The effect of human activities on migrant shorebirds: successful adaptive management
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Published source details
Burger J., Jeitner C., Clark K. & N L.J. (2004) The effect of human activities on migrant shorebirds: successful adaptive management. Environmental Conservation, 31, 283-288.
Published source details Burger J., Jeitner C., Clark K. & N L.J. (2004) The effect of human activities on migrant shorebirds: successful adaptive management. Environmental Conservation, 31, 283-288.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use signs and access restrictions to reduce disturbance at nest sites Action Link |
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Use signs and access restrictions to reduce disturbance at nest sites
A replicated before-and-after study in 1982, 1987, 1992 and 2002 at 17 local beaches within Delaware Bay, USA (Burger et al. 2004) found that disturbance to shorebirds decreased markedly following intensive management intervention to control birdwatchers and crab collectors. Both the mean disruption rate and the mean time that shorebirds were disturbed increased during the 1980s when there were no restrictions or viewing platforms and then declined by 2002 after viewing platforms were constructed and beach access restrictions were enforced (5.6 disruptions/hour and 53 minutes disturbed/hour in 1987 vs. 0.4 and 3.6 in 2002). Fewer people were observed on the beaches after restrictions were enforced and only one bird watcher disturbed the birds in 2002. However, the percentage of disturbed shorebirds that flew away (and did not return within 10 min) did not change during the 1980s and increased in 2002. Observations were made on 12–20 days each year for 6–10 h per day.
