The Fort Hood Avian Simulation Model: A Dynamic Model of Ecological Influences on Two Endangered Species.
Abstract
The endangered golden-cheeked warbler (GCWA) and black-capped vireo (BCVI) breed at Fort Hood, Texas. Both populations are influenced by management activities, military impacts, and land use policies, especially those pertaining to cattle grazing and fire suppression. In addition, the reproductive success of individuals in these populations is adversely affected by brood parasitism by the brown-headed cowbird (BHCO), a species whose distribution and abundance are also influenced by land use policies. To protect breeding habitat and reduce the impact of cowbird parasitism, natural resource managers must incorporate large- scale processes into their management decisions. Because it is difficult and expensive to conduct large-scale experiments to study the responses of species to land use policies or management actions, computer models can be developed%to simulate changes for large regions over time. This report discusses development and use of the Fort Hood Avian Simulation Model (FHASM), a dynamic, spatially- explicit model of ecosystem processes and population dynamics of BCVI and GCWA at Fort Hood. The model provides information exchange among six submodels: Management, Accidental Fire, Habitat, Avian, Map Input, and Simulation. Ultimately, FHASM may assist in developing a management plan that will ensure the viability of both endangered species over long periods of time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA327483
Entities
People
- Ann-marie Trame
- Jim Westervelt
- Jocelyn Aycrigg
- Steven J. Harper
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory