Department
Geosciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
The objective of this project was to determine the degree and direction of association between the amount of mud/salt flat area and shorebird abundance during spring and early summer. This study used Landsat 5 to indirectly measure mudflat and salt flat areas at two wetland complexes within Kansas over a period of several years (1991-2008). These measurements were compared to shorebird surveys conducted by several individuals at both Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. A correlation analysis showed that significant relationships exist between mud/salt flat area and the abundance of certain shorebird species. Correlation coefficients for individual species differed between Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira. Statistically significant positive relationships to mudflats exist with species of Long-billed Dowitcher, Greater & Lesser Yellowlegs, and Dunlin at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. Several species of Plover and species of Greater Yellowlegs, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Stilt Sandpiper show statistically positive relationships to salt flats at Quivira. The amount of area these land cover types take up within a wetland are contributing factors to avian abundance during spring and early summer.
Advisor
Dr. John Heinrichs
Date of Award
Summer 2013
Document Type
Thesis
Recommended Citation
Reagan, Dustin, "Studying the Relationship between Mud/Salt Flat Habitat and Shorebird Abundance at Two Wetland Areas using Landsat" (2013). Master's Theses. 96.
DOI: 10.58809/DQQB7736
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/96
Rights
© 2013 Dustin Reagan
Comments
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