 Department of Biology, North Carolina State University LINK TO THESIS I used occupancy modeling (examining presence and apparent absence) to understand landscape scale species-habitat dynamics. We can use these methods to inform conservation planning of avian species in the southeastern coastal plain and elsewhere in the United States. Research Objectives: 1. Test predictions about the potential influence of individual habitat types and habitat change on avian species occupancy. 2. Test predictions about species sensitivity to urbanization. 3. Make recommendations to inform conservation actions for selected avian species in North Carolina and the SAMBI region, and make recommendations to extend the analytical approach used in this study for other avian species. I adressed objective #1 by modeling three focal species of conservation concern in North Carolina: Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla), Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), and Eastern Wood-peewee (Contopus virens). I addressed objective #2 by modeling sixteen species that are grouped into three urban sensitivity hypotheses: urban exploiters, urban adapters, and urban avoiders. Objective #3 was addressed using the results and discussion of objectives #1 and #2 and incorporating structured decision making methods into strategic habitat conservation plans.  Brown-headed Nuthatch, banded in Howell Woods, NC Red-headed Woodpecker, banded in Fort Bragg, NC (photo courtesy of M. Frantz) 
|
