Modeling Habitat Availability of Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks in Central Maryland
by Murillo, Crystal, M.S., ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2011, 59 pages; 1497169

Abstract:

Once considered an abundant species in the eastern United States, local populations of red-shouldered hawks, Buteo lineatus, have declined due to habitat destruction. This destruction has created suitable habitat for red-tailed hawks, Buteo jamaicensis, and therefore increased competition between these two raptor species. Since suitable habitat is the main limiting factor for raptors, a computer model was created to simulate the effect of habitat loss in central Maryland and the impact of increased competition between the more aggressive red-tailed hawk. These simulations showed urban growth contributed to over a 30% increase in red-tailed hawk habitat as red-shouldered hawk habitat decreased 62.5-70.1% without competition and 71.8-76.3% with competition. However there was no significant difference seen between the rate of available habitat decline for current and predicted development growth.

 
AdviserGary Whysong
SchoolARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
SourceMAI/ 50-01, p. , Sep 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsWildlife conservation; Ecology; Environmental science
Publication Number1497169
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