Linking the Peaks: a preliminary conservation strategy for
birds of the Yellowstone to Yukon region.
Authors:
Susan J. Hannon, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Univ. Alberta,
Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9
Judy Muir, Dept. of Biological Sciences, Univ. Alberta,
Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9
Andy Hansen, Ecology Dept. Montana State Univ.,
Bozeman, MT 59717
Marcy Mahr, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative,
P.O. Box 423, Kila, MT 59920
Daniel Casey, American Bird Conservancy, 33 Second Street
East, Kalispell, MT 59901
Troy Merrill, LTB Consulting, 208 S. Main St., Suite 7,
Moscow, ID 83843
Kathy
Martin, Centre for Applied Conservation Biology,
Forest Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver,
B.C. V6T 1Z4.
Abstract: The Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation
Initiative aims to create a Conservation Area Design that
maintains biodiversity and ecological processes in the Y2Y
ecoregion. The underlying strategy is to maintain connectivity
between core secure habitats for focal species. For birds, we
chose focal species representing key ecological processes
(including migration and dispersal), trophic structure, foraging
and nesting guilds, and vulnerability to current and expected
anthropogenic stressors. We also identified key habitats, such as
elevational and latitudinal migration habitats, with an assessment
of their current protection status and current and future risk of
anthropogenic disturbance. A preliminary plan for the conservation
area is proposed.
