Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/06
Outputs
We investigated how changes in human land-use across large areas of the Central Hardwoods region impacted the distribution and abundance of native wildlife. Most wildlife species depend on the quality and distribution of suitable habitat. We studied the response of amphibian and bird species in restored wetlands, and birds in restored grasslands to the changes in habitat quality and quantity associated with habitat restoration. We also looked at the response of native birds to long-term forest management in Indiana and Kentucky, including the use of fire as a management tool in mature forests. Our results demonstrated that many native species are found in small, relatively isolated patches of habitat, and their continued presence in our region is dependent on how well these patches are interconnected. One grassland bird species, the bobolink, is found in relatively isolated patches of privately owned grasslands. Our study of the population dynamics of this species
showed that the birds were dependent on the continued existence of the network of private hayfields and pastures across the region, not on the gain or loss of any particular pasture. This suggests that conservation groups and agencies interested in grassland birds must monitor the distribution of grassland habitat across the region, and encourage land-use practices that maintain some pastures and other grasslands throughout Indiana. Studies of the swamp sparrow, a wetland-dependent species, showed that restored wetlands supported large populations of this species, but yielded much lower breeding success than did natural wetlands in the same region. So the quality of habitat patches, as well as their distribution across the region, affects the health of the wildlife species that occupy the patches. Analyses of long-term monitoring data of breeding birds of the Hoosier National Forest suggest that most common birds associated with mature forest habitat are stable in this important,
largely forested landscape. Finally, studies of how migrant birds use woodlots in agricultural districts show that even small, isolated patches of woods can provide stopover habitat for large numbers of migrating birds. Most conventional thoughts on bird conservation argue that small, isolated patches of forest surrounded by farm fields are not valuable for conservation of native wildlife. These thoughts have been framed mostly around the use of such woodlots by breeding birds; however, these patches may provide substantial wildlife value for migrating birds. In all, we have shown the amount, quality and distribution of habitat patches across large regions must be understood in order to design comprehensive strategies for the conservation of our native wildlife.
Impacts
Collectively, our research looks at how land-use change in the agriculture-dominated landscapes of the Central Hardwood Region impacts native wildlife populations. Our work with grassland birds such as the bobolink and with migratory birds in small woodlots illustrate how even small patches of grassland habitat can be important for maintaining native bird populations. Our work on the effects of prescribed fire at Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky has identified the species of breeding birds likely to show short-term negative effects of this restoration technique, allowing the National Park Service to plan mitigation strategies. Similarly, our analysis of long-term population trends of breeding birds in the Hoosier National Forest gives the U.S. Forest Service information on the impact of their forest management on native wildlife. Studies of breeding sparrows in restored and natural wetlands in Wisconsin are useful to management agencies such as the Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources in determining how habitat restoration can be used as a tool in providing mitigation for habitat loss and human development in a region.
Publications
- Dunning, J.B. 2006. Bachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis). In: Poole, A., Stettenheim, P., and Gill, F. (editors). The Birds of North America, No. 38. Philadelphia: The Academy of Natural Sciences; and Washington, D.C.: The American Ornithologists' Union. Online, second edition.
- Beissinger, S. R., Walters, J. R., Catanzaro, D. G., Smith, K. G., Dunning, J. B., Haig, S. M., Noon, B. R., and Smith, B. M. 2006. Modeling approaches in avian conservation and the role of field biologists. Ornithological Monographs 59.
- Dunning, J. B., Groom, M. J., and Pulliam, H. R. 2006. Species and landscape approaches to conservation. Pp. 419-466, in: Groom, M. J., Meffe, G. K., and Carroll, C. R. Principles of Conservation Biology, Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, MA. Third edition.
- Bumgardner, B., and Dunning, J. B.. 2005. Comparison of food habits of Northern Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls. Indiana Audubon Quarterly 83:251-255.
- Dunning, J. B. 2005. Snowy Owl in White County, July - August 2004. Indiana Audubon Quarterly 83:105-110.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
We continued studies of avian responses to habitat quality and quantity in Indiana grasslands and wetlands, and continued research on the effects of prescribed burning on the bird communities of oak-hickory forests in Kentucky. Results this year demonstrated that one grassland species, the bobolink, occupies farmland pastures and grassland remnants as an interconnected network of small populations. Ecologists call this type of system a metapopulation. Our findings suggest that grassland birds respond to the continued existence of a network of habitat patches across a region, rather than to the gain or loss of any particular pasture. This suggests that conservation groups and agencies interested in grassland birds must monitor the distribution of grassland habitat across the region, and encourage land-use practices that maintain some pastures and other grasslands throughout Indiana. We also continued our analysis of long-term population trends of forest breeding birds
in the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. These analyses will be used by the U.S. Forest Service to assess the impacts of their long-term forest management plans. Finally, we initiated a new study of how migrating bird use isolated woodland patches in areas dominated by row-crop agriculture.
Impacts
Collectively, our research looks at how land use change in the agriculture-dominated landscapes of the Central Hardwood Region impacts native bird populations. Our work with Bobolinks illustrate how even small patches of grassland habitat can be important for maintaining native bird populations. Our work on the effects of prescribed fire at Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky has identified the species of breeding birds likely to show short-term negative effects of this restoration technique, allowing the National Park Service to plan mitigation strategies.
Publications
- Scheiman, D.M., and J.B. Dunning. 2004. A case of arrested molt in the Bobolink. North American Bird Bander 29:105-107.
- Dunning, J.B., M. Groom, H.R. Pulliam. 2005. Species and landscape approaches in conservation. Pp. 420-466, In: Groom, M., G. K. Meffe, and C.R. Carroll. Principles of Conservation Biology. Sinauer Assoc., Sunderland MA. Third edition.
- Dunning, J.B. 2005. Snowy Owl in White County, July-August 2004. Indiana Audubon Quarterly 83:105-110.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/29/04
Outputs
We completed studies of avian responses to habitat restoration in Indiana grasslands and wetlands, and continued research on the effects of prescribed burning on the bird communities of oak-hickory forests in Kentucky. Results this year demonstrated that active restoration (as opposed to a passive "let nature take its course) yields ecological benefits in the form of improved reproduction in breeding birds and amphibians of grasslands and wetlands, as well as migratory waterfowl and shorebirds associated with restored wetlands. One project provides one of the first assessments of wildlife response to habitat modifications funded though the Wetland Reserve Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We also initiated analysis of long-term population trends of forest breeding birds in the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. These analyses will be used by the U.S. Forest Service to assess the impacts of their long-term forest management plans.
Impacts
Our research provides guidelines as to how restoration can be done more effectively by incorporating ecological knowledge. For instance, our research in restored wetlands has allowed The Nature Conservancy to document the value of creating new wetland basins ("potholes") within a large restoration project in northwest Indiana. Our work on the effects of prescribed fire at Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky has identified the species of breeding birds likely to show short-term negative effects of this restoration technique, allowing the National Park Service to plan mitigation strategies.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Studies of avian response to habitat restoration were continued in restored grasslands and wetlands. A new project was begun examining the impacts of prescribed burning as a restoration technique in oak-hickory forests, with emphasis on the impacts on breeding birds. Results this year demonstrated that active restoration yields ecological benefits not gained by a passive approach (as suggested by the phrase, "let-nature-take-its-course"). For example, breeding amphibian populations and migratory water birds (ducks and shorebirds) responded to active restoration of former farm fields enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Impacts
Habitat restoration is a major conservation activity engaged in by private landowners, conservation groups, and state & federal agencies. Our research will provide guidelines as to how restoration can be done more effectively from an ecological standpoint. For instance, our research in restored grasslands and wetlands has already allowed The Nature Conservancy to modify its approach to large-scale restoration projects in northwestern Indiana.
Publications
- Kilgo, J.C., J.B. Dunning, et al. 2002. A test of an expert-based bird-habitat relationship model in South Carolina. Wildlife Society Bulletin 30:783-793.
- Braile, T.M., and J.B. Dunning. 2003. Use of a restored wetland by migratory shorebirds diminishes with time. Ecological Restoration 21:222-223.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
We continued our work in restored wetlands and grasslands in northern Indiana, and in forested landscapes in southern Indiana. We documented response of breeding amphibians and migratory birds in restored wetlands enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program, especially those areas with constructed wetland basins. We also studied the breeding of native birds in restored grassland patches located near existing nature reserves. Our goal was to document the value of habitat restoration of patches found within highly fragmented agricultural landscapes. Two common bird species were found to have higher success in restored grasslands than the same species experienced in fallowed farm fields. A species threatened in the state was also documented to use restored grasslands close to state nature preserves. We conducted a second year of monitoring breeding bird populations in the Hoosier National Forest, and continued efforts to examine avian response to long-term forest
management. A chapter was published in a new book on integrating ecology into natural resource management.
Impacts
Our research on wildlife response to wetland and grassland restoration is already being used to guide future restoration activities by The Nature Conservancy in northwestern Indiana. We expect other private groups interested in restoration to be able to use our research to design more effective restorations and in reducing the effects of habitat fragmentation in agriculture-dominated regions.
Publications
- Dunning, J.B. 2002. Landscape ecology in highly managed regions: the benefits of collaboration between management and researchers. Pages 334-346, in: Liu, J., and W.W. Taylor. Integrating landscape ecology into natural resource management. Cambridge University Press, New York, NY.
- Dunning, J.B., A. Beheler, M. Crowder, S. Andrews, and R. Weiss. 2002. A Eurasian Wryneck specimen from southern Indiana. North American Birds 56:265-267.
- Reed, J.M., L.S. Mills, J.B. Dunning, E.S. Menges, K.S. McKelvey, R. Frye, S.R. Beissinger, M.-C. Anstett, and P. Miller. 2002. Emerging issues in population viability analysis. Conservation Biology 16:7-19.
- Swihart, R.K., J.B. Dunning, and P.M. Waser. 2002. Gray matters in ecology: dynamics of pattern, process, and scientific process. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America 83:149-155.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
In the first year of this project, research was initiated in wetland and grassland restoration projects in northern Indiana, and in forested landscapes in southern Indiana. Wetland studies included the response of both migratory birds and breeding amphibians to the creation of new wetland basins in privately owned, former farmlands set aside in federal government wetland restoration programs. We also studied the response of breeding birds to the continuing restoration of grassland birds in areas near existing state and private nature reserves in highly fragmented agricultural landscapes. We also began an analysis of 10 years of monitoring data on breeding birds in the Hoosier National Forest. Initial results show that creation of wetland basins ("potholes") in wetland set-aside lands increased the habitat available for both migratory birds and breeding amphibians, especially in the dry conditions experienced in summer 2001. Restored grasslands and fallowed farm fields
attracted a different set of native breeding birds than found in row-cropped fields, but not all of the species of management concern found in nearby preserves. Species identities and reproductive success in restored patches should change as the restored habitats age, which we will continue to monitor. A major accomplishment of the year was the publication of a chapter in a new laboratory textbook on landscape ecology, and a book on avian biology and conservation of North American birds.
Impacts
The research begun this year will be informative for individuals interested in restoring native habitats on their property, and in lessening the impacts of habitat fragmentation in agricultural regions on native wildlife. The efficacy of government set-aside programs is also being confirmed. The publications will help university students and the general public to understand the conservation issues facing wildlife in modern fragmented landscapes.
Publications
- Elphick, C., J.B. Dunning, and D.S. Sibley. 2001. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior. Knopf Publishing, NY.
- Dunning, J.B., D.J. Stewart, and J. Liu. 2001. Individual-based modeling: the Bachman's Sparrow. Pages 228-245, in: Gergel, S.E., and M.G. Turner (eds.). Learning landscape ecology: a practical guide to concepts and techniques. Springer-Verlag, NY.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
Human land-use is a major force of change across the agricultural landscapes of the Central Hardwood Region. As people change their agricultural practices (setting aside land to prevent soil erosion, for instance) and living conditions (e.g., moving housing developments into the rural countryside), we change the distribution and quality of natural habitats across the landscape. Ecologists have little information on how wildlife species are affected by such regional change. The research of my students and myself look at how birds, amphibians and small mammals respond to this type of change. One area where the research is concentrated is newly created wetlands that represent new habitat for species associated with marsh and riparian habitats. Four years of wildlife surveys in Benton, Newton and Tippecanoe county restoration sites have shown that many native species colonize newly restored habitats quickly and appear to maintain substantial populations. We have found
positive reaction of native birds and frogs to restoration of native grasslands and wetlands, and positive responses of native mammals to reintroduction of fire to oak savanna habitats. More species are found in larger restoration projects, and projects that are well connected to established natural habitats.
Impacts
This information can be used by individuals interested in habitat restoration in agricultural landscapes, particularly those required to conduct restorations for mitigation purposes or using restoration to participate in agricultural programs designed to protect soil and water quality. The information will help establish what makes a successful restoration, allowing land management to include wildlife protection as a management goal.
Publications
- Dunning, J.B. 1999. The need for producing ecologically literate college students. Conservation Biology 13:1239-1240.
- Dunning, J.B. 2000. They shoot bison, don't they? Discussing ethics in conservation courses. The NACTA Journal (March issue), pages 40-45.
- Zhang, P., G. Shao, G. Zhao, D.C. Le Master, G.R. Parker, J.B. Dunning, and Q. Li. 2000. China's forest policy for the 21st century. Science 288:2135-2136.
- Dunning, J.B., and J.C. Kilgo. 2000. Avian research at the Savannah River Site: integrating management and research. Studies in Avian Biology, no. 24. [To be published in November 2000].
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
As humans change the way they use the land, the mosaic of human-modified and natural habitat patches is constantly changing. Ecologists have learned little about how wildlife species adapt to this change at the landscape scale. I am studying how birds, amphibians, reptiles and other native species respond to changes in the distribution and quality of their natural habitats across the complex landscapes of the agricultural Midwest. Primarily, I am looking at how birds and wetland "herps" respond to the creation of new habitat through wetland restoration. Restoration is increasingly required by mitigation and other regulatory processes. We have little understanding of how wildlife respond to this process, and how to judge whether a given project is a success. My research is primarily done by monitoring species use of restored wetlands in north-central Indiana. We have learned that bird populations respond quickly to wetland restoration, in many cases spectacularly so. A
total of 197 species have been recorded at one large restoration site, the Pine Creek Gamebird Habitat Area, an Indiana DNR property in Benton County. Smaller restoration have supported fewer species, but still provide valuable habitat. For instance, a small wetland restoration in s. Tippecanoe County supported large numbers of Wood Ducks during their feather molt in late summer. The ducks are flightless during this time, so protected areas are important. Migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, cormorants, rails and herons all showed positive responses to wetland restoration. The most valuable habitats within the wetland were shallow open water and diverse wetland plant communities. Therefore, shallow wetlands with variable water levels are more valuable for wildlife habitat than deep ponds or monocultures of cattail or other invasive plants.
Impacts
This information will be used by individuals who are required to conduct wetland restoration for mitigation purposes, or by agency officials that review wetland development proposals. The information will help to establish what makes a successful wetland restoration, allowing wetland management to be more productive in terms of protecting wildlife resources. In particular, it is important to support a variety of wetland habitats and a diverse plant community to attract a variety of wildlife.
Publications
- Dunning, J.B., Braile, T.M., and Knudson, D.M. 1999. First state record of Black-headed Grosbeak. Indiana Audubon Quarterly 77:146-149.
- Braile, T.M. 1999. Migration studies of shorebirds in west-central Indiana. M.S. thesis, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
- Mast, J.K. 1999. The importance of temporarily flooded agricultural fields to migrating shorebirds and ducks. M.S. thesis, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
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Progress 10/01/97 to 09/30/98
Outputs
I have focused on monitoring the population response to wetland restoration as a method of understanding how wildlife reacts to changes in habitat distribution caused by human land-use change. Human land use often changes the quality and quantity of habitat found in a region, as well as changing how isolated those habitat patches are. Since most wildlife populations must disperse across complex landscapes to colonize new patches or find unoccupied areas in which to settle, the changes that human activity makes across large regions can affect the suitability of those regions for wildlife. I have initiated studies examining how birds and amphibians respond to the creation or restoration of wetland habitats as a study system for examining these population response to landscape change. Wetlands under study include small (<10 ac) wetlands created through legal mitigation needs, or large (>100 ac) wetlands restored by state wildlife agencies. Two years of avian surveys at
the largest restored wetland show that many bird species can respond quickly to newly available habitat - 183 species have been recorded in 2 years. Migrating shorebirds, waterfowl and herons have been especially prominent. At the smaller wetlands, 3-5 species of amphibians, shorebirds and waterfowl have been sighted at wetlands within a few months of their restoration. As the wetland plant communities are restored through the natural process of succession, we expect additional wildlife species will be found at wetlands that are not extremely isolated within their local landscapes. Our research gives landowners and public officials an estimate of how to restore wetland communities effectively to meet the mitigation and conservation needs of habitat restoration fully. These studies compliment previous work that looked at wildlife response to landscape change in forested regions caused by timber management.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Cole, N., J.B. Dunning, A. Freeman, C. Hallberg, and J. Morgan. 1997. Reintroduction of the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park: a case study. The AG Bioethics Forum 9:1-6.
- Allen, A.S., and J. B. Dunning. 1998. American Kestrel use of longleaf pine clearcuts at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina. The Chat, in press.
- Dunning, J.B., B.J. Danielson, B.D. Watts, J. Liu, and D.G. Krementz. 1999. Studying wildlife at local and landscape scales: Bachman's Sparrows at the Savannah River Site. Studies in Avian Biology, in press.
- Dunning, J.B. and T.M. Braile. 1998. A checklist of the birds of Benton County, Indiana. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Office, in press.
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Progress 10/01/96 to 09/30/97
Outputs
I am studying how wildlife populations respond to changes in human land-use across large, heterogeneous regions ("landscapes"). My work involves surveying wildlife distributions and population changes across landscapes, developing habitat models to quantify relationships between individual species and landscape characteristics, and using this information to predict wildlife responses to human land-use change in the Central Hardwoods Region. My work to date has included studies on bird and amphibian populations. I am surveying the birds at the Pine Creek Game Habitat Area in Benton County, a large restored wetland owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. I am monitoring the use of the new wetlands and surrounding upland habitats by breeding and migrating birds. In two years of study, over 160 species of birds have been recorded from the area, and breeding by 35-plus species has been documented. My students are also initiating studies of amphibian
populations in restored wetlands. Part of this research will be to see how amphibian monitoring studies can be part of environmental education programs at Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis. I am also continuing studies of wintering sparrows in shrub-dominated habitats near Lafayette, and wintering American Kestrels, a small falcon that uses different kinds of agricultural and edge habitats. Each of these studies looks at how wildlife move across and respond to change sin agricultural or land-use practices that affect habitat quality or distribution. Two graduate students associated with this project
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- BOWERS, R. K., and J. B. DUNNING. 1997. Buff-collared Nightjar (Caprimulgus ridgwayi). Pages 1-16, In: Poole, A., P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill (editors). The Birds of North America, number 267. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.
- DUNNING, J. B. 1997. The missing awareness, part II: Teaching students what a billion people looks like. Conservation Biology 11:6-10.
- COLE, N., J. B. DUNNING, A. FREEMAN, C. HALLBERG, and J. MORGAN. 1997. Reintroduction of the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park: a cast study. The AG Bioethics Forum (In press).
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Progress 10/01/95 to 09/30/96
Outputs
I am studying how wildlife populations respond to changes in human land-use across large, heterogeneous regions (#landscapes#). My work involves surveying bird distributions across landscapes, developing habitat models to quantify relationships between bird species and landscape characteristics, and using this information to predict wildlife responses to human land-use change in the Central Hardwoods Region. This year I have surveyed bird populations in field sites in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties to see how breeding, migrant and winter bird populations use habitats in this region. I am banding wintering sparrows on the Cox-Haggerty Farm near campus. The marked populations in this site will be followed throughout the winter to see how they move over fields and woodlands over the course of the season. I am also surveying the birds at the Pine Creek Game Habitat Area in Benson County. This property, owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, has
restored wetlands and early successional upland habitats. I am monitoring the use of the new wetlands (created by dams in the winter of 1995-1996) by breeding and migrating birds. I am also beginning a study of wintering American Kestrels, a small hawk that uses different kinds of agricultural and edge habitats, which should be responsive to agricultural practices that change the quantity and quality of suitable habitat in open areas.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- DUNNING, J.B. 1996. Population Dispersal. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology.
- BOWERS, R.K., N. BOWERS, and J.B. DUNNING. 1996. A Closer Look: Buff-breasted Flycatcher. Birding 28:408-416.
- BOWERS, R. K., and J.B. DUNNING. 1996. Buff-collared Nightjar (Caprimulgus ridgwayi). In: Poole, A., P. Stettenheim, and F. Gill (editors). The Birds of North America. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia; and The American Ornitholo.
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Progress 10/01/94 to 09/30/95
Outputs
In this project I investigate how wildlife populations respond to changes in human land-use across large, heterogeneous regions ("landscapes"). Work involves surveying bird distributions across landscapes, developing habitat models to quantify relationships between bird species and landscape characteristics, and using this information to predict wildlife responses to human land-use change in the Central Hardwoods Region. This year I have surveyed bird populations in department-associated field sites, and at other locations near campus to gain a better understanding of breeding, migrant and winter bird populations in this region. Wintering sparrows have excellent potential for this project in that they make use of different aspects of agricultural landscapes. They seek woodlands for protection from weather and predators, and agricultural areas for foraging. These species can be expected to respond to changes in fall agricultural practices (e.g., till versus no-till
techniques), fencerow and shelterbelt practices, woodland/field edge characteristics, and other landscape features. I have begun a banding program at Cunningham Woods to provide marked populations of wintering and resident birds. I am also beginning a study of wintering American Kestrels, a small hawk that uses different kinds of agricultural and edge habitats.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 10/01/93 to 09/30/94
Outputs
Project is a new study in which I will investigate how wildlife populations respond to changes in human land-use across large, heterogeneous regions ("landscapes"). Work will involve surveying bird distributions across landscapes, developing habitat models to quantify relationships between bird species and landscape characteristics, and using this information to predict wildlife responses to human land-use change in the Central Hardwoods Region. Since my arrival in August 1994, I have worked primarily at selecting potential study areas for the project, and reviewing possible bird species on which to concentrate effort. Review of literature for the Central Hardwoods Region suggests that one study system with excellent potential for this project is the wintering bird populations found in areas where woodlands and agricultural areas meet. These species can be expected to respond to changes in fall agricultural practices (e.g., till versus no-till techniques),
fencerow/shelterbelt practices, woodland/field edge characteristics, and other landscape features. Species that may be useful in this study include winter residents such as Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia), and winter residents such as American Tree Sparrows (Spizella arborea). I have participated in meetings of the Indian Pines research group, plan to visit Throckmorton Agricultural Center and the Martell Forest to evaluate these areas as potential study regions.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- No publications reported this period.
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