Demographics of the Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) on Fort Hood,Texas

摘要

The Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) is a federally endangeredmigratory passerine that has its breeding range contained in the central Texas area that includes Fort Hood. Its listing as endangered in 1991 was a result of the rapid degradation and increasing fragmentation of habitat, causing a decline in their population. To assist in conservation and recovery of the Golden-cheeked Warbler and comply with the Endangered Species Act, environmental managers need information on the demographic parameters of the population on Fort Hood. Researchers surveyed and documented the Golden-checked Warbler on Fort Hood, Texas between 1991 and 1996. The population remained relatively stable, with a slight decrease in 1996. The average return rate for males banded as adults was 45.5%; for males banded as juveniles the average was 16.9%. Dispersal distances for males banded as adults averaged 223 m. Dispersal distances for males banded as juveniles were significantly greater, with an average of 4,040 m. Densities of territorial males remained relatively stable between 1992 and 1996, with a peak density of 28 males per 100 ha (average of 18 males per 100 ha). Productivity of males within an intensive study area averaged 2.0 young per mated male.