Effects of human disturbances on avian species composition in urbanized wetlands in the North Carolina Piedmont

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Amelia B. Kane (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Sarah Praskievicz

Abstract: Urban development alters landscapes and changes ecosystems. One of these changes is the homogenization of species, as specialist species are no longer able to survive. Wetlands are vulnerable to alteration and serve as habitat for specialized bird species. To investigate which human disturbances were related to differences in species composition and wetland specialization, I conducted species surveys at five wetland sites in Greensboro, North Carolina. I examined the relationship between avian community composition and disturbance variables using a partial least squares regression. I found that indirect disturbances such as impervious surfaces and commercial land use were negatively associated with wetland specialization. I suggest that effective wetland conservation in urbanizing areas must consider landscape context.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2022
Keywords
Avian community composition, North Carolina Piedmont, Urban wetlands, Urbanization
Subjects
Urbanization $x Environmental aspects $z North Carolina $z Greensboro
Wetlands $z North Carolina $z Greensboro
Birds $z North Carolina $z Greensboro

Email this document to