Research Work Unit Description 2000-2005
Problem Area 5
| Problem 5: What are the effects of habitat modifications in the southern Appalachians on neotropical migratory birds? |
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Neotropical migratory bird species are susceptible
to habitat loss and fragmentation. Long-term surveys of breeding birds in
the United States indicate that many of these species are experiencing population
declines. Fragmentation and attendant isolation and overall loss of available
breeding habitat in the U.S. and reductions in availability of wintering
habitat through deforestation in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America,
and South America, are thought to be largely responsible for population
losses.
However, there is considerable confusion regarding which species are declining, the significance of those declines, and whether declines are occurring throughout a species' range. Given the massive, landscape-level changes in forest cover over much of eastern North America that have occurred during the last two centuries, it is not surprising that bird populations have shifted and fluctuated accordingly. From a conservation perspective, potential conflicts exist between local concerns for declining species and the long-term responsibility for conserving entire species throughout their ranges. The habitat requirements, responses to habitat alterations, effects of forest fragmentation, and the factors necessary to maintain populations of neotropical migratory birds are poorly understood. To reverse these trends it is necessary to more clearly define the factors responsible for the declines and to chart and implement a course of corrective actions. Approach to Problem Area 5 Solution Return to Wildlife Habitat and Silviculture Home Page
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