Literature Review of Actual and Potential Effects of Military Maneuvers on AvianBehavior, Reproduction, and Community Structure

摘要

The Endangered Species Act, 1973 as amended, requires military installations toprotect endangered birds and their habitats. Installations must fulfill their military training mission while limiting the associated impacts on birds. Currently, efforts to protect birds are hampered by a lack of knowledge about the actual and potential effects of military maneuvers. This literature review examines reports of the effects of military activities on birds and the effects of certain maneuver-like recreational and natural-resource activities that produce disturbances similar to those induced by troop and mechanized movements. Direct and indirect (habitat) effects are discussed, with emphasis on whether activities impacted avian behavior, reproduction, and community structure. The quality of existing information is summarized in terms of its value for establishing causal relations. The types of information needed are identified so installations can meet their dual responsibilities of effectively training combat troops and protecting endangered birds.