Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1999

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Major Professor

David A. Buehler

Committee Members

Craig Harper, Ralph Dimmick, Arnold Saxton

Abstract

The loss of wetlands and shifting public interest towards the conservation of biological diversity and ecosystem management have encouraged wetland managers to consider managing more than just waterfowl. Because of the unique habitat requirements and the limited information available on migrant shorebirds in Tennessee, it has been challenging for wetland managers to formulate sound shorebird management plans. The goal of this project was to describe shorebird migration chronology in western Tennessee, document effects of management on three state wildlife management areas (WMAs) in western Tennessee, and discover which habitat variables influenced shorebird use of areas.

Data from 2 related studies were collected during peak spring and fall shorebird migrations. Two state Wildlife Management Areas were monitored in 1994 prior to active shorebird management, and five study areas were monitored along the Mississippi River in western Tennessee from spring 1996 through fall 1997. Three of these five areas were WMA's managed specifically for shorebirds, the others were known for abundant shorebird activity. Shorebird use and habitat conditions were recorded on study areas 2-5 times weekly.

A total of 29 species of shorebirds were recorded on study areas in 1994 -1997. The 7 most common species (descending order) were: pectoral sandpipers (Calidris melanotos), least sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes), semipalmated sandpipers (Calidris pusilla), American golden plovers (Pluvialis dominica), greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca), and solitary sandpipers (Tringa solitaria). Management for shorebirds was effective, but shorebird use did not increase consecutively each year. Average water depth and percent of area in sparse vegetative cover were related to shorebird use. Waterfowl use of WMAs increased after shorebird management was enacted.

Based on the study results, careful management of water levels and vegetation density is necessary for maximizing shorebird use. Management of multiple units on WMAs will ensure that habitat is available throughout entire migration seasons. Smaller units with good water control capabilities can produce higher use per area than larger units with poor water control capabilities with habitat that is not as suitable.

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