Breeding habitat of a declining shorebird in a changing environment

摘要: Sub-arctic environments are undergoing rapid changes. For instance, woody shrubs encroaching into previously open habitats, and booming goose (Chen caerulescens Branta canadensis) populations creating vast areas of bare mud. Across the region, these changes likely to diminish amount quality breeding habitat for imperiled arctic- sub-arctic-breeding shorebirds, including Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica). We studied godwit nest site selection at two study areas—Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, Beluga River, Alaska, USA—to identify differences in preferences between determine degree which each avoided vegetation non-vegetated areas. used multivariate analyses evaluate microhabitat sites random within area. Godwits both selected characterized by higher amounts graminoid shrubby cover with fewer than locations. Habitat attributes preferred godwits expected become less available as climate geese continue degrade arctic sub-arctic ecosystems.