Study

Use of data on avian demographics and site persistence during overwintering to assess quality of restored riparian habitat

  • Published source details Latta S.C., Howell C.A., Dettling M.D. & Cormier R.L. (2012) Use of data on avian demographics and site persistence during overwintering to assess quality of restored riparian habitat. Conservation Biology, 26, 482-492.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Other biodiversity: Restore habitat along watercourses

Action Link
Mediterranean Farmland
  1. Other biodiversity: Restore habitat along watercourses

    A replicated site comparison in 1989–2008 in riparian forests in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river valleys, California, USA, found fewer bird species, but similar numbers of birds, in restored riparian forests, compared to remnant riparian forests. Birds: Fewer bird species were found in restored sites, compared to remnant sites (permanent species: 18 vs 45; all species: 33 vs 76), but similar numbers of overwintering bird species were found (15 vs 23). Similar numbers of birds were found in restored and remnant sites (all species: 39–40; permanent: 12–18; overwintering: 28–29). Methods: Forest was restored on three sites (Sacramento: two sites, 66–86 ha, planted in 1989–1992; San Joaquin: one site, 8 ha, planted in 2002–2003), by planting trees, shrubs, and grasses. Remnant forest was used for comparison (Sacramento: two sites, 25–45 ha; San Joaquin: three sites, 6–7 ha). Birds were captured in mist nests (12 x 2.5 m, 30 mm mesh; in November, December–January, and January–February 2003–2008). Sites were sampled for at least three years. Captured birds were ringed and re-sighted in November–February (Sacramento: 2004–2005 and 2006–2007; San Joaquin: 2004–2005). Bird abundance (birds captured/100 mist net hours), diversity (Shannon index), evenness, and richness were recorded.

     

Output references
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