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monitoring
the northern goshawk on the targhee national forest, idaho |
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Susan
Patla |
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| Work began in 1989 to monitor the productivity and nesting habitats of the elusive, top-level, forest predator, the northern goshawk. On Targhee National Forest, which forms the southwestern portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the goshawk is a designated Management Indicator Species for mature and old growth forests as well as a Sensitive Species. A healthy goshawk population reflects a well-functioning forest ecosystem with an adequate number of nesting stands and good productivity of prey species such as tree squirrels and grouse. |  |
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• Scientific surveys.To determine annual occupancy and productivity trends, we survey randomly selected territories used in the past by goshawks. Half of the territories are in undisturbed areas of the forest and half in timber-harvest areas. Comparison of these groups over the years provides insight on how management activities affect goshawk habitat use and reproductive success. Results of the long-term study are also useful in evaluating the effectiveness of goshawk habitat guidelines that manage vegetation in a 6,000-acre area surrounding known nests. • Effective management. Only with long-term monitoring can we begin to understand patterns of habitat use and natural variation in reproductive success for such a long-lived avian predator. Such understanding will, we hope, lead to more effective management. Managing goshawk habitat means far more than conserving a single species. Numerous prey species as well as other forest raptors such as Cooper’s hawks and great gray owls also benefit from good forest management. Associated
Publications of Interest |
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