Monitoring Avian
Productivity and Survivorship Monitoring Avian
Productivity and Survivorship
The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) program is a continent-wide effort coordinated by the Institute for Bird Populations to monitor the demographic factors that affect population trends of different species of landbirds. At a series of permanent study sites across North America, birds are captured in mist nets, banded, and released. The amount of effort each year is strictly standardized so that annual comparisons can be made. Each participating banding station has 10-20 nets that are opened for 6 hours once every 10 days during the breeding season (June through early August in Alaska). The ratio of adults to young birds captured provides an annual index of productivity. Recaptures of birds banded previously can be analyzed to estimate rates of adult survival. At least three years of banding in an area are required to estimate survival rates for a species.
MAPS stations have been operated in Alaska since the program
began in 1991. During 1997, 25 stations were operated at 12 different sites across the
state. More than 4,450 birds of 56 different species were captured. For more information
about MAPS stations in Alaska contact:
Alaska Science Center - Biological Science Office