Source: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
POPULATION ECOLOGY AND HABITAT MANAGEMENT OF NEOTROPICAL VERTEBRATES
Sponsoring Institution
Other Cooperating Institutions
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
STATE
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0224258
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Nov 1, 2010
Project End Date
Oct 31, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762
Performing Department
Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries
Non Technical Summary
The American tropics or Neotropics are particularly diverse in plant and animal species. Ecosystem types of the Neotropics are recognized as repositories of a significant portion of global biodiversity. Diverse tropical and subtropical climate, topography, geology, and edaphic conditions are primary factors that explain biotic complexity and high productivity of tropical ecosystems. The high species richness among taxonomic groups is one of the most distinctive features of tropical forests worldwide. For example, tree species diversity of the most species-rich forests in North America do not exceed 30 species of trees per hectare while an average Neotropical rainforest may include up to 300 tree species per hectare. About 85,000 species of flowering plants are found in the Neotropical region, representing the highest level of plant diversity in the world. Animal species diversity is equally disproportionally high when compared with temperate zones. For example, approximately 800 species of birds are found in North America (Canada and USA). In contrast, the nation of Colombia, a country about the size of an average state in the USA, harbors 1,709 known bird species to date, with additional species and subspecies yet to be described. The research proposed herein will provide biologists and managers in various countries of the Caribbean and South America with information and techniques necessary to manage and recover a suite of organisms. The natural resources profession and general public increasingly expect management decisions to be scientifically based on a clear understanding of the ecology of species and ecosystems. This requires, in addition to traditional studies of habitat requirements and basic biology, a deeper understanding of processes at the population and community level. The research outlined below is designed to increase our understanding of population and community-level processes, and to suggest ways to incorporate this information into the decision making process.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1360640107050%
1230860106050%
Knowledge Area
136 - Conservation of Biological Diversity; 123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0640 - Tropical forests; 0860 - Endangered species;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
1. Studies on the ecology of wildlife species in the Caribbean and South America, with emphasis on their population biology and reproductive ecology, and ways to promote their long-term conservation. Emphasis will be placed on ways to effectively sample and monitor populations, estimating parameters such as annual survival, measuring population trends, and developing recommendations to promote species conservation. 2. Study community structure of tropical forest ecosystems in the Caribbean and South America, including measures of species diversity, competition, and abundance. Particular emphasis will be placed on avian communities and how they are influenced by habitat changes (e.g., forest management), competition (e.g., introduced species) and other natural processes (e.g., hurricanes and fire). 3. Study population biology of threatened and endangered wildlife and relate declines to a range of environmental factors, which can later be incorporated into recovery and management plans. Manuscripts will be submitted to peer-reviewed outlets. Presentations will be made at regional, national and international conferences. Technical reports will be submitted to the funding sources.
Project Methods
Study 1. Population and landscape ecology of sympatric tropical island raptors. We will conduct surveys at the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico and surrounding lands to develop density estimates of the Red-tailed Hawk. Surveys will insure sufficient effort to provide precise estimates of density from point count surveys. We will develop and analyze a discrete-time population model for the Red-tailed Hawk in the El Yunque National Forest and surrounding lands. We will use habitat measurements of point surveys, spatial descriptions of landscape composition and configuration, and Red-tailed Hawk density estimates to develop spatial models of habitat suitability. We will identify habitat and select survey sites in the central mountian range region of Puerto Rico including the Maricao State Forest and adjacent lands. We will use recordings of the endangered Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk to detect presence. We will use a patch occupancy modeling approach to assess presence of Sharp-shinned Hawks identify important habitats patches in Maricao Forest and adjacent private lands.We will use landscape metrics associated with Sharp-shinned Hawk habitat together with occupancy probabilities from our model to generate a habitat suitability surface for the Sharp-shinned Hawk across Maricao Forest and adjacent lands.

Progress 11/01/10 to 10/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience: Research provided reliable knoweldge and information on wildlife species and habitats to cooperators in the US Caribbean and South America. Research products supportted the mission of government agencies and conservation NGOs in protectiong biodiversity. Projects also involved collaborations with local universities. Specific target audiences include: 1. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuges 2. US Forest Service, El Yunque National Forest 3. US Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry 4. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources 5. Puerto Rico Conservation Trust 6. US National Park Service, Virgin Islands National Park 7. Weyerhaeuser NR Company 8. Instituto Nacional de Industruas Agropecuarias (Argentina) 9. Universidad de Puerto Rico 10. Universidad de Cordoba (Argentina) 11. Universidad de la Republica (Uruguay) 12. BirdLife International Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Undergraduate technicians were recruited for field projects in Puerto Rico and Uruguay. A total of 5 undergraduate students participated in field research during the past year. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Progress reports were prepared and delivered in a timely manner to cooperators. Presentations to collaborators and private landowners were delivered several times during the year. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Field data collection for projects in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Uruguay were completed during this year. Progress reports were forwarded to cooperators.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Blanco-Rodriguez, P., F.J. Vilella, and B. Sanchez-Orla. 2014. Waterfowl in Cuba: current status and distribution. Wildfowl Special Issue 4:498-511.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gallardo, J.C., and F.J. Vilella. 2014. The Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator): an endangered insular species on the edge. Spizaetus: Neotropical Raptor Network Newsletter 17:2-13.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: L�pez-Flores, M., B.D. Davis, F.J. Vilella, R.M. Kaminski, J.A. Cruz-Burgos, and J.D. Lancaster. 2014. Survival of female White-cheeked Pintails during brood rearing in Puerto Rico. Caribbean Naturalist 10: 1-12.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Vilella, F.J., and W.F. Nimitz. 2012. Spatial dynamics of the Red-tailed Hawk in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 124: 756-764.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Vilella, F.J., J.A. Cruz-Burgos, and M. L�pez-Flores. 2011. Nesting ecology of the Yellow-breasted Crake Porzana flaviventer in Puerto Rico. Waterbirds 34(3): 363-368.
  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Vilella, F.J. 2010. Puerto Rican Nightjar (Caprimulgus noctitherus), Neotropical Birds Online (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. http://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/portal/species/overview?p_p_spp=24854
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2010 Citation: Vilella, F.J., and G.A. Baldassarre. 2010. Abundance and distribution of waterbirds in the Llanos of Venezuela. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 122(1): 102-115.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Martinez-Lanfranco, J.A., F.J. Vilella, and D.A. Miller. 2015. Avian diversity and composition in native and afforested environments in the Northern Campos Grasslands of Uruguay. X Neotropical Ornithological Congress, July 20-24, 2015. Manaus, Brazil.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gallardo, J.C., and F.J. Vilella. 2014. The Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator): an insular species on the edge. Raptor Research Foundation Annual Conference, 24-28 September, 2014. Corpus Christi, TX.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Blanco-Rodriguez, P., F.J. Vilella, and B. Sanchez-Orla. 2013. Waterfowl in Cuba: current status and distribution. 6th North American Duck Symposium and Workshop: Ecology and Conservation of North American Waterfowl, Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Calamari, N.C., G. Gavier-Pizarro, A. Cerezo, F.J. Vilella, and M.E. Zaccagnini. 2013. Loss and fragmentation of native forest in Entre Rios, Argentina: impact of future scenarios on bird populations. International Association for Landscape Ecology, September 9-12, 2013, Manchester, U.K.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cruz-Burgos, J.A., F.J. Vilella, R.M. Kaminski, and M. Lopez-Flores. 2013. Wetland biodiversity restoration in a former sugarcane cultivation site in Puerto Rico. 19th Meeting, Birds Caribbean. July 27-31, 2013, St. George's University, Grenada W.I.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Vilella, Francisco J. 2013. Movements, resource use and survival of the Scaly-naped Pigeon Patagioneas squamosa in east-central Puerto Rico. 19th Regional Meeting, Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. July 27-31, 2013, St. George's University, Grenada W.I.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Vilella, F.J. 2011. Nesting ecology of the Yellow-breasted Crake (Porzana flaviventer) in Puerto Rico. 35th Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society, November 10-12, Annapolis, MD.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Research is designed to provide reliable knoweldge and information on wildlife species and habitats in the US Caribbean and South America. This will support the mission of government agencies and conservation NGOs in protectiong biodiversity. Projects also involve collaborations with local universities. Specific target audiences include: 1. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge 2. US Forest Service, El Yunque National Forest 3. US Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry 4. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources 5. Puerto Rico Conservation Trust 6. US National Park Service, Virgin Islands National Park 7. Weyerhaeuser NR Company Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Undergraduate technicians were recruited for field projects in Puerto Rico and Uruguay. A total of 5 undergraduate students participated in field research during the past year. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Progress reports were prepared and delivered in a timely manner to cooperators. Presentations to collaborators and private landowners were delivered several times during the year. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Data analysis and preparation of final report and deliverables will be the focus of this year.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Field data collection for projects in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and Uruguay were completed during this year. Progress reports were forwarded to cooperators.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gallardo, J. C., and F. J. Vilella. 2014. The Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator): an endangered insular species on the edge. Spizaetus: Neotropical Raptor Network Newsletter 17:2-13.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: L�pez-Flores, M., B. D. Davis, F. J. Vilella, R. M. Kaminski, J. A. Cruz-Burgos, and J. D. Lancaster. 2014. Survival of female White-cheeked Pintails during brood rearing in Puerto Rico. Caribbean Naturalist 10: 1-12.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Blanco-Rodriguez, P., F. J. Vilella, and B. Sanchez-Orla. 2014. Waterfowl in Cuba: current status and distribution. Wildfowl Special Issue 4:498-511.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Vilella, Francisco J. 2013. Movements, resource use and survival of the Scaly-naped Pigeon Patagioneas squamosa in east-central Puerto Rico. 19th Regional Meeting, Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. July 27-31, 2013, St. George's University, Grenada W.I.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cruz-Burgos, J.A., F.J. Vilella, R.M. Kaminski, and M. Lopez-Flores. 2013. Wetland biodiversity restoration in a former sugarcane cultivation site in Puerto Rico. 19th Regional Meeting, Society for Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. July 27-31, 2013, St. George's University, Grenada W.I.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Gallardo, J.C., and F.J. Vilella. 2014. The Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator): an insular species on the edge. Raptor Research Foundation Annual Conference, 24-28 September, 2014. Corpus Christi, TX.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Caribbean: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic 1. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Field Office 2. USDA Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry 3. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources 4. Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) 5. Birds Caribbean (NGO) 6. Sociedad Ornitologica Puertorriqueña (NGO) South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay 1. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agrpecuaria (National Agriculture Research Institute-Argentina) 2. Weyerhaeuser-Uruguay 3. Cambium S.A. (Uruguay timber company) 4. Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense (Brazilian university) 5. Brazilian National Research Council Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Caribbean: Safety training for use of ATV vehicles provided to graduate students and field technicans in Puerto Rico. GPS use for field technicians South America: Habitat modeling shortcourse How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Social media by local collaborators. Formal announcements to other academic institutions and NGOs by collaborators. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Field research is ongoing and will continue as planned thru August 2014.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Caribbean: Research on the endangered sharp-shinned hawk in Puerto Rico uncovered new information on drastic population declines of the species. Current information suggests the species has experienced a marked decline in and around forest reserves formerly considered the species' stronghold. This information was relayed to the pertinent agencies in Puerto Rico (US Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of Natural Resources). South America: Research in Brazil evaluated the effectiveness of forest corridors in the conservation of the endangered gloden lion tamarin. Research in Brazil developed protocols to reintroduce endangered parrots confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade back into rainforests int he Atlantic Forest regions. Research in Argentina developed land use change models to assess the impacts of deforestation for agriculture and grazing on the native bird communities of north-central Argentina. Ongoing research in Uruguay is developing conservation actions for native bird communities in areas of native grasslands and eucalyptus timber plantations.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gallardo, J.C. and F.J. Vilella. 2013. Occupancy modeling of the endangered Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator) in the Maricao Forest and surrounding lands. Progress Report, 2012-2013 research activities. Submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Caribbean Field Office. 13 pp.
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2013 Citation: Martinez, J.A. and F.J. Vilella. 2013. Avian community ecology and conservation in native and afforested habitats of north-central Uruguay. Progress report submitted to Weyerhaeuser Co.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Calamari, N.C., G. Gavier, A. Cerezo, F.J. Vilella, and M.E. Zaccagnini. 2013. Loss and fragmentation of native forest in Entre Rios, Argentina: impact of future scenarios on bird populations. International Association for Landscape Ecology Congress, Manchester U.K.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Caribbean: One research project is being conducted on the island of Puerto Rico; "Population estimates and habitat models of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis jamaicensis) and Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator) in the Luquillo Mountains and Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico". This study involves one Ph.D. student. Data collection is underway for this project; the student has been in the field since May 2012 and will return to MSU by August 2013. Student will then return in 2014 for one final field season. South America: 1. Argentina: Currently co-advising a doctoral student in Argentina at the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba where principal investigator holds an adjunct appointment. Research project is examining avian communities in forest fragments within an agricultural matrix. 2. Brazil: Collaborating with Dr. Carlos Ruiz, Chair IUCN Reintroduction Specialist Group for the Neotropical region. Research is developing techniques and approaches for reintroduction of several endangered species of mammals and birds in the Atlantic Rainforest Region of southeastern Brazil, a global biodiversity hotspot. 3. Uruguay: Research project "Avian ecology and conservation in native and afforested habitats in the Northern Campos Grasslands of Uruguay" is being conducted in grasslands and managed timber plantations of north-central Uruguay. This research project is being supported by the Weyerhaeuser Company. Participation of FWRC scientists was requested by Weyerhaeuser, our research will provide baseline information on the avian communities of managed grasslands and timber plantations in lands owned by the company in Uruguay. The project supports an M.S. student who is a Uruguayan national. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Francisco J. Vilella - Principal Investigator Caribbean: Julio C. Gallardo - Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D. student) Juan A. Martinez - Graduate Research Assistant (M.S. student) South America: Argentina: Noelia Calamari - Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (Ph.D. student, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba) Brazil: Dr. Carlos R. Ruiz (Co-PI), Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Rafaela S. da Costa (Ph.D. student), Universidade Estadual Norte Fluminense Uruguay: Juan P. Posse (Weyerhaeuser-Uruguay) Joaquin Aldabe (Aves Uruguay) TARGET AUDIENCES: Caribbean: State and federal agencies. South America: Universities, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, private corporation (Weyerhaeuser). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Caribbean: Results of this research are of high importance to agencies involved in the recovery program of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata). Project cooperators include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service and the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources. Research results will provide knowledge on ecology and management of a major parrot predator (Red-tailed Hawk) and ecology and conservation of an endangered species (Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk) occupying areas proposed for parrot reintroductions. South America: Argentina: Results from this research will provide guidance to agricultural producers and government agencies in Argentina to effectively manage and conserve bird populations restricted to forest fragments within agricultural landscapes. Brazil: Research results will be utilized to develop reintroduction criteria and protocols for captive-reared individuals as well as individuals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade and selected for release in protected areas within their natural range. Uruguay: Results from this research will provide baseline information for long-term monitoring and develop the tools and experimental design to implement adaptive management practices in Weyerhaeuser lands.

Publications

  • Vilella, F. J., and W. F. Nimitz. 2012. Spatial dynamics of the Red-tailed Hawk in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 124: 756-764.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: 1. Conducting research on population estimation and habitat modeling of the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and the endangered Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus vennator) in montane forests of the Luquillo Mountains and Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. 2. Conducting research on avian community ecology in native grasslands and timber plantations of north-central Uruguay. 3. Conducting research on avian communities in forest fragments of the Santa Fe region of Argentina. Events: Vilella, F.J. 2011. Nesting ecology of the Yellow-breasted Crake (Porzana flaviventer) in Puerto Rico. Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society, November 10-12, Annapolis, MD. PARTICIPANTS: Puerto Rico research: Dr. Francisco J. Vilella - Principal Investigator Julio C. Gallardo - Graduate Research Assistant Uruguay research: Dr. Francisco J. Vilella - Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Darren A. Miller (Weyerhaeuser Co.) - Co-Principal Investigator Argentina Research: Dr. Francisco J. Vilella - Co-Principal Investigator Noelia Calamari (National Agricultural Research Institute of Argentina) - Co-Principal Investigator Cooperators: 1. Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER). 2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Field Office. 3. U.S. Forest Service, El Yunque National Forest (YNF). 4. U.S. Forest Service, International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF). 5. Weyerhaeuser Corporation (WeyCo). 6. Universidad de Cordoba, Argentina. 7. Universidad de la Republica del Uruguay. 8. Aves Uruguay. TARGET AUDIENCES: 1. Forest managers (DNER & YNF). 2. Endangered species biologists (DNER, USFWS, IITF). 3. Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program (DNER & USFWS). 4. Puerto Rico Ornithological Society. 5. INTA biologists (Argentina). 6. Private landowners (Argentina) 6. WeyCo-Uruguay 7. Timber managers (Uruguay) 8. Private landowners (Uruguay). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Research in Puerto Rico will provide guidelines for managing predation risks for the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata). Research in Argentina is generating land-use scenarios that will guide pasture management and forest conservation priorities for the Santa Fe province of Argentina. Research in Uruguay will provide WeyCo with adequate guidelines for biodiversity conservation of timber plantations and management of native grasslands.

Publications

  • Vilella, F.J., J.A. Cruz-Burgos, and M. Lopez-Flores. 2011. Nesting ecology of the Yellow-breasted Crake Porzana flaviventer in Puerto Rico. Waterbirds 34(3): 363-368.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Caribbean: A total of 3 research projects were conducted in Puerto Rico during this period: 1) Spatial ecology of the Scaly-naped Pigeon in private lands of central Puerto Rico 2) Geographic distribution, population estimates, and landscape habitat models of the Red-tailed Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk in the Luquillo Mountians and Cordillera Central of Puerto Rico. 3) Rapid assessment and habitat suitability model for Solanum conocarpum in St. John, U.S. Virgin Isalnds. These projects involve 2 Ph.D. students, 1 research associate, and several field technicians recruited from local universities in Puerto Rico. Data collection for Study #1 is complete, data analysis and preparation of final report is currently under way. Pilot project for Study #2 under way. Collection of field data, analysis and final report for Study #3 were completed in July 2010. South America: 1. Argentina: Currently co-advising a doctoral student in Argentina at the Universidad nacional de Cordoba where Dr. Vilella holds an adjunct appointment. Student involved in examining dynamics of avian communities in forest fragments within agrcultural landscapes. 2. Brazil: Collaborating with Dr. Carlos Ruiz, Chair IUCN Reintroduction Specialist Group for the Neotropical region in developing research approaches for reintroduction of several endangered species of mammals and birds in the Atlantic Rainforest Region of southeastern Brazil, a global biodiversity hotspot. 3. Uruguay: Currently developing research on avian communities in native grasslands and timber plantations in north-central Uruguay. Research conducted in lands owned by Weyerhaeuser Company. Field visits to proposed research sites and coodination with collaboratros in the US and Uruguay completed during October-November 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Caribbean: Huisheng Chen (Ph.D. student) Julio C. Gallardo (Ph.D. student) Matt Palumbo (research associate) Francisco J. Vilella (MSU-WF&A) Marelisa Rivera (USFWS Caribbean Field Office) Rafe Boulon (NPS Virgin Islands National Park) South America: Carlos Ruiz-Miranda (UENF Brazil) Noelia Calamari (INTA Argentina) Darren Miller (Weyerhaeuser R&D) Francisco J. Vilella (MSU-WF&A) TARGET AUDIENCES: Caribbean and South America: Government environmental conservation agencies Conservation NGOs Private landowners Agricultural producers Universities General public PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Caribbean: Findings from Study #1 will allow the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources to effectively manage the Scaly-naped Pigeon (game species) and implement Safe Harbor Policy agreements with private landowners in the regios occupied by the Plain Pigeon, an endangered species. Results of Study #2 will be utilized by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess recovery actions for the endangered Puerto Rican Sharp-shinned Hawk, as well as manage predation by the Red-tailed Hawk on the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Products from Study #3 provided the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Caribbean Field Office with important tools and information for the protection of Solanum conocarpum, an endangered shrub endemic to the island of St. John. Results also provided the U.S. National Park Service's Virgin Islands National Park with important information on potential sited for protectiona and establishment of new Solanum conocarpum populations. South America: Argentina: Results from this research will provide guidance to agricultural producers and government agencies in Argentina to effectively manage and conserve bird populations restricted to forest fragments with agricultural landscapes. Brazil: Research results will be utilized to delvelop reintroduction crteria and protocols for captive-reared individuals as well as individuals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade and selected for release in protected areas within their natural range. Uruguay: Results from this research will provide Weyerhaeuser Co. and conservation partners important information on timber plantation and native grasslands management for the conservation of resident and migratory birds.

Publications

  • Vilella, F. J. 2010. Puerto Rican Nightjar (Caprimulgus noctitherus), Neotropical Birds Online (T. S. Schulenberg, Editor). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. www.neotropical.birds.cornell.edu
  • Vilella, F. J., and G. A. Baldassarre. 2010. Abundance and distribution of waterbirds in the Llanos of Venezuela. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 122(1): 102-115.
  • Vilella, F. J., and M. D. Palumbo. 2010. Rapid assessment and habitat suitability modeling for Solanum conocarpum in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Final Report Unit Cooperative Agreement 14-45-0009-1543-88. USGS Cooperative Research Unit, Mississippi State.