Research

Research Conceptual Model


Gawlik (2002) proposed a conceptual model with a list of potential factors that could modify the effect of prey density on wading birds. The model depicts how factors that affect regional prey populations might only partly affect the availability of prey for wading birds, which is the variable to which birds respond.

 

 

Recent
Publications

 

Current Research Projects

Seasonal Fauna Concentrations


This project monitors seasonal concentrations of aquatic fauna in the Everglades. It is part of the monitoring and assessment for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Wading Bird Reproductive Physiology

PhD: Garth Herring

This project links landscape level prey availability and the physiological response of adult white ibis and great egrets. It also quantifies the effect of prey availability on nesting success, chick survival, and chick growth.

Wading Bird Resource Use

MS: James Beerens
This project links landscape level prey availability with resource use and movements of adult white ibis and great egrets.

Wood Stork Foraging Habitat Selection

MS: Heidi Kirk

This project provides resource managers with up to date information on where wood storks nesting in specific colonies in Everglades National Park are feeding. The locations and characteristics of feeding areas also provide a linkage with seasonal fauna concentrations monitored as part of CERP.
LILA: Factors affecting wading bird prey availability and foraging success MS: Samantha Lantz
The primary goal of this project is to determine how hydrological, biological, and physical features of the Everglades affect prey availability for wading birds during the dry season.
Wading Bird Habitat Suitability Index MS: Phillip Heidemann
This project will develop a computer simulation model of wading bird habitat suitability in south west Florida. It is intended to use hydrologic parameters to estimate wading bird foraging and reproductive success.
Wading Bird Colonies at Lake Okeechobee PhD: Damion Marx
This project monitors the timing, size, and location of wading bird colonies at Lake Okeechobee.
Site characteristics and seasonal fauna concentrations MS: Brian Garrett

This project works on developing a simulation model that displays the potential effects of different levels of microtopography upon prey concentrations during the annual hydrologic dry down in the Everglades marsh.  

Prey Concentration Model Animation