Identifying Cape Sable Seaside-Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) habitat from satellite images
Mayer AL, Powell R, Jenkins C, Lockwood JL, Fenn KH, Pimm SL. 1998. Identifying Cape Sable Seaside-Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) habitat from satellite images
In 1981, and 1992 through the present, Kushlan and Bass (1983) and Curnutt et al. (1998) conducted an extenstive helicopter survey to map sparrow populations, suitable habitat and potential habitat. The Endangered Cape Sable Seaside-Sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) inhabits the freshwater marl prairies in the interior of Everglades National Park. Since 1850, hydrologic projects have affected the vegetation of South Florida, including the Cape Sable sparrow's habitat. Sparrow numbers have declined by over 50% in the past five years, when high water levels flooded one of the two core populations. Using nest locations, we produced a conservative classification scheme, and determined how much suitable habitat was available to the sparrow from 1992 to 1996. We then used vegetation data from ground surveys to identify specific vegetation characteristics that were correlated with our satellite classification. These characteristics may indicate satellite-visible habitat features. We measured the total area of suitable habitat available to sparrows in each year, and discuss implications of our study for conservation of the species.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Mayer, Audrey; Powell, Robert; Jenkins, Clinton; Lockwood, Julie; Fenn, Katherine; Pimm, Stuart
- Date of Issue
- 1998
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Conservation, Habitat, Hydrology, Prairies, Species