Abundance and Trends of Woodpecker Populations in the Wright State Biology Preserve

Abstract

<p>Wildlife population monitoring plays a critical role in identifying long-term environmental change and its potential impacts on biodiversity. We have now completed 4 years of winter population monitoring of woodpeckers (family Picidae) in the 80 ha Wright State Biology Preserve. Data have been collected annually using a standard point count protocol at 15 points along an established route, with ten routes completed each winter. To date, we have encountered 0.73 downy woodpeckers, 0.33 red-bellied woodpeckers, 0.27 hairy woodpeckers, and 0.133 pileated woodpeckers per route survey. Northern flickers and yellow-bellied sapsuckers are known to be present but are below a detection threshold with this protocol. There are slight year-to-year fluctuations in woodpecker numbers, and this may be due to changes in weather, changes in the identity of observers, or sampling error. With an established baseline, we expect to see increases in woodpecker numbers in response to elevated tree mortality caused by invasive pest species (such as the Emerald Ash Borer), wind or ice storms, drought, and climate change.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 8, 2011</p>