Determining Daily Occupancy of Black Terns Using Autonomous Recording Units
Wildlife Ecology and Management Sarah Hougard
Black Terns ( Chlidonias niger ) in the Great Lakes region, have been suffering population declines over the past decades. In Wisconsin, Black Terns are listed as an endangered species and a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). During the breeding season, Black Terns are found throughout Wisconsin in shallow freshwater marshes that contain emergent vegetation. Loss and degradation of these wetlands have been a significant threat to this species and the main reason for their decline. More research is needed on Black Terns to better monitor this species and determine overall abundance. This research project aims to estimate the occupancy of Black Terns through daily presence on the Upper Mississippi River. To do this, data were analyzed from autonomous recording units (ARUs) placed along the Upper Mississippi River. These ARUs were placed in a variety of riverine wetlands from May 1st through June 15th. Because ARUs have not previously been used to detect Black Terns specifically, this study will help determine if ARUs are an effective monitoring method.
Advisors: Marie Perkins, Ph.D. Jason Riddle, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Wildlife
Type: Oral
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Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium
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