Remotely sensed habitat quality index reliably predicts an umbrella species presence but not demographic performance: A case study with open pine forests and red-cockaded woodpeckers

Ecological Indicators, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 154, P. 110480 - 110480

Published: June 16, 2023

Remote sensing data can be a powerful and cost-effective method for determining the extent, composition, structure of ecosystems across large areas. To use this tool effective conservation individual species, we need to test assumption that remotely sensed habitat indices correspond both patch suitability (i.e., presence) value demographic rates) species reliant on those habitats. We built an open pine quality index (HQI) from spectral identify condition stands. correlated HQI with presence, group size, fledgling production avian (red-cockaded woodpecker, Dryobates (=Picoides) borealis, RCW) associated longleaf (Pinus palustris) using Bayesian logistic regressions structural equation models. The was RCW cavity tree foraging area 10.8 16.0 increased odds presence each unit increase in HQI, respectively. However, not performance. Given RCWs are umbrella currently limited by habitat, successfully identifies areas higher is useful planning. Improving specificity could improve link between performance, but might limit its application RCW, instead entire endemic community. Our study suggests linking generalized possible strengthens justification their cost-effective, large-scale imperiled ecosystems.

Language: Английский

Synthesis of Red-cockaded Woodpecker management strategies and suggestions for regional specificity in future management

Ornithological Applications, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 123(3)

Published: June 3, 2021

Abstract The Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Dryobates borealis, RCW) was listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1973 due to significant population declines resulting from habitat loss and fragmentation, species has been intensively managed since then. We reviewed management strategies commonly used conserve RCW, emphasizing studies conducted after publication of most recent Recovery Plan 2003, evaluate efficacy each strategy across RCW’s range identify demographic environmental factors that influence success strategy. Of reviewed, outcomes prescribed fire vary range, because is influenced by site’s vegetation, abiotic conditions, land use history. abundance cavity kleptoparasites varies sites, but kleptoparasite control only a high priority small RCW populations. long-term effectiveness artificial cavities translocations, which are highly effective short-term, requires suitable habitat, strongly fire. Regional variation may be needed, populations not archetypical (sensu Standards) benefit methods for large habitats (e.g., installing many restrictor plates inserts). have studied South Central Plains Southeastern ecoregions, more research other ecoregions would valuable. encourage consideration how according demographics site characteristics as opposed “one-size fits all” approach inhabits broad geographic ranges sites varying productivity will continue rely on efforts downlisting or delisting Act.

Language: Английский

Group size mediates effects of intraspecific competition and forest structure on productivity in a recovering social woodpecker population

Animal Conservation, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 25(3), P. 438 - 452

Published: Nov. 20, 2021

Abstract Conservation of endangered social wildlife in disturbance‐prone forests is challenging because direct and indirect effects management strategies developed at the time species’ listing when population density low may change under high‐density conditions locally recovered populations. Here, we used piecewise structural equation modeling to evaluate drivers productivity federally cooperatively breeding red‐cockaded woodpecker Dryobates borealis (RCW) on Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA. We estimated relationships among group size, neighboring sizes, fledgling production, cavity tree clusters occupied by RCWs, area satisfying threshold criteria ≥22 stems ha −1 pines ≥35.6 cm diameter breast height (dbh), <1.4 m 2 basal (BA) hardwoods 7.6–22.9 dbh, <6% hardwood canopy cover, treated with prescribed fire, tested whether size mediated production. Increases dbh BA but not had positive size. Group criteria, The effect sizes production was negative smaller relative Overall, our results indicate outweighed that These findings ongoing forest aimed increase will promote large which turn improve offset costs heightened competition groups conditions. Additionally, fire RCW has unique contributions productivity, likely via structure potentially arthropod prey available foraging RCWs. By simultaneously accounting for multiple wildlife, study contributes understanding how increases can alter previously documented habitat‐fitness relationships.

Language: Английский