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Project T-36-P1

Project Title: Interrelationships of Grassland Birds with Sand Prairie Plants and Insects

Community and/or Species Focus:

 Grassland birds, Grassland plants, Prairie insects

Goals/Objectives:
  1. Estimate grassland bird population densities
  2. Evaluate grassland habitat structure and composition at point count locations
  3. Assess insect diversity and abundance
  4. Examine links among birds, plants, and insects
  5. Determine effects of management on bird populations
Achievements:
  1. ​Each observed species was classified by reliance on habitat; all species showed declines over the course of the study, with obligate grassland species impacted the most
  2. Vegetation structure was measured at 4 points centered around each bird-count point
  3. Insect surveys were conducted and resulted in the​ sampling of 18 Arachnid and Insect Orders
  4. Principle components analysis was used to assess relationships among plant diversity, vegetation structure, and insect and bird abundance variables
  5. Management consisted of prescribed burning, which did not have the desired effect on bird populations

Post-Project Survey (if applicable): n/a

Project Period: 2007 - 2011

Principle Investigator(s):

 Charles Zukoski (University of Illinois Urbana Champaign/Illinois Natural History Survey)

Final Report:
T-36-P1​​