The Decline of Upland Birds in Nebraska: Maximizing Limited Habitat

Authors

Hunter Tesarek

Date of this Version

5-2023

Citation

Environmental Studies Undergraduate Student Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023

Comments

Copyright 2023, Hunter Tesarek

Abstract

Ring-necked Pheasants were introduced into the United States around 150 years ago and since then have become an important species both culturally and economically. There population health is of growing concern as upland bird populations in much of the United States have been declining rapidly throughout the latter half of the last century. In Nebraska millions of acres have been transformed from habitat that benefits upland birds into row crop agriculture, mostly in the form of corn and soybeans. Rural Mail Carrier Surveys conducted for pheasants from 1960 through 2020 in comparison to change in acres harvested depict the relationship and correlation between the two variables. With less available habitat for upland birds, it is important for wildlife habitat managers, and landowners especially those enrolled in CRP to create the most effective habitats with limited acres. Educating and enrolling more managers on how to create better habitat is the only chance at sustaining populations.