Lusk et al. studied habitat characteristics affecting Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) nest-site selection and nest success in a southern mixed-grass prairie in Oklahoma. The authors used a neural -network technique to discriminate between nest and random locations, and a 95% confidence intervals to compare habitat features of successful and unsuccessful nests. Lusk et al. located 40 nests during two years of the study, for which crude nest-success was 26.3%. Most nest were located in either moderately grazed pasture (55%) or heavily grazed pasture (40%). The neural model correctly identified nest and random points 91% of the time. According to the model, percentage of structural cover, distance to nearest structural element, bare-ground exposure, and percentage of litter cover were the most important nest-site selection criteria. Successful nest had less bare-ground exposure and more litter cover compared to unsuccessful nests. The authors suggest that habitat management for Lark Sparrows in mixed-grass prairie should focus on creating abundant structural cover with moderate levels of litter accumulation and bare ground.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.