GIS Analysis of Habitat Use by Surf Scoters and White-winged Scoters
Project Number: 60
Year Funded: 2005
Lead Institution(s): Simon Fraser University
Project Lead: Dan Esler
Collaborator(s): Ramunas Zydelis (SFU), Sean Boyd (CWS)
Location: British Columbia
Focal Species: Surf Scoter (Melanitta perspicillata), White-winged Scoter (Melanitta delgandi)
Project Description: Numbers of Surf and White-winged Scoters are in decline. Because these species spend most of their annual cycle in wintering areas, identification of important winter habitats is critical for appropriate management and consideration of factors underlying observed population changes. This is reflected in the SDJV Strategic Plan, which emphasizes the need for identification of important coastal habitats. We conducted a detailed, GIS-based analysis of Surf and White-winged Scoter winter habitat use in coastal BC.
This study was designed to examine the spatial correlation between Surf and Whitewinged Scoter distributions and attributes of the environment in Baynes Sound, British Columbia, an important coastal wintering area. From this we can infer which aspects of the habitat are particularly beneficial or detrimental for scoters.
This study was designed to examine the spatial correlation between Surf and Whitewinged Scoter distributions and attributes of the environment in Baynes Sound, British Columbia, an important coastal wintering area. From this we can infer which aspects of the habitat are particularly beneficial or detrimental for scoters.
Project Reports: https://seaduckjv.org/pdf/studies/pr60.pdf