Graduate Students

Nathan Clements (MSc candidate)

University of Regina (2011- present), Co-supervisor: Dr. R. Mark Brigham

The continent-wide population declines of grassland birds suggest that the causes are not local isolated phenomena and likely involve the loss and degradation of grassland habitat. Therefore, efforts to stabilize or increase grassland bird populations require identification of remaining habitat and an understanding of their use of available habitats. Conservation biologists have typically used standardized surveys and modeling approaches to identify important habitats. Furthermore, integration of these models into a Geographic Information System has allowed biologists to develop spatially explicit models that predict where species are likely to occur in a given area. My research is focused on developing spatially explicit Resource Selection Function (RSF) models for grassland songbirds in the Special Areas of south-eastern Alberta. I will develop RSF models in the first year of my study and then evaluate their predictive performance in the second year. My goal is to develop useful predictive models that conservation practitioners can use to develop effective land-use plans for the region that consider the requirements of grassland birds and species at risk along with the socio-economic requirements of agricultural producers and the oil and gas industry .

Carolyn Gaudet (MSc candidate)

University of Regina (2010- present), Co-supervisor: Dr. R. Mark Brigham

Disturbances related to natural gas development including roads, pipelines, power lines, invasive species, traffic, and noise may negatively impact grassland habitats and the abundance and fitness of wildlife species that occupy them. Infrastructure related to natural gas development has also been known to reduce reproductive attempts, nest success and chick survival of some species. Grassland specialists (species typically associated with native grasslands) tend to avoid areas with increased anthropogenic disturbance whereas grassland generalists (species that are typically as, or more common in non-native and degraded grasslands) tend to be unaffected or positively affected by such disturbance.

My research is aimed at determining the effects of natural gas development on the density, reproductive success and song structure of grassland songbirds in southwestern Saskatchewan. My objectives are to determine: 1) the extent to which grassland songbird density is affected by infrastructure associated with natural gas development and whether grassland songbirds exhibit avoidance of natural gas structures, 2) the extent to which reproductive success of grassland birds varies with distance from infrastructure (e.g., roads, wells, trails and compressor stations) and with the total amount of natural gas disturbance, and 3) if Sprague's Pipit singing behaviour and song structure varies with distance from compressor stations.

Sarah Ludlow (MSc candidate)

University of Regina (2010-present), Co-supervisor: Dr. R. Mark Brigham

Native grasslands provide important breeding habitat for many grassland birds; however, the quantity and quality of remaining native grassland may be further threatened by energy development. Within Alberta, approximately 43% of native grasslands remain; however, only about 1% of this is managed for conservation purposes. From 2000 -2009, the number of oil and gas wells in Alberta has more than doubled and there is continued pressure to increase the number of wells. Wells are typically accompanied by compressor stations, roads, and other linear features (e.g. pipelines and power lines) leading to invasion by exotic plant species, which reduces habitat suitability for native species.

My research will determine the extent to which oil and gas development affects grassland songbird reproductive success and density in south-eastern Alberta. I will assess how reproductive success and density of grassland songbirds varies with 1) the amount of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum; the primary invasive plant species in the area), 2) distance to wells, compressor stations, roads and trails, and 3) the overall amount of disturbance by oil and gas development activities.

Allison Henderson: PhD candidate

University of Saskatchewan (2009-present), Co-supervisor: Dr. Maureen Reed

I am currently pursuing a PhD in grasslands conservation planning through the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan. I am investigating the relationships between socio-ecological factors influencing grazing management decisions, rangeland structural and functional integrity and grassland songbird abundance. Through this work, I aim to contribute to grassland songbird recovery planning in south-western Saskatchewan.

Holly Bogard: MSc candidate

University of Regina (2008-present), Co-supervisor: Dr. R. Mark Brigham

My research will determine the extent to which recent natural gas development on native grasslands in southwestern Saskatchewan influences grassland songbird abundance. Natural gas activity may negatively affect bird abundance via habitat degradation (well density, noise pollution, human disturbance, exotic species, soil compaction, etc.) and loss.

I will be conducting grassland bird surveys in Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) pastures with a focus on Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) and McCown’s Longspur (Calcarius mccownii). Sections (1 sq. mile) of native grassland have been randomly selected representing a gradient of well densities; high, medium, low and none. Within each section I randomly located six point counts within varying distances from well structures. I hope to determine whether grassland bird abundance is influenced to proximity to well structures and whether this relationship depends on the density of wells in a given area. I will also examine the cumulative effects of other activities and structures associated with gas development (e.g. roads, pipelines, buildings, etc.).