#802: MAPS: Natural Succession Of Birds In Created Forests
If you build a forest, will the animals come to inhabit it?
That’s the question Syncrude is addressing with its forest reclamation efforts after oil sands mining.
Dr. Ken Foster of Owl Moon Environmental is researching bird populations in disturbed areas,
DR KEN FOSTER: On the reclamation side, as the habitat grows and becomes structurally complex, which would include ground cover, short shrubs, taller shrubs, and eventually a tree canopy, we’re seeing the birds move in and take advantage of these created habitats. So in the early stages when tree planting has just been completed and the habitat is fairly short, you will see the ground species coming in, which are predominantly sparrows. They like to live along the ground and they find this habitat to be suitable. As the trees grow and the understorey, the shrubs and groundcover develops, we see additional species groups moving in, the warblers, the thrushes, vireos and so on.
Dr. Ken Foster says the success of these reclaimed forests depends on whether a natural succession of birds species colonize them and breed.
Thanks today to SYNCRUDE
FOR INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY
I’M CHERYL CROUCHER
Guest
,
, , , ,
Sponsor
Syncrude
Program Date: 2016-08-11