A Landscape Approach to Grassland Bird Conservation

The Grassland Bird Conservation Area model is a conceptual model based on broadscale landscape characteristics thought to be desirable for a variety of grassland nesting birds. Although it has proved useful for conservation planning, empirical models of species specific habitat and landscape attributes can further refine planning efforts. Breeding Bird Survey data can be used to explore some aspects landscape scale habitat selection, but these data were not collected for this purpose and many assumptions must be made when developing models from these data. A better approach is to develop a study specifically designed to link bird densities with local and landscape habitat attributes.

Dr. Dave Naugle ( University of Montana ) and Dr. Rolf Koford ( Iowa State University ) have initiated a large, multi-state and multi-partner study to examine grassland bird habitat selection in the Prairie Pothole Region of the U.S. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regions 3 and 6 HAPET offices provided technical assistance by drawing point count samples based on landscape and land use characteristics. Data collection for the 3rd year (2004) was recently completed, and a 4th and final season is planned for 2005. The following report provides project details and progress to date.

2003 Progress Report

For additional information on other strategic planning tools for grassland birds contact:

Diane Granfors, PhD
Habitat and Population Evaluation Team
US Fish and Wildlife Service
18965 County Hwy. 82 S
Fergus Falls, Minnesota USA
218-739-2291
diane_granfors@fws.gov

Return to Strategic Management Tools

View other Strategic Management and Mapping products:

• A Landscape Approach to Grassland Bird Conservation

• Breeding Bird Survey Models

• Duck Band Recovery

• Grassland Bird Conservation Area Maps

• Land Value Maps

• Landcover Maps

• Classified Landuse/Landcover

• Percent Grass

• Percent Trees

• Landscape for Shorebirds During Migration

• Management Treatment Prioritization Process

• Marbled Godwit Expert Model

• Predicted Duck Pair Accessibility Maps ("Thunderstorm" Maps)

• Restorable Wetlands

• Targeting the Small Wetlands Aquisition Program (SWAP) in Minnesota

• The Effect of Woody Vegetation on Grassland Nesting Birds

  • Fact Sheet

  • Bibliography

• Wildlife Priority Areas defined by 14-digit hydrologic units

• Working Lands Initiative

• Powerpoint presentation

  ---

Find Office By Program Administration Ecological Services External Affairs Fisheries Law Enforcement Migratory Birds Refuges State Programs