Validation of landscape suitability indices for Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) in the U.S. Great Lakes region

摘要: ABSTRACT Remotely sensed land cover data enable characterization of avian habitat over large spatial scales, which can be applied to regional conservation planning. Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) have been declining in the U.S. Great Lakes region for decades. Although causes decline are not well understood, loss and degradation viewed as major barriers recovery. The Upper Mississippi River Region Joint Venture, a partnership bird Midwest, developed landscape suitability index wetland-breeding Tern based on remotely choose enhance or restore. We tested validity this compared it an alternative we constructed from results field surveys. Over 2 breeding seasons, surveyed presence colonies 158 wetlands across our findings with predictions existing index. used first season surveys, nu...