The use of nest boxes to support bird conservation in commercially managed forests: A systematic review

Nest boxes are widely used to supplement natural tree cavities used by fauna, particularly in working lands where large, old trees are cleared or harvested. Commercially managed forests comprise large areas of global forest cover and nest boxes provide an opportunity to encourage biodiversity in areas where trees are harvested before natural cavities form. Here, we used a systematic review to provide a global overview of the scientific literature on nest boxes and bird conservation within commercially managed forests. Our systematic review identified 76 studies exploring the influence of nest boxes on birds in commercially managed forests, ranging from studies of individual birds to whole communities. Insectivorous birds were the most common reported users of nest boxes, and studies that incorporate a before and after period provide one line of evidence that nest boxes enhance bird occupancy and survival. However, only a small number of bird species have been observed using nest boxes and most studies were conducted within pine-dominated forests in Europe and North America. We recommend future research to develop knowledge of a wider range of bird taxa and commercially managed forest types. Further, we advocate for testing different types of nest box designs, materials, and spatial arrangements to improve conservation outcomes. This will help to ensure nest boxes, in combination with ecological restoration and a suite of other conservation actions, enhance biodiversity and the ecosystem functions provided by birds, such as pest control.

Automated summary

Nest boxes are widely used in commercially managed forests to provide alternative habitats for wildlife. These boxes can enhance biodiversity, especially before natural tree cavities are formed. However, current research mainly focuses on pine-dominated forests in Europe and North America, and more studies are needed to explore a wider range of bird species and forest types.