Using regional bird density distribution models to evaluate protected area networks and inform conservation planning

Abstract

. 2017. Using regional bird density distribution models to evaluate protected area networks and inform conservation planning.Ecosphere 8(5):e01799. 10.1002/ecs2.1799Abstract. As data about populations of indicator species become available, proactive strategies that improve representation of biological diversity within protected area networks should consider finer-scaled evaluations, especially in regions identified as important through course-scale analyses. We use density distribution models derived from a robust regional bird abundance dataset, coupled with habitat conservation plans, to evaluate a network of protected areas and to inform conservation and biodiversity planning in the greater Klamath Siskiyou Bioregion, an area recognized globally as a region of outstanding biological diversity. Our novel modeling approach allowed for comparisons of abundance of conservation focal species on federal vs. non-federal lands, federal lands that are protected to maintain natural habitats vs. federal lands managed for multiple uses, and seven protected areas of interest. Our comparisons highlight conservation opportunities for suites of species associated with coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and grasslands. Specifically, we found that species associated with oak woodland and grassland habitats, both habitats of conservation concern, were not well represented in the Bioregion's existing protected areas. These species would benefit from expanding the regional protected area network to include their associated at-risk habitats. In contrast, our results suggest that coniferous forests birds are well represented in the Bioregion's protected areas. We identify management opportunities specifically associated with the restoration of fire-adapted ecosystems that would benefit coniferous forest focal species on both federally protected areas and other multiple-use lands. Our analysis provides an example of how a finer-scaled evaluation of a regional protected area network adds value to course-scale evaluations of protected areas and biological diversity. Data and results from this research were used to inform science-based expansion of the Bioregion's network of protected areas.

Bird species detection by an observer and an autonomous sound recorder in two different environments: Forest and farmland

“…One of the most widely used techniques for the census and monitoring of bird diversity and abundance is the point–count method [9–10]. The point-count method, with various modifications, has been applied to bird counts in different regions of the world and in various habitats [11–13]. Generally, for point–count methods, observers record all birds seen and heard for a set period of time within a fixed distance around the point [9–10].…”

Phylogeny and species traits predict bird detectability

“…Understanding how variation in singing behaviour and signal transmission leads to imperfect detection is important for single species conservation and management (Kellner and Swihart 2014, Guillera-Arroita et al 2015, Alexander et al 2017, Guillera-Arroita 2017. There is growing evidence that species traits can be important predictors of detectability (Seoane et al 2005, Garrard et al 2013, Denis et al 2017 and that phylogenetic relationships can be utilized in joint community models that consider imperfect detection (Frishkoff et al 2017).…”

Critical habitat identification of peripheral Sage Thrashers under climate change

“…Taken together, the all‐variable and landscape‐scale models provide a more complete understanding of Sage Thrasher habitat, and a method to integrate conservation efforts across multiple scales. In a similar way, Alexander et al (2017) used fine‐scale bird occupancy data to guide coarse‐scale protected area networks by linking the local habitat data associated with higher bird abundance to ecological processes at the larger scale.…”