CESI Research Project 99-3
The endangered Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow is one of South Florida's most imperiled species. The range of the diminutive bird is found almost entirely within the boundaries of Everglades National Park. Because sparrows construct their nests near the ground, both natural and human-caused changes to these areas can have significant implications for breeding populations.
This CESI-funded study examines the impacts to known sparrow populations following a particularly intense wildfire in 2001. The investigation offers new analysis on previous long-term population surveys and makes several recommendations on methodology for use in future range-wide surveys.
Cassey, P., J.L. Lockwood, K.H. Fenn. 2007. Using long-term occupancy information to inform the management of Cape Sable seaside sparrows in the Everglades. Biological Conservation 139, 139-149.
La Puma, D.A., J.L. Lockwood, M.J. Davis. 2007. Endangered species management requires a new look at the benefit of fire: The Cape Sable seaside sparrow in the Everglades ecosystem. Biological Conservation 136, 398-407.
Contact the principal investigator directly with questions about this study.
Cape Sable, Seaside Sparrow, Julie Lockwood, David LaPuma, Phillip Cassey, Michelle Davis, Katherine Fenn, Endangered, Fire, CESI, Critical Ecosystem Studies Initiative, Population, Everglades, National Park
Did You Know?
In the 1800s John James Audubon noted that the sky was often darkened by the flocks of numerous birds above. Since the early 20th century, around 93% of the wading bird population has vanished. Much of the wildlife left in south Florida depends on Everglades National Park for a home.