Understanding the effects of wildfire and drought-related tree die-off on bird habitat suitability in mixed-conifer forests at Bandelier NM and Grand Canyon NP

Johnson J and Milligan S. Understanding the effects of wildfire and drought-related tree die-off on bird habitat suitability in mixed-conifer forests at Bandelier NM and Grand Canyon NP. 2025-2026. National Park Service

Knowing and understanding how species composition has changed over time through climate change and fire is essential to informing management staff about the link between vegetation and habitat suitability for at-risk species, therefore allowing them to make well-informed decisions on thinning, managing wildfire, and restoration. BAND’s Resource Stewardship Strategy (RSS) recognizes the need to understand stressors on avian populations and calls for the park to work with partners to better understand native species. This project will clearly address many top-priority information needs for the park. The RSS also specifically mentions the need to continue plant community monitoring and ongoing research efforts to inform fire management program activities and overall park resource management. This analysis will use vegetation changes over the years to inform management on what restoration efforts are working and if other methods should be used.

Type
Project
Authors
Johnson, James (Matthew); Milligan, Sarah
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
BAND , GRCA
Keywords
bird community composition, birds, climate, climate change, conifer, disturbance events, drought, forests, habitat loss, habitat quality, habitat suitability, hierarchical abundance model, historical fire suppression, megadrought, mixed-conifer forest bird populations, mixed-conifer forests, montane, population decline, species composition, wildfire

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