Shorebird Ecology, Conservation, and Management

1. Auflage 2010
ISBN: 978-0-520-26640-7
Verlag: University of California Press

Buch, Englisch, 344 Seiten, Cloth Over Boards, Format (B × H): 185 mm x 258 mm, Gewicht: 886 g

Shorebirds are model organisms for illustrating the principles of ecology and excellent subjects for research. Their mating systems are as diverse as any avian group, their migrations push the limits of endurance, and their foraging is easily studied in the open habitats of estuaries and freshwater wetlands. This comprehensive text explores the ecology, conservation, and management of these fascinating birds. Beginning chapters examine phylogenetic relationships between shorebirds and other birds, and cover shorebird morphology, anatomy, and physiology. A section on breeding biology looks in detail at their reproductive biology. Because shorebirds spend much of their time away from breeding areas, a substantial section on non-breeding biology covers migration, foraging ecology, and social behavior. The text also covers shorebird demography, population size, and management issues related to habitat, predators, and human disturbances. Throughout, it emphasizes applying scientific knowledge to the conservation of shorebird populations, many of which are unfortunately in decline.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Colwell, Mark A.

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Tierkunde / Zoologie Wirbeltiere (Vertebrata) Vögel (Ornithologie)
• Geowissenschaften Umweltwissenschaften Umweltschutz, Umwelterhaltung

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface and Acknowledgments

Part I Evolutionary Relationships, Anatomy and Morphology, and Breeding Biology

1 INTRODUCTION

Diversity and Distribution
Varied Ecomorphology

Diverse Social Systems

Globe- Trotting Migrants

Wetland Dependence

Conservation and Management

Rationale for and Organization of this book

2 SYSTEMATICS, PHYLOGENY, AND PHYLOGEOGRAPHY

Fossil History

A Brief History of Shorebird Systematics

Phylogeography

Hybridization in Shorebirds

Biogeography and Communities

Conservation Implications

3 MORPHOLOGY, ANATOMY, AND PHYSIOLOGY

Skeletal and Muscle System

Integumentary System

Sensory Apparatus, Foraging, and Digestion
Digestive System

Energetics and Thermoregulation

Osmoregulation

Reproductive System

Conservation Implications

4 MATING SYSTEMS

Defining a Mating System

The Role of Ecological Factors

Social versus Gene tic

Relationships
Parental Care Patterns

Evolution of Polyandry

Variance in Reproductive Success

Size Dimorphism

Sex Ratios

Conservation Implications

5 BREEDING BIOLOGY

Philopatry, Breeding Site Fidelity, and Dispersal

Spring Arrival Schedules
Courtship Behavior

Breeding Densities

Selection of a Breeding Site

Eggs

Incubation

Hatching

Chick Growth and Development

Conservation Implications

Part II Nonbreeding Ecology and Demography

6 MIGRATION

Origins and Evolution
Migration Strategies

Physiology of Migration

Hop, Skip, and Jump

Populations and Flyways

Conservation Implications

7 FORAGING ECOL OGY AND HABITAT USE

Diets

Foraging Maneuvers and Habitat Use
Acquiring Energy

Food Availability

Individual Variation

Conservation Implications

8 SHOREBIRDS AS PREDATORS

Shorebird Predators and Their Prey

Predicting Wetland Use

Competition and Food Limitation

Prey Reduction
Community Ecology

Conservation Implications

9 SPATIAL ECOLOGY AND WINTER SOCIAL ORGANIZATION

Quantifying Spatial Distributions

A Range of Social Organization

Roosts
Conservation Implications

10 POPULATION BIOLOGY

Demography

Survival

Productivity

Population Sizes and Trends
Monitoring Programs

Limiting Factors

Human Impacts

Conservation Implications

Part III Management and Conservation

11 HABITAT CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Decision Making in Wildlife Management

Wetland Conservation

Conservation Planning and Implementation

Wetland Management

Agricultural Lands
Salt Ponds

Sandy, Ocean- Fronting Beaches

Conservation Implications

12 MANAGING PREDATORS

Ethical Considerations and Decision Making

Do Predators Limit Shorebird Populations?
Methods of Control

Conservation Implications

13 MANAGING HUMAN DISTURBANCE

Definitions of Human Disturbance

Characterizing Disturbance

Responses to Disturbance

Managing Disturbance

Conservation Implications

14 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Professional Groups

Environmental Education

Ecotourism and Birding Festivals

Books and Online Resources

Conservation Implications

Appendix

Index

Über Autor(innen)

Mark A. Colwell, Professor in the Wildlife Department at Humboldt State University, has been studying shorebirds for nearly thirty years.