Monday, October 10, 2016

Yellow-breasted Chat



Research and population monitoring (2001-2016) of Western Yellow-breasted Chats (Icteria auricollis virens) (Endangered Southern Mountain population) : Okanagan Valley BC


The purpose of this research and monitoring is to learn key information to contribute to the Recovery of this population which breeds in the Okanagan, Similkameen and Kootenay Valleys in BC

1) collect data on population size and distribution
2) determine habitat selection
3) determine productivity, dispersal and annual survival and population growth
4) identify critical habitat
5) determine the impact of habitat restoration
6) determine overwintering areas in USA and central America in collaboration with partners in conservation in Mexico and USA.


This research is conducted by Environment and Climate Change Canada in collaboration with the Osoyoos Indian Band, En’owkin Centre, and BC Forests Lands and Natural Resources Operations (FLNRO), Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia.



Solar powered water pump and alternate water facility for livestock, South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area. Installed by the provincial agrologists to reduce cattle destruction of riparian habitat for the benefit of endangered Western Yellow-breasted Chat population. This is within the 900 ha site of the largest density of breeding pairs of Western yellow-breasted chats in Okanagan valley.




 
Kristen Mancuso, new PhD student at UBC, with Karen Hodges and Christine Bishop co supervising. Kristen will examine overwintering sites and routes and annual survival of western yellow-breasted chats and gray catbirds at the limit of their range in Canada in comparison to populations of these species from the USA in the core of their range.


 




 
 








Pretty happy for 4:45 am. Field crew, 2015. Photo: A.M. Bezener/En’owkin Centre


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