Using acoustic recording units to investigate the effects of logging of indigenous trees in the Amathole forests, South Africa on Cape Parrot <i>Poicephalus robustus</i> breeding and the presence of three primary cavity-excavating bird species

Summary The Amathole forest complex is the breeding stronghold of endemic and vulnerable Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus , also one only two complexes in South Africa formally harvested for timber. aim this study was to determine if formal harvesting indigenous trees, primarily yellowwood species Afrocarpus falcatus Podocarpus latifolius, 9 16 forests has had any effect on presence Parrots three primary nest-excavating species, as well parrot breeding. used logging data from past 25 years (1997–2021) collected by acoustic recording units over seasons 2019 2021. were present 15 forests, but calls identified seven forests: five logged unlogged forests. Fourteen harboured all excavators: Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata Olive Dendropicos griseocephalus Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus. last absent adjacent Mount Thomas Kologha respectively, which parrots present, no recorded. Logging yellowwoods not found affect However, due overlap between preferred sites trees harvesting, we recommend that blocks where occurs be limited tree falls, with standing dead, dying, or damaged harvested, ensure potential nesting are harvested.