Quantifying Impacts of Ground Water Withdrawal on Avian Communities in Desert Riparian Woodlands of the Southwestern U.S.
Abstract
Riparian woodlands in the desert southwest are an extremely important resource because they constitute <1% of the desert landscape, yet typically support >50% of the breeding birds. Riparian woodlands also provide shelter and critical food resources for dozens of species of Neotropical migratory birds that alight in these woodlands during their spring and fall migrations across the desert southwest. Ground water withdrawal (and subsequent loss of surface water) to support urban developments in the desert southwest has the potential to degrade or eliminate riparian woodlands throughout the region, including riparian woodlands along the Upper San Pedro River adjacent to Fort Huachuca Military Reservation in Arizona. Military readiness could be jeopardized if limited military resources are diverted from the military's mission at Fort Huachuca Military Reservation (and at other military installations in the southwestern U.S.) to deal with the recovery of potentially dozens of declining populations of birds. The objective of this ongoing research project is to assess the value of riparian woodlands to the health and persistence of avian communities in the desert southwest. Specifically, we seek to quantify the extent to which both surface water and the health of riparian vegetation influence the abundance and diversity of riparian birds in the region. From March to September 2006 and 2007, we surveyed birds, sampled vegetation, and measured surface water at 23 study sights located in riparian woodlands throughout southeastern Arizona, including several study sites situated along the Upper San Pedro River near Fort Huachuca Military Reservation. We also sampled avian food resources (i.e., aerial arthropods) and monitored nests of riparian bird species at a subset of these study sites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA534408
Entities
People
- Chris Kirkpatrick
Organizations
- University of Arizona