Vegetation Dynamics in Dusky Seaside Sparrow Habitat on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Leenhouts WP and Baker JL. 1982. Vegetation Dynamics in Dusky Seaside Sparrow Habitat on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 10(2):127-132
From 1973 to 1980, changes in the vegetation in dusky seaside sparrow ( Ammospiza maritima nigrescens) habitat occurred relating to habitat management activities on the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. During that seven year period, the habitat was dewatered, prescribed burned three times and aerial sprayed once with 2,4-D. Vegetation changes occurred with a significant increase in total percent cover for all species and percent cover of spike grass ( Distichlis spicata) and coastal dropseed ( Sporobolus virginicus). there was a significant descrease in the percent cover of cattail and significant changes within transects of knot grass ( Paspalum distichum) and sea-purslane ( Sesuvium portulacastrum). By 1980, conditions compared favorably with those reported in literature as being preferable dusky seaside sparrow habitat.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Leenhouts, Willard; Baker, James
- Units
- CANA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Birds (Aves), coastal dropseed (Sporobolu virginicus), dusky seaside sparrow (Ammospiza maritima nigrescens), knot grass ( Paspalum distichum), Plant Studies, Prescribed Burn, sea-purslane (Sesuvium portulacastrum), spike grass ( Distichlis spicata), Threatened & Endangered Species, Vegetation