Avian and Herpetological Survey Results for Fairchild Air Force Base and Ancillary Properties

Abstract

Abstract : Many reptile, amphibian (collectively termed herpetofauna ), and avian populations are declining at a precipitous rate. Department of Defense (DoD) installations likely serve as refuges of intact critical habitat for avian and herpetofaunal species. As more species be-come a conservation concern, it becomes increasingly important for DoD land managers to document the species that currently exist on their lands and, through proactive management, avoid potential conflicts between conservation measures and military training. DoD in-stallations will likely assume the task of protecting threatened and endangered herpetofaunal species. Installation land management practices will maintain the long-term viability of these species populations. The first step in developing a process to successfully man-age wildlife species on DoD installations is to survey their populations. This work surveyed avian and herpetofaunal populations on Fairchild Air Force Base (FAFB) and used survey results to extrapolate guidelines for species management.