Waterbird Habitat use of Terraced vs Unterraced Ponds in Coastal Louisiana
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PRESENTATION
J. O'Connell and J.A Nyman
School of Renewable Natural Resources
Abstract
Coastal marsh loss is a major management concern in Louisiana. Terracing is a restoration method that was recently adopted to combat this problem, but the effects of terraces on wildlife have not been evaluated. Such an evaluation is particularly necessary for water birds, a group that is heavily impacted by coastal wetland loss and habitat degradation. Beginning in winter of 2005, we have been quantifying and comparing water bird usage through time in terraced and un-terraced ponds to tease out effects that restoration has on water bird diversity, abundance, and habitat usage. Water quality, submerged aquatic vegetation, and nekton abundance are also being examined. We are monitoring paired terraced and un-terraced ponds in four sites in coastal southwestern Louisiana. Monitoring will continue until April of 2006. Preliminary results suggest that pond type (terraced or un-terraced) has a significant effect on bird abundance at some times.
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