Clapper Rail Nest Site Selection in Delaware
| Author(s) | Bobowski, Brian | |
| Date Accessioned | 2022-07-07T14:39:36Z | |
| Date Available | 2022-07-07T14:39:36Z | |
| Publication Date | 2022-05 | |
| Abstract | The secretive nature of Clapper Rails (Rallus crepitans) makes their nesting behavior difficult to understand. Research conducted into nest site selection provides a better understanding as to what Clapper Rails need within a given area in order to successfully breed along the Delaware Bay. A rise in sea levels threatens to destroy valuable tidal marsh habitat throughout much of the coastal United States, and long term vegetation sampling research can aid in determining future conservation efforts towards Clapper Rails. We took vegetation measurements at nest sites and random points in order to compare the differences between the two. Thirteen covariates were identified as having possible significance toward nest site location and preference. A total of 207 nest sites and 581 random points from a span of three years were analyzed which helped determine that five of the covariates were significant in understanding the placement of a nest site. These data show that Clapper Rails need specific vegetation structure within their habitats in order to successfully breed. | en_US |
| Advisor | W. Gregory Shriver | |
| Program | Wildlife Conservation | |
| URL | https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/31074 | |
| Publisher | University of Delaware | en_US |
| Keywords | Clapper rails | en_US |
| Keywords | Nesting | en_US |
| Keywords | Delaware Bay | en_US |
| Keywords | Conservation | en_US |
| Title | Clapper Rail Nest Site Selection in Delaware | en_US |
| Type | Thesis | en_US |