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Human Land Use changes

The effects of urbanization and agriculture are better understood for birds than other taxa of forest wildlife. More studies that take place in agricultural and urbanizing areas of southern forests would allow comparisons with avian species studied in other areas of North America. Species responses may differ across their respective ranges.

More information is needed about the effects of land use changes on mammals, herpetofauna, and invertebrates in southern forests to identify species likely to be adversely affected by urbanization.

More studies are needed that document which species are most likely to benefit from connective corridors used to overcome the deleterious effects of fragmentation. More research is needed to determine if corridors have adverse impacts on forest habitats and to identify circumstances under which adverse impacts should be expected.

More information is needed about the breeding success of ground- and low-nesting forest birds in small preserves. Information is needed to formulate management strategies that avoid the creation of “ecological traps” for breeding birds.