Developing Gyrfalcon surveys and monitoring for Alaska

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Abstract

We developed methods to monitor the status of Gyrfalcons in Alaska. Results of surveys and monitoring will be informative for resource managers and will be useful for studying potential changes in ecological communities of the high latitudes. We estimated that the probability of detecting a Gyrfalcon at an occupied nest site was between 64% and 87% depending on observer experience and aircraft type (fixed-wing or helicopter). The probability of detection is an important factor for estimating occupancy of nesting areas, and occupancy can be used as a metric for monitoring species' status. We conclude that surveys of nesting habitat to monitor occupancy during the breeding season are practical because of the high probability of seeing a Gyrfalcon from aircraft. Aerial surveys are effective for searching sample plots or index areas in the expanse of the Alaskan terrain. Furthermore, several species of cliff-nesting birds can be surveyed concurrently from aircraft. Occupancy estimation also can be applied using data from other field search methods (e.g., from boats) that have proven useful in Alaska. We believe a coordinated broad-scale, inter-agency, collaborative approach is necessary in Alaska. Monitoring can be facilitated by collating and archiving each set of results in a secure universal repository to allow for statewide meta-analysis.
Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title Developing Gyrfalcon surveys and monitoring for Alaska
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher The Peregrine Fund
Publisher location Boise, ID
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 8 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World
First page 275
Last page 282
Conference Title Gyrfalcons and Ptarmigan in a Changing World
Conference Location Boise, Idaho
Conference Date February 1-3, 2011
Country United States
State Alaska
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