Shorebird Ecology, Conservation, and Management

About this book

Shorebirds are model organisms for illustrating the principles of ecology and excellent subjects for research. Their mating systems are as diverse as any avian group, their migrations push the limits of endurance, and their foraging is easily studied in the open habitats of estuaries and freshwater wetlands.

This comprehensive text explores the ecology, conservation, and management of these fascinating birds. Beginning chapters examine phylogenetic relationships between shorebirds and other birds, and cover shorebird morphology, anatomy and physiology. A section on breeding biology looks in detail at their reproductive biology.

Because shorebirds spend much of their time away from breeding areas, a substantial section on non-breeding biology covers migration, foraging ecology, and social behavior. The text also covers shorebird demography, population size and management issues related to habitat, predators and human disturbances. Throughout, it emphasizes applying scientific knowledge to the conservation of shorebird populations, many of which are unfortunately in decline.

Contents

Part 1: Evolutionary Relationships, Anatomy and Morphology, and Breeding Biology
- Introduction
- Systematics, Phylogeny and Phylogeography
- Morphology, Anatomy and Physiology
- Mating Systems
- Breeding Biology

Part 2: Nonbreeding Ecology and Demography
- Migration
- Foraging Ecology and Habitat Use
- Shorebirds as Predators
- Spatial Ecology and Winter Social Organisation
- Population Biology

Part 3: Management and Conservation
- Habitat Conservation and Management
- Managing Predatos
- Manging Human Disturbance
- Education and Outreach

Customer Reviews

Biography

Mark A. Colwell, Professor in the Wildlife Department at Humboldt State University, has been studying shorebirds for nearly thirty years.