Multiscale habitat selection by a forest-dwelling shorebird, the American woodcock: Implications for forest management in southern New England, USA

摘要: Declines of young forest and associated populations wildlife are major conservation concerns in the Northeast, USA. Active management is required to conserve declining investigating habitat selection by target species can help inform decision-making. The American woodcock (Scolopax minor) a key indicator whose have declined significantly since 1968. We investigated multiscale Rhode Island, USA order characterize daytime habitat, predict state-wide relative probability use forested land. used radio-telemetry monitor locations at three state areas from 23 May–25 August 2011 2012. Compared random sites, selected younger where biomass preferred food (i.e., earthworms [Haplotaxida]) was 46–67% greater density shrub sapling stems about two times greater. Most home ranges were <50 ha usually comprised wetland forests deciduous or mixed upland on flatter slopes that closer streams, agricultural openings, forests, moist soils. Using resource functions, we found majority land Island low-moderate classes use, but 92% older second-growth located would be beneficial for increasing use. illustrate how managers functions compare expected responses alternative scenarios so maximize benefits.