The following schedule is from the 72nd Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies which was held October 21-24, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama.
AUTHORS: Brittanie Loftin, Terri J. Maness – Louisiana Tech University
ABSTRACT: Since the 1940’s, the Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) has faced population declines throughout its continental range. These population declines have been attributed to the spraying of biocides, changes in land-use, and increasing competition from human-tolerant species. Loggerhead Shrikes are a species of conservation concern in Louisiana due to population declines in the state. Louisiana Tech ornithology students collected information about shrike nest sites from 1976 - 1989. We used these data to determine if changes in land-use could explain the reduction in shrike population in Lincoln Parish. We used ArcGIS to plot the historic nest sites. Landscape features of 8ha nest site territories were characterized using four variables important for habitat selection in shrikes: perches, tree cover, open land, and water. The percent area in each variable was compared between historical and current maps to determine land-use changes. No shrikes were found at the historic nest sites during surveys conducted in 2016-2018, so all nesting territories were used in our analyses. The amount of open area significantly decreased, while perches and tree cover significantly increased. Shrikes need open land and perches for hunting. Our results suggest that the amount of open area for hunting is critical for sustaining Loggerhead Shrikes more so than the number of perches. This information can be used to improve conservation of shrikes in our area.
