We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape... more We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape parameters to predict avian species distributions on southern Appalachian National Forests to aid National Forests with bird conservation planning. These models can be used to assess the effects of different forest management alternatives on long-term population viability for a variety of avian species. Unlike past planning efforts on National Forests which were based on qualitative attempts at interpreting changes in forest type and age class distributions on avian species, use of spatiallyexplicit habitat models can provide quantitative estimates of how habitat availability is changing for a given species and also evaluate the significance of management decisions on spatial configurations of avian habitats. Using the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) as an example, we demonstrate how these models work and how different forest management alternatives may affect Chestnut-sided Warbler habitat in the future.
Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcell... more Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcellus-Utica shale basin in the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States, an area of high conservation value for biodiversity. Much is still unknown about ecological impacts of associated land cover change. Objectives Our goal was to identify threshold responses among bird species and habitat guilds to (1) overall forest loss and fragmentation in affected landscapes, and (2) distance from anthropogenic disturbance, both related and unrelated to shale gas. Methods We conducted 2589 bird surveys at 190 sites across this region, and quantified communitylevel and species-specific thresholds relating to forest cover and distance to anthropogenic disturbance, using Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN). Results Forest interior species decreased abruptly in abundance and frequency of occurrence above a threshold of 17.0% overall forest loss, while early successional and synanthropic species increased abruptly above 30.5-36.5% forest loss, respectively. Broad quantile intervals around responses to distance from anthropogenic disturbance suggest these were Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population... more Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population declines in North America. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for these declines, but current evidence suggests multiple factors could be operating in combination during their annual migratory cycles between breeding and nonbreeding areas. Potential drivers include decreased prey abundance, direct or indirect impacts of environmental contaminants, habitat loss, phenological changes due to warming climate, and conditions on migratory stopover or wintering grounds. While no single threat appears to be the cause of aerial insectivore declines, existing evidence suggests that several of these factors could be contributing to the declines at different times in the annual lifecycle. Breeding productivity for most of these species does not appear to be limited by overall prey abundance, contaminants, or habitat loss, which suggests that similar issues on nonbreeding grounds or carryover effects could play important roles. However, a better understanding of the importance of prey quality throughout the lifecycle is critically needed. Based on current evidence, we propose that changes in availability of high-quality prey, with variability across breeding and nonbreeding grounds, reduce various combinations of fledging success, post-fledging survival, and nonbreeding season body condition of aerial insectivores, resulting in species and geographic differences in population trends. We encourage others to use this hypothesis as a starting point to test specific mechanisms by which availability of high-quality prey influences demographic parameters. We suggest that future research focus on defining prey quality, monitoring insect abundance in conjunction with birds, comparing demographic models across local populations experiencing different population growth rates, and using tracking technology to document important migratory and nonbreeding areas. Considerable research progress already has been made, but additional research is needed to better understand the complex web of potential causes driving aerial insectivore declines.
We examined Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) abundance and occurrence in southwestern West Vi... more We examined Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) abundance and occurrence in southwestern West Virginia, where the coal-mining technique of mountaintop removal mining-valley fill converts large contiguous tracts of deciduous forest to forest patches surrounded by early successional habitats. Our study objectives were to quantify abundance and occurrence of Cerulean Warblers relative to (1) distance from the edge of extensive reclaimed grasslands and (2) habitat structure and landscape characteristics. Cerulean Warbler abundance increased with distance from the edge and edge effects extended 340 m into the forest. Percent occurrence did not vary with distance from mine edge, suggesting a degree of tolerance to the extensive edge occurring at the interface of forest and reclaimed lands. Abundance and occurrence were greater on ridges and midslopes than in bottomlands; consequently, disturbances such as mountaintop mining in which ridges are removed may have a greater impact on populations compared to other sources of fragmentation where ridges are not disturbed. Models based on the information-theoretic approach indicated that Cerulean Warblers were more likely to be present in productive sites on northwest to southeast facing slopes, upper slope positions (midslope to ridgetop), and forests with low sapling density. Cerulean Warbler abundance was positively associated with more productive sites, higher snag density, large blocks of mature deciduous forest, and low amounts of edge in the landscape. In addition to outright loss of forested habitat, mountaintop mining-valley fill alters the spatial configuration of forested habitats, creating edge and area effects that negatively affect Cerulean Warbler abundance and occurrence in the reclaimed mine landscape.
We ranked Ohio's breeding birds by decreasing management concern based on the mean score of 7 cri... more We ranked Ohio's breeding birds by decreasing management concern based on the mean score of 7 criteria. Three criteria were global in nature and included the species' global abundance, breeding distribution, and wintering distribution. The other 4 criteria (threats to breeding habitat, threats to non-breeding habitat, state population trend, and importance of the state) pertained specifically to Ohio. We ranked 187 avian species known to breed in Ohio. Mean scores ranged from 3.7 to 1.0 (scores of 5-0 to 1.0 were possible). Several of the highest ranked species were previously listed as endangered, threatened, or of special interest at the state level by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. We assigned each species to a habitat type and a residency status. Mean values were then calculated for all the species within the same habitat or residency group. The closeness of the mean ranks of the habitat groups suggests that habitat destruction and degradation are limiting factors of all breeding birds in Ohio. In each habitat category, the highest ranked species used a variety of habitat types and vegetation structure. By residency status, permanent residents had the lowest mean score (1.8, n = 21) and longdistance neotropical migrants had the highest (2.6, n = 74). Because of the diverse habitat associations of the highest ranked species and common limiting factors, our results suggest that landscape-level habitat acquisition and management programs are needed to prevent additional listing of breeding birds as endangered, threatened, or of special interest in Ohio.
actividades futuras, y principalmente implementar acciones de conservación. Logros al presente in... more actividades futuras, y principalmente implementar acciones de conservación. Logros al presente incluyen una estrategia general para la conservación y manejo de la especie a través de su rango, un plan para la conservación de poblaciones no reproductivas incluyendo hábitats a nivel de paisaje, y un análisis sobre la economía de las comunidades locales. Desde entonces se han logrado implementar acciones de conservación en 355.701 ha que representa hasta 2% del rango no-reproductivo y beneficiando 35.570 individuos en la zona invernal en Sudamérica. Recomendamos mayor coordinación entre stakeholders para facilitar replicación e incremento de acciones de conservación en 4,4 millones ha adicionales para lograr la meta de doblar la población hasta 1.000.000 individuos. También, pedimos que la comunidad científica realice investigación en los mismos sitios que los proyectos de conservación para contribuir información sobre el monitoreo y la biología que serviría para adaptar las estrategias de conservación. Abstract.-Vital to the work of the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group has been the collaboration among members to evaluate population status and coordinate planning for future activities, principally in conservation implementation. Two plans have been produced, one a general strategy for the conservation and management of the species over its entire range, and a more restricted plan for conservation of non-breeding populations, their landscapes, and the economic vitality of the local communities. In the process several notable conservation implementation successes have been achieved affecting nearly 355,701 ha affecting as much as 2% of the species non-breeding range and benefiting an estimated 35,570 Cerulean Warblers on their non-breeding range in South America. We recommend increased coordination among stakeholders to enable the replication and scaling up of conservation actions on an additional 4.4 million ha, which will help achieve the stated goal of doubling the population to 1,000,000 individuals. Also, we urge the scientific community to engage in research at conservation project sites to contribute vital monitoring and biological information to adapt conservation strategies.
Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcell... more Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcellus-Utica shale basin in the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States, an area of high conservation value for biodiversity. Much is still unknown about ecological impacts of associated land cover change. Objectives Our goal was to identify threshold responses among bird species and habitat guilds to (1) overall forest loss and fragmentation in affected landscapes, and (2) distance from anthropogenic disturbance, both related and unrelated to shale gas. Methods We conducted 2589 bird surveys at 190 sites across this region, and quantified communitylevel and species-specific thresholds relating to forest cover and distance to anthropogenic disturbance, using Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN). Results Forest interior species decreased abruptly in abundance and frequency of occurrence above a threshold of 17.0% overall forest loss, while early successional and synanthropic species increased abruptly above 30.5-36.5% forest loss, respectively. Broad quantile intervals around responses to distance from anthropogenic disturbance suggest these were Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape... more We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape parameters to predict avian species distributions on southern Appalachian National Forests to aid National Forests with bird conservation planning. These models can be used to assess the effects of different forest management alternatives on long-term population viability for a variety of avian species. Unlike past planning efforts on National Forests which were based on qualitative attempts at interpreting changes in forest type and age class distributions on avian species, use of spatiallyexplicit habitat models can provide quantitative estimates of how habitat availability is changing for a given species and also evaluate the significance of management decisions on spatial configurations of avian habitats. Using the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) as an example, we demonstrate how these models work and how different forest management alternatives may affect Chestnut-sided Warbler habitat in the future.
Models for Planning Wildlife Conservation in Large Landscapes, 2009
Partners in Flight (PIF), a public–private coalition for the conservation of land birds, has deve... more Partners in Flight (PIF), a public–private coalition for the conservation of land birds, has developed one of four international bird conservation plans recognized under the auspices of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). Partners in Flight prioritized species most in need of conservation attention and set range-wide population goals for 448 species of terrestrial birds. Partnerships are now tasked with developing spatially explicit estimates of the distribution, and abundance of priority species across large ecoregions and identifying habitat acreages needed to support populations at prescribed levels. The PIF Five Elements process of conservation design identifies five steps needed to implement all bird conservation at the ecoregional scale. Habitat assessment and landscape characterization describe the current amounts of different habitat types and summarize patch characteristics, and landscape configurations that define the ability of a landscape to sustain healthy bird populations and are a valuable first step to describing the planning area before pursuing more complex species-specific models. Spatially linked database models, landscape-scale habitat suitability models, and statistical models are viable alternatives for predicting habitat suitability or bird abundance across large planning areas to help assess conservation opportunities, design landscapes to meet population objectives, and monitor change in habitat suitability or bird numbers over time.
The Atlantic Coast and Eastern Habitat Joint Ventures hosted two international planning workshops... more The Atlantic Coast and Eastern Habitat Joint Ventures hosted two international planning workshops to begin the process of integrating bird conservation strategies under the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in the Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain Bird Conservation Region. The workshops identified priority species and habitats, delineated focus areas, discussed population and habitat objectives, and began developing a long-term conservation plan. The objective of this effort is to provide a seamless, coordinated effort to deliver on-the-ground conservation for high priority species among the partners in the United States and Canada in the Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain Bird Conservation Region.
Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population... more Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population declines in North America. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for these declines, but current evidence suggests multiple factors could be operating in combination during their annual migratory cycles between breeding and nonbreeding areas. Potential drivers include decreased prey abundance, direct or indirect impacts of environmental contaminants, habitat loss, phenological changes due to warming climate, and conditions on migratory stopover or wintering grounds. While no single threat appears to be the cause of aerial insectivore declines, existing evidence suggests that several of these factors could be contributing to the declines at different times in the annual lifecycle. Breeding productivity for most of these species does not appear to be limited by overall prey abundance, contaminants, or habitat loss, which suggests that similar issues on nonbreeding grounds or carryover ef...
We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape... more We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape parameters to predict avian species distributions on southern Appalachian National Forests to aid National Forests with bird conservation planning. These models can be used to assess the effects of different forest management alternatives on long-term population viability for a variety of avian species. Unlike past planning efforts on National Forests which were based on qualitative attempts at interpreting changes in forest type and age class distributions on avian species, use of spatiallyexplicit habitat models can provide quantitative estimates of how habitat availability is changing for a given species and also evaluate the significance of management decisions on spatial configurations of avian habitats. Using the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) as an example, we demonstrate how these models work and how different forest management alternatives may affect Chestnut-sided Warbler habitat in the future.
Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcell... more Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcellus-Utica shale basin in the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States, an area of high conservation value for biodiversity. Much is still unknown about ecological impacts of associated land cover change. Objectives Our goal was to identify threshold responses among bird species and habitat guilds to (1) overall forest loss and fragmentation in affected landscapes, and (2) distance from anthropogenic disturbance, both related and unrelated to shale gas. Methods We conducted 2589 bird surveys at 190 sites across this region, and quantified communitylevel and species-specific thresholds relating to forest cover and distance to anthropogenic disturbance, using Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN). Results Forest interior species decreased abruptly in abundance and frequency of occurrence above a threshold of 17.0% overall forest loss, while early successional and synanthropic species increased abruptly above 30.5-36.5% forest loss, respectively. Broad quantile intervals around responses to distance from anthropogenic disturbance suggest these were Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population... more Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population declines in North America. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for these declines, but current evidence suggests multiple factors could be operating in combination during their annual migratory cycles between breeding and nonbreeding areas. Potential drivers include decreased prey abundance, direct or indirect impacts of environmental contaminants, habitat loss, phenological changes due to warming climate, and conditions on migratory stopover or wintering grounds. While no single threat appears to be the cause of aerial insectivore declines, existing evidence suggests that several of these factors could be contributing to the declines at different times in the annual lifecycle. Breeding productivity for most of these species does not appear to be limited by overall prey abundance, contaminants, or habitat loss, which suggests that similar issues on nonbreeding grounds or carryover effects could play important roles. However, a better understanding of the importance of prey quality throughout the lifecycle is critically needed. Based on current evidence, we propose that changes in availability of high-quality prey, with variability across breeding and nonbreeding grounds, reduce various combinations of fledging success, post-fledging survival, and nonbreeding season body condition of aerial insectivores, resulting in species and geographic differences in population trends. We encourage others to use this hypothesis as a starting point to test specific mechanisms by which availability of high-quality prey influences demographic parameters. We suggest that future research focus on defining prey quality, monitoring insect abundance in conjunction with birds, comparing demographic models across local populations experiencing different population growth rates, and using tracking technology to document important migratory and nonbreeding areas. Considerable research progress already has been made, but additional research is needed to better understand the complex web of potential causes driving aerial insectivore declines.
We examined Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) abundance and occurrence in southwestern West Vi... more We examined Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) abundance and occurrence in southwestern West Virginia, where the coal-mining technique of mountaintop removal mining-valley fill converts large contiguous tracts of deciduous forest to forest patches surrounded by early successional habitats. Our study objectives were to quantify abundance and occurrence of Cerulean Warblers relative to (1) distance from the edge of extensive reclaimed grasslands and (2) habitat structure and landscape characteristics. Cerulean Warbler abundance increased with distance from the edge and edge effects extended 340 m into the forest. Percent occurrence did not vary with distance from mine edge, suggesting a degree of tolerance to the extensive edge occurring at the interface of forest and reclaimed lands. Abundance and occurrence were greater on ridges and midslopes than in bottomlands; consequently, disturbances such as mountaintop mining in which ridges are removed may have a greater impact on populations compared to other sources of fragmentation where ridges are not disturbed. Models based on the information-theoretic approach indicated that Cerulean Warblers were more likely to be present in productive sites on northwest to southeast facing slopes, upper slope positions (midslope to ridgetop), and forests with low sapling density. Cerulean Warbler abundance was positively associated with more productive sites, higher snag density, large blocks of mature deciduous forest, and low amounts of edge in the landscape. In addition to outright loss of forested habitat, mountaintop mining-valley fill alters the spatial configuration of forested habitats, creating edge and area effects that negatively affect Cerulean Warbler abundance and occurrence in the reclaimed mine landscape.
We ranked Ohio's breeding birds by decreasing management concern based on the mean score of 7 cri... more We ranked Ohio's breeding birds by decreasing management concern based on the mean score of 7 criteria. Three criteria were global in nature and included the species' global abundance, breeding distribution, and wintering distribution. The other 4 criteria (threats to breeding habitat, threats to non-breeding habitat, state population trend, and importance of the state) pertained specifically to Ohio. We ranked 187 avian species known to breed in Ohio. Mean scores ranged from 3.7 to 1.0 (scores of 5-0 to 1.0 were possible). Several of the highest ranked species were previously listed as endangered, threatened, or of special interest at the state level by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. We assigned each species to a habitat type and a residency status. Mean values were then calculated for all the species within the same habitat or residency group. The closeness of the mean ranks of the habitat groups suggests that habitat destruction and degradation are limiting factors of all breeding birds in Ohio. In each habitat category, the highest ranked species used a variety of habitat types and vegetation structure. By residency status, permanent residents had the lowest mean score (1.8, n = 21) and longdistance neotropical migrants had the highest (2.6, n = 74). Because of the diverse habitat associations of the highest ranked species and common limiting factors, our results suggest that landscape-level habitat acquisition and management programs are needed to prevent additional listing of breeding birds as endangered, threatened, or of special interest in Ohio.
actividades futuras, y principalmente implementar acciones de conservación. Logros al presente in... more actividades futuras, y principalmente implementar acciones de conservación. Logros al presente incluyen una estrategia general para la conservación y manejo de la especie a través de su rango, un plan para la conservación de poblaciones no reproductivas incluyendo hábitats a nivel de paisaje, y un análisis sobre la economía de las comunidades locales. Desde entonces se han logrado implementar acciones de conservación en 355.701 ha que representa hasta 2% del rango no-reproductivo y beneficiando 35.570 individuos en la zona invernal en Sudamérica. Recomendamos mayor coordinación entre stakeholders para facilitar replicación e incremento de acciones de conservación en 4,4 millones ha adicionales para lograr la meta de doblar la población hasta 1.000.000 individuos. También, pedimos que la comunidad científica realice investigación en los mismos sitios que los proyectos de conservación para contribuir información sobre el monitoreo y la biología que serviría para adaptar las estrategias de conservación. Abstract.-Vital to the work of the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group has been the collaboration among members to evaluate population status and coordinate planning for future activities, principally in conservation implementation. Two plans have been produced, one a general strategy for the conservation and management of the species over its entire range, and a more restricted plan for conservation of non-breeding populations, their landscapes, and the economic vitality of the local communities. In the process several notable conservation implementation successes have been achieved affecting nearly 355,701 ha affecting as much as 2% of the species non-breeding range and benefiting an estimated 35,570 Cerulean Warblers on their non-breeding range in South America. We recommend increased coordination among stakeholders to enable the replication and scaling up of conservation actions on an additional 4.4 million ha, which will help achieve the stated goal of doubling the population to 1,000,000 individuals. Also, we urge the scientific community to engage in research at conservation project sites to contribute vital monitoring and biological information to adapt conservation strategies.
Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcell... more Context Since 2005, unconventional gas development has rapidly altered forests across the Marcellus-Utica shale basin in the central Appalachian region of the eastern United States, an area of high conservation value for biodiversity. Much is still unknown about ecological impacts of associated land cover change. Objectives Our goal was to identify threshold responses among bird species and habitat guilds to (1) overall forest loss and fragmentation in affected landscapes, and (2) distance from anthropogenic disturbance, both related and unrelated to shale gas. Methods We conducted 2589 bird surveys at 190 sites across this region, and quantified communitylevel and species-specific thresholds relating to forest cover and distance to anthropogenic disturbance, using Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN). Results Forest interior species decreased abruptly in abundance and frequency of occurrence above a threshold of 17.0% overall forest loss, while early successional and synanthropic species increased abruptly above 30.5-36.5% forest loss, respectively. Broad quantile intervals around responses to distance from anthropogenic disturbance suggest these were Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (
We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape... more We developed spatially-explicit bird-habitat models with a variety of site-specific and landscape parameters to predict avian species distributions on southern Appalachian National Forests to aid National Forests with bird conservation planning. These models can be used to assess the effects of different forest management alternatives on long-term population viability for a variety of avian species. Unlike past planning efforts on National Forests which were based on qualitative attempts at interpreting changes in forest type and age class distributions on avian species, use of spatiallyexplicit habitat models can provide quantitative estimates of how habitat availability is changing for a given species and also evaluate the significance of management decisions on spatial configurations of avian habitats. Using the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) as an example, we demonstrate how these models work and how different forest management alternatives may affect Chestnut-sided Warbler habitat in the future.
Models for Planning Wildlife Conservation in Large Landscapes, 2009
Partners in Flight (PIF), a public–private coalition for the conservation of land birds, has deve... more Partners in Flight (PIF), a public–private coalition for the conservation of land birds, has developed one of four international bird conservation plans recognized under the auspices of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). Partners in Flight prioritized species most in need of conservation attention and set range-wide population goals for 448 species of terrestrial birds. Partnerships are now tasked with developing spatially explicit estimates of the distribution, and abundance of priority species across large ecoregions and identifying habitat acreages needed to support populations at prescribed levels. The PIF Five Elements process of conservation design identifies five steps needed to implement all bird conservation at the ecoregional scale. Habitat assessment and landscape characterization describe the current amounts of different habitat types and summarize patch characteristics, and landscape configurations that define the ability of a landscape to sustain healthy bird populations and are a valuable first step to describing the planning area before pursuing more complex species-specific models. Spatially linked database models, landscape-scale habitat suitability models, and statistical models are viable alternatives for predicting habitat suitability or bird abundance across large planning areas to help assess conservation opportunities, design landscapes to meet population objectives, and monitor change in habitat suitability or bird numbers over time.
The Atlantic Coast and Eastern Habitat Joint Ventures hosted two international planning workshops... more The Atlantic Coast and Eastern Habitat Joint Ventures hosted two international planning workshops to begin the process of integrating bird conservation strategies under the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in the Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain Bird Conservation Region. The workshops identified priority species and habitats, delineated focus areas, discussed population and habitat objectives, and began developing a long-term conservation plan. The objective of this effort is to provide a seamless, coordinated effort to deliver on-the-ground conservation for high priority species among the partners in the United States and Canada in the Lower Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Plain Bird Conservation Region.
Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population... more Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population declines in North America. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for these declines, but current evidence suggests multiple factors could be operating in combination during their annual migratory cycles between breeding and nonbreeding areas. Potential drivers include decreased prey abundance, direct or indirect impacts of environmental contaminants, habitat loss, phenological changes due to warming climate, and conditions on migratory stopover or wintering grounds. While no single threat appears to be the cause of aerial insectivore declines, existing evidence suggests that several of these factors could be contributing to the declines at different times in the annual lifecycle. Breeding productivity for most of these species does not appear to be limited by overall prey abundance, contaminants, or habitat loss, which suggests that similar issues on nonbreeding grounds or carryover ef...
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