Impacts of biomass production at civil airports on grassland bird conservation and aviation strike risk

摘要: Growing concerns about climate change, foreign oil dependency, and environmental quality have fostered interest in perennial native grasses (e.g., switchgrass [Panicum virgatum]) for bioenergy production while also maintaining biodiversity ecosystem function. However, biomass cultivation marginal landscapes such as airport grasslands may detrimental effects on aviation safety well conservation efforts grassland birds. In 2011-2013, we investigated of vegetation composition harvest frequency seasonal species richness habitat use birds modeled relative abundance, risk, value associated with crops. Avian abundance was greater monoculture plots during the winter months, whereas Native Warm-Season Grass (NWSG) mixed plantings were favored by breeding season. Conversely, treatment differences risk not biologically significant. Only 2.6% observations included avian high hazard to aircraft, providing support semi-natural a feasible landcover option at civil airports. Additionally, varied frequencies across mosaic monocultures NWSG allows multiple structure options increase use.