A comparison of satellite data and landscape variables in predicting bird species occurrences in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. USA

Abstract

We compare the accuracy of predicting the occurrence of 11 bird species in montane meadows of the Greater Yellowstone National Park ecosystem, in the states of Montana and Wyoming, USA. We used remotely sensed, landscape, and habitat data. The meadow type, as determined from the remotely sensed data, was highly correlated with abundances of six of the 11 bird species. Landscape variables significant in predicting occurrence were selected using a stepwise multiple regression for each bird species. These variables were then used in a multiple regression with the variable meadow type. As expected, the abundances of the generalist species (American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, White-crowned Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, and Chipping Sparrow) were not strongly correlated with landscape variables or meadow type. Conversely, abundances of the Common Snipe, Common Yellowthroat, Lincoln's Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, and Yellow Warbler were highly correlated with meadow type and landscape variables such as percent cover of willow (Salix spp.), graminoid, woody vegetation, sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), and graminoid and shrub biomass. The results from our study indicate that remotely sensed data are applicable for estimating potential habitats for bird species in the different types of montane meadows. However, to improve predictions about species in specific sites or areas, we recommend the use of additional landscape metrics and habitat data collected in the field.