JCSET | Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
The Effects of Flooding on Wildlife in Bottomland Hardwood and Xero-hydric Flatwood Systems
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Andrea K. Darracq
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
The Effects of Flooding on Wildlife in Xero-hydric Flatwood and Bottomland Hardwood Forests. EVAN BARR, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071.
Increased disturbances associated with climate change have altered ecosystems and increased their sensitivity to disturbance. Quantifying changes in wildlife behaviors, community dynamics, and diversity during and after disturbance regimes can provide information to land managers and the public about the importance of these disturbances and the necessity for them in areas with a high diversity and abundance of disturbance obligate species. We placed cameras at 85 systematically random points within two systems on the Clark’s River National Wildlife Refuge to evaluate the effects of disturbance on mammalian and avian occupancy, abundance, and diversity in areas with diverse flooding regimes. We plan to compare data on a year-to-year basis to monitor and observe any correlations present with flooding events. Due to the logistical issues associated with camera trapping in regularly flooded areas, very little camera surveillance has taken place in mesic systems. We have collected a large amount of data that will both help us to better understand the distributions and movements of species within these unique ecosystems and inform land managers when making management decisions about these environments.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Watershed Studies Institute Symposium
The Effects of Flooding on Wildlife in Bottomland Hardwood and Xero-hydric Flatwood Systems
The Effects of Flooding on Wildlife in Xero-hydric Flatwood and Bottomland Hardwood Forests. EVAN BARR, Department of Biological Sciences, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071.
Increased disturbances associated with climate change have altered ecosystems and increased their sensitivity to disturbance. Quantifying changes in wildlife behaviors, community dynamics, and diversity during and after disturbance regimes can provide information to land managers and the public about the importance of these disturbances and the necessity for them in areas with a high diversity and abundance of disturbance obligate species. We placed cameras at 85 systematically random points within two systems on the Clark’s River National Wildlife Refuge to evaluate the effects of disturbance on mammalian and avian occupancy, abundance, and diversity in areas with diverse flooding regimes. We plan to compare data on a year-to-year basis to monitor and observe any correlations present with flooding events. Due to the logistical issues associated with camera trapping in regularly flooded areas, very little camera surveillance has taken place in mesic systems. We have collected a large amount of data that will both help us to better understand the distributions and movements of species within these unique ecosystems and inform land managers when making management decisions about these environments.