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A multi-spatial-scale characterization of Lark Sparrow habitat and the management implications
| Title: | A multi-spatial-scale characterization of Lark Sparrow habitat and the management implications |
| Author: | Coulter, Melanie |
| Description: | Habitat requirement studies of endangered species often examine only one spatial scale since more lengthy multi-scale studies can delay conservation. However, not considering multiple scales could cause crucial habitat components to be overlooked, reducing the chances of successful conservation. I designed a single season, multi-spatial-scale study of the habitat use of the state endangered Lark Sparrow in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio. This rapid assessment technique can be applied to species of concern to gain a detailed assessment of habitat requirements in a short amount of time. I assessed Lark Sparrow habitat requirements at three spatial scales: landscape, habitat patch, and territory. To characterize Lark Sparrow habitat, I compared the landscape context and vegetation structure of presence sites and absence sites. Presence sites were active breeding sites, and absence sites were former breeding sites that Lark Sparrows abandoned. The results suggest that Lark Sparrows responded to different habitat parameters at different spatial scales. At the landscape scale, patch size and shape were important. At the habitat patch scale, percent tree cover and vegetation height-density were important. At the territory scale, percent tree cover, percent shrub cover, vegetation height-density, and proximity to occupied territories were important. Studying a single spatial scale would have produced an incomplete picture of breeding Lark Sparrow habitat. The habitat Lark Sparrows use in the Oak Openings is Midwest sand barrens, a globally rare early-successional plant community. I assessed the effectiveness of restoration efforts for Midwest sand barrens and Lark Sparrow habitat by comparing the land management histories of active breeding sites and abandoned breeding sites. The number of management events (i.e. mowing and prescribed burns) in the most recent three years was significantly higher for active sites. These results suggest that habitat change happens quickly in Midwest sand barrens. If a site is not managed at least once every three years, it will cease to function as an early-successional habitat, and Lark Sparrows will abandon it. Managing sand barrens frequently enough to support successful Lark Sparrow populations will benefit the suite of early-successional specialists that inhabit the unique Midwest sand barren plant community. |
| Permanent Link: |
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1213657693
http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/104508 |
| Date: | 2008 |
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