Author : H. Eric Miller
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 59 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (976 download)
Book Synopsis The Relationship Between Invasive Shrubs and American Woodcock (Scolopax Minor) Nesting Success and Habitat Selection by : H. Eric Miller
Download or read book The Relationship Between Invasive Shrubs and American Woodcock (Scolopax Minor) Nesting Success and Habitat Selection written by H. Eric Miller and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 59 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Habitat loss is thought to be a cause of historical woodcock population declines, however little is known about whether the encroachment of invasive vegetation may be affecting woodcock nest site selection and nesting success. I examined whether nest success and habitat selection were related to invasive vegetation presence. In March and April of 2009 and 2010, I located and recorded data in 26 plots (13 nests, 13 random) in southeastern Pennsylvania. I used logistic regression and Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) to determine the best models of success and habitat use. I also considered woodcock nesting habitat selection from a second order spatial scale. Nine nests and four random points were located in cover that contained a low percentage of invasive shrubs. I detected significant differences between invasive woody vegetation at successful and unsuccessful nests and used and random sites. AIC weights indicated that models containing percentage of invasive woody vegetation were highly supported for nest success and habitat selection. Additionally, nest success and habitat use decreased with an increase in percentage of invasive woody vegetation. When viewed at a landscape scale, woodcock selected native vegetation composition for nesting within covers classified as invasive. I recommend that mangers attempt to control and remove invasive vegetation to promote increased woodcock nesting success and habitat use.