BRD conservation the USGS way

Product Type: Science Feature

Year: 2004

Author(s): Ruth, J

Pages: 2

Suggested Citation: Ruth, J. 2004. BRD conservation the USGS way. http://www.fort.usgs.gov/resources/research_briefs/winter_birds.asp.

Abstract

Scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), specifically the BRD - Biological Resources Discipline -a scientific bureau within the Department of Interior, have participated in Partners in Flight (PIF) bird conservation planning from the very beginning. However, of equal importance to PIF is the contribution of scientific information and technical support USGS provides to resource managers to assist in conserving birds and their habitats. An example of this support is a USGS research project investigating the habitat preferences of wintering grassland birds. As a group, grassland birds have shown steeper, more consistent and widespread declines than any other guild of North American species. Research on vegetative structure and composition associated with select breeding grassland birds is limited, and virtually nothing is known about habitat use by wintering populations. In the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, where many grassland birds winter, a major management issue is the effect of grazing regimes on bird habitat...