Comparative use of Phragmites australis and other habitats by birds,amphibians, and small mammals at Long Point, Ontario. S.W Meyer
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TextSeries: Thesis. (M.Sc.)Publication details: London, ON : University of Western Ontario, 2003Abstract: The recent expansion of an exotic genotype of Phragmites australis throughout many coastal wetlands of the lower Great Lakes has caused concern that it will reduce floral and faunal diodiversity. Few studies,however, have documented use of exotic Phragmites stands by wildlife. I surveyed birds, amphibians, and small mammals in various stand sizes of Phragmites, Typha spp., and marsh meadow at Long Point, Lake Erie,Ontario during 2001 and 2002. Avian point counts showed that stands of exotic Phragmites had fewer rails, waterfowl, and breeding Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) than did stands of Typha or marsh meadow.Large stands of exotic Phragmites, however, had a high abundance of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) and provided habitat for Least Bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis), swallows (Family Hirundinidae), juvenile Swamp Sparrows, and Marsh Wrens (Cistothorus palustris). Use of exotic Phragmites by Virginia (Rallus limicola
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Theses
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Research Library Theses | Non-fiction | MEY (Browse shelf(Opens below)) | Available | 5225 |
The recent expansion of an exotic genotype of Phragmites australis throughout many coastal wetlands of the lower Great Lakes has caused concern that it will reduce floral and faunal diodiversity. Few studies,however, have documented use of exotic Phragmites stands by wildlife. I surveyed birds, amphibians, and small mammals in various stand sizes of Phragmites, Typha spp., and marsh meadow at Long Point, Lake Erie,Ontario during 2001 and 2002. Avian point counts showed that stands of exotic Phragmites had fewer rails, waterfowl, and breeding Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) than did stands of Typha or marsh meadow.Large stands of exotic Phragmites, however, had a high abundance of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) and provided habitat for Least Bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis), swallows (Family Hirundinidae), juvenile Swamp Sparrows, and Marsh Wrens (Cistothorus palustris). Use of exotic Phragmites by Virginia (Rallus limicola