天敌捕食压力是鸟类自然选择中影响生活史对策的最重要因素之一，已经引起了越多越多的生态学家关注。被捕食风险可以显著地影响猎物的行为和其它策略。我国北热带石灰岩森林鸟类资源丰富，巢被捕食率高是这一地区大多数鸟类的重要生活史特征。本项目以我国北热带石灰岩森林鸟类为研究对象，通过放置仿真天敌模型、野外观察和实验室分析的方法，研究短尾鹪鹛和弄岗穗鹛等7种鸟类在面对直接和预期的被捕食风险情况下，成鸟的巢址选择、窝卵数、孵卵节律、育雏频率和幼鸟的身体发育、能量分配和繁殖成功率等反捕食行为，揭示鸟类面对巢被捕食风险时的行为与繁殖适应策略。通过了解鸟类对岩溶生态系统的繁殖适应策略，可以帮助探讨鸟类对这一特殊生态系统的适应和演化过程，同时也可为我国北热带石灰岩森林的鸟类和生物多样性保护提供科学依据。

Nest predation is a key source of selection for birds that has attracted increasing attention from ecologists. Predation risk can significantly inflict profound effects on prey by influencing prey behavior and reproductive traits. High nest predation is a very important life historical trait of most birds inhabited in tropical limestone forests of China. In this project, we will study the anti-predation behavior of birds including nest site selection, clutch size, incubation, parental care of adults and body development, energy allocation and fledgling success of nestling, in tropical limestone forests. We will reveal the behavior and reproductive strategies of birds under upcoming and perceived predation pressure. It will help realize the adaption and evolution of birds in limestone by means of breeding strategy study. Meanwhile, it will also supply the initial data for the conservation of bird and other animals in limestone forest, north tropic of southern China.