Conservation Planning
A large part of the inaugural meeting of the International Bicknell’s Thrush Conservation Group was focused on identifying a comprehensive list of potential limiting factors and corresponding conservation actions that will form the backbone of a Bicknell’s Thrush Conservation Action Plan. The second annual meeting will focus on developing implementation strategies for the priority conservation actions identified in this process.
Conservation Action Timeline
Potential Limiting Factors
Population and Habitat Goals
Priority Conservation Actions
Conservation Action Timeline
| Action Item |
Due Date |
Status |
| Inaugural meeting of IBTCG |
06 Nov 07 |
Complete |
| Create an IBTCG listserv |
1 Dec 07 |
Complete |
| Distribute minutes from first meeting |
1 Dec 07 |
Complete |
| IBTCG website online |
31 Dec 07 |
Complete |
| Subgroups finalize conservation actions |
15 Jan 08 |
Complete |
| Finalize population objective |
1 Mar 08 |
Complete |
| Distribute draft Conservation Action Plan |
3 Oct 08 |
Complete |
| Hold second IBTCG meeting |
Oct 29 & 30, 2008 |
Complete |
| Finalize Bicknell's Thrush Conservation Action Plan |
April 2009 |
In Progress |
| Complete Bicknell’s Thrush bibliography |
Spring 2009 |
|
| AOU BITH Symposium |
August 2009 |
|
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Potential Limiting Factors
Atmospheric Phenomenon |
calcium depletion from acid rain |
lead or other trace elements |
mercury bioaccumulation |
nitrogen deposition |
Climate Change |
change in prey base emergence |
cone-red squirrel cycle disruption |
forest pathogens/pests |
frequency of tropical storms (erratic weather) |
increased precipitation/wind storms |
increasing temp and forest conversion |
interspecific competition |
natural fires |
Direct Mortality |
catastrophic weather events |
disease, parasites, & decreased immune function |
incidental take during research |
introduced predators (rats and cats) |
migration hazards (towers, lights) |
Habitat Loss & Degradation |
changing forest practices |
coastal development (loss of migratory habitat) |
feral domestic animals alter habitat |
fire suppression in National Forests |
human disturbance |
human-caused fires |
industrial development (wind, communication, and ski) |
subsistence farming and logging |
succession |
Other |
incidental take during forestry |
inherent low genetic diversity |
male-biased sex ratio (unknown cause) |
seasonal interactions & impact on fitness |
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Population Goals
Goal 1: To measure the annual population status of Bicknell's Thrush in terms of distribution, abundance/density, and occupancy using data collected by Mountain Birdwatch.
Goal 2: To measure changes in the population status of Bicknell's Thrush over time using data collected by Mountain Birdwatch.
Goal 3. To relate population status and trend information to biotic and abiotic variables that may affect Bicknell's Thrush.
Goal 4. To estimate the global population of Bicknell's Thrush.
Habitat Goals
Goal 1: To restore, protect, and manage known and potential Bicknell's Thrush habitat on the breeding grounds.
Goal 2: To restore, protect, and manage known and potential Bicknell's Thrush habitat on the wintering grounds.
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Priority Conservation Actions
Subgroups were formed around evolving themes during the first IBTCG meeting. Contact the designated co-chair(s) to become involved in a specific area. Each subgroup has developed a list of priority conservation actions to work on in the next 3-5 years, listed below.
Breeding and Migration
Breeding and Migration Research--Investigating specific research questions that potentially limit Bicknell's Thrush throughout its annual cycle, such as climate change, industrial development, ecotoxicity, and epidemiology.
Kent McFarland: kmcfarland AT vtecostudies.org
Kevin Fraser: kevin.fraser AT unb.ca
- Increase research across elevation and latitudinal gradients to track effects of climate change
- Identify important migratory stopover sites, routes, and patterns
- Measure the effects of forestry practices on abundance and fecundity
- Determine where Calcium comes from in the diet to assess effect of acid deposition
Forestry--Investigating the potential impacts of forestry practices on Bicknell's Thrush breeding success, primarily in Maine and Canada.
Greg Campbell: gcampbell AT bsc-eoc.org
Scott Makepeace: scott.makepeace AT gnb.ca
- Partner with timber companies to develop management guidelines
- Conduct a habitat supply analysis that incorporates management practices
- Research short- and long-term impacts of forestry practices on productivity
Monitoring--Developing a range-wide monitoring program for Bicknell's Thrush on the breeding grounds.
Becky Whittam: bwhittam AT bsc-eoc.org
Seeking a co-chair
- Monitor response to changes in habitat due to climate change, forest succession, and forest management
- Establish and operate a network of climate change research sites spanning elevation and latitudinal gradients
- Research site-specific responses of birds to industrial development pressures
Wintering Grounds
Investigating potential limiting factors on the wintering grounds, primarily loss and degradation of habitat, non-native predators, economic factors, and educating the public.
Chris Rimmer: crimmer AT vtecostudies.org
Seeking a co-chair
- Protect, restore, and manage current and potential wintering habitat
- Expand resources and reach of the Bicknell's Thrush Habitat Protection Fund
- Research overwinter survival and demography relative to local habitat conditions and quality
- Clarify distribution and habitat use on other islands in the Greater Antilles
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