Shorebird use of military lands in Interior Alaska
Date
2017
Authors
Martin, Ellen, author
Jochum, Kim, author
Bagley, Calvin, author
Doherty, Paul F., author
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Abstract
Shorebird populations are declining globally and little is known about the use and distribution of breeding species in interior Alaska. The Program for Regional and International Shorebird Monitoring (PRISM) has developed shorebird survey methodology, with most effort in the Arctic and less effort in the boreal forest region. We fill this information void by using PRISM methods to estimate shorebird use of military lands in interior Alaska on Tanana Flats Training Area and Donnelly Training Areas (Fairbanks and Delta Junction, Alaska). We conducted surveys to (1) identify shorebird species using military lands, and (2) create occupancy/use models for these species and determine associated habitat covariates. We predicted species-specific covariate relationships (e.g., elevation, shrub height, distance to water). In general, we predict that shorebirds would more likely use open shrub and wet grassland Viereck habitat classifications. Using a stratified random sampling design, we surveyed 140 plots (400x400 m) twice. We found 6 shorebird species of moderate to high conservation concern as listed by the Alaska Shorebird Conservation Plan and 4 species of conservation concern as listed by the USFWS. For Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson’s Snipe, and Spotted Sandpiper we will present correlations of use with variables of interest derived from occupancy/use models.
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Subject
shorebird