Avian Conservation Framework

Deconstructing Your ActionA Strategy for Analyzing Impacts on Bird Populations

Avian Conservation Frameworks typically cover natural and man-made sources of stressorsHowever, for the purpose of this lecture today, we are going to focus only on man-made stressors created by project-related activities.1A thorough analysis of an actions impacts on the species and its resources is an essential component of the coordination process to reduce impacts to migratory birds

Effects Analysis?Ask what the difference is between impact vs effect: punching a wall is an IMPACT, the EFFECT of that action is a broken hand.When we say avoid impacts what do we mean by this? What is the impact. By getting more specific it becomes clear what the impact is and then allows clear direction for avoiding that impact.

2Analyzing EffectsDeconstruct the ActionBreak the proposed action into its separate components

ExposureIdentify which birds and resources will be affected by produced stressors

ResponseUnderstand the consequences to birds from stressor exposure

Goal and ObjectiveGoal:Determine whether a species and/or its resources will be exposed to stressors produced by project activities

Objective:Link cause and effect relationships between an activity and bird demography

We use demography as our metrics because we are interested in biological outcomes and stressors ultimately have consequences on demographic parameters such as survival and fecundity

4Raise awareness to how actions affect birdsProvide transparent and logical step-wise process Identify appropriate conservation measuresOptimizes the allocation of staff and funding

BENEFITS

Versus managing consequences after they occurThere are benefits to the SERVICE and the PROJECT PROPONENTCreates efficiency and targeted actionsProponents benefit because currently many proponents use all BMPS even when some have no benefit. Using a step-wise approach to identifying where impacts may come from will allow a more focused approach to developing effective BMPS. reduced resource needs.

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- In many cases, we think we know what the effects are going to beBUTunless you look at each actionhow do you know what stressors are produced and the possible impact they threaten are going to be.6Deconstructing the ActionIdentify PROJECT TYPEIdentify ALL ACTIVITIES associated with the ProjectIdentify STRESSORS produced by ALL activities7

Understanding ExposureBird Conservation NeedsAll species have three main conservation needsBreedingShelteringFeeding

Specific resources are required to meet these conservation needs

ResourcesAppropriate Vegetation StructureNest sitesFoodShelter from weatherAccess to food for adults and youngHealthy Space (natural balance)PredatorsParasitesCompetitorsDiseaseOther Disturbances

- Upsetting the natural balance can mean that there is an alteration or addition of negative influences.10

11Understanding ResponseHow do birds and/or their resources respond when exposed to a stressor? Consider all life stagesAre there reported responses scientific and commercial information If no information, use the precautionary principle to determine the most likely response

Precautionary Principle = In essence this principle suggests that avoiding unnecessary risks is sensible when faced with significant unknowns. Although this may be common-sensical, it is important to note that use of the Precautionary Principle is a policy decision, not a scientific issue. Whether or not to accept any particular level of risk remains the responsibility of the manager.Use of the Precautionary Principle does not simply call for inaction in the face of uncertainty. Rather, the principle argues for avoidance of unnecessary risk whether this constitutes inaction or action will depend on the circumstances.12Increasing SeverityBehavioralLethalSub-LethalDeathNo ResponseAlarmStartleAbandonmentAvoidanceDisplacementReduced Feeding SuccessReduced Growth RatesReduced FecundityDelayed Age at Sexual MaturityReproductive FailureAltered behavioral displaysIncreased respirationDepressed autoimmune responses