WEST biologists and statisticians, Karen Tyrell, Kristin Brightwell, Rosa Palmer, Matthew Crane, and Ted Owen are co-authors on the recently published research article, “Inland Habitat Selection Model for Wintering Whooping Cranes”, in the Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop.
As the Aransas-Wood Buffalo whooping crane population has increased in recent years, individuals overwintering in Texas have been observed using inland winter habitat in addition to coastal marshes. As the population continues to grow, this behavior may increase exposure to anthropogenic disturbance by this federally endangered species. We are delighted to have collaborated with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in the development of this model, which provides an initial tool for identifying potential effects to whooping crane inland habitat use in proximity to anthropogenic development.
