Endangered Species Habitat
In 2001-2002, while working as an Ecologist for The Nature Conservancy of Texas, I developed a predictive habitat model for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) in collaboration with Dr. David Diamond at the University of Missouri (DeBoer & Diamond, 2006). Our project was unique as it included the entire breeding range of the warbler- 35 counties in central Texas. Our models suggested that golden-cheeked warbler presence is positively related to step slopes, forest interior, Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) canopy cover, a tall canopy, and proximity to protected lands.
We are continuing our collaboration, in conjunction with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, to assign relative habitat quality values to land cover types and habitat patches. This will be based on abiotic factors (e.g. slope, exposure) and landscape context (e.g. patch size, proximity to protected lands). Funding for this research comes from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service’s Section 6 Program to fund endangered species research. An initial project planning meeting is scheduled for February 2006.
T.S. DeBoer and D.D. Diamond. 2006. Predicting Presence- Absence of the Endangered Golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The Southwestern Naturalist. 51 (2): 181-190.
Photo credit: Dean Keddy-Hector, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
Golden-cheeked Warbler
Dendroica chrysoparia
Photo credit: David Riskind, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat
Golden-cheeked Warbler Breeding Range
The breeding range is restricted to 35 counties in central Texas, USA.