Woody Plant Invasion into the Freshwater Marl Prairie Habitat of the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow: Final Report

Authors

Erin Hanan, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Michael Ross, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Jay Sah, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Pablo L. Ruiz, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Susana Stofella, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Nilesh Timilsina, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
David Jones, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International UniversityFollow
Jose Espinar, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University
Rachel King, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida International University

Date of this Version

2-19-2009

Document Type

Report

Abstract

In the fall of 2005, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) contracted with Florida International University (FIU) to study the physical and biological drivers underlying the distribution of woody plant species in the marl prairie habitat of the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow (CSSS). This report presents what we have learned about woody plant encroachment based on studies carried out during the period 2006-2008. The freshwater marl prairie habitat currently occupied by the Cape Sable seaside sparrow (CSSS; Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis) is a dynamic mosaic comprised of species-rich grassland communities and tree islands of various sizes, densities and compositions. Landscape heterogeneity and the scale of vegetative components across the marl prairie is primarily determined by hydrologic conditions, biological factors (e.g. dispersal and growth morphology), and disturbances such as fire. The woody component of the marl prairie landscape is subject to expansion through multiple positive feedback mechanisms, which may be initiated by recent land use change (e.g. drainage). Because sparrows are known to avoid areas where the woody component is too extensive, a better understanding of invasion dynamics is needed to ensure proper management.

Comments

A report from the South Florida Terrestrial Ecosystems Lab (SOFTEL).

Recommended Citation

Hanan, Erin; Ross, Michael; Sah, Jay; Ruiz, Pablo L.; Stofella, Susana; Timilsina, Nilesh; Jones, David; Espinar, Jose; and King, Rachel, "Woody Plant Invasion into the Freshwater Marl Prairie Habitat of the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow: Final Report" (2009). SERC Research Reports. 88.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/sercrp/88