Avian Habitat Ecology Within The Riparian Corridor Of The Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Authors(s): M. L. Buhler

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

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Location: Laramie WY

Abstract: Avian surveys were conducted during the summers of 1996 and 1997 on 56 transects within the riparian corridor of the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming. Comparisons were made between bird utilized and non-utilized habitat components in six habitat types. Habitat use was determined for three scales of resolution; microhabitat, intermediate (0.04 ha), and landscape. Activity patterns were seperated to more accurately determine vegetation requirements of each activity. Habitat utilization was then related to extrinsic factors to determine alteration in community composition. Human use of the area was extensive during breeding season. Of the 77 avian species observed within the riparian corridor, 68 (88%) decreased in abundance due to human influence. Avian species composition and relative abundance were analyzed to ascertain interspecific interactions and influence on habitat utilization. Predatory and nest parasitic species have increased in abundance throughout the region. Detrimental effects from those species from habitat alteration and attraction could seriously effect songbird populations. Dynamic structure of the Snake River from periodic flooding also influenced avian assemblages. Flooding during 1996 and 1997 altered channel morphology and habitat composition through erosion and deposition. No single avian species was favored due to multi-aged habitat stands. This thesis addressed the ecology of avian assemblages and their role within the ecosystem.

Keywords: population, animal, bird, Aves, ornithology, Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, habitat, nest, nesting, human activity, mortality, breeding, Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Wyoming