| |
| Title: |
Breeding Bird Density and Species Diversity in Relation
to Primary Productivity in the Tanana River Floodplain |
| Abstract: |
This study was designed to determine the relative influences
of primary productivity, stage of succession, and habitat complexity on
breeding bird communities. Bird territory density, species richness, and
species diversity were measured in three forest habitats adjacent to the
Tanana River in 1995 and 1996. Two 10.5-ha bird census plots were established
in each of the following vegetation types: closed alder and willow shrubs,
closed white spruce, and black spruce. These vegetation types were chosen
because they represent habitats with high, moderate, and low levels of primary
productivity respectively. The spot-mapping technique was used to delineate
territory boundaries and determine breeding density of each forest bird
species. Vegetation structure and floristics were measured at 42 sites within
each census plot to determine patterns of avian habitat selection at the
scale of the individual territory and habitat type. Logistic regression
analysis was used to generate models of habitat selection for 11 species
of migrant songbirds. |
| Keywords: |
Habitat, breeding density, Tanana River, vegetation, succession,
primary productivity, species diversity, Bonanza Creek, Fairbanks |
| Status: |
M.S. thesis in preparation. |
| Duration: |
1995-1999 |
| Location: |
Bonanza Creek Long-term Ecological Research Site, near Fairbanks,
Alaska |
| Region: |
Central Alaska |
| Cooperators: |
University of Alaska, Fairbanks; National Science Foundation |
| Contacts: |
- Ann Johnson
- University of Alaska
- Biology and Wildlife Department
- Fairbanks, AK 99775 USA
- 907-474-7144
- ftakj@aurora.alaska.edu
|
