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Abstract
The Sky Island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona contain a unique and rich avifaunal community, including many Neotropical migratory species whose northern breeding range extends to these mountains along with many species typical of similar habitats throughout western North America. Understanding ecological factors that influence species richness and biological diversity of both resident and migratory species is important for conservation of this unique bird assemblage. We used a 5-year data set to evaluate avian species distribution across montane habitat types within the Santa Rita, Santa Catalina, Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Pinaleño Mountains. Using point-count data from spring-summer breeding seasons, we describe avian diversity and community dynamics. We use a Bayesian hierarchical model to describe occupancy as a function of vegetative cover type and mountain range latitude, and detection probability as a function of species heterogeneity and sampling effort. By identifying important habitat correlates for avian species, these results can help guide management decisions to minimize loss of key habitats and guide restoration efforts in response to disturbance events in the Madrean Archipelago.
Parent Publication
Keywords
Madrean Archipelago,
Sky Islands,
southwestern United States,
northern Mexico,
natural environment,
fauna,
flora,
research,
management,
biodiversity,
climate change
Citation
Sanderlin, Jamie S.; Block, William M.; Ganey, Joseph L.; Iniguez, Jose M. 2013. Preliminary assessment of species richness and avian community dynamics in the Madrean Sky Islands, Arizona. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Collins, Loa C. Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ. Proceedings. RMRS-P-67. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 180-190.
