Influence of nest box design on internal microclimate: Comparisons of plastic prototypes

Hollow-dependent fauna are declining worldwide, due primarily to the widespread clearing of hollow-bearing trees. Artificial cavities such as timber and plywood boxes commonly used increase hollow availability, yet there is increasing evidence that they poor facsimiles natural cavities, characterized by lower insulative properties a shorter field life. We evaluated whether plastic materials could create nest box with stable thermal profile more closely resembles complex shapes textures tree hollows while containing fewer mechanical joins represent potential failure points when installed. developed three sets prototype comprising various combinations density (10%, 25% 50%), insulation (single vs. double wall or without sawdust between them), nesting chamber (with inserts) bedding decomposed heartwood) compared their performance in temperature-controlled laboratory compare internal temperature relative humidity. found double-walled an timber-lined was best able buffer ambient fluctuations, consistently recording temperatures 6+°C below maximum temperature, maintaining high levels humidity (76%–92%) furnished heartwood. This design also performed better during simulated hot day; exhibiting twice lag time single-walled designs, noting had little influence on conditions. While recruitment protection trees must be priority, this work shows significant improving functionality artificial critical conservation hollow-dependent species.