Does habitat management and lanscape composition affect community structure of grassland songbirds?
Website project for R690 by Sandra M. Durán
Welcome to this website. The information presented here is an independent project for the purpose of a university course. The data used in this project was collected for another research project focused on the role of protected areas for the conservation of prairie birds. The previous data analysis focused on statistical analysis based on diversity parameters (e.g. richness, abundance) at local level . In this project, however, I am looking to understand the factors and mechanisms underlying the community structure of grassland songbirds at both local and landscape level.
Summary
Grassland songbirds have undergone population declines at a higher rate than any other avifaunal group in North America. Loss and degradation of native habitat are the most likely causes of these population declines. Managers require information on species habitat requirements to optimally manage lands dedicated to grassland bird conservation. This study investigates the effect of habitat management on the composition of grassland songbirds. It also looks to determine the relative importance of local and landscape parameters underlying community structure of these species. To address these questions, a total of 199 point-count plots within 35 prairies were sampled during 2008-2009 in a mixed-grass prairie in south-western Manitoba. Bird and vegetation surveys were conducted in prairie fields under three different management treatments: hayed, grazed or idle fields (no management ³ 5 years). To evaluate the effect of management on species composition a multivariate analysis will be conducted. In addition, to evaluate the relative importance of local and landscape parameters, landscape units will be created by establishing a buffer of 3200-m radius centered to each prairie site. Landscape composition in and around each prairie site will be determined by using a land cover map within a geographic information system. This study will provide significant information for management by identifying bird habitat requirements at both local and landscape levels.
