Current research
The only wild population of Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) in the world is endangered. In the late 1940s, about 15 individuals were breeding in northern Canada and wintering in coastal Texas. To safeguard this species from extinction, a second migratory population of 100 individuals was reintroduced that migrates from breeding grounds in Wisconsin to non-breeding areas in the southeastern United States. Wintering locations and habits of Whooping Cranes are well-known for the wild population, but relatively less is known about the non-breeding season for the reintroduced population. Unlike the wild population, the reintroduced population is using a variety of habitats in a wide range of areas, with overlapping winter home ranges.
My thesis research was designed to describe winter habitat use of Whooping Cranes from the reintroduced population. The objectives of this study are to use VHF radio telemetry to identify patch-scale habitat characteristics, behaviors associated with these habitats, and if habitat use differs throughout the flyway. We also use satellite telemetry to identify wintering use areas, stopover locations, migratory routes, and timing of migrations. Analyses include historical data (2002 – 2018) as well as data collected during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 non-breeding seasons. Understanding winter habitat needs of this population will influence management of this endangered species, their wintering areas, and future reintroduction efforts.
My thesis research was designed to describe winter habitat use of Whooping Cranes from the reintroduced population. The objectives of this study are to use VHF radio telemetry to identify patch-scale habitat characteristics, behaviors associated with these habitats, and if habitat use differs throughout the flyway. We also use satellite telemetry to identify wintering use areas, stopover locations, migratory routes, and timing of migrations. Analyses include historical data (2002 – 2018) as well as data collected during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 non-breeding seasons. Understanding winter habitat needs of this population will influence management of this endangered species, their wintering areas, and future reintroduction efforts.
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