This webinar will outline the development of a novel nest box design that is light-weight, yet well insulated, providing stable temperate and humidity.

Tree hollows are a critical resource for thousands of species of birds, arboreal mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates globally. Hollows are a declining resource due to widespread land clearing and the disproportionate loss of large trees, with artificial refuges, typically in the form of nest boxes, used to offset diminished hollow availability. While nest boxes may be an effective solution in some contexts, consistent evidence is emerging that many species of conservation concern will not use nest boxes, which may be due to their highly variable microclimate compared to natural hollows.

In temperature-controlled laboratory trials, 3D printed, double-walled nest boxes with timber inserts recorded maximum temperatures (range 23.69 – 24.77 ^oC) that were significantly lower than the ambient maximum temperature of 30.97 ^oC. Additionally, nest boxes furnished with decomposed heartwood material recorded significantly higher mean humidity values of 76.13 – 91.66% (n = 8) compared with both ambient (32.41%) and a nest box that was unfurnished (33.16%). Across three separate thermal trials, 3D printed nest boxes with timber inserts demonstrated significantly more stable thermal profiles in comparison with ambient temperatures, and markedly less fluctuation than two other nest box designs. These novel boxes are able to provide a stable thermal environment, suitable for hollow-dependent fauna, and critical to their reproductive success, particularly when faced with a warming climate.

Although initially more expensive than conventional plywood boxes, the improved performance, longevity and modular deployment options make these engineered structures a cost-effective option for large-scale initiatives to increase hollow availability for wildlife.

Meet the Speaker | Mick Callan