What steps are taken to protect the nests from predation while waiting for hatchlings to emerge?
IHA biologists worked closely with KSC’s environmental department and others to first ensure no predators, such as raccoons or snakes, were within the structure. They removed anything that would provide hiding places for such predators. They are placing the nest containers on tables versus the floor to facilitate monitoring and make predator access more difficult. They also replace the foam lids with heavy acrylic lids with ventilation holes. The transparent lids allow nest activity (emergence) monitoring without constantly having to lift lids and disturbing hatchling activity, as well as make predator access more difficult.
