Document Type
Report
Publication Date
1999
Abstract
The Wellsville Mountains raptor migration study in northern Utah is an ongoing effort to monitor longterm trends in populations of raptors using this northern Rocky Mountain migratory flyway. Raptors feed atop food pyramids, inhabit most ecosystems, occupy large home ranges, and are sensitive to environmental contamination and other human disturbances. Therefore, they serve as important biological indicators of ecosystem health (Cade et al. 1988; Bednarz et al. 1990a; Bildstein and Zalles 1995). For example, long-term migration counts in the eastern United States documented declines in several raptor species and helped us understand the deleterious effects of organochlorine pesticides (Spofford 1969, Mueller et al. 1988, Bednarz et al. 1990b). Migration counts, in particular, may also represent the most cost-effective and efficient method for monitoring the regional status and trends of multiple raptor species (Bednarz and Kerlinger 1989, Titus et al. 1989, Bildstein and Zalles 1995, Bildstein et al. 1995, Dunn and Hussell 1995, Dixon et al. 1998, Hoffman et al. in review).
Recommended Citation
United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, "Fall 1998 Raptor Migrations Study in the Wellsville Mountains of Northern Utah" (1999). Elusive Documents. Paper 7.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/elusive_docs/7