JCSET | Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Assessing Multi-Scale Patterns of Woodpecker Density and Community Structure in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Wildlife/Conservation Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Matt Carroll
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Woodpeckers serve as an important indicator species for ecosystem health and avian diversity. Therefore, by monitoring and analyzing woodpecker populations, we can gain insight into ever-increasingly important ecosystems such as wetlands. For example, bottomland hardwood forests provide critical refuge for an array of species of conservation concern. Although there is a dearth of local woodpecker population data, this study aims to, to contribute to a better understanding of the population ecology and community structure of woodpeckers in bottomland hardwood forests, as well as the factors influencing the ability of researchers to detect them. We used point count surveys within a distance sampling framework to assess woodpecker density and community structure across sampling sites that were distributed proportional to available forest types. In winter 2023, 120-point count surveys were conducted which yielded 335 woodpecker detection observations. Density across our study site (Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge) was calculated to be 1.5 individuals per ha (95% CI: 1.35-1.68). The second field season of data collection will be completed by April of 2024, and further analysis of both year’s data (2023 & 2024) is forthcoming. In addition to gaining more precise density estimates, this analysis will also focus on gaining a better understanding of how environmental covariates influence woodpecker detection and community structure. This information can aid conservationists in future management decisions by providing detailed information on woodpecker populations and how the environment influences them.
Spring Scholars Week 2024 Event
Watershed Studies Institute Symposium
Assessing Multi-Scale Patterns of Woodpecker Density and Community Structure in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest
Woodpeckers serve as an important indicator species for ecosystem health and avian diversity. Therefore, by monitoring and analyzing woodpecker populations, we can gain insight into ever-increasingly important ecosystems such as wetlands. For example, bottomland hardwood forests provide critical refuge for an array of species of conservation concern. Although there is a dearth of local woodpecker population data, this study aims to, to contribute to a better understanding of the population ecology and community structure of woodpeckers in bottomland hardwood forests, as well as the factors influencing the ability of researchers to detect them. We used point count surveys within a distance sampling framework to assess woodpecker density and community structure across sampling sites that were distributed proportional to available forest types. In winter 2023, 120-point count surveys were conducted which yielded 335 woodpecker detection observations. Density across our study site (Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge) was calculated to be 1.5 individuals per ha (95% CI: 1.35-1.68). The second field season of data collection will be completed by April of 2024, and further analysis of both year’s data (2023 & 2024) is forthcoming. In addition to gaining more precise density estimates, this analysis will also focus on gaining a better understanding of how environmental covariates influence woodpecker detection and community structure. This information can aid conservationists in future management decisions by providing detailed information on woodpecker populations and how the environment influences them.