Title: Testing Biophysical and Land Use Controls on Avian Biodiversity

Contact: Linda Phillips

Funding: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Abstract:

Ecological theory suggests that the potential for biodiversity varies across the continent as determined by biophysical factors.  Ecosystem energy, for example, sets an upper limit on species richness. Intensive human land use is now widespread over North America and likely reduces biodiversity below the biophysical potential.  The nature of biophysical controls and the impacts of land use on biodiversity are now currently well understood.  New satellite data offer promise of major breakthroughs in addressing these topics.  The goal of this study is to evaluate the utility of Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products to quantify and map aspects of bird biodiversity across North America and to use these data to test hypotheses on natural and human controls on biodiversity within and between ecoregions.  The study is designed to greatly improve our understanding of biodiversity potential across the continent, quantify how land use has altered biodiversity from this potential, and to prioritize places within and among ecoregions in conservation importance.

Research Overview Poster, presented at American Geophysical Union Conference December 2004, San Francisco, CA

Human Impacts on Bird Diversity across the energy gradient of North America, Preliminary Results Poster.

                    Presented American Museum of Natural History, NYC, Center for Biodiversity Conservation Symposium,

                     Conserving Birds in Human Dominated Landscapes

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Last modified  May 2, 2006