Journal or Publishing Institution: The Journal of Wildlife Management
Study: https://www.jstor.org/stable/3801307
Author(s): Santillo, D.J., Brown, P.W. and Leslie Jr, D.M.
Article Type: Peer Reviewed Study
Abstract:
We examined breeding bird populations and habitats on glyphosate (nitrogen-phosphonomethyl glycine) (Roundup, Monsanto, St. Louis, Mo.)-treated and untreated clearcuts in north-central Maine. Treatment of clearcuts with glyphosate herbicide reduced the complexity of vegetation through 3 years post-treatment compared to untreated clearcuts. Total numbers of birds, common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas), Lincoln’s sparrows (Melospiza lincolnii), and alder flycatchers (Empidonax alnorum) were less
abundant (P < 0.05) on treated clearcuts than on untreated clearcuts. Songbird densities were correlated
with habitat complexity, especially hardwood regeneration, foliage height diversity (FHD), and vegetation
height. Leaving untreated patches of vegetation and staggering herbicide treatments on large clearcuts will
maintain bird populations similar to those on untreated clearcuts.
Keywords: Herbicides, Vegetation, Habitat Destruction, Bird Songs, Leaves, Sparrows, Animal Communities, Conifers
Citation:
Santillo, D.J., Brown, P.W. and Leslie Jr, D.M., 1989. Response of songbirds to glyphosate-induced habitat changes on clearcuts. The Journal of Wildlife Management, pp.64-71.
Record ID: 2263
