Post-fledging survival and habitat selection of Henslow's Sparrow
Advisor Information
L. LaReesa Wolfenbarger
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 2:15 PM
End Date
3-3-2017 3:30 PM
Abstract
For species of conservation concern, understanding habitat use and the effects of habitat on survival rates at each life stage is a fundamentally important aspect of creating successful management strategies. The Henslow’s Sparrow is a grassland bird listed as threatened or declining across many of the states within its range and is a species of management concern for the federal and state governments. Grassland birds as a group are among the most imperiled in North America, and populations have declined due to habitat loss and degradation. During the spring and summers of 2015-2016, I examined survival of Henslow’s Sparrow during the post-fledging period, that time after a chick leaves the nest but before it is independent of adult care. Few studies have examined the post-fledging period in grassland birds, but the data that do exist for other species indicate that it may be a period of high mortality. I also examined how habitat variables may be affecting survival of fledglings.
The post-fledging period has never before been studied for Henslow’s Sparrow. By providing the first estimates of survival and the effects of habitat, I hope to improve management strategies for this species of conservation concern.
Post-fledging survival and habitat selection of Henslow's Sparrow
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
For species of conservation concern, understanding habitat use and the effects of habitat on survival rates at each life stage is a fundamentally important aspect of creating successful management strategies. The Henslow’s Sparrow is a grassland bird listed as threatened or declining across many of the states within its range and is a species of management concern for the federal and state governments. Grassland birds as a group are among the most imperiled in North America, and populations have declined due to habitat loss and degradation. During the spring and summers of 2015-2016, I examined survival of Henslow’s Sparrow during the post-fledging period, that time after a chick leaves the nest but before it is independent of adult care. Few studies have examined the post-fledging period in grassland birds, but the data that do exist for other species indicate that it may be a period of high mortality. I also examined how habitat variables may be affecting survival of fledglings.
The post-fledging period has never before been studied for Henslow’s Sparrow. By providing the first estimates of survival and the effects of habitat, I hope to improve management strategies for this species of conservation concern.