The Effect of Land Development on the Composition of Insectivorous Bird Species in Sub-Boreal Peatlands of the Midwestern United States

Presenter Information

Zachary Olson, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 203

Start Date

9-4-2012 1:00 PM

End Date

9-4-2012 2:00 PM

Student's Major

Biological Sciences

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Lucas Wandrie

Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Second Mentor's Name

John Krenz

Second Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Second Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

The effect of adjacent land development on the species composition of insectivorous birds was assessed in 20 peatlands throughout east central Minnesota and north western Wisconsin. Insectivorous bird species consume primarily insects and other invertebrates. The composition of the adjacent land (or buffer) within 500-m of the site was measured using remote sensing data. We measured the proportion land that included impervious surfaces (roads and cities) and the proportion of cropland. The proportion of altered buffer can be an important consideration in the management of an area for wildlife. A highly altered buffer causes more frequent human- wildlife interactions and a higher chance of a lack of nesting and feeding habitats, and a lack of vegetative and biological diversity.