Project Team
Funding Source
Main goals of the project:
- Determine the ideal density and configuration of suitable habitat needed to support pheasant populations.
- Predict how pheasant populations will respond to spatially targeted habitat management.
- Use remote sensing to detect fire, haying, and grazing disturbances on the landscape, which affect pheasant habitat.
Why is this research needed?
Over the last 50 years we have seen declines in populations of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) throughout the Midwest, largely driven by the intensification of agricultural practices leading to habitat loss. In response, state wildlife agencies have focused on enrolling private lands in conservation programs that work with producers to convert agricultural fields into suitable wildlife habitat. However, we do not currently have a framework for understanding how conversion of specific land parcels impacts pheasant populations, making it impossible for managers to prioritize lands that will have the maximum benefits. In addition, landscapes can change quickly from disturbances such as fire, haying, and grazing, which can impact the success of pheasants. Unfortunately, biologists often can’t see real-time data on disturbance levels when identifying areas for habitat management.
How will this research help?
Our research aims to provide managers with the tools needed to strategically target land for conservation based on the predicted benefits to pheasant populations.