Study

Impact of prescribed burning on vegetation and bird abundance at Matagorda Island, Texas

  • Published source details Hull J.T.V, Lutz R.S. & Matthews N.E. (1997) Impact of prescribed burning on vegetation and bird abundance at Matagorda Island, Texas. Journal of Range Management, 50, 346-350.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use prescribed burning on grasslands

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Use prescribed burning on grasslands

    A replicated, controlled trial in March-May 1993-1994 on Matagorda Island, Texas, USA (Hull et al. 1997), found few differences in spring bird abundance in cordgrass Spartina-dune paspalum Paspalum monostachyum grassland subject to summer compared to winter burns. Six 122 ha plots were established each year: two unburned; two burned late August (1992-1993); and two in January (1993-1994). Wrens (Troglodytidae) were consistently most abundant in unburned plots (21-28 birds/40 ha in unburned areas vs. 2-3 for summer burn and 1 for winter burn); 18-22 months after burning wren abundance increased but was still less than within unburned plots. Sparrows (Emberizinae) were most abundant on burn plots both 6-10 months (unburned: 3-8 birds/40 ha vs. summer burn: 16-19; winter burn: 11-16) and 18-22 months post-burn.

     

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