Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Pat Kennedy

Latin name: Buteo regalis

Grassland and shrubland birds are declining globally due in part to anthropogenic habitat modification. Because population performance of these species is also influenced by non-anthropogenic factors, it is important to incorporate all relevant ecological drivers into demographic models. Design-based sampling and occupancy models were used to test relationships of environmental factors that influence raptor demographics with re-occupancy of breeding territories by ferruginous hawks across Wyoming. Although our results indicate re-occupancy of breeding territories by ferruginous hawks was compatible with densities of anthropogenic infrastructure in our study area, the lack of relationships between oil and gas well density and territory re-occupancy may have occurred. 

More information

Publications: 

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0152977