Hydrological changes and Cape Sable seaside-sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) habitat.
Mayer AL. Hydrological changes and Cape Sable seaside-sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) habitat.
The endangered Cape Sable Seaside-Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) is restricted to freshwater prairies within Everglades National Park (ENP). Although first discovered in Spartina marshes, this subspecies now inhabits mostly Muhlenbergia prairies, and the distribution of Spartina marsh is greatly reduced. Water management structures have greatly altered the hydrologic patterns within ENP, and have affected the sparrow's habitat. We collected vegetation data from three distinct subpopulations of the sparrow, each with different sparrow densities and water levels. We demonstrate that a few structural and floristic characteristics can be used to assess the suitability of habitat for sparrows. These vegetation characteristics also serve as indicators of habitat degradation caused by changes in the hydrologic regime.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Mayer, Audrey
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Cape Sable seaside-sparrow, conservation and water management for Everglades National Park, Everglades National Park, Habitat, habitat change of the Cape Sable seaside-sparrow, habitat indicators, Hydrology, hydrology and freshwater marl prairies