Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 1978 |
Authors: | Stalmaster, MV, NEWMAN, JAMESR |
Journal: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
Volume: | 42 |
Issue: | 3 |
Date Published: | 1978 |
ISBN Number: | 0022541X |
Keywords: | Accipitridae, Haliaeetus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus |
Abstract: | The effects of human activity on wintering bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) were studied in Washington for 2 yr. Tolerance to disturbance was determined by analyzing eagle distribution in relation to human activity and by measuring flight distances of eagles from simulated human disturbances. Human activity was found to affect eagle distribution and behavior adversely. Distribution patterns were significantly (P < 0.001) changed, resulting in displacement of eagles to areas of lower human activity. Older birds were more sensitive (P < 0.001) to disturbances. Flight distances were highest for simulated disturbances in water and on gravel bars, intermediate on land, and shortest under a vegetation canopy. Habituation to normal activities seemed to occur. Reduced human interferences, creation of vegetation buffer zones, and establishment of activity restriction zones are recommended for wintering grounds. |
URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/3800811 |
Short Title: | The Journal of Wildlife Management |
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