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CENTER FOR WILDLIFE ECOLOGY

Description --- Public Service --- Special Recognition --- Project Summaries

Center staff also respond to a variety of requests for information regarding wildlife and wetlands. Center scientists cooperate with the University of Illinois and other universities in the state to provide guidance and advice in the undergraduate and graduate education of Illinois students. Indeed, graduate and undergraduate students play an important role in the research mission of the Center. Most members of the Center have affiliate appointments at various universities.

Public interest in the aerial cens-uses of waterfowl throughout Illinois and the Midwest remains high. At the Stephen A. Forbes Biological Station, staff distributed information on the aerial censuses of waterfowl via mailings to various agencies throughout Illinois as well as agencies in Missouri and Iowa. The Forbes Biological Station staff hosted 211 visitors representing a broad spectrum of interests to discuss research, obtain information, or assist with station programs.

Center scientists made numerous scientific presentations, gave public lectures, and participated in many workshops. Center researchers gave invited seminars at 10 universities in the United States and Canada. Center scientists presented papers on a wide variety of topics including general avian biology, conservation of neotropical passerines, agro-ecology, general waterfowl biology, research programs at the Forbes Biological Station, habitat fragmentation effects on midwestern wildlife, waterfowl ecology and management, comparative ecology of desert-dwelling small mammals, wetland delineation, wetland ecology, management of prairie chickens in Illinois, preservation and restoration of the Illinois River, and the ecology of small mammal populations.

The staff served as referees for 27 professional journals and reviewed a wide variety of book chapters written by fellow scientists as well as proposals from agencies and private groups.

Dr. Stephen Havera was president of the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) and served as that organization's representative to the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Executive Council. He was also chairman of the OBFS Research Committee. Dr. Havera was a representative to the State Interagency Wetland Committee and served on the Lieutenant Governor's Illinois River Ecology and Economics Advisory Committee and the Illinois River Planning Committee. He served on the Spoon River Watershed Planning Team, the Pool 25 Ecosystem Management Steering Committee, and the LaGrange Pool Water Level Management Committee, and was a member of the Planning Committee for the Fifth Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System and co-chair for the Sixth Governor's Conference.

Dr. Scott Robinson was an invited speaker at Michigan State University, Indiana University, and the Brookfield Zoo, and presented many papers at professional meetings. He continues to chair the Resolutions Committee for the American Ornithologists' Union, and serves on the editorial board of Conservation Biology and the Endangered Species Protection Board for Illinois. The results of Dr. Robinson's (and four co-authors) study on "Regional Forest Fragmentation and the Nesting Success of Migratory Birds" appeared in Science in 1995.

Dr. Jeffrey Brawn presented an invited paper at the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference and continued as chairperson of the research committee for the midwestern working group Partners in Flight. He served as INHS representative on the science team of the Chicago Region Biodiversity Initiative and became a member of the American Ornithologists' Union resolutions committee. He also served on the Executive Committee of the University of Illinois' Natural Resources and Conservation Biology Program.

Dr. Edward Heske became associate editor of the Journal of Mammalogy and serves on three standing committees in the American Society of Mammalogists. Among his scientific presentations, Dr. Heske gave an invited plenary address to the American Society of Mammalogists.

Dr. Timothy Van Deelen was the recipient of an honor award from the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan for "promoting scientific deer management in a joint effort among the Hiawatha National Forest, U.P. Whitetails, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan State University." Dr. Ronald Larkin was invited to brief the Director of Research, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, about his research program. Dr. Ronald Westemeier was a speaker at the 21st Prairie Grouse Technical Conference. Mr. Brian Wilm helped conduct a wetlands workshop for elementary school teachers with Dr. Michael Jeffords as part of the Sun Foundation Science Literacy Project. Mr. Scott Simon helped provide workshops on (1) wetland delineation training for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, (2) wetland vegetation communities of Illinois, historical changes, and protection for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and (3) identification of prairie plants for the Parklands Foundation.

Avian Ecology

Prescribed burning and bird communities
J. Brawn, S. Hartung
Oak-hickory forests were historically self-sustaining, but current trends indicate that stands throughout the Midwest are not regenerating. The absence of periodic disturbance, especially fire, is thought to underlie this change. This study will assess the effects of prescribed fire and removal of maples on forest birds in Illinois. In 1994, community structure, population dynamics, and reproductive success of forest birds were monitored within several management sites and control areas in the "Peoria Wilds" forest system. In 1995 the study was expanded to include several established savannas, such as the Sand Prairie Scrub-Oak Nature Preserve in Mason County and sites within the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.

Reproductive ecology of birds
L. Lee, J. Brawn
The breeding success and reproductive behavior of birds are affected in large part by habitat structure. In 1992, nest boxes were installed at several sites throughout east-central Illinois. These areas have varied land-use histories and include contrasting habitats, such as forest edges and old fields. The reproductive ecology of birds using these boxes has been monitored since that time and populations of color-marked adults have been established. In 1995, experiments assessed the effects of feeding conditions and the threat of predation on parental care. These experiments were repeated in 1996.

Edge and shrubland birds
S. Robinson, E. Heske, J. Brawn
This project is designed to determine how to improve habitat for edge and shrubland birds, many of which have declining populations. The methods involve coordinated monitoring of songbird populations, nesting success, and movements of predatory mammals, snakes, and blue jays in the Middle Fork area of eastern Illinois. Field work in 1995 focused on comparisons of nesting success and predator movements in relation to edge type (abrupt versus shrubby borders) and shrubland size. Future work will include experimental manipulations of fields and edges.

Bird censuses around Lake Shelbyville
S. Robinson
Long-term censuses in woodlots where songbird nesting success is very low can provide valuable insight into regional population dynamics. The small (<200 acres) woodlots around Lake Shelbyville have very low nesting success and highly variable songbird populations. Only the wood thrush seems to have undergone a long-term population decline, which suggests that most populations are being "rescued" by immigrants born elsewhere.

Avian community/population dynamics
J. Brawn
Fragmentation of forests in Illinois is extensive and migratory songbirds may be adversely affected. A long-term (1927-1976) study of avian populations in Trelease Woods (near Urbana) was revived in 1992 and is continuing. New analyses indicate that, overall, abundances of songbirds in Trelease Woods have not changed appreciably since the 1920s. Yet, the viability of resident populations is low owing to consistently low reproductive success. Moreover, many species of forest-interior birds were already extirpated from Trelease Woods when monitoring efforts began. Immigration of individuals born in other areas of Illinois or the Midwest probably underlies the persistence of many bird species in woodlots such as Trelease Woods.

Ecology of birds in neotropical forests
J. Brawn, S. Robinson, D. Robinson
Understanding the ecology of migratory and resident birds in neotropical forests is vital to their conservation. Spatial and temporal variation in community structure as well as demographic parameters, such as survival rates and population size, are central issues. These questions are being assessed in a long-term study of avian ecology in the lowland forests of central Panama. A large mark-recapture dataset has been established along with a comprehensive survey of community structure within a 100-hectare census plot. For migratory birds, results will complement and reinforce studies of reproductive ecology in Illinois.

Monitoring songbird nesting success
S. Robinson, S. Morse
During seven consecutive years of monitoring songbird nesting success around Dutch Creek field station in the Shawnee National Forest, INHS researchers have located and monitored the fate of more than a thousand nests of forest birds. Nesting success this year continued to be low as a result of high levels of cowbird brood parasitism and nest predation. Some species show substantial annual variation in nesting success, but even in the best years, overall productivity is below levels believed necessary to sustain local populations. The lack of negative population trends in most species, however, suggests that these populations are being sustained by immigration from outside the region.

Population dynamics of Kentucky warblers
S. Morse, S. Robinson
Kentucky warblers remain abundant in the forests of southern Illinois in spite of problems with nest predation and brood parasitism by cowbirds. Intensive studies of a color-marked population in a heterogeneous forested section of the Shawnee National Forest showed dramatic variation in nesting success among habitats. Kentucky warblers may be producing enough young in the interior of large, older forest tracts to compensate for losses in tree plantations, younger forest stands, and near farmland where nesting success is low. These results suggest that some songbird populations can be self-sustaining within Illinois if managers leave cores of old-growth forest within large tracts.

Bird habitat needs in Midewin Prairie
J. Herkert, S. Robinson
Intensive studies of grassland bird populations and nesting success were initiated in the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie (formerly the Joliet Arsenal) and the adjacent Des Plaines Conservation Area and Goose Lake Prairie. The Midewin prairie had large populations of upland sandpipers and bobolinks, and some species may depend upon grazing to create suitable habitat. Shrubs and other woody vegetation were used by many birds, but had an adverse impact on the nesting success of grassland birds.

Corridor width and nesting success of birds
L. Chapa, J. Hoover, S. Robinson
Nesting success and populations of many forest birds were much lower in narrow (<500 yards wide) forested corridors along the Cache River and its tributaries. Very narrow corridors (<200 yards wide) had such high predation rates that populations of at least one species, the Acadian flycatcher, were almost certainly not self-sustaining. These results suggest that forest restoration efforts should focus on widening corridors. Where this is not possible, narrower (<100 yards wide) corridors may be preferable because they do not attract forest birds to areas where there is little chance of successful nesting.

Prothonotary warbler nesting success
J. Hoover
Prothonotary warblers nesting in swamp forests in southern Illinois depend upon natural flood cycles to provide safety from nest predators. Nesting success was consistently higher in areas where nests were located over permanent water. This species may require restoration of the natural flood-pulse dynamics that characterize river ecosystems.

Effects of prairie restoration on birds
J. Herkert, S. Robinson
Extensive prairie restoration efforts in the Nature Conservancy's Nachusa Grasslands reserve have attracted several grassland bird species. Monitoring of nesting success initiated in 1995 will assess the effectiveness of burning, shrub removal, and prairie plantings on habitat quality for grassland birds.

Status and management of waterfowl
S. Havera, K. Roat, M. Georgi, C. Hine, A. Yetter
This project culminated in a book that is being published. A variety of topics relating to waterfowl were investigated with major emphasis placed on wetland habitat, food habits analyses, population analyses, banding results, harvest information, historical records and regulations, private duck clubs, Canada geese, nesting information, and waterfowl management. This thorough compendium of information on the rich waterfowl tradition in Illinois will be a welcome addition to the literature for those citizens with a special interest in waterfowl as well as for biologists and natural resource managers throughout the Mississippi Flyway.

Aerial censuses of waterfowl populations
M. Georgi, S. Havera
In 1995-1996, aerial inventories of waterfowl numbers, species composition, and distribution were conducted throughout Illinois. In the Illinois River valley, the 1995 fall peak number of mallards was 47% lower than the 1994 peak, but 8% higher than the 1990-1994 five-year average. In the Mississippi River valley, the fall peak number of mallards was one of the lowest recorded since 1948, second only to the lowest recorded in 1993 during the Great Flood. In spring 1996, the peak number of 227,420 mallards inventoried on the Illinois River was the highest since 1980. The quality and quantity of habitat in the Illinois and Mississippi river valleys continues to be a factor in the number and distribution of waterfowl in Illinois.

Eastern bluebird population study
S. Havera
The sixteenth consecutive year of monitoring the bluebird population on a 24-hectare study area in Fulton County was completed. Eastern bluebird population numbers have been declining regionally in recent years principally because of decreasing nesting habitat. No scientific studies of nesting populations of bluebirds have been conducted in west-central Illinois since 1935. This study evaluates the reproductive success, territoriality, survival, and homing of eastern bluebirds. In 1995, 58 bluebird houses were monitored. The bluebird nesting season began on 1 April and lasted until 22 August. Twenty-one nests (one egg laid) occurred and 16 (76%) successfully fledged young. Thirteen of the 21 (62%) adults nesting on the area were previously banded and returned.

Bird populations of flood-damaged forests
S. Robinson
In collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Survey scientists censused bird populations in the floodplain of the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. These forests were rich in birds, especially those that nested in cavities in snags killed by high water levels. The long-term health of some forest species, however, may be compromised by the loss of many canopy trees.

Wood duck nesting behavior at Nauvoo
C. Hine, A. Yetter, S. Havera
In 1984, 80 wood duck boxes were erected along the Mississippi River near Nauvoo. The high density of nest boxes contrasts with the density of natural nesting cavities - about 1 per acre. The number of females in the boxes increased from 46 in 1984 to 74 in 1986 and peaked at 95 females in 1992. Intraspecific strife became evident in wood duck females in 1985. From 1984 through 1995, conflicts among female wood ducks resulted in 68 females with head injuries and 56 fatalities resulting from head wounds. There is a strong relationship between the number of nesting wood duck pairs at the study area in a particular year and the number of injured and dead females.

Aerial surveys of breeding wood ducks
A. Yetter, C. Hine, S. Havera
Currently no adequate census methods, other than labor-intensive monitoring of natural cavities, exist to estimate the size of breeding wood duck populations in Illinois. Therefore, INHS researchers initiated a three-year study utilizing aerial line transect methodology and helicopters to estimate breeding wood duck populations in Illinois River bottomland forests. Study sites included the Sanganois Conservation Area near Chandlerville, the Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge, the Princeton Game and Fish Club, and surrounding areas near Hennepin, Illinois. Breeding population estimates determined from line transect surveys will be compared with breeding population estimates derived from natural cavity inspections at the Sanganois Conservation Area study site.

Body weight analyses of ducks
S. Havera, C. Hine
A manuscript on the body weights of ducks in Illinois was completed and submitted for publication. Body weights were collected and condition indices were determined from ducks throughout the Illinois River valley during fall, 1989-1991. Also, body weights and condition indices were obtained from diving ducks livetrapped on Pool 19 of the Mississippi River during spring, 1977-1986. The primary objectives of the study were (1) to compare recent fall body weights of selected species of ducks to those collected in the Illinois River valley during fall, 1938-1940, and (2) to compare body weights and condition indices of diving ducks with the chronology of spring migration on Pool 19.

Toxicity to waterfowl of ingested shot
G. Sanderson, W. Anderson, G. Foley, L. Skowron, S. Havera, J. Brawn, K. Duncan, G. Taylor, J. Seets
Much interest exists worldwide in alternatives to steel shot as nontoxic shot for hunting waterfowl. Researchers at the Natural History Survey, State Water Survey, and the University of Illinois have conducted studies on the toxicity of ingested shot of 97% bismuth and 3% tin, steel, lead, and bismuth alloy shot embedded in the breast muscles. Body weights, organ weights, survival, gross and microscopic pathology egg weights, fertility and hatchability of eggs, and sex ratios, body weights, and survival of ducklings have shown no differences among controls and ducks dosed with bismuth alloy or steel shot.

Cooperative prairie chicken studies
R. Westemeier
When species such as prairie chickens reach the very brink of extirpation and genetic deficiencies are indicated, are translocations from large populations a viable course of action? Despite a poor track record for translocations in several states, preliminary results with prairie chickens from three states (Minnesota, Kansas, and Nebraska) have exceeded expectations. From only 6 Illinois males in spring 1994, numbers increased to 70 males by spring 1996. Egg quality appears to have returned to normal. Moreover, new sanctuary acquisitions of 60 and 215 acres in 1995 bring the total to 1,636 acres in Jasper County. These changes enhance the survival prospects for prairie boomers in Illinois.

Enough grassland for prairie chickens?
R. Westemeier
This seemingly simple question has evaded an answer since the first land purchase for prairie chickens in 1962. In the subsequent decade, numbers soared from 80 to about 400 prairie boomers with the development of only 630 acres of high-quality grassland on scattered sanctuaries in Jasper County. However, the next two decades (1973-1993) showed a gradual decline with high nest predation, intense interactions with pheasants, declining egg quality, and intensified land use adjacent to sanctuaries. As these decimating factors are being counteracted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources sanctuary managers and as grassland area is more than doubled, research must determine if such measures will be enough.

King rails in cool-season grasses
R. Westemeier, S. Simpson, J. Walk
Providing habitat for one species can eventually benefit an array of species. The king rail, for example, was first documented in 1990 as a successful nester on prairie-chicken sanctuaries in Jasper County. The nest studies spanned 29 years during 1963-1991. Sympatric bird nests with the king-rail nests included the prairie-chicken, Northern bobwhite, short-eared owl, Eastern meadowlark, and red-winged blackbird. In contrast to its usual wetland vegetation, the king-rail nests were in brome and redtop grass meadows. Subsequent brood sightings (1994-1995) suggest that this threatened species has become a regular breeder on Illinois' sanctuaries. A report is in press.

Mammalian Ecology

Coyotes in agricultural areas
M. Miller, E. Heske
Over the past two decades there has been a dramatic increase in coyote abundance in Illinois. As the state's largest extant predator, coyotes are expected to have a major impact on both their prey species and on other carnivores such as red foxes. Surprisingly little research has been conducted on coyotes in intensively-farmed areas. In 1994-95, we used radiotelemetry to monitor the movements of coyotes in an agricultural region of east-central Illinois. These data are being analyzed to determine the movement patterns, home range size, habitat use, and general behavior of coyotes in agricultural areas to provide insights into how coyotes interact with and affect other species of game and nongame wildlife.

Small mammals in managed grasslands
E. Heske
Management practices at the Prairie Chicken Sanctuary in Jasper Co., such as the planting and maintenance of blocks of different types of vegetation, undoubtedly affect the dispersion, abundance, and productivity of populations of small mammals. An abundant supply of small mammals, in addition to extensive areas of grassland and wetland habitat suitable for roosting and nesting sites, is necessary for successful overwintering and nesting of raptors. This study is monitoring small mammal populations in different types of vegetation at the PCS to determine how management of grasslands for Greater Prairie Chickens also can be used to promote a stable and abundant prey base to benefit endangered raptors.

Measuring activity of furbearers
E. Heske, B. Zercher, T. Van Deelen
Biologists often want to compare the activity levels of furbearers in different types of habitats. For example, are mammalian predators more abundant in forest interiors or along forest edges? Are activity levels of mammalian predators different on abrupt edges and gradual edges, where dense growth of vegetation might inhibit movement? This study compared results from three methods of detecting furbearer activity (cameras with infrared triggers, sandy plots to detect tracks, and soot-coated aluminum track plates) set along 15 transects at the Middle Fork Fish and Wildlife Area in Vermilion Co. We evaluated which survey methods were the easiest to use and gave the most consistent results to help design future research projects.

Foraging of raccoons and opossums
E. Heske
Raccoons and opossums are extremely abundant in many areas of Illinois, and can have a major local impact on nests of songbirds and other prey species such as amphibians and turtles. This study is tracking these medium-sized, generalist predators using radiotelemetry to learn how they forage. In what habitats do they concentrate their foraging activity? How do landscape features affect their movements? How do the two species differ in their foraging tactics? The results may help to identify management practices that can reduce predator activity in some areas and benefit certain prey species.

Restoring elk to southern Illinois
T. Van Deelen, L. McKinney, M. Joselyn, J. Buhnerkempe
Interest in re-introducing elk in southern Illinois is building in spite of dramatic changes in habitat that have occurred since elk were extirpated in the 1850s. Center scientists are using digital maps from the Illinois Geographic Information System and published information on elk habitat use to study the feasibility of an elk re-introduction given today's habitat condition. Analysis suggested that the most suitable habitat for elk re-introduction exists in 2 large regions (western and eastern) centered around the Shawnee National Forest. Further research will use the habitat configuration to estimate possible population goals for elk.

Computer systems for wildlife data
J. Branham, L. Wacaser, J. Brawn, J. Buhnerkempe
The Survey and the Division of Wildlife Resources of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have combined resources to address the informational needs between the Survey and the Division. Included in this project are the study of current divisional information and processes, analysis and standardization, and the design of a division-wide database and associated programs. The centralized design and documentation will result in a uniform database that will increase the quantity and quality of data shared throughout the Department and within the Survey.

Habitat restoration
B. Wilm, S. Simon, M. Morris
Survey researchers are continuing restoration research at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve. Previously pastured, this 8-hectare site is being restored to native wetland, prairie, and savanna habitats once common in Illinois. Restoration efforts, which began in 1990, have included the return of natural hydrology, the establishment of native vegetation, the control of exotic vegetation, and the establishment of a regular fire regime. The relationship between hydrology and vegetation in the restored wetland is being studied, as are the effects of fire on the wetland plant community. Regular monitoring of the developing plant and animal communities also continues.

Wetland Ecology

Illinois wetlands conservation strategy
S. Baum
The development of a wetlands conservation plan for Illinois is nearing completion. The Illinois Wetlands Conservation Strategy (IWCS) is a collaborative effort between the IDNR Interagency Wetlands Committee and a public Wetlands Advisory Group (PWAG). The goal of the IWCS is to have no overall net loss of wetlands or their functional values. Based upon input from the committees, the final IWCS will provide a detailed assessment of several wetlands-related issues, recommendations for each issue, and implementation procedures. Upon completion, the IWCS will be sent to the Natural Resources Coordinating Council for review by the Office of the Governor.

Understory dynamics in flood-killed forests
A. Plocher
Regeneration following large-scale natural mortality events in floodplain forests is an i mportant but seldom-witnessed phenomenon. In this study, four stands with greater than 90% flood-induced overstory mortality, located along the Illinois River near Chandlerville, are being examined. Attempts will be made to relate within and among stand differences in forest regeneration, herbaceous understory dynamics, hydrologic conditions, and preflood forest composition and structure. This work will provide insight into the processes of population dynamics and succession in floodplain forests.

Wetland Restoration and Creation Guide
A. Admiraal, M. Morris, T. Brooks (Illinois Department of Transportation), M. Hubbell (Illinois Department of Natural Resources), J. Olson, M. Miller (Illinois State Geological Survey), J. Hofmann, P. Tessene
The forthcoming Illinois Wetland Restoration and Creation Guide is intended to direct the development and implementation of wetland restoration and creation projects and ultimately to improve the quality and increase success of restored and created wetlands. The Guide incorporates technical information pertinent to Illinois from various sources into one, more accessible, and usable document. Six chapters that correspond to stages in the wetland restoration or creation process are included: planning, assessment, design, construction, monitoring, and management.

Illinois wetlands
S. Havera, L. Suloway, M. Georgi, A. Yetter
Wetlands in Illinois and elsewhere have tremendous biological and economic values and are important and productive ecosystems. The amount and status of the various wetlands in Illinois along with descriptive and trend data for flora and fauna were discussed in a chapter written for a forthcoming book entitled Conservation in Highly Fragmented Landscapes. In addition, the amount, types, and location of waterfowl habitat in Illinois were determined, and the use of various wetland types by waterfowl during spring and fall migration were investigated.

Hydrology and plant zonation in Illinois
S. Simon, B. Wilm, M. Cardona (University of Illinois), J. Miner (Illinois State Geological Survey), R. Warner (University of Illinois-AES)
Survey researchers are documenting differences in wetland hydrology and vegetation dynamics for several wetland community types including wet prairies, sedge meadows, and marshes. Vegetation sampling and elevation surveying were conducted at eight wetland natural areas and one successful wetland restoration. Hydrologic information was compiled from USGS wells and staff gages and correlated with transect elevation and vegetation data. Additional wells and staff gages were established during1995. This project is supported by the University of Illinois Water Resources Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, and IDOT.

Wetland group activities
A. Plocher, A. Admiraal, D. Keene, D. Ketzner, L. Machung, J. Olson, S. Simon, P. Tessene, B. Wilm, C. Bolas
The wetland group conducts biological surveys for areas to be impacted by highway construction. The group assesses the suitability of potential sites, monitors the development of created wetlands, and is preparing the Illinois Wetland Restoration and Creation Guide. The group researches understory dynamics in flood-killed forests, the relationships of wetland plant species to hydrologic regime, and comparison of plant community development after wetland creation. The group also conducts training workshops, gives presentations, and is developing the Illinois Wetland Conservation Strategy.

Floodplain forests and hydrologic regime
A. Plocher
Large midwestern rivers and their associated plant communities have been greatly altered in the last 70 years. The location of floodplain forests at sites on three northwestern Illinois rivers with very different hydrologic regimes and with long-term hydrologic records provides a unique research opportunity. A study has been initiated that will attempt to relate differences in understory dynamics and forest regeneration at sites on the Rock, Spoon, and Illinois rivers to short-term (current) differences in hydrology. Differences in forest structure and overstory composition will be related to long-term hydrologic regime.

Plant communities in created wetlands
A. Plocher
In the relatively new field of wetland creation, little is known about how plant communities change over time. In this study, changes in community structure and species composition will be examined in six newly created wetlands of similar design located in northern and southern Illinois. We will determine whether observed differences can be attributed to geographic location, hydrologic conditions, or use of planted species vs. natural regeneration.

General Studies

Mapping biodiversity in Illinois
M. Joselyn, L. McKinney, P. Brown
Identification of diverse areas in Illinois, in conjunction with the National Biological Services' GAP Analysis Program (GAP), will provide an overview of the distribution and conservation status of selected components of biodiversity. GAP analysis uses a hierarchical approach toward vegetation types, species richness, and single species that iteratively identifies areas of high biodiversity. It seeks to identify habitat types and species that are not adequately represented in the current network of management areas and which may be filled by changes in management practices. The intent of GAP is to provide focus and direction for proactive rather than reactive land management activities at both the community and landscape level.

Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge history
S. Havera, K. Roat
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge was established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1993 in Fulton County. Included in the boundaries of the refuge is farmland created after Thompson and Flag lakes were drained in the early 1920s. These lakes were productive and renowned habitats for fish and waterfowl. The USFWS is seeking funds for expansion of the refuge and possible restoration of the two former lakes. If restoration of the lakes is accomplished, many opportunities for research, education, recreation, and tourism would be available. An account of the biology of the Thompson Lake area and its history is being prepared for publication.

Land cover database of Illinois
M. Joselyn, L. Suloway, D. Luman (Illinois State Geological Survey)
A new land cover database of Illinois was developed from satellite imagery as part of the Critical Trends Assessment Project. This effort involved the acquisition and processing of 21 scenes of satellite imagery acquired between 1991 and 1995. The database has a spatial resolution that far exceeds anything previously available for the entire state. This information has already been used in a number of research projects and provides a baseline for monitoring changes in Illinois' environment.

Inventory of resource rich areas in Illinois
P. Brown, M. Joselyn, L. Suloway
The State of Illinois has embarked upon a six-year program intended to begin reversing the degradation of ecosystems in Illinois. A regional- or ecosystem-based approach to management and assessment is recognized as important for long-term preservation of the biological resources of the state. An important component of this new initiative, and the objective of this one-year project, was the identification and characterization of areas rich in biological resources. Thirty Resource Rich Areas were identified based on an analysis of the presence and extent of forest and wetland resources (from the Land Cover database), existing natural areas, and high-quality aquatic areas, utilizing Geographic Information System technology.

Dispersal of animals
R. Larkin
Wildlife habitats in Illinois are fragmentary and surrounded by human farms, roads, or dwellings. Unless animals can cross human barriers and interbreed, isolated populations may go extinct or experience inbreeding. However, dispersal of young away from their home ranges is difficult to observe even with marked animals because they disappear, often without warning, so scientists can neither understand dispersal nor provide good advice about managing the landscape to aid dispersal. A review of scientific publications revealed that even recent accounts provide few data about how animals disperse. Documenting the limitations of knowledge is a first step toward improving it.

Censusing animals via sounds
R. Larkin, R. Diehl
Animals reveal themselves by sounds, which often constitute the only practical way to find or count them. Research begun in 1995 looks toward helping people use animal sounds this way, by applying methods already developed in recognizing human speech to the sounds of animals and thus permitting counting or registering animals using microphones or recordings. The promise of better repeatability, less subjectivity, and also the ability to put microphones in places where humans cannot go or where humans may disturb wildlife makes this application of computer techniques to wildlife attractive.