Assessment of Training Noise Impacts on the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker: 1998-2000
Abstract
It is estimated that nearly a quarter of the remaining Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) population resides on 16 military installations in the southeastern United States. Such a close association has led to increased conflicts between TES conservation requirements and the military's mission of maintaining a high degree of combat readiness. Increased importance has been placed on determining how noise affects these species. The primary research objective of this multiyear study is to determine the impact of certain types of training noise on the endangered RCW. A second objective is to develop and disseminate cost-effective techniques for documenting the effects of training noise on TES populations. During this study the research team observed and documented experimental training noise events and the resulting RCW responses under realistic conditions. Both proximate response behavior and nesting success were measured. The team also observed RCW behavior and nesting success for groups where noise stimuli were absent or minimal (near or below ambient sound levels), to provide an undisturbed behavior baseline to judge response and impact against. No significant differences in nesting success or productivity were found between experimentally disturbed and relatively undisturbed RCW groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA415729
Entities
People
- Bernard Lohr
- Beth F. Brittan-powell
- David K. Delaney
- Larry L. Pater
- Robert J. Dooling
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center