Raptor data integration, species distribution, and suggestions for monitoring

Raptor data integration, species distribution, and suggestions for monitoring

Where they exist, raptor monitoring databases have generated important insights into various aspects of raptor ecology, and can provide a sound foundation for specific management priorities for individual species or within the larger context of managing targeted habitats and ecosystems (Greenwood 2007). CPW has a statewide raptor nest database, developed by Bob Sacco (GIS Unit), which currently contains records for ~9,000 nest records going back to the 1970s. Currently, the nest database is primarily being used by CPW at a site-specific scale in the oil and gas comment process (CO House Bill 1298) and other local-scale land use input. The potential of this database to assess raptor populations at regional or statewide scales, and the field protocols used to provide records for this database, have not been thoroughly assessed. Other data sources have potential to contribute to our understanding of Colorado raptors, including eBird, Breeding Bird Survey, and Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. By exploring the possibility of integrating these various datasets, we hope to generate a more comprehensive picture of raptor abundance and occupancy across the state, with the eventual goal being to provide a more concrete understanding of raptor population trends for management purposes.

Yale Conrey, Reesa

Birds of prey

Wildlife management

13 pages

2016

Text

application/pdf

English

Cost Center 3420 Avian Research. Work Package 1680 Bird conservation