Name: Climate change and Land Use Effects on Avian Populations

Year Awarded: 2024

Type Awarded: Grant

Details: Climate change driven by humans is altering the Earth's climate with rising temperatures, melting ice, and extreme weather events. Urbanization worsens these effects by damaging ecosystems and threatening keystone species. Bird are sensitive to these environmental changes, signaling ecosystem health. In partnership with the Audubon Society, this study aims to assess bird population changes in Northern Virginia, predicting declines due to climate change and habitat loss. The results will guide conservation efforts by highlighting at-risk species and areas needing attention. The recipient will host a presentation to JFETF and local environmental groups presenting their findings.

Status: Ongoing: Data has been collected and organized to facilitate statistical analyses and create figures for a scientific manuscript. The work is in collaboration with The Audubon Society of Northern Virginia. Study results will be presented in the Spring of 2024 to the Audubon Society, to the 2024 Annual Meeting of The Virginia Chapter of The Wildlife Society in Front Royal, Virginia, and at the 2024 American Ornithological Society meeting in Estes Park, Colorado.