The Long-legged Buzzard could be considered as the most tolerant to human presence in its breeding territories. The Golden Eagle have the lowest degree of tolerance and the Peregrine Falcon is ranked in an intermediate position compared to the other two species, but closer to Golden Eagle.