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Thomas D. Sisk, Northern Arizona University
Barry D. Noon, Colorado State University
PROJECT SUMMARY
An improved understanding of the effects of habitat heterogeneity on animal populations, especially those associated with ecosystem fragmentation and restoration efforts, will help land and resource managers balance the often conflicting demands of wildlife and human land uses. The detrimental effects of habitat fragmentation are widely documented, the development of practical tools to predict the effects of fragmentation and design appropriate mitigation efforts has progressed only slowly. Development, resource extraction, recreation, and water management on and adjacent to public lands often contribute to fragmentation and affect species of special concern, including threatened and endangered species.
This project will develop species-specific models to predict the responses of mobile animal species in heterogeneous landscapes. Modeling efforts will build on connections between life history characteristics and the responses of mobile animals to habitat edges, patch size, and other factors associated with heterogeneous landscapes. Field research will permit parameterization of models and testing of model predictions, leading to refinement of the conceptual approach. Ultimately, the project will link field and remotely-sensed data in landscape models that will permit comparison of the effects of alternative land use strategies on wildlife species of management concern.
Primary taxonomic foci are bird and butterfly populations occupying riparian habitats in southern Arizona, particularly along the San Pedro River. Related studies in ponderosa pine habitats in northern Arizona will provide an independent test of the research approach. Both habitat types are widespread throughout the U.S. and currently are the subjects of great management debate. The project, funded by the DOD-DOE-EPA Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), was initiated during spring, 1998. Faculty and students from Northern Arizona University and Colorado State University are collaborating on a number of related research efforts, involving bird and butterfly habitat selection, microclimatic gradients associated with landscape heterogeneity, and the application of remote sensing and GIS technologies to landscape modeling.
For more information contact:
Thomas Sisk Northern Arizona University P.O. Box 5694
Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA Thomas.Sisk@NAU.EDU 520-523-7183and
Barry Noon Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology,
College of Natural Resources Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1474, USA
brnoon@cnr.colostate.edu 970-491-7905
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